Time seemed to stop in an instant, and all things on earth lost their sound. The flickering lights in the room were no match for the captivating charm of that person's eyebrows and eyes. What was clearly a most intimate appearance, with whispers like lovers, yet in an instant, it all turned into thick murderous intent.

  Xie Jinghang lowered his eyelids, and the place under his palm was warm, as if he could feel the eyelashes blinking slightly, like a fluffy butterfly wing, fanning gently, wanting to fly away, but being caught and unable to escape.

  "Gaoyang, get out." Xie Jinghang said.

  "What does it mean?"

  "You go out first." Xie Jingxing said calmly.

  Gao Yang looked at him for a moment, didn't say anything, picked up the bundle that had just been wrapped in cloth and turned to leave. After his footsteps faded into the distance, Xie Jinghang slowly relaxed his hand.

  He spread out his hands, and in the pale palm of his hand, under the lamp light, there seemed to be a glint of crystal flashing.

  Just now Shen Miao seemed to have cried.

  Xie Jinghang lazily said: "It's just death, what are you crying about." He wanted to say something else, but suddenly stopped when he saw the girl's expression in front of him.

  Shen Miaowu's eyebrows and eyes were clear and beautiful, but there was a hint of childishness on her face that had now been completely covered by the cold expression. Her eyes were as clear as water, but she didn't show any signs of tears or sadness. Just now, it seemed like she was just pretending to be afraid. As Xie Jinghang's thoughts flashed through his mind, he saw Shen Miaowu suddenly raise her elbow and strike at his chest. This blow was both fierce and accurate, and if it were anyone else, they would have been knocked to the ground. However, Xie Jinghang only swayed slightly before grabbing Shen Miaowu's left arm. As a result of his pull, Shen Miaowu almost fell into Xie Jinghang's arms. But then she quickly pulled out an object from her sleeve and stabbed at Xie Jinghang's arm without hesitation.

  That hairpin was originally small and unnoticeable, Shen Miao's action was ruthless, her hand didn't show any mercy, the hairpin was deeply inserted into the back of his arm. Xie Jing's eyes sank, his hand lifted and paused, Shen Miao was thrown in front of the stone wall once again.

  Xie Jingxing's hand grasped Shen Miao's slender neck, as if only a slight exertion of force would be needed to snap it easily. His voice was low and even, with an almost imperceptible hint of anger, saying: "Indeed worthy of being from the General's Manor, you've learned how to launch a sneak attack to perfection."

  Shen Miao's gaze fell on Xie Jingxuan's arm, where a hairpin had fallen off, and blood was slowly flowing out, dyeing his sleeve red. The wet fabric clung to his arm. Xie Jingxuan followed Shen Miao's line of sight, smiling slightly: "Even if it's poisonous, it doesn't matter, before that happens, I'll definitely kill you."

  His eyes were extremely beautiful, and when he looked at people with a careless attitude, it was the most enchanting. The smile that seemed to be there but wasn't would have caused the girls in Dingjing City to argue over him. However, Shen Miao saw the well-hidden indifference and coldness beneath.

  What kind of person is Xie Jinghang? He seems complex, and the impression in the capital city is that he has skills but is arrogant and unruly. His unyielding personality makes it impossible for him to be controlled by others or make a big impact on his official career. However, at this moment, Shen Miao began to doubt in her heart: Is the Xie Jinghang seen by the world really the true Xie Jinghang? He is indeed arrogant and fierce, but can someone like that hide so deeply and truly have no desire for power or control over the country?

  Xie Jinghang seemed dissatisfied with her distraction, leaning in close and staring at her: "Shen Miao, today I'll kill you, and from now on, the Shen family will have no one to protect them."

  Shen Miao's eyes flickered, and she saw Xie Jingxing's sinister smile: "Shen Yuan has returned to the capital, and the second and third branches of the Shen family have joined forces. What are the chances of Shen Xin winning?" His palm slowly clenched, each sentence aimed at Shen Miao's fatal weakness: "The Fu family is eyeing the Shen family covetously, and Shen Xin's future path will be fraught with difficulty. The things you seek, the things you plot, will all be ruined in my hands today. If you want revenge, you'll have to wait until your next life."

