Chapter 144: Asking for a Kiss

Winter night—tea cold—pastries cold—the proud handsome youth did not mind.
Even eating looked elegant as a painting. Shen Miao trimmed the lamp wick—noticed cold on his robes—as if just returned—said. "You've been here all along?"
He would not hang on Shen trees all day—she did not believe a prince had nothing to do.
He smiled careless. "Didn't you ask me to kill Ming'an princess?"
She paused—looked—tested. "You killed her?"
"And more."
She fell silent. She had seen his methods—two years ago as young marquis at lantern festival—no survivors among masked men—in Lin'an chamber Changchao died clean. Sometimes she thought he had qualities of an emperor—yet unlike Fu Xiuyi who played long for the throne—Xie Jingxing met blade with swagger.
Perhaps Great Liang pride in the bone.
She thought—shook head—Liang far—what to her—looking at him—strange—when had she grouped with him as true ally?
She asked. "What did you do to her?" A little expectation—with malice—palace years—not pure kindness—no pity for Ming'an.
"So eager?" he looked amused—lazy. "Tomorrow you'll know."
She parsed his words—Ming'an's death would be loud? "And Changwu?"
If Ming'an—no reason to spare Changwu.
"Killed." flat.
"Aren't you afraid the Marquis will grieve?" she looked at him.
Brazier strong—he sipped tea—lips redder—smile still careless. "Lin'an house affairs—what are they to me?"
Cold words—yet she saw self-mockery in his don't-care smile—heart stirred slightly.
From striking the Xie brothers he truly cut Lin'an ties—if Shen Ding traced him one day—even without old hate—brothers' deaths would never be forgiven—father and son at war—not blood father—was he truly heartless—or hid all good and bad in smiling eyes?
Everyone had secrets—his mind she could not read. This snowy night he cooled himself on Shen's tree—only flowers—or like her—sleepless—letting snow settle unpleasant thoughts.
They were somewhat alike.
Suddenly he looked agreeable.
He saw her gaze—paused. "What look is that—pitying me?"
She smiled. "I can barely save myself—how pity Prince Rui who covers the sky?"—teasing—perhaps steering him to ease his heart.
He raised brow—hands on table—leaned close—smiling. "Don't belittle yourself—my ally gets higher standing." Voice low warm in winter night. "Of course—my woman gets every standing."
His features were exquisite—even palace beauties paled—not surface beauty—grace carved in bone—every move addictive—winter blossoms layered—cold and hot—when he stared you felt uniquely seen.
His gaze fell on her lips—head tilt—smile flashed—slowly bowed.
Lamp shadows intertwined intimate—tall man small woman—almost a moonlit pairing.
Her heart stalled—pushed him away—too abrupt—picked up cold tea to cover—forgot it was his cup—coughed—looked away—face heating.
He was nearly pushed off the chair—squatted—saw her flustered drinking—displeasure gone—found it funny.
"Hey." lazy.
She would not look—stared at floor shadows. His eyes brighter—teased. "You can blush?"
She looked up—glared.
Yet the glare in warm light seemed soft—more stirring. Small delicate features—usually grand and stern—rare girlish mood—three parts embarrassment seven annoyance—face faint wine-red—recalling that winter night in inner robe at the window drunk yet commanding fireworks—plum wine scent seemed near.
He curved lip. "Shen Miao."
"What?" she held anger—for hard moves or schemes she could cope—he teased like a girl—she had no answer—palace people were rigid—never met such lawless arrogance—all tactics failed against unscripted play.
"That's my cup." he reminded.
She looked down—embarrassment wanted to flee—letting him in tonight was her greatest mistake.
"Shy?" he liked her awkwardness—leaned closer.
"Late—" she said proper—"why not leave?"
He silent—stared—sharp deep gaze—she forced calm eye contact—he stood. "Fine—if you're shy—I won't disturb." Ambiguous words—she stiffened face unnoticed.
He went to the window—she stood—he opened it—cold rushed in—she shivered.
"Cold outside—no seeing off." he said. "Thanks for shelter—tea good—pastries fine." Flash—already in the yard.
She went to close—in snow the purple-robed youth turned back—gentle smile.
"Right—shy is rather cute too."
Bang—she slammed the window.
She should not have softened—he was hateful!
After closing she sat on the couch—bedside lamp almost out—yet her eyes bright as gems in dark night.
Past life such acts would be offense—she could cry insolence and have him dragged out and beheaded—this life she was teased helpless.
Why embarrassed?
In flickering light—his bow—every lash visible—eyes more intoxicating than moon—lips thin and cool…
She jolted awake—rubbed brow—too tired—madness—men like headliners in pleasure houses would be drawn—she told herself—could not calm the odd heartbeat—lying down—lip corner rose without knowing.
……
Ding winter was bitter—capital folk—even commoners—felt superior to outer towns—dignitaries rose later—except early vendors—ordinary people stayed warm longer.
Last night's snow—colder this morning—snow stopped—people ventured out—streets fuller later.
After a night of snow Wanli Lake was hard ice—old fishers stayed away—drilling holes too hard—wait for thaw.
Few fishers—many playing children—ice glittering—hard boots or wood slabs—chase on ice—shopkeepers' children—mothers scolded wet new jackets—feared cracking ice—children played anyway—sneaked to Wanli with wood.
Today the same.
Five or six children with wood slabs walked toward center—slippery—slow careful—wet clothes meant mother's scolding—especially slow.
Near center they sat on wood—one pushed from center outward—great fun—a girl in flowered jacket walked further—suddenly stopped.
"Achun—what are you standing for?" older boy asked.
"Brother—" Achun pointed ahead. "That ice sculpture looks so strange."
……
South city had fine taverns and plain shops—owners with savings—not rich enough for big fronts—yet location made business lively.
Shopkeepers chatted when slow—today early—few customers—neighbors talked at doors.
Talking colder weather—children ran over—panting—these were their children. The rouge seller stared—brows knit—raged. "Dongzi—you took Achun to Wanli again? New cotton jacket I made yesterday—all wet—you want a beating?"
Other shopkeepers scolded their children too—all messy—torn wet clothes—one shoe missing—as if fled in haste.
Dongzi suddenly wailed. "Wanli Lake…Wanli Lake has people…"
All paused—a man in cloth said. "Bad—some child fell in?"
Wanli often had drowning children—winter fewer but ice cracked and children died—faces changed—the rouge seller stomped. "What wait—neighbors' children—go look!" All ran with her to the lake.
At Wanli they froze—usually quiet shore now crowded—more walking to center.
"This…not just drowning." the woman murmured.
Accidents drew some helpers and some watchers—not so many to the center—especially many in rich dress—unusual—rich folk ignored common woes—when did Ding grow so warm-hearted?
On the ice Cai Lin shivered—thick clothes and fur cloak—lake colder than land—cold through boots—even pampered Cai Lin struggled.
"What is on the lake?" he asked his cronies. "Why is everyone rushing here at dawn?"
Friends pulled him from gambling—said big movement at Wanli—must see.
"I don't know either—but servants said something—brought you. Hey—" he whispered. "We only hear of voluptuous corpses in opera—today see a real one."
"Corpse?" Cai Lin jumped. "I won't go." He liked talk of odd things—timid inside—once schoolyard bully—two years ago Shen Miao at archery trial broke his spirit—now quieter.
Friend would not let go. "We're here—one look—what fear?" Cai Lin could not bear provocation. "I'm not afraid—I'll see what excites you so!"
Near center already—crowd pointing—friend pushed through—"Look—this!"
Cai Lin looked up.
Ding winter cold lately—bucket outside overnight became ice—water on branches and eaves—ice crystals.
Wanli center—three standing "ice sculptures."
Not true sculptures—human shapes in clear ice—faces visible—not craftsman work—three living people frozen at death in their last poses.
Most startling—the positions.
Center—a woman—clothes loosened—much white skin exposed—a man beside reaching to undo her under-robe—a man behind holding her waist from back—she leaned head back on the rear man—stiff faces yet the pose like a living spring picture—men circled layer on layer—commoners and rich sons—curiosity or free show—even corpse—a pretty woman—vivid ice—less horror—more vulgar fragrance.
Truth ignored.
Men gossiped where the spring picture came from—which loose woman—none asked how three were frozen alive—should be terrifying.
Cai Lin feared corpses—yet this felt low not scary—he looked. Friend said. "Woman is pretty—common house cannot raise such beauty—such tempting pose."
As if rating a new brothel girl.
Cai Lin agreed—studied the woman ice—through thin ice features faint—very delicate—familiar.
Familiar?
He asked. "I think I've seen her—which house—have we?"
Friend studied—shook head. "Impossible—top to bottom houses in Ding—never this one." Casual. "Gold-trimmed under-robe—maybe noble—or palace born."
Careless words—Cai Lin jolted.
Palace born?
He looked again—palace feast face overlapped—arrogant young woman in thin gold dress from tribute—the faces merged.
"Ming'an Princess!" he cried.
"What?" friend blinked—merchant son—no access to court nobles.
Cai Lin's face changed—why familiar—at tribute watching Shen Miao archery he noticed Ming'an second—kindred spirit in humiliation.
The woman in spring pose with two men in ice—who else but Ming'an?
His cry drew sharp ears around. "Ming'an princess—the Qin one?"
"True? Woman inside is Ming'an?"
"A princess like this…fake."
"Her dress does look princess-like."
……
Wanli scandal—Ming'an and two men in obscene frozen pose—spread through Ding—soon reached palace and Shen house.
Shen Miao had talked with Xie Jingxing half the night—slept only near dawn—rose late—Jingzhe and Guyu let her sleep—breakfast was very late.
She drank porridge thinking his words—Luo Tan rushed in.
Luo Tan healed much under Gao Yang—he said rest—she could not sit still—almost doubted she had nearly died.
"Little Cousin! Little Cousin!" she plopped opposite.
Shen Miao ate without looking up—Shen Xin forbade outings after kidnapping—Luo Tan bored in house—Shen Miao indulged her like the younger sister.
"Little Cousin—stop eating—big news!" Luo Tan sat proper.
Shen Miao sighed—set spoon. "What now?"
"Ming'an princess is dead!" Luo Tan said. "Found this morning on Wanli Lake—with two men—doing that. Frozen into ice blocks—whole city talking!"
Ming'an princess is dead!
Shen Miao paused—Luo Tan's tumble was clear enough—undoubtedly Xie Jingxing's work—the two men surely the Xie brothers—she drew cold breath—he was ruthless. Ordinary murder might pass—but Ming'an and Xie brothers in obscene display—public focus was not murder but scandalous affair.
Perhaps all staged by the killer—yet gossip beat cold investigation—Huangfu Hao or Wenhui could clarify—none would believe. A princess viewed like a brothel woman—Qin's joke back home.
Xie Jingxing showed no mercy.
As for Xie brothers—perhaps Huangfu Hao would rage—but none could prove they forced Ming'an—they were dead too—Huangfu Hao could not vent on Shen Ding—two sons lost—tragic enough.
Seeing her thoughtful—Luo Tan asked. "Little Cousin—did you guess something? Who dared this?"
Shen Miao smiled. "Investigation isn't my skill—watch the Court of Justice."
"Anyway—" Luo Tan frank—"I don't pity her. That princess was proud and vengeful—alive she'd find fault with you—this is better. Wonder which hero did the realm a favor—I'd like to meet him." She cracked knuckles eager to befriend the killer.
Shen Miao glanced. "You love arson and murder—broad heart."
"We Luos are clear love and hate!" She paused. "Speaking of which—when you were taken I begged Prince Rui—he saved you fast—when free don't forget to thank him."
Shen Miao: "……Thanks for caring."
Luo Tan patted her shoulder—Jingzhe entered smiling. "Miss Luo—Physician Gao comes for your pulse."
Luo Tan's face changed—stood. "Little Cousin—I go first—think about Ming'an—tell me results—I want to find that hero!" Like mouse seeing cat—skirts lifted—fled.
Shen Miao sighed watching her—eyes darkened.
Xie Jingxing's spectacle vented malice—but a princess was involved—would it pass quiet? She did not think so.
……
The ice scandal spread fast—yamen drove crowds away—bodies taken down—Huangfu Hao saw Ming'an's corpse—raged—Wenhui barely held him.
Huangfu Hao's face could drip water—he laughed cold. "On Your Majesty's soil our Qin princess was insulted to death—I must doubt Ming Qi's intent—perhaps report Father at once."
Wenhui pressed his brow—the threat displeased him—yet he too was baffled. Shen Ding knelt—tears—"Beg Your Majesty investigate—give my sons justice!"
Officials sighed. Lin'an house once bloomed—young Shen Ding defiant—even ignored imperial orders—married Princess Yuqing—after her death the house faded—heir Xie Jingxing rare talent—buried in yellow sand—Wenhui once meant to crush Lin'an—after Xie Jingxing died Shen Ding nearly destroyed himself—Wenhui lost interest—now two illegitimate sons died horribly—no successor—house would vanish in history—past glory today's ruin—pity all around.
Huangfu Hao glanced at Shen Ding—shadow in eyes—whatever role the Xie brothers played—Ming'an's honor was ruined because of them—the mastermind was vile—Xie family must not escape—Qin royalty never suffered such insult—he had decided against Shen Ding.
Wenhui headache—waved quiet—grim. "Vile crime under heaven—contempt for Ming Qi law—most guilty. Court of Justice investigates—we will catch the killer and give account!"
Huangfu Hao was not pleased—bowed. "Qin princess suffered—beg Your Majesty let Qin men investigate too—else I cannot answer Father."
He did not trust Ming Qi would truly investigate.
Wenhui swallowed anger. "Granted."
After Wenhui left—officials unfamiliar with Huangfu Hao did not approach—yet Shen Ding was great clan—comforts came.
Among them Fu Xiuyi passed Huangfu Hao—soft. "Condolences, Crown Prince."
Huangfu Hao angry—bowed to leave—Fu Xiuyi behind him light. "On the princess murder—I have thoughts—will Highness hear?"
Huangfu Hao paused—they were at a corner—unseen—he sneered. "Does Prince Ding have insight?"
"Only something odd." Fu Xiuyi smiled easy—"If Highness wishes—when free—I will discuss in detail."
Huangfu Hao turned—Fu Xiuyi smiled—left—Huangfu Hao stood—looked at surrounded Shen Ding—sneered—strode away.
……
Investigators moved fast—Qin princess involved—Court of Justice dared not slack—yet no trace—only conclusion Ming'an and Xie brothers had affair—result too hot for Wenhui—Qin crown prince would rage—stalemate.
Shen house—Shen Qiu entered her study—she flipped a bought biography—he sat opposite.
She glanced—his hesitate—asked. "Brother—something to say?"
"Sister." He struggled—hard to speak—twisted. Strange—she said. "Speak plainly—no worry."
Long pause—he asked. "Sister—did you do the Ming'an matter?"
She paused—did not expect that—smiled quickly. "Why say so? Princess and two Xie brothers—beyond me alone."
He looked complex—sighed. "Sister—before Father Mother and I failed to protect you—years in Shen house with beasts—I didn't understand—later I did. You protect yourself—you have means—but we are family." Serious. "You need not solve alone—tell us—we cannot cover the sky—but we protect you."
She lowered eyes—hid tides—smiled. "Brother is right—we are family—but Ming'an was not me—I haven't the skill or nerve. Besides—what grudge have I with Xie brothers?"
He sighed. "You still won't tell truth."
Silent. To Shen Qiu she revealed bit by bit—one day if no return—at least he would understand why. Not everything at once.
"Fine—I only say—if I guess link—parents may know." Serious. "Ming'an had no feud in Ming Qi except you. We think so—Qin crown prince will—whether or not you're involved eyes will turn to you. Sister—you're in great danger."
She said. "But I have no link—investigation cannot reach me?" She knew—Xie Jingxing might seal Ding mouths—Huangfu Hao's heart Xie could not stop.
"You are so confident?" Qiu asked.
"Rest easy, Brother—truly no link."
He eased slightly. "These days don't leave the house—Ding is unsettled—guards increased—should be safe."
She nodded—Qiu rose—military duties—at door remembered—turned. "Sister—have you met anyone powerful?"
Her heart stirred—face calm—shook head. "No."
He left.
His worry was right—that night Prince Ding received a special guest—Huangfu Hao—furious over his sister's death.
At court Fu Xiuyi's light words made suspicious Huangfu Hao come. Before arrival Fu Xiuyi hid Pei Lang in the next room—open secret window to hear.
Huangfu Hao slammed tea—no small talk. "Prince Ding said my sister's case was odd—explain."
"Why hurry." Fu Xiuyi smiled light. "I grieve too—but now catching the killer is not first."
Huangfu Hao frowned—cold laugh. "Does Prince Ding want peace? In Qin a princess murder is paramount—even if quiet now—Father will demand justice from Ming Qi. A tribute feast—our princess dies here—does that sound right?"—veiled threat.
Fu Xiuyi shook head. "Since Highness is urgent—I won't riddle. Murders have causes. This looks Xie brothers and princess together—but posing bodies to insult—aim was to destroy Ming'an's name. The enemy targeted the princess."
Huangfu Hao sneered. "I know—bold enough."
"Think who in Ming Qi hates her enough?"
He paused—thought. Ming'an beat servants—many grumbled—but in Ming Qi Father warned no clash with Wenhui—she held back—few officials offended.
Unless—Huangfu Hao's eyes lit—darkened. "You mean Shen Miao?"
Fu Xiuyi only smiled.
"Impossible!" Huangfu Hao said. "Even if they feuded and she tricked Ming'an—Shen Miao is a woman—Ming'an had guards—how could Shen Miao win?"
Fu Xiuyi shook head smiling. "Shen Miao cannot—but she is Shen Xin's daughter—tribute—you saw how he favored her—even against Wenhui's face—Shen Xin's men could act."
"Then the Xie illegitimate sons?" Huangfu Hao pressed. "Shen Xin wouldn't drag Xie family for nothing—Shen Ding still serves—Shen Xin won't invite trouble."
Fu Xiuyi sighed. "Highness still doesn't see. Those days I had Xie brothers entertain Ming'an—they were together—you know her temper. Grudge with Shen Miao—if Ming'an moved against Shen Miao—reasonable—but she is Qin—Shen Miao is official daughter—inconvenient—Xie brothers were useful."
Huangfu Hao stunned—raged. "You don't mean—"
"Don't anger. I meant to raise them—perhaps useful—no fate to rise. You see—Xie brothers erred in the attempt—died instead—and dragged the princess."
Huangfu Hao disbelieved face—mind turned. Shen Miao kidnapped—he once suspected Ming'an—she did not leave—no friends in Ming Qi—dropped thought—then Princess Rongxin returned her—then Ming'an and Xie brothers died.
Fu Xiuyi had points—Ming'an vengeful—would not forgive Shen Miao—Xie brothers often at the mansion—could fit. Could Shen Miao have such power? Huangfu Hao felt something wrong—even if Shen Xin could—open war with a princess was unwise—Shen Xin just returned—unstable—for family he would not be so mad for one daughter?
Later Fu Xiuyi said more—Huangfu Hao heard little—half believed half doubted—uneasy—Fu Xiuyi stopped. After he left Pei Lang emerged from the screen.
"Highness's meaning?" Pei Lang asked. "Why point at Shen house?"
Fu Xiuyi glanced. "I think Shen Miao may tie to Prince Rui of Liang."
Pei Lang's heart jumped—face calm. "Still hesitating over crown prince manor? Rui is Liang—Shen Miao left Ding two years—no acquaintance—knowing in months is far-fetched."
"I know it sounds mad—but I have instinct—something odd between them—many coincidences—if they met only recently—that itself is worth digging—Rui is proud—even Father cannot approach—I want to know Shen Miao's skill."
Pei Lang frowned. "What has this to do with Qin crown prince today?"
Fu Xiuyi smiled at him. "Shen Miao alone cannot—Shen Xin is not rash—Shen house alone would not dare such murder."
Pei Lang understood. "Highness thinks—"
"Yes." Fu Xiuyi said. "I suspect Prince Rui did it."
Pei Lang silent—Fu Xiuyi pressed. "Rui is wild—Liang has strange talents—killing a princess is easy for him—but we know no feud with Ming'an or Xie—no reason—unless for Shen Miao—then all fits." Light smile. "I don't believe rage for beauty alone—there is a special tie between them."
"So Highness lets Qin crown prince move—to flush the snake?" Pei Lang asked.
"Yes." Fu Xiuyi smiled. "Huangfu Hao is suspicious—even if he disbelieves me—he will probe—one day strike—aim all at Shen house—if Rui is tied to Shen Miao he must act—then we learn their bond and plan further."
"If Rui does not act?"
"No matter—" Fu Xiuyi said. "If not—Shen house has stood too tall—let Huangfu Hao crush them—good for us too."
"You will suppress Shen house?" Pei Lang looked.
"Cannot use—leave no tail." Fu Xiuyi smiled gentle—voice ice. He turned. "Need your counsel often."
Pei Lang demurred humbly.
After Fu Xiuyi left—Pei Lang in his room sighed at the lamp.
Two years ago Shen Miao made him spy on Fu Xiuyi—helpless he went—luckily won favor—now first confidant—even today's secret talk with Huangfu Hao—Fu Xiuyi hid nothing—trusted fully.
Perhaps true trust—or masterful handling—ordinary men would double loyalty—if he were not Shen Miao's man.
The longer with Fu Xiuyi—the more Pei Lang marveled—strategy and ruthless kingcraft—smile or mediocrity—true emperor's tools—in years Fu Xiuyi might hold the realm—no Ming prince better suited.
Yet Shen Miao opposed Fu Xiuyi—Pei Lang did not bet on her—nor himself—he thought of defection—Shen Miao held his life on Flowing Fire—reluctance drifted away—he took paper—ground ink—wrote fast.
Night ink—Rui Manor—Xie Jingxing teased the white cub—fed five times daily by Ji—it swelled like a fur ball—less agile—seemed stupid—fastidious Xie Jingxing barely teased—lazy to hold.
A young guard younger than Tieyi came—letter from Prince Ding—by strategist Pei Lang—to Fifth Miss Shen at Shen house.
Xie Jingxing raised brow—opened—scanned—at last line curved lip—in night his face like painted gold-purple flowing—careless smile—Nanqi shivered—master displeased again.
The last line: Stay far from Prince Rui.