Chapter 134: To Seize

"Unluckily—this prince wants her too."
The hall had been laughing—laughter died. Huangfu Hao stared at Rui's eyes—Fu looked surprised—Ming'an's face stiffened—expression twisted a moment.
Crown prince laughed to smooth. "Fair lady—gentlemen seek—Miss Shen talented and beautiful—heroes bend the knee!"
All nodded again—Rui half-smiled—set down the cup—said no more.
All thought it passing jest—how could Liang's Prince Rui marry a Ming Qi minister's daughter—match aside—in tense times—a foreign bride was an uneasy trap—who knew if spy—who dared risk.
They drank and ate—yet since Rui's words Ming'an sank in hate—eyes venom—Huangfu Hao frowned repeatedly.
Overall the crown prince's feast was passable—Ming princes wished to read Qin and Liang attitude toward Ming Qi. Qin so far was close—not hostile. Liang's Rui was cold—not close, not enemy—hard to read—even when cups crossed and wine warm—he had not drunk—clear-eyed—words gave no drop—frustrating.
At the end Rui left earliest—Ming'an's mood worsened—on the road she punished several servants—even men who came on Prince Ding's business were scolded.
Those two were Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao. Fu rebuked them—Ming'an stopped. Back at Prince Ding manor Fu told his strategists—mused. "Liang's Prince Rui seems hostile—deliberate pressure at the feast?"
Fu had gathered able men—among princes perhaps not highest scheming—but recruiting talent and persistence—none matched. He could wait in bitter winter a night outside a man's gate—or plan lifetime ease for the man's family—so followers were talented and loyal—answers came from them.
Governing men—a monarch's first lesson—Fu excelled there.
Strategists thought—Fu looked to the foremost green-robed man. "Master Pei—any view?"
If every strategist was trusted—Pei Lang was heart. Pei joined two years ago—Fu saw talent—Pei did not crave power—Fu used every means—even great cause argument—finally moved him. The hard-won man solved many problems in two years—when stuck Fu thought of Pei first.
Pei frowned. "Has Highness met Prince Rui elsewhere?"
Fu shook his head.
"Strange." Pei analyzed. "Rui represents Liang—should not single out Highness. Without prior contact—hard to see reason to trouble you. Highness blocks no path—even if Liang strikes Ming Qi—the target should be His Majesty or Crown Prince."
Fu nodded. "I think so too. Perhaps… for Shen Miao?"
"What does Highness mean?" another asked.
"I thought—in Rui's words—only Shen Miao links to me. Then I could not tell jest or intent—thought she had no tie to him—now it seems odd."
A strategist said. "Perhaps secret relation between Rui and Shen Miao?"
Pei said flat. "Impossible."
All looked at him—Pei's words carried weight—predictions often proved—dislike had to yield.
"Rui newly in Ming Qi—Shen Miao just returned with Shen Xin—no contact before. If after—" Pei bowed—"Highness dealt with Rui long—you know he is hard to read. Liang sent him as envoy—he weighs gain and loss. In short time—to oppose Highness over one woman—against interest."
Fu mused. "You have a point. Master Pei—what now?"
"Today Highness was not badly harmed—rash move alerts Prince Zhou. Since tribute Rui has not spoken of leaving—he has business in Ding. Qin still here—no fear yet. Watch and see Rui's aim—decide later."
Pei spoke easy.
Fu nodded. "Then as Master Pei says." He pressed his brow. "Drank too much—court tomorrow—rest—you all disperse."
After Fu left strategists scattered—none stayed with Pei—he was alone—too trusted by Fu—envy in Prince Ding house—no friends for Pei.
Pei walked out—stared at stars.
Two years—two years. Per the girl's bargain he had become Fu's confidant. Days passed easy—wit won trust—natural—sometimes Pei felt this should have been his life. Shen Miao's return broke the illusion—from the start he knew dealing with her was dealing with a devil—from approaching Fu—one day he would become the spy he once despised.
Fu treated him well—yet he was betrayal from the first.
Pei sighed deep.
Easy days ended—from now every step like today—terror—one slip—abyss—no return.
Shen Miao—purple-clad clear face rose before him.
A man found it so hard—why could the girl behind all schemes bear everything?
He would never understand.
……
Under the lamp Shen Miao wrote carefully—white paper spread—Guyu ground ink—Jingzhe fed the lamp lest flame dim.
She wrote intent—paused to think—continued—when the square sheet was full—night was silent. She set the brush—lifted the paper—blew—ink dry—found envelope—sealed—gave Jingzhe.
"Tomorrow early—find a reliable man—deliver this to Chang Zaiqing at Shen mansion—must not pass to others—only Chang Zaiqing herself."
Jingzhe agreed—stored the letter—puzzled why write to Zaiqing—did not ask.
Guyu cleared desk. "Miss rest early—late night harms the body."
Shen Miao nodded. After maids left she moved the lamp to the couch table—sat on the couch edge, lost.
Last night's dream—she could not sleep—all day the same thought—as if the dream showed a corner of past life—why Zaiqing so easily made Luo a ghost—she herself had helped evil. If Zaiqing was chief culprit—she was the used executioner.
Hatred rolled in—she wished to swallow Zaiqing alive.
Yet ruin Zaiqing now was too simple. Zaiqing's life wish—endless wealth, status—why not let her gain all then turn to foam—more pain—mocked by the world. Use her on Chen Ruoqiu—save her own labor.
Use everything—bone-deep lesson—borrowed blade—this time Shen Miao would play.
She thought all day—wrote Shen Wan's tastes dense on the paper—years as niece—once truly respected third uncle—studied to please—now gave all to an ambitious woman—she did not believe Zaiqing's level could miss a hypocrite like Shen Wan.
Man willing, woman willing—surface talent and beauty match—inside both wolves—tear later—more interesting?
Cold smile in her eyes—dogs bite dogs—always a good show.
She removed outer robe—lay down—ghost impulse—glanced at the window.
Shut tight—wind outside—black night—no one there.
She paused—cursed herself—why look at the window—as if missing Xie Jingxing's visit was habit—shook off the odd feeling—blew out the lamp—truly slept.
At Prince Rui Manor someone fed a tiger in the yard.
White cub frolicked—nestled at the youth's feet—head up begging food from his hand—well fed, well kept—fur glossy—seemed fatter—like a pretty big cat.
"Stop feeding—truly a cat now—where's tiger dignity?" Gao Yang watched—cold water.
Xie Jingxing ignored—fed on—careless. "I spoil her—you object?"
Gao Yang choked—"Fine—I don't care cat or tiger—what happened in the Eastern Palace today? Suddenly you targeted Prince Ding. Fu Xiuyi will suspect you—startling the snake—is that wise? What were you thinking?"
When palace news reached Gao Yang he disbelieved first—Xie Jingxing always had his plan—clashing with Fu now was poor timing—Fu had private means—might not wound Rui but would add trouble—no flaw allowed now.
Seeing no answer—Gao Yang's eyes turned. "Not for Shen Miao?"
Xie Jingxing: "You have idle time?"
"Huh?"
"Su family matters arranged?" he asked.
Gao Yang paused—"Sent men. But—" pause—"does it matter? You and Su Mingfeng are friends—one day he knows your true face—he'll be enemy. All you did looks plotted—better not done—why bother?"
Wenhui meant to crush Su—even if Su pulled back—tails remained—future death traps. Xie Jingxing had Gao Yang quietly clean those tails—secure Su's future.
Gao Yang was skeptical. Mask hid Rui—deny if exposed—but Su Mingfeng would know—childhood brother who deceived. Liang and Ming Qi would stand opposed one day.
Xie Jingxing could save Su—not save friendship with Su Mingfeng—unavoidable.
"Why consider his view?" Xie Jingxing said. "I do what I want."
"Truly?" Gao Yang rare sharp. "Perhaps you forgot—you're not as before—this identity—in Ming Qi no one trustable. Remove the mask—all guard you. I may advise as subject—nothing to hide, Highness."
Night wind—tiger full—belched—tugged his sleeve—yard silent wind.
Long after—Xie Jingxing spoke. "No."
"Not everyone—one is different." He said. "One who can know Great Liang Prince Rui."
"Shen Miao?" Gao Yang warned. "Don't forget—she deals with you because she fights Fu Xiuyi too. You may help her—at the end she'll stand opposite you. Hated by the world—you prepared from the start? If only moment's joy—yellow millet dream—wake to more grief."
"So what?"
Gao Yang blank.
Xie Jingxing asked back. "So what?"
He lifted the cub—stood—tall straight in night like green pine.
"Everything in the world has a price." He said. "Power, people—same. If that day comes—this prince will seize."
"Seize the realm—seize the throne—seize the woman—seize the heart."
"This road was set from the start—world hates—so what? If you cannot bear it—go back to Liang early."
"This prince never forgot the road—knows what I want. Do not doubt my choice."
"If all is yellow millet dream—make the dream real."
Flat—undoubtable—"This prince has that confidence—Gao Yang—do you doubt?"
Years later Gao Yang recalled this winter night—blood seemed to boil in bone. He had seen that man's boy arrogance and mischief—youth's pride and haughtiness—yet in an instant—as if years between—saw true royal born dominance and majesty.
"If all is yellow millet dream—make the dream real."
How many dare say that—yet Xie Jingxing said it.
Gao Yang paused—then knelt—half-perfect subject bow.
"Your servant vows life to follow Highness."
"Rise." Xie Jingxing teased the cub in his arms.
Gao Yang dusted knees—thought—asked solemn. "Then how does Highness plan to seize Miss Shen?"
Xie Jingxing: "Get lost."
……
Deep into early winter days flew fast—all seemed busy—Ding had little news. If news—inside Shen mansion.
After that talk with Shen Wan—Chen was iron on marrying Shen Yue—daily leading Yue to call on madams. Yue refused ten thousand ways—once confined in the ancestral hall—dared not again—delicate temper—could not suffer—obediently followed Chen to meet families.
Chen wanted Yue wed—yet pitied her—picked carefully. Shen Wan was shrewd—more human than Shen Gui—Yue his pearl—the list—matched houses—silk and gold after marriage—sons were Ding's fine youths—no messy harem crowds—thanks to Yue's talent name—a refined gifted girl won goodwill easily.
Busy with Yue—Chen neglected Shen Wan—when had Zaiqing become his confidante? After court—worries once poured to Chen—now Chen had no time—Zaiqing became Shen Wan's salon—not only listen—sometimes cleared clouds.
Somehow Zaiqing shared tastes with Shen Wan—he disliked sweet—her cakes not sweet—he loved fragrant tea—her brews fragrant—their favorite painters matched. Similar people draw near—Shen Wan felt great kin—used to Chen's gentle aloofness—Zaiqing's frank wit was fresh wind—heart stirred long unstirred.
Chen knew none of it.
Zaiqing was skilled—never sought Shen Wan—he came to her—they sat far—full etiquette—casual talk—onlookers thought nothing—who would warn Chen?
Meanwhile a strange thing—third miss Shen Dongling and Shen Yue suddenly intimate.
Only two young ladies left in Shen house—yet Yue like Chen looked down on lower status—especially concubine-born illegitimate—years no contact—sudden sisterhood—suspicious.
In Colorful Cloud Court Dongling pushed pastries toward Yue—smiled. "Kitchen's new cakes—milk and osmanthus—Second Sister taste."
Yue glanced—did not take—sighed irritated. "No mood to eat—belly full of anger."
Dongling looked worried. "Second Sister still vexed over marriage?"
"Don't know." Yue snapped. "Yesterday we visited the vice minister's house—Mother loved that Wang son—if I'm right she'll marry me to him—I can't eat—head splitting."
"Vice minister?" Dongling curious. "That young master Wang Bi?"
"You know him?" Yue eyed her.
"Father mentioned once." Dongling smiled shy.
Shen Gui served at court—could know Wang family. Yue said. "Yes—him."
"Hear he's learned—already in office—not soaring yet—rise is matter of time. Second Sister—good match—why refuse?"
"However they praise him I don't like." Yue snapped. "If I marry—I marry a man born in glory—what is he?"
Dongling tested. "Perhaps… Second Sister has someone in her heart?"
Yue paused—covered. "No—nonsense."
Dongling apologized smiled. "I thought Wang was fine—if Second Sister dislikes all—maybe a heart already—others look poor. My mistake—don't be angry."
Yue waved—eyes absent—thought of Fu Xiuyi—heart ached. Chen said—Fu would marry who helped him—she was only a civil official's daughter—Fu would not wed her—yet she could not stop thinking—if one day Fu loved her—would he ignore externals—see her clear? She was beautiful, clever—talent name across Ding—must marry a peerless man—only Fu Xiuyi suited her eye.
She had kept herself for him—now lose all to another? Unwilling.
Dongling said soft. "Second Sister why not try—Wang may not be so bad—Wang and Shen matched—he's decent—you won't suffer—peaceful life—isn't that good?"
The more she said—the more Yue loathed. Yue wanted not peace but glory—envy of all—only Fu could give.
"Second Sister think less—such fortune—some pray in vain—for me." Dongling said. "In your place—knowing this—I would not refuse—rather glad—woman in the world—seeks only steadiness?"
Yue had been impatient—at the end she paused—a strange feeling rose—looked at Dongling involuntarily. Sharp chin made her seem frail—as if she would never resist—eyes trusting—as if Yue were true sister.
Seemed very easy to handle.
A thought slowly rose in Shen Yue's heart.