  The more ruthless he was, the more handsome his face became, as if it was unbelievable. It seemed that he could also see through people's hearts, and every word he said was directed at Shen Miao's most worried things. Shen Miao had been reborn for a lifetime, and what she sought was nothing but the peace of the Shen family, and what she plotted was nothing but revenge. Now, if she were to die here, everything would come to an abrupt end. Xie Jingxing's eyes did not have a hint of sympathy or pity, he was truly cold-blooded and ruthless, regardless of her identity, even if she was a princess today, it was feared that if she had ruined the relationship between Xie Jingxing and Gao Yang, there would be no reason for her to retreat safely. This was the reason why she had risked everything just now, otherwise, with her cautious nature, she would not have used such a risky method until the last moment.

  Suddenly, the smiling faces of Yuwen and Fuming flashed before her eyes. Shen Miao's eyes widened, and she didn't even notice that two lines of tears had rolled down her cheeks.

  It's really unbearable, if I die here, it's really, too unbearable.

  Xie Jinghang saw her tears, narrowed his eyes and looked at her inquiringly. He hadn't forgotten the ruthless slap Shen Miao had given him just now. Women who used tears to gain sympathy wouldn't work on him.

  However, Shen Miao simply stared with her eyes wide open, silently shedding tears. There was no pitiful or weak expression in her eyes, but the tears flowed woodenly, yet suddenly making one feel heart-wrenching. As if long before this, she had already experienced pain that ordinary people could not comprehend, and had reached a dead end, giving birth to immense sorrow, great grief without sound, and her tears were loyal to her body, flowing down first.

  Xie Jinghang furrowed his brow and looked at her, his hand on Shen Miao's throat gradually loosening a bit.

  Shen Miao was completely unaware, and finally, Xie Jingyi put down his hand, revealing a hint of helplessness. His tall stature had pressed the little girl into the corner, giving him an odd feeling, as if he were bullying a child. Although Xie Jingyi knew in his heart that Shen Miao and the words "little kid" didn't match at all.

  After a moment, he finally pulled out the hairpin on his arm. Pulling out the hairpin was also painful. Xie Jing furrowed his brow and played with the pulled-out hairpin in his hand. Seeing Shen Miao staring at him, he suddenly felt some inexplicable embarrassment in his heart. He said, "Don't cry, I won't kill you." After a pause, he added, "I'm just scaring you."

  Shen Miao felt a slight relief in her heart, knowing that Xie Jing was not trying to scare her. The killing intent from earlier was real, and the other party had truly intended to kill. In the end, it was just her tears that softened his heart. As for what moved Xie Jing, Shen Miao wasn't quite sure.

  Xie Jing walked over and said: "How did you find this place?"

  "I once saw San Shu's copy of Liu Yuan's Night Banquet at home, and while searching, I accidentally discovered this secret room. I was curious, but didn't expect to meet you all here."

  Xie Jinghang looked at her with a smile that was not quite a smile: "Shen Wan?"

  Shen Miao's expression didn't change as she lied: "Yes."

  "Little girl, I'm not one of the Chen brothers, don't use the 'borrowing a knife to kill' trick on me." Xie Jinghang said lazily. Shen Miao was also rotten to the bone, and even at this point, she still wanted to take advantage of Shen Wan.

  "I didn't see anything today, I didn't hear anything. You don't make things difficult for me, and I won't make things difficult for you." Shen Miao looked at him: "We'll just mind our own business."

  "You can't put me in a difficult position either." Xie Jing's arrogant tone made people hate him, and he said: "Today I will spare your life. If this matter leaks out even a little bit, the Shen family will be unlucky and can't blame me."

  "I won't leak it out."

  She was obviously pleased with Xie Jinghang's temperament, and he fell silent for a moment before suddenly asking: "Shen Miao, do you have any grudges against the Fu family?"

  He said "Fu family" instead of "Tian family", and the meaning of the words was somewhat intriguing. Shen Miao turned her head to look at him, her heart slightly moved, but she replied lightly: "Young Master Hou thinks it's whatever he wants."

  Xie Jinghang raised an eyebrow: "Indeed, it's like that." He glanced at Shen Miao: "Since this matter is settled, you should leave first. Staying here for too long will attract other people, and I won't be able to save you either."

  Shen Miao didn't say a word, turned around and left. Today's encounter with Xie Jingxuan made her suddenly understand some things. At least the young master of Lin'an Houfu was not as simple as he seemed on the surface. Such a person couldn't be used or offended. If Xie Jingxuan's enemy was also the Mingqi imperial family, she would naturally be fine, but if not, don't even think about messing with him.

  Shen Miao Fang took two steps, and Xie Jing Xing immediately followed up. He had long legs and quickly caught up with Shen Miao, tossing her a small medicine bottle: "Don't say I bullied you again and cry." Then he strode forward, leaving Shen Miao one step behind.

  Under the dim light of the firefly lantern, a hint of shyness suddenly appeared on Shen Miao's face. Just now, she was also making bold and dangerous moves. In her previous life, after returning from Qin Guo, when competing with Empress Dowager Yang for favor, her personality was extremely strong-willed and stubborn. It was said that another beauty had offered a strategy: "Your Majesty is dignified and composed every day, although you are the mother of the country, but the Emperor may not necessarily like it. Look at Empress Dowager Yang, she is gentle and considerate, and also knows how to be coquettish. It's said that crying children get candy, this world's love is also a principle, men are all fond of beauty, women should be gentle."

  However, she initially scoffed at this approach, thinking that such behavior was beneath her dignity as an empress. How could she stoop to the same level as those women's fawning tactics? But just now, under Xie Jinghang's murderous intentions, she suddenly remembered what that beauty had said: "A child who knows how to cry will get candy."

  She is still a naive and innocent young girl, and she has never worn the imperial robes of an empress. If she were to make some coquettish and silly movements, it should be quite entertaining to watch. Shen Miao never thought that her strong-willed personality would also make her cry "tears of pear blossoms" in front of a man. However, the outcome was unexpected even to herself - Xie Jingxuan, with his fierce and unruly personality, actually let her off.

  But this time, she used very despicable means after all.

  After leaving the secret room, she didn't know where Xie Jinghang and Gao Yang had left from. The teahouse was empty, not a single person inside. She walked out of the teahouse, and Mo Qing was still standing guard outside. Shen Miao asked him, "Did anyone come out just now?"

  "Someone?" Mo Jing was taken aback: "Isn't there only one young lady inside? Did the young lady meet someone else in there?"

  "No." Shen Miao smiled slightly and said, "Just ask casually then." But in her heart, she had a higher opinion of Xie Jingxuan's abilities.

  "She stood there for a long time, wondering why her big brother hadn't arrived yet. 'Let's go find Big Brother first,' said Shen Miao."

  Mo En was somewhat perplexed, unsure why Shen Miao had suddenly changed her mind. Just a moment ago, they had agreed to wait for Shen Qiu in the teahouse, but now it seemed that plan was scrapped. However, he naturally wouldn't contradict Shen Miao's views, especially on such a trivial matter, so he silently acquiesced and followed her out.

  Shen Miao walked away, turning her head to glance at the tightly closed door of the tea room, wondering if Xie Jingying and Gao Yang were still inside. Today, she had originally come for that "thing", but who would have thought that it had fallen into Xie Jingying's hands? Shen Miao was also confused for a moment, according to the marks left by her past life, at this time Xie Jingying shouldn't have discovered the secret room yet, could it be that something in this life had changed, even changing Xie Jingying's fate? Or perhaps, in her short and miserable previous life, there were some overlooked truths.

  This problem wasn't solved until later when they saw Shen Qiu, and it wasn't until evening when they returned to the Shen residence that it was finally resolved. Instead, Shen Qiu saw Shen Miao coming out of the Imperial Palace and thought she had been frightened by the bloody scene at the Imperial Palace, so he ordered the kitchen to make a calming soup, but was scolded by Luo Xueyan for taking Shen Miao to such an inauspicious place. Shen Qiu felt wronged, but Shen Miao didn't notice anything.

  On the other hand, some people are also speaking out in support of Xie Jingying.

  "That girl's hand is too ruthless." Gaoyang stared at the wound in front of him with a dumbfounded expression.

  Xie Jinghang took off his outer robe, wearing only a loose-fitting undergarment. The collar of the undergarment was loose and sloppy, revealing half of his sturdy and upright body. His sleeves were rolled up halfway, and on his exposed arm, the wound where the hairpin had been stabbed in was deep enough to see bone. Xie Jinghang played with the hairpin in his hand while allowing Gao Yang to apply medicine to him.

  That hairpin was an ordinary silver hairpin, with simple wavy patterns on top. However, the tip of the hairpin was sharpened to be extremely sharp, almost comparable to a silver needle used as a hidden weapon. The tip was also slightly curved, like a hook. If such a hairpin were to pierce someone's body, it would definitely tear off a large piece of flesh.

  For example, Xie Jinghang's arm was torn open with a wound.

  "The Shen family is so noble and upright, but that girl's methods are ruthless. It doesn't seem like she's Shen Xin's daughter, could it be a case of switched children?" Gao Yang was still shocked: "Look at how she didn't hold back when she did it, this has all gone into the wound." He sprinkled the medicine powder evenly over the injury, and Xie Jing furrowed his brow, taking in a cold breath.

  "It hurts, but I'll endure it." Gaoyang said in a bad mood: "Xie San, I've followed you for so many years, and I've never seen you be gentle with anyone. Today, she messed up such a big thing, hurt you, and you just let her go like that. I'm saying," Gaoyang rubbed his chin: "You're not really into her, are you? She's still a little girl, doesn't know anything, have you gone crazy?"

  Xie Jingxing impatiently said: "Enough, bullying a little girl, I'm not that shameless."

  "It's as if you never bullied the little girl before." Gao Yang sneered, "I really don't understand what you're thinking about anymore." He carefully wrapped the bandage around Xie Jinghang's arm and sighed after finishing, "Now that we have the thing in hand, what's next?"

  "Let's look again." Xie Jing said.

  "The Fu family will find out sooner or later." Gao Yang furrowed his brow: "Actually, I think the strangest thing is how Shen Miao knew about the secret room. If she's a member of the Fu family, you'll be exposed."

  "She has a grudge against the Fu family." Xie Jinghang said lazily, "She can't wait to borrow my hand to kill someone. As for how she found out, it's just a coincidence." A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and Shen Miao's claim that she had unintentionally discovered the secret room was not believed by him at all. Shen Miao was a person who did things with a purpose, and this could be seen from the way she dealt with Shen Qing and Yu Qinwang. It seemed like something useless on the surface, but it would unexpectedly play a crucial role in the end. Xie Jinghang even had a speculation that Shen Miao's move against Yu Qinwang might be because of the "thing" in his hands.

  But how did she know? Even he and Gao Yang had only just found out, after expending a great deal of effort. Shen Miao was just a lady from a boudoir, investigating news had many inconvenient places, yet she could also understand the secrets within. The secrets on her body were not one bit less than others.

  "In short, it's better to be careful. Gaoyang stood up and picked up the remaining medicine and bandages, and walked out of the house: "Moreover, now that she has discovered my identity, who knows what kind of changes will occur in the future."

  Xie Jingxing remained alone in the room, his eyes fixed on the flame dancing in the lamp as he held a hairpin in his hand, lost in thought. After a moment, however, an image flashed before his mind's eye - that of the girl in the secret chamber, her eyes wide with fear, silently weeping.

  He was not a person who pitied beauty, nor did he have any other thoughts about Shen Miao. It was just that at that moment, he suddenly felt a pang of reluctance. This reluctant emotion finally broke his usual calm demeanor, and now thinking back, it's somewhat regrettable. The wound on his arm after applying medicine is a bit numb and painful. The opponent didn't hold back when they struck, if he hadn't dodged quickly, the hairpin might have landed on his face.

  Shen Miao Liu's tears might just be a means to an end. Xie Jing Xing knew that the girl was cunning and clever, with quick wit and sharp intellect, and the tactics she employed when caught off guard were surprisingly effective. Her sudden display of weakness was probably also a ploy to beg for mercy.

  Xie Jinghang spread out his hand, the silver hairpin in his palm shining with a fine, clear light. But it made people think of when this hand covered a pair of eyes, the soft and fluffy feeling on the palm, like a butterfly about to dance in the palm of one's hand. It was that momentary weakness that gave rise to some unusual sympathy in his heart, which shouldn't have belonged to him.

  "Little poisonous woman," Xie Jingxing suddenly smiled, under the lamp light, the young and handsome eyebrows and eyes were captivating, the smile at the corner of his lips was playful, and he muttered: "Shouldn't be soft-hearted."

  The East Wing of Shen's Mansion was in an uproar at this moment.

  Inside Rong Jing Hall, Old Lady Shen's face was gloomy as she looked at Shen Gui and said, "So to say, Qing is unable to come out now?"

  Shen Gui shook his head: "The Yuqin Royal Mansion was exterminated overnight, leaving only Qing'er behind. No matter how you put it, they can't escape the connection, and the case needs to be re-examined."

  "Besides this big thing, I don't know if Your Majesty will blame us." Old Lady Shen said anxiously: "What's going on with Qing'er, is she really unrelated to this matter?" The words implied that they were all suspicious of Shen Qing.

  Ren Yuanyun exploded upon hearing this, and immediately knelt down in front of Old Lady Shen, scaring her half to death. Ren Yuanyun cried out: "Old Lady, Qing'er grew up under your care, what kind of temperament she has you still don't know? How could she do such a thing? Besides, what ability does Qing'er have to get entangled with such a formidable person? It's clear that the Yu King's Manor themselves made an enemy, Qing'er just happened to be lucky and escaped with her life. We've already wronged her, we absolutely cannot abandon her now!"

  Ren Yuanyun and Old Lady Shen have been in a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship for so many years, and Ren Yuanyun also understands Old Lady Shen's temperament very well. Old Lady Shen is extremely selfish by nature and is most adept at adapting to circumstances. Even if she has some feelings for Shen Qing, when it comes time to prioritize her own interests, she will not hesitate to abandon Shen Qing. Sometimes, Ren Yuanyun feels that Shen Gui is such an unscrupulous person, but it's only because he has Old Lady Shen's blood running through his veins, so their selfish temperaments are identical.

  Madam Shen was even more enraged after hearing Ren Yuanyun's words, saying: "Elder daughter-in-law, your words are strange. Where have we wronged Qing'er? Was it I who forced her to secretly meet with Prince Yu and bear a child without knowing shame? These rules, I didn't teach them to her at all!"

  Mrs. Shen was originally a singer, and as someone who came from the streets, her words were naturally not pleasant to hear. Even if Ren Yuanyun had a bold personality, she was still shocked by Mrs. Shen's ruthless words. She said: "Mother! How can you say such things about Qing'er? She is your granddaughter!"

  "Second sister, please say less, mother is also worried that Qing'er was angered. Everyone knows that among the three legitimate daughters, mother likes Qing the most."

  She was originally the most favorite girl, but now she can be abandoned without hesitation, Shen Lao's selfish and self-interested personality is really despicable. Shen Xing and Luo Xueyan both showed contemptuous expressions, but neither of them spoke up, just watching the excitement.

  Shen Yu looked at Chen Ruoqiu with a gloomy gaze, which made Chen Ruoqiu pause and feel somewhat apprehensive. Shen Yu walked over to Ren Yuanyun's side and helped her up, then turned to Old Lady Shen and said: "Grandmother doesn't need to worry, things haven't reached the point of disaster yet. For now, my sister is only suspected, not convicted. My sister was never involved in this matter, I'm sure that after some time, the truth will come out. I'll thoroughly investigate this case and won't let my sister be wronged."

  Madam Shen's gaze softened slightly upon hearing this. Among her many grandchildren, she liked the youngest grandson, Shen Yuanbo, the most, but she was most proud of and valued Shen Guang, who was extremely talented at such a young age. Moreover, Shen Guang had always known how to please her, so she nodded immediately and said: "Very well, you go investigate thoroughly then. If Qing is truly innocent, I naturally wouldn't want her to be wronged either." After a pause, she turned to look at Ren Yuancun with a cold smile and said: "However, it seems your mother has gone mad - if she's really not clear-headed, then don't go out, stay in the manor, and stop causing me trouble."

  Ren Yuanyun was both angry and hateful, her face flushed bright red. She didn't know when it started, but Old Lady Shen's dissatisfaction with her had been growing more and more, to the point where she would now openly humiliate her in front of all the children. Even Chen Ruoqiu could look at her with mocking eyes.

  Until she was supported back to the Caiyun Garden by Shen Yuan, Ren Yuanyun finally caught her breath. She grasped Shen Yuan's arm and said: "Yuan'er, think of a way to save your sister! Qing'er doesn't have such great abilities, how could she be the murderer?!"

  "Don't worry, sister," Shen Yuan comforted her. "Since your sister is being wronged, she's not afraid of investigation. Now that she's suspected, it's only because the real culprit hasn't been caught yet. If so, finding the real culprit will naturally clear your sister's name."

  Ren Yuanyun heard this, as if she had found a lifesaving straw, and her eyes suddenly regained their luster. She asked happily: "When can the murderer be found? How much longer will your sister be detained? When can you find the murderer?"

  Shen Yuan gazed at Ren Yuanyun, whose complexion was extremely haggard. It had been a long time since she last put on makeup, and her skin looked old and dull. Her hair was also disheveled, and she no longer had the elegant appearance that she used to have. She had always been someone who paid attention to her appearance and dressed luxuriously, but now she looked like a completely different person.

  And all of this was caused by a soy sauce girl who used to be called a vegetable bag.

  Shen Yuan had a headache, he thought himself clever and sensitive, but didn't expect that this time when he returned to the capital, as soon as he arrived at the manor, he was given such a big mess. Ren Yuanyun's status in the manor plummeted, Shen Qing being unmarried and pregnant was one thing, now she was also involved in the tragic case of the annihilation of the Yu Qin Wang Fu.

  For some reason, Shen Yuan suddenly remembered the day Shen Qing got married. He was talking to Shen Miao at that time, and Shen Miao said: "Things in the world are unpredictable, who can say for sure? People have good or bad luck overnight, it's uncertain, and sometimes there is no way out."

  Now, Shen Qing is really out of options, at least if there was a way, it would be extremely difficult. The entire Prince's Manor only has her left alive, and by now, Shen Jian also sees clearly that the person who did this left Shen Qing one life, absolutely not because of softness or sympathy. This leaving of one life, for Shen Qing is actually an omen of death.

  At least, being implicated in a tragic case and dying with the stigma of murder are two completely different things.

  It's clear that someone deliberately put Shen Qing in such a difficult situation, but Shen Qing is just a young girl. Who would be so ruthless to a little girl? Is it Shen Miao? How could Shen Miao possibly control so many assassins to kill the people of Yu Wangfu? It's unlikely that she has such power.

  Shen Yuan's eyes were heavy, and no matter who was behind him, he had to investigate to the end. Since that person was targeting Shen Qing, it was possible that they were also targeting the second branch of the Shen family. Although Shen Qing's current situation was difficult, he was not yet at a dead end, and he would definitely find out who was behind him and then repay them a thousand times over.

  Shen Yuan thought so, but what he didn't expect was that, as Shen Miao said, no one can predict the affairs of the world. People have unpredictable fortunes and misfortunes, and it's uncertain whether there will be a way out in front.

  His road was sealed off on the second day, becoming a dead end.