Shen Miao's mind was unsettled, and she no longer stood there entangled with the Shen family members. Instead, she turned around without looking back and quickly returned to her own room. Outside, Shen Gui and his group had also seen enough excitement, and some of them wanted to inquire about the matter, so they dispersed in twos and threes. Shen Yue followed behind Chen Ruoqiu, but a hint of joy appeared on her face. Yesterday, she had heard that Empress Dowager Dong had met with Shen Miao and Luo Xueyan, which made Shen Yue feel uneasy. After all, Empress Dowager Dong was the mother of the Crown Prince, and if she were to take a liking to Shen Miao, who knows what kind of trouble would ensue. Fortunately, it seemed that today was not her lucky day.

  Thinking of this, Shen Yue's footsteps became lighter.

  It was Shen Dongling, who was being led by Wan Yiniang, looked around the yard with a thoughtful expression, and then followed her back.

  The vast Western Courtyard suddenly became empty and deserted, and even Ah Zhi followed Shen Xin's guards back to the Shen family army. Emperor Wen Hui suddenly summoned someone into the palace, and the Shen family army was also imprisoned. Fortunately, Mo Jing was still there, because Mo Jing had not yet risen to prominence in the Shen family army.

  Inside the house, Jingzhen, Guyu, Bairu, and Shuangfeng were all standing behind Shen Miao. Mo Xuan was standing at the door with his head bowed, a solemn expression on his face. Although Shen Dongling had said that it might be Emperor Wen Hui continuing to bestow favors upon Shen Xin, everyone knew that this was impossible.

  Shen Miao sat in front of the desk, frowning tightly, which slightly comforted Mo Jing. He was originally worried that Shen Miao would be nervous and flustered after learning about this news, but now seeing Shen Miao's face showing a solemn expression, she didn't seem to be too anxious.

  Shen Miao looked at the memorial in front of her, Shen's family was later exterminated by Fu Xiuyi, and she had also tried to stop it. However, Fu Xiuyi listed out the crimes of the Shen family one by one in front of all the officials, leaving her speechless. Although she knew that these were all false accusations, they seemed so convincing that anyone who tried to refute them would appear powerless.

  On that day in the Golden Hall, every detail was etched into her mind like a knife carving. The document presented by Shen Xiang was arranged according to the length of time, with each day and each scene described separately. Now it is the 69th year of Ming Qi, while she was reborn in the 68th year of Ming Qi. In the things presented by Shen Xiang to Fu Xiuyi, the evidence must be about events that occurred in the 68th year of Ming Qi or before.

  What crimes did the Shen family have before 1868?

  Shen Miao closed her eyes, and in an instant, some fragments flashed through her mind.

  She wore the imperial queen's attire, but her hair was disheveled and her phoenix coronet could not hold it back. The civil and military officials were all stirred up, while Pei Lang lowered his head in indifference, and Fu Xiuyi angrily slapped the folded paper onto her face.

  Youwen Chen thought: "In the 68th year of the Ming dynasty, General Shen's soldiers disobeyed the emperor's orders, privately released bandits, deceived their lord and deceived their superiors..."

  I let the bandits go, deceiving the ruler and misleading him!

  Shen Miao suddenly opened her eyes!

  She suddenly remembered that in the 68th year of Ming Qi, something big did happen. Shen Xin resisted the Western Rong, defeated the Western Rong, and captured three cities. Emperor Wen Hui ordered that all people in the city be killed without pardon.

  For a commander, massacring a city is the most cruel achievement. In the cities of Xirong, apart from soldiers, most are old, weak, women and children. These old, weak, women and children are generally harmless, just like ordinary people, and the only ones to blame are the Xirong soldiers. Shen Xin was not a ruthless killer by nature, so he secretly spared the lives of those women and children.

  This matter, apart from Shen Jiajun, should not be known to anyone else. The people of Shen Jiajun are all brought up by Shen Xin himself, and it is impossible for them to betray Shen Xin. Among them, there must be the credit of Shen Yuan. Perhaps a long time ago, Shen Yuan had already laid hidden chess pieces within Shen Jiajun's ranks.

  It wasn't until later, after the waste of the prince's household, that the crimes of the Shen family were investigated one by one. This "deceiving the emperor" crime seemed less important. However, in Fu Xiuyi's usually steady hands, taking it out alone at this unripe time can only mean that the current situation has made Fu Xiuyi feel a crisis, and the Shen family has become a variable. If not for her entanglement with Fu Xiuyi, he wouldn't have stopped Emperor Wen Hui from letting the Shen family stay a few more years, and the imperial family would still be eyeing the Shen family's fat meat.

  So, the evidence handed over by Shen Kui to Fu Xiuyi should be the crime of not following Emperor Wen's "city slaughter" order.

  This matter can be big or small. But at this moment, the royal family wants to take back the Shen family's military power, how can they let go of this opportunity?

  Things have become extremely troublesome.

  Shen Miao clenched her fists and slowly calmed herself down. For now, it's not the worst time yet, although the royal family wants to deal with the Shen family, they just want to recover their military power. At this time, moving against the Shen family would inevitably lead to dissatisfaction among other noble families, and the Fu family is too cunning to do so.

  What should I do at this time?

  Several people in the room looked at Shen Miao with changing expressions, all of whom were puzzled. But then they saw Shen Miao suddenly stand up and say: "I want to go out for a while."

  "Ah?" Gu Yu was taken aback: "Miss, going out at this time is bound to invite gossip."

  "Something's wrong at home and I'm feeling anxious. How about finding a friend to talk it out?" Shen Miao's eyes flashed cold: "Leave."

  Mo Cheng naturally had no objection to Shen Miao's decision, and in his heart, he also admired Shen Miao, knowing that she had her own way of doing things. Seeing Shen Miao like this now, he felt a little more at ease, and simply said: "Let's arrange it."

  Seeing Mo Jing like this, Jing Zhen and Gu Yu didn't say another word, leaving Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang to stay in the mansion and wait for news, while he and Shen Miao went out.

  Shen Miao's actