Chapter 135: Heartbeat

Several days passed calm in Ding.
At Qin crown prince's house Princess Ming'an had quieted a few days—only strolled Ding streets—seemed to do little.
Surface calm—private may differ.
In the mansion Ming'an was lovely in gold-red gauze—picking at preserved fruit on a plate. Opposite her two men in official dress knelt. Despite such humiliation they showed no anger—Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao of Lin'an Marquis house.
Since Xie Jingxing's death Shen Ding lost heart for court—gave power to the two illegitimate sons to fight in the hall. Both served Prince Ding—not heavily relied on—yet cultivated as future useful men—both wished to achieve.
Their grievance—even if Xie Jingxing died and Princess Yuqing's line ended—Shen Ding would not elevate Fang Shi—without that they remained illegitimate forever. Eager for merit—to force Shen Ding to make them legitimate when deeds were high enough—even for the marquis house gate.
They were in Qin crown prince's mansion on Fu Xiuyi's order.
Fu wished alliance with Qin crown prince—private pact—Ming'an needed courting—unfamiliar with Ding—he sent the Xie brothers.
They were Fu's men in secret—daily work was accompanying great figures—so flattering Ming'an seemed natural.
Ming'an was fierce—these days she had given both brothers hard days.
Today was the same.
She looked at them, mocked. "You follow me all day—not bored? Ming Qi officials like trailing foreign princesses—Ming Qi's realm came too easy."
"Our duty is Your Highness's pleasure." Changwu said. "When you are satisfied—we are at ease."
Ming'an sneered. "You are not my subjects—I take no idle men. I hear Lin'an Marquis once had a brilliant heir—dead young—pity. Him I might consider."
The two on the floor bowed low—faces shadowed a moment.
Some dead still cast shadow. Since Xie Jingxing died two years ago they thought they would leave his shadow—yet when Lin'an Marquis was named—people still thought of Xie Jingxing first. "If that young marquis lived—what grace—Shen Ding would be proud." Forgot—the brothers were also sons of the house—however excellent they could not surpass the dead youth in hearts.
Changchao's eyes flashed. "Brother was brilliant—close to Great General Shen's daughter Fifth Miss Shen—fate linked."
At Shen Miao's name Ming'an paused—brows knit—voice heavy. "What? Tell me at once!"
Changchao looked up as if surprised. "Does Highness recall the archery trial—Fifth Miss Shen took first place?"
Ming'an's face darkened—reminded of tribute humiliation—wished to tear Shen Miao apart.
"After Cai Lin, second brother meant to challenge Fifth Miss Shen—he would have made her lose—but eldest brother rushed out—shielded her—fought in her place." Changchao said. He remembered—meant to win Cai's favor—Xie Jingxing jumped in—usually frivolous—when had he defended a girl? Both brothers then believed Xie Jingxing had other feeling for Shen Miao—else why intervene.
Because of that—they were beaten at the trial—laughingstock—grudge for life.
"So." Ming'an laughed cold. "Xie Jingxing was no good either—tryst with that wretch—deserved death—glad he died!"
Both flashed quick relief—blacken Xie Jingxing—hear ill of him—vented satisfaction.
"That Shen Miao I hate—if brother did not protect her—I'd have killed her ten times." Ming'an was irritable. That day at crown prince's feast Rui's words echoed.
"Such a fine girl—this prince wants her too."
Mad jealousy—old and new hate—wished Shen Miao minced. Confined by Huangfu Hao—even out—his guards followed—she could do nothing. Changchao's mention made poison grow wild in her chest.
Ming'an had been proud all life—nothing she could not have. Shen Miao was her stone—why keep her?
Her heart stirred—looked at Changwu and Changchao.
They knelt—she did not bid rise—they could not rise—all day obedient—as if any order would be obeyed.
She laughed suddenly—picked a pastry—studied the fine pattern on it—said. "Changwu, Changchao—you followed Prince Ding years—why still runners?"
Both stiffened—unexpected attack—words stabbed—two years secretly working for Fu—trivial tasks—now like palace servants flattering a princess—no favor because illegitimate—they believed themselves talented—blocked by birth.
Her mockery—they silent—faces showed resentment.
Ming'an said. "You want promotion—want Prince Ding's trust—want to soar—shed the insulting illegitimate name?"
Brothers silent.
"I have a way—for you to get what you wish." Ming'an said slow.
They exchanged glances—bowed together. "Beg Highness teach us!"
"That is me." Ming'an smiled. "I am Qin princess—Prince Ding wants my brother—so you please me—if I speak for you before my brother and Prince Ding succeed—Ding will remember your merit." She looked at her lacquered nails. "These days you humbled yourselves to please me—for that, yes?"
They did not speak. Normally yes—but they never expected Ming'an to speak for them—proud, blind—not anger was luck—who dared hope favor? Not fools—knew she wanted exchange—both silent.
Seeing silence Ming'an could not wait—spoke herself. "One word from me—many would beg and not receive. We are not kin—why speak for you without compensation?"
No more pretending—Changwu said. "Highness command."
"You know—" Ming'an lifted a little nail—"I am merciful—in Ming Qi I mean goodwill—yet some blind wretches provoke me." Voice turned sharp. "What I hate most—is that Shen house little wretch!"
Their feud—Ming'an would not forgive—but on Ming Qi soil Shen Miao was not nobody—trouble would touch Ming'an too.
Ming'an looked at them—first time so kind. "I know you two are Ming Qi's top young talents—bold—will you help me?"
Both paused—Changchao tested. "What does Highness plan?"
"Rest easy—I am kind—I don't want her life." Ming'an smiled. "But sell her to Ming Qi's lowest brothel—when she grows used to that life—then have officials rescue her."
Both gasped cold air.
Lowest brothel—woman is ruined—clients roughest soldiers and bandits—methods worse than death—errant slaves often dead in a day—yet Ming'an ordered her kept—when Shen Miao was broken—a walking corpse—official rescue—absurd scandal—all would know Fifth Miss Shen was public whore—saliva could drown her.
Most honored girl ravaged by coarse men—for Shen Miao worse than death.
Changwu forced smile. "Shen guards all skilled—how sell Fifth Miss to… that place."
"Your problem." Ming'an regained loftiness. "I said you have boldness—kidnap is your skill. Else I plan everything—why keep you?"
Still hesitating—Ming'an softened coaxing. "If done—I speak before Prince Ding—good posts—no more stuck between high and low. Such fair trade—still refuse?"
They looked—saw struggle in each other's eyes.
Fortune from risk—those blocked on the path craved soar—Ming'an offered shortcut—dreams one step nearer.
Yet kidnapping Shen Miao was hard—even with some men—Shen house was military—guards extraordinary—any guard might outfight them—once missing Shen Xin would seal Ding—hide and move her to brothel—much trouble.
Win—glory and gold—lose—all illusion—they could not decide.
Ming'an sneered. "Hesitate—forget I spoke. Once only—no second chance. Go—Ming Qi has bold men—not only you—someone will gamble for wealth."
"Your servant agrees!" Before she called servants Changchao shouted—pulled Changwu—once spoken Changwu could not refuse—bowed. "Willing to walk fire and water for Highness!"
The bargain was made.
Ming'an laughed. "Rise—serve me well—I won't short you. I wait in my house for good news—then… await word." She smiled.
Leaving Qin mansion back to Lin'an Marquis house—they shut the door and planned. Changwu blamed. "Third Brother too rash—promised before her—this is hard—one slip and disaster."
Changchao disagreed. "Second Brother—she said if not us—others. We lack not skill but chance. Success—soar—isn't that what we want?"
"But Shen Miao is not common—" Changwu sighed—"even if we take her—then what? Shen Xin searches the city—nowhere safe to hide."
"Not our house?" Changchao smiled.
Changwu looked. "You mean—"
"Shen Xin won't search a colleague's house—however suspicious—won't guess us two—we have no feud with her—why kidnap?" Changchao smiled. "Seamless!"
Changwu's worry eased—Changchao said. "Only how to take her—we must plan long."
……
Shen Miao knew nothing of this pact. Ding winter darkened early—after supper night fell full. Court affairs busy—Shen Xin and others swamped—Shen Miao had leisure.
Tonight she answered invitations under the lamp.
Feng Ning'an had sent many—Shen Miao busy with Zaiqing—never went—sent Luo Tan instead. Feng's temper flared—today's note demanded she come in two days to shop—or friendship ended.
Shen Miao thought—Feng was still a friend—to keep this "hard-won" bond—she graciously wrote acceptance.
Letter done—given to Guyu—Jingzhe and Guyu closed the door. Shen Miao yawned—early sleep—walked to the couch.
At the couch something bulged under the quilt—wriggling.
She jumped—Jingzhe and Guyu had been in the room—when had this entered? Mind leaped to ghosts—gooseflesh—then calm—she had died once—ghosts were nothing to fear.
She lifted the quilt.
Under it—a big-cat creature—rare snow-white fur—rolled up—quilt gone—paused—looked up at her.
Shen Miao stared blank a moment.
The thing scampered on her bed—cheerfully bit her inner robe sleeve. Near view—a… white tiger?
She was mad—black night—where did a white tiger come from?
A low laugh from shadow—"Jiaojiao."
She turned—the cub biting her sleeve stood—ran the other way.
Lamplight inch by inch lit his purple robe—gold dragon thread glittering small bright points—face warmed by yellow candle—not quite of this world.
Xie Jingxing lifted the cub biting his sleeve—tucked it in his sleeve—"Naughty."
She blinked—looked at the head sticking from his sleeve—incredulous. "You call it what?"
"Jiaojiao." He raised a brow—walked over unhurried—even asked. "Doesn't it suit?"
She was too angry to speak—her pet name on a beast—was he human?
He sat at the small table as if at home—poured tea. "Still hot—you thought of me well."
"Shameless!" she said.
How could anyone be so brazen—he glanced at chrysanthemum cakes on the table. "Tsk—snacks too—I am not hungry—thanks for the trouble."
Jingzhe's midnight bite—he thought she prepared for him? She watched cold—better not speak.
"These days tiring—" he said—"good to rest here a while—thanks."
Her heart stirred—he had not come many days—midnight visits still odd—yet another thought rose. "Where have you been?"
He half-smiled. "Trying to fish words from me again?"
She neither confirmed nor denied.
"Always unfair." he said easy. "You know many of my secrets—I know nothing of you—tell me yours too?"
In her mind a huge eye-roll—Fengxian pawnshop in his hand—Ming Qi's great affairs in his palm—and he dared say he knew nothing? She found him more dangerous.
"Prince Rui may ask Master Ji—he'll gladly tell Highness."
"Master Ji doesn't ask romance—" Xie Jingxing said—"what this prince wants to know—he cannot answer—only you can tell me."
"What do you want to know?"
He propped his chin—looked at her a while—suddenly. "What did you like about Fu Xiuyi?"
She paused slightly.
She had imagined strange questions—years dealing with him—past life knowledge of him was thin—dead young talent was not the best word—he was clever dangerous hunter—lose measure—hunter catches fatal weakness.
She knew she had leaked information—mistakes made him doubt—even imagined how to answer if he asked how she knew the future—never expected this unrelated question.
What she liked about Fu Xiuyi—half thread to empire?
She asked. "Why ask that?"
Long silence—she turned—met his gaze.
Under the lamp he studied her sidelong. Born to seduce—now black eyes like stars—as if all heaven's stars dimmer—yet brightness held sharp edge—could not look away—locked—unable to move.
The gaze held something else—question or other—three parts force seven parts dominance—unavoidable—depth in his eyes burned hot.
Why ask—he did not answer.
She heard her heart hammer—moment's panic—this fresh vivid sound from the chest—lost—blank—yet not much resistance.
Cold winter—dim candle warm—youth's gaze sharp as if seeing all—lip slowly curved.
"Achoo"—the cub in his arms sneezed—dust in nose—woke the silent room from trance.
She recovered. "Your pet is sick."—sidestepping the question without trace.
He did not press—lifted the cub from his sleeve—looked twice. "Delicate!"—unclear whom he meant.
She breathed deep—naming the tiger her pet name—intent foul—later when men cursed the beast she would think of herself—dislike for the cub—dislike for him sharper.
"If delicate—ask Imperial Physician Gao." She mocked. "Gao cures men and beasts alike."
He smiled. "Jiaojiao dislikes Gao—only clings to this prince."
She glared.
He did it on purpose!
"Prince Rui still not leaving?" she said. "I must rest."
He displeased. "All day with Feng Ning'an—this prince a moment and you drive—heartless." Yet he stood—walked to the window—remembered—turned to her by the couch. "That question—tell this prince later."
Gone from the window.
She closed the window—blew out the lamp—lay down.
Silence—as if no visit—only the cup with leftover tea proved not dream.
All real—yet…
On the bed her hand pressed her heart.
There—the fierce beat—still not calm.
Not illusion.