"What did you say?" asked Ji Yushu.

  Gao Yang stroked his chin: "Since we're going to deal with Ding Wang, it's not just Ding Wang alone. The Crown Prince, Zhou Wang, and Li Wang - whose side is Shen Miao on?"

  "Neither side is right." Xie Jinghang said.

  "Huh?" Ji Yu Shu said in surprise: "How come neither side is right again?"

  Xie Jing's eyes softened slightly: "Pei Lang is not an ordinary person, he just hasn't entered officialdom yet, and now he seems a bit immature. Just now you all heard Shen Miao's words, but Shen Xin may not have the same level of cleverness as her."

  She didn't admit, didn't deny, didn't decline, and also didn't accept. Even a minister who had been through many ups and downs in the imperial court for many years might not have done it as smoothly as she did. Shen Xin was a military general, Luo Xueyan was also a military general, where did Shen Miao learn this set of skills from? Was there someone behind the Shen family giving guidance? He had thought so initially, but now it seems that it can be confirmed that it was all Shen Miao's own idea. If she were the crown prince or another imperial prince, they would never use such a step-by-step plan, each imperial prince has their own backing forces, how could they use such a clumsy method?

  However, she maximizes the purpose that can be achieved within her own ability range. It makes one wonder, if given enough background and power, how much more turmoil she would stir up. Even now, without any chips in hand, she is slowly cultivating her pawns.

  The world is like a chessboard, and in this game of chess, there are too many people vying for power. However, Xie Jinghang has never considered Shen Miao as one of them, she is just a weak woman with no motive.

  But now, Xie Jinghang saw her ambition through the girl's wine cup hero under his command.

  "We still don't know how she knew about Pei Lang's secrets." Ji Yu Shu said: "Even the Shen Xian pawnshop couldn't find out."

  Mr. Pei used all his strength to protect this son, and he must have made thorough preparations. Pei Lang did not disappoint his father's expectations either, and did not seek revenge or resentment, but instead hid his surname and became a teacher. No one would notice him, but Shen Miao saw through his tricks and even used Liu Yue as a pawn to turn the tables on Pei Lang.

  Nor did he know where the news came from, just like Chen's brothers before.

  "Never mind her." Xie Jinghang said: "Has the commander's letter been written?"

  "It's written." Gaoyang furrowed his brow: "But are you really sure... once this starts, there's no turning back. And your plan, the other side hasn't received the message yet, what if they disagree..."

  "Do as I say." Xie Jinghang stood up.

  Returning to the Shen residence, in the west wing of the house, Shen Miao changed out of her clothes and had just finished undoing her hair when Bai Lu rushed in, saying: "Miss, Madam wants you to go to the house, there's something important to discuss."

  The New Year has passed, and spring is approaching. Because Shen Xintong and Wen Hui Emperor asked for leave to stay in Dingjing for half a year, Luo Xueyan also spent a relatively relaxing time. Recently, she often buys clothes and jewelry for Shen Miao, or lets Shen Qiu take Shen Miao out to eat, drink and have fun. Sometimes, Shen Miao even feels that he is being treated as a spoiled child by the Shen couple.

  Shen Miao casually tied up her hair and arrived at Luo Xueyan's residence. As soon as she entered the house, she unexpectedly saw Shen Xin and Shen Qiu also present. Seeing her come in, Luo Xueyan hastily pulled her to sit down beside her and asked: "What did Jiao Jiao go out to do today?"

  Shen Miao had Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang stay in the house, if anyone asked, they would say they went out for a stroll. She said: "Take a walk at will, pass by the Happy Building, and bring a few jars of strong wine to Father and Big Brother."

  "Indeed, a good son of his father!" Shen Xin's eyes lit up when he heard this. He said: "This fixed capital city wine is too sweet and sticky, where can it be considered as wine? Still, strong liquor is better, it's refreshing!"

  Shen Qiu was also delighted: "Sister is so thoughtful!"

  "I knew it was about drinking!" Luo Xueyan gave the two father and son a white eye, saying: "Those things are bought by others, what does Jiao have to do with them?"

  "You're just a woman!" Shen Xin was unhappy again: "It's all Jiao Jiao's good intentions, can the servants buy things that are as good as Jiao Jiao's? Short-sighted!" Shen Miao is now rarely close to them, and Shen Xin is very happy. Even if Shen Miao bought two buckets of clear water today, he would be overjoyed, so naturally he wanted to refute Luo Xueyan's words.

  "Short-sighted?" Luo Xueyan looked at him sideways.

  "Madam's joy and anger," Shen Xin immediately said: "I am a stinky little boy with short eyesight." Shen Xin slapped Shen Qiu's head with one palm.

  Lu Xueyan was too lazy to watch the father and son's antics, so she looked at Shen Miao and said: "Jiao Jiao, I actually came today because there is something I want to discuss with you."

  "Please say it, Mother."

  "The matter of the family division, you've also heard about it. It seems that in a few days we'll be able to move out, and your father and I have thought it through, we need to buy a new house. We've seen one place, there's a courtyard in the east of the city that's not bad, we can hire some servants to take care of things. However...” Luo Xueyan looked at Shen Miao with some difficulty: "In the past when your father and I went to the northwest, we left you behind, thinking that with the Shen family around, you would be safer. Now if we were to divide the family and your father, older brother, and I were to leave, you're just a young girl, living alone in a big house is not safe, and people might gossip. So... Jiao Jiao, are you willing to go with me to the northwest?"

  Shen Miao's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

  "Sister, the northwest is fun." Seeing Shen Miao's daze, Shen Qiu hastily said: "It's not as exaggerated as they say, living in Xiaochun City, there are mountains and rivers, and rare birds and beasts are also abundant. When the time comes to go hunting, I can hunt down a white tiger skin for you to make a cloak."

  "Nonsense!" Luo Xueyan scolded with a smile: "Your sister is just a young girl, what does she need white tiger skin for?"

  Shen Qiu scratched his head: "There's also a mine, and the gems are huge! Sister can make jewelry!"

  She smiled slightly. She had been hesitant because there were still other things to do in Dingjing City, but after hearing Shen Qiu's words, she suddenly felt a little longing for the small spring city in the northwest. Who doesn't want to live a carefree life? Who wants to wake up every day thinking about how to scheme against others? She sighed slightly in her heart and decided to go this time. It didn't matter if it was just once; at worst, she wouldn't go again after returning next year.

  "Okay." Under everyone's expectant gaze, Shen Miao nodded: "I also want to go and take a look."

  Luoxue let out a sigh of relief, and Shen Xin laughed loudly: "I knew Jiao would definitely agree! After coming back for so long, have you ever seen Jiao look down on us martial artists?"

  "Sister, sister," Shen Qiu was also excited: "When the time comes, I'll take you to meet my brothers, they all know I have a sister, but they've never seen you. And there's our maternal grandparents' family, after you were born, you haven't seen them, this time when we go, you definitely won't recognize them."

  Luoxueyan's maternal family was the northwest town of Zhen Guanwu, who only rushed over once when Shen Miao was born. Later, due to the distance of thousands of miles, they hadn't seen each other in years. Shen Miao lowered her eyes, in her previous life, after Luoxueyan died, the Luo and Shen families had cut off contact. Shen Miao didn't have a deep relationship with the outside family anyway, so she wasn't very clear about what happened to the Luo family in the end. However, thinking about it, with Madam Meng's ruthless methods, there must be a way for Fu Xiuyi not to let the Luo family off.

  They talked for a while longer until it was late, then Luo Xueyan hurried Shen Miao back to her room to rest.

  After Shen Miao finished washing and dressing, she sat in front of the desk, staring at the dancing flames, and couldn't help but sigh. If she really had to follow Shen Xin to the northwest, she would have to settle all her affairs within these six months.

  If there's one thing that can be considered comforting nowadays, it's just Bai Lang's matter.

  She was well aware that the Shen family was now a big tree attracting wind, and it wasn't good to get involved in palace affairs. However, she was just a lady from a boudoir, and normally didn't have the opportunity to come into contact with deeper things. Moreover, many things had changed in this life, and there was only one way to let Pei Lian be an undercover agent. Fu Xiuyi's personality was suspicious, and anything that came easily would be studied extensively, so it was inevitable that she wouldn't investigate her. But a year later, Fu Xiuyi would take the initiative to recruit Pei Lian, and at that time, Pei Lian would go along with the situation, making it much easier.

  As for the conquest of Pei Lang, there is still a bit of luck involved. When Fu Xiuyi conquered Pei Lang, it was also because one of his subordinates had a connection with Pei Zhifu, and thus they were able to uncover Pei Lang's background through this connection. At that time, it was also because Fu Xiuyi had settled the wandering sparks that Pei Lang ultimately submitted to him.

  The Pei siblings are all strong-willed and unyielding. For example, Liu Yue, after falling into the world of dust, no longer showed any signs of being a noblewoman, and was content with being a courtesan, perhaps recalling her past identity would only bring her pain. And Pei Lian, also didn't mention revenge, and was content with being a teacher.

  Liu Yue was unwilling to admit her identity and also had resentment towards the Pei family for abandoning her to save her younger brother. When Pei Liang stepped forward, Liu Yue would only resist more fiercely. However, Shen Miao gave Liu Yue a gentle way out, grasping not only Liu Yue but also the guilt-ridden Pei Liang.

  Years later, after experiencing the ups and downs of officialdom, Pei Lang will be even more mature. Looking back at Shen Miao's words today, he would find them full of loopholes. However, the current Pei Lang has not yet entered officialdom, and no matter how intelligent he is, his experience is still insufficient.

  "Miss, it's better to rest early." Jing Zhen smiled and said: "Tomorrow we still have to follow the lady to see the house in the east of the city."

  Shen Miao nodded. In these six months, at least they could separate their households and set up another one elsewhere.

  However, she did not think that plans ultimately could not keep up with changes.

  On the second day, early in the morning, Shen Miao finished her meal and a maid beside Luo Xueyan came over to say that after Shen Miao changed her clothes, she would go take a look at the house. After all, it was the house where they would be living in the future, so whether it was comfortable or not, and whether it was secure or not, had to be checked out before making a decision.

  However, before Shen Miao finished dressing up, someone arrived at the palace. Luo Xueyan was summoned to enter the palace, and the palace maid who came also said that if it's not inconvenient, Shen Miao could be brought along as well.

  It's said to be so, but it's almost an order. Shen Xin and Shen Qiu immediately fell silent, and Luo Xueyan was also confused. Although she is a noblewoman in the capital, she doesn't usually stay in the capital and isn't familiar with the ladies of the noble circle. As for inviting people on behalf of the palace princess, that's even more ridiculous.

  After all, Luo Xueyan and the women in the palace didn't have much of a relationship.

  Shen Xin and Shen Qiu thought further ahead, Luo Xueyan and the ladies didn't have much of a relationship, yet they were asked to bring Shen Miao along. The drunkard's intention wasn't in the wine, perhaps it was to use Shen Miao as a warning. Whenever it concerned Shen Miao, they always became extra tense. Shen Xin said: "Why don't I also accompany Madame into the palace this time?"

  "You go do something." Luo Xueyan said: "No one invited you here, and you're still making a fuss. I'll take Jiao Jiao there." She hesitated for a moment: "With so many people around, nothing out of line will happen. Besides, I'm not a woman who can't even truss a chicken, if...". She wanted to say that if something went wrong and it came to blows, she wouldn't necessarily be at a disadvantage.

  Shen Xinde nodded: "It seems that the situation is not so tense now. You can go with peace of mind."

  Luoxueyan pulled Shen Miao's hand and got on the horse-drawn carriage arranged by the palace. Originally, they had planned to go see the house early this morning, but because of this matter, no one knew whether it was good luck or bad luck.

  Shen Qiu and Shen Xin stood at the gate of the mansion, watching the carriage disappear into the distance. Anxiously, they asked: "Father, Mother and sister won't have any trouble, will they?"

  "I'll go to the Ministry of War," Shen Xin turned around: "You stay in the mansion, and respond to any matters that arise."

  Shen Qiu nodded.

  On the carriage, Shen Miao's small face was tense, but in her heart, all kinds of guesses were coming one after another.

  She didn't think she was in any danger, and there was nothing valuable on her that could be plotted against. Moreover, regarding the palace's rules and etiquette, she knew them better than anyone else. Even if someone had a strategy, they wouldn't dare to make a move today. The royal family values face above all; if something were to happen to her in the palace today, the royal family would be the first to bear responsibility.

  If it were pushed in reverse... Shen Miao's eyes sank, and the palace ladies and Luo Xueyan had no connection, but summoned Luo Xueyan to enter the palace to talk, perhaps wanting to inquire about something from Luo Xueyan. The intention of the drunk old man is not in wine, what is it? Is it the Shen family? Or is it Shen Xin?

  But why did he suddenly notice Shen Xin? Shen Xin had been keeping a low profile in the capital recently, and there was no connection with Fu Xiuyi like in the previous life. Even if the royal family wanted to suppress the Shen family, they would need a legitimate reason. Could it be that they already have a reason now?

  Shen Miao was somewhat perplexed, and Luo Xueyan took her into the palace, which should be a warning. If anything happened, Shen Miao, this daughter, would not be able to protect herself either... The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed, and Shen Miao couldn't help but feel some tension too. Many things in this life were different from the previous one, especially the grand scheme of Ming Qi. She tried her best to avoid it, trying to delay the tragic fate of the Shen family as much as possible, but she still couldn't escape the twists and turns of destiny. What was the reason for this time?

  Lu Xueyan saw that Shen Miao's face didn't look good and thought she was afraid, so she comforted her: "Jiao Jiao, don't be scared, it's just going to the palace and chatting with the princesses. It'll be over soon, then we can come back and look at the house again."

  Shen Miao smiled slightly, but her mind was still elsewhere.

  When they arrived at the palace gate, there were already palace maids waiting to receive them. Seeing Shen Miao and the others, they led them directly inside. Along the way, Luo Xueyan asked the female official-like palace maid which princess had invited them, but the woman just smiled and didn't answer, saying that they would know when they arrived.

  At this moment, in the Jade Light Hall of the palace, two women in magnificent clothes were smiling and chatting in the grand hall. The woman on the left had a fairy-like bun, wearing a water-red embroidered golden palace dress, which was extremely luxurious. She was beautiful and delicate, although she was smiling and talking, her eyes seemed to be distracted, and she was quite rude to the woman beside her. However, despite her attitude, the woman beside her did not get angry, but instead smiled and replied. This woman wore a long dress with apricot-colored plum blossoms, her face was not as beautiful as the woman on the left, but she looked gentle and polite, and also elegant.

  These two are none other than the palace consorts who invited Shen Miao and her mother to the palace today. The woman in red palace attire on the left is Xu Xianfei, while the elegant one on the right is Dong Shufei.

  "Your Majesty just asked us to invite Madame Shen over, why bring Miss Shen along?" Xu Xianfei said somewhat impatiently: "She's been gone for so long and still hasn't come, what a big face she has!"

  "The distance from the General's Mansion to the Palace is not short," said Dong Shu Fei with a smile: "Sister, don't be in a hurry."

  Xu Xianfei smiled and said, "Sister, you're always so good at being a good person." She suddenly thought of something and smiled slyly, saying, "Speaking of which, that Miss Shen from the Shen family had also been in love with the Ninth Prince. You aren't extremely satisfied with her, are you, which is why you're defending her like this?"

  Dong Shu Fei's face slightly paused, then smiled and said: "Sister is really good at joking. However... since His Majesty has asked us to come over, it's better to do things properly. As for Shen Wu, she can just follow her mother, and let the palace maid take her out in a while."

  Taking advantage of Emperor Wen's name, even the arrogant Xu Xianfei didn't dare say anything. Just as she was about to make a few sarcastic remarks, she suddenly saw her own lady-in-waiting come in. Xu Xianfei asked: "Has she arrived?"

  The female official nodded, and soon Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao walked in. After greeting the two ladies, Shen Miao followed Luo Xueyan to stand aside with her head lowered, not daring to lift it up. A slightly sharp voice was heard saying: "Madam Shen, is this your daughter? Lift up her head so I can take a look."

  Shen Miao paused for a moment, then slowly lifted her head to meet the gaze of the two women sitting opposite her. When she saw who was sitting on the right side, her heart tightened involuntarily, and she felt all the blood in her body boiling up.

  On the left, Empress Xu Xian was the mother of Emperor Taizong and Emperor Gaozong, while on the right, Empress Dong Shu was the birth mother of Fu Shouyi. At this moment, Empress Dong smiled and said to Empress Xu, "What a neat and clean child, with a very auspicious appearance."

  "Fuxiang", Shen Miao only felt a lump in her chest, while Empress Dong looked at her with a warm and gentle face, not knowing that she would also put down her guard against this kind of affectionate attitude.

  Dong Shu Fei was not favored, and Emperor Wen Hui had countless women around him, with backgrounds, talents, beauty, and personalities. Dong Shu Fei, however, was gentle and reserved, never competing or fighting for anything, relying solely on her "steadiness" to secure the position of fourth concubine. On the surface, it seemed like she held the lowest status among the four concubines, but Shen Miao knew that Dong Shu Fei was not as harmless as she appeared.

  When Shen Miao married Fu Xiu Yi, Empress Dong also praised "Fu Xiang Wang Fu", but later when Fu Xiu Yi's power grew, Empress Dong became lukewarm towards her. After she returned from the Qin state, Empress Dong, now a Grand Empress Dowager, was on the same side as Mu Hou. In Empress Dong's eyes, Shen Miao was just a pawn to win over the Shen family, and an unrefined one at that. Later when Fu Xiu Yi deposed the Crown Prince, Empress Dong was the first to support Fu Sheng taking the throne.

  She quickly lowered her head, covering up a hint of resentment in her eyes.

  Xu Xianfei and Dong Shufei thought Shen Miao was shy, so Xu Xianfei casually asked: "How old are you this year?"

  "Return to the princess," Shen Miao said softly: "I am fourteen years old."

  "Fourteen..." Xü Xiān Fēi paused for a moment before smiling and saying: "It won't be long now, you'll be getting married soon."

  This inexplicable sentence suddenly made Luo Xueyan tense up, and what she was most worried about now was Shen Miao. The marriage of her daughter's family was more important than anything else in life, if Shen Miao's marriage were to be controlled by the palace... Luo Xueyan's face looked very bad. Seeing Luo Xueyan so deeply emotional, Xu Xianfei suddenly burst out laughing and said: "Shen Furen is so tense, what, are you afraid that I will arrange a marriage for Shen Xiaojie?"

  "The queen hastily replied: 'I dare not!'"

  "Don't worry," said Xu Xianfei, "even if I were to play matchmaker, I wouldn't randomly pair people off. I would definitely ask the young lady's opinion first. Speaking of which..." Xu Xianfei looked at Shen Miao with a sly smile: "Miss Shen, do you have someone in mind now?"

  In front of Empress Dong, asking Shen Miao if she has a crush on someone is just embarrassing her. Everyone knows that Shen Miao used to have a crush on Fu Xiuyu, the one who caused a stir in the capital. This is just making things difficult for Empress Dong in public. Consort Xu has always been arrogant and domineering because of Emperor Wen's favoritism, and among the four consorts, Empress Dong is the easiest to bully. Using Empress Dong as a shield, Consort Xu never gets tired of it.

  "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I have no intention of marrying anyone at present." Shen Miao said with her head bowed.

  Xu Xianfei seemed somewhat uninterested, thinking that Shen Miao's personality was too dull and not as silly as the rumors had said. Otherwise, she could have had some fun with her. She waved her hand: "Forget it, if there isn't then there isn't."

  Lu Xueyan became even more cautious, and anything related to Shen Miao made her have to be extremely careful. Just as she was thinking about this, she heard Empress Dong Shu say with a smile: "Madam doesn't need to be nervous, today my sister and I invited you into the palace just to chat with you about family matters." After pausing for a moment, she continued: "My sister and I have never been to the northwest, Madam followed General Shen on his expedition and it's become a famous story, we are very curious about the north, so we came to invite Madam to tell us more."

  Dong Shu Fei's voice was warm and gentle, like a spring breeze soothing people's hearts. Luo Xue Yan didn't relax, but Shen Miao became even more suspicious. Knowing that entering the palace today must have had another intention, perhaps it was Emperor Wen Hui coming to inquire about something through this route. Emperor Wen Hui happened to find Xu Xian Fei and Dong Shu Fei, these two people one being arrogant and the other gentle and soft, with a combination of hardness and softness that could easily make people dizzy and unwittingly reveal their words.

  Shen Miao felt a little nervous in her heart.

  "Thank you, Your Ladyship." Luo Xueyan also smiled: "It's just that the northern land is naturally dull, and I'm afraid it won't be to your liking, Your Ladyship."

  "It doesn't matter," said Dong Shufei with a smile. "Since we've invited you, we won't be bored." Her voice paused, and suddenly she thought of something and looked at Shen Miao.

  Fu Xiuyi knew that the emperor wanted them to probe Luo Xueyan's matter, and also knew that it would let Luo Xueyan bring Shen Miaoyi as a warning. Yesterday, she had instructed her that if Shen Miaoyi was present, during the conversation, she should keep Shen Miaoyi at bay. Fu Xiuyi was the son of Dong Shufei, so naturally, Dong Shufei wouldn't suspect him, but... no matter what, she couldn't see anything worth being on guard against in this slightly awkward and timid young lady.

  Shen Miao hung her head, unable to see her expression. Only heard Empress Dong say: "However, we talk about these interesting things, the little girl listens and it's a bit boring. Tong Yao, take Shen Wu's young lady for a walk in the garden, when she gets tired, bring her to Yiju Hall to have some snacks, take good care of her."

  Xu Xianfei was slightly surprised, but she thought it was Emperor Wen Hui's idea and didn't think much of it, so she naturally didn't refute. Luo Xueyan had a hidden unease in her heart, putting Shen Miao in front of her would be best, but at the moment, she also realized that what she said next to the two palace ladies shouldn't be just idle chatter. At least...in broad daylight, these people wouldn't dare let anything happen to Shen Miao.

  Thinking of this, she slightly put down her mind and smiled at Shen Miao: "Jiao Jiao, you follow the female official to stroll in the garden, after a while, I'll come find you again after finishing talking with the princesses."

  Shen Miao did not refuse, but in her heart she secretly thought it was not good. Why should she be sent away when everything was fine? She could naturally throw a tantrum and insist on staying, but that would be too deliberate. Why wasn't anyone allowed to hear their conversation? Had she already aroused someone's suspicion? The person speaking was Dong Shu Fei, and this was the first time Shen Miao had met her... Could it be that Fu Xiu Yi was reminding Dong Shu Fei? This thought suddenly flashed through Shen Miao's mind.

  But she didn't say anything and respectfully stood up to bid farewell with Xu Xianfei, following Tong Yao as they walked out.

  Tong Yao led her to the garden, where flowers and trees were in full bloom. The imperial palace was filled with gardens, which were mostly built for the concubines. However, Shen Miao had no interest in admiring them, as she was more familiar with every inch of this land than anyone else. She knew exactly which flowers bloomed in each corner of the garden, and therefore found it uninteresting to listen to others talk about it.

  Tong Yao also noticed that she was distracted and said, "Miss Shen, if you're tired, I'll take you to the resting room for a sit. There are some snacks there."

  Shen Miao nodded and had just walked halfway when a small eunuch rushed over to Tong Yao, looking flustered. He whispered something in her ear. Tong Yao then apologetically said to Shen Miao: "The Yiju room is the front hall, Miss Shen can go in first, I'll send over the things and come over right away."

  Shen Miao nodded, not taking it to heart. The Yijiu room was right in front of her, and there were guards everywhere in the palace, so she wasn't afraid of anything happening. She had also been through this before, so she knew all about it.

  She walked to the door of the cozy room, opened it and went in. The door slammed shut behind her with a "bang". Shen Miao's heart skipped a beat, before she could react, a pair of hands covered her mouth from behind. Without thinking, Shen Miao bit down on the hand and elbowed backwards with all her might.

  All she heard was a hiss behind her, and she sucked in a breath of cold air. Her elbow was grasped by someone, rendering it immobile. A familiar voice rose, tinged with suppressed anger: "Shen Miao, are you a shrew?"

  Shen Miao slightly froze, the person behind her had already loosened their grip. She turned around, looking at the other party, and saw Xie Jingyi rubbing his own hand, his expression still with a hint of anger. However... what Shen Miao was concerned about wasn't this.

  Unlike his usual frivolous and arrogant demeanor, he was wearing a deep red official robe with silver trim today, with exquisite cufflinks, a long hat, and dark boots, exuding a sharp and proud aura that made him almost unrecognizable from before. Shen Miao had never seen him look like this before, and for a moment, she was stunned.

  Xie Jinghang locked the door behind him and turned around with his arms crossed, looking at her with a look that seemed to say he would settle accounts after autumn.

  However, Shen Miao was not afraid of him and merely frowned, saying: "What are you doing here?"

  "Coming out of the palace and seeing you, I thought it might be you. Coming over to take a look, it really is." Xie Jinghang said with an air of nonchalance: "The Emperor has summoned your father to the palace?"

  "What does it mean?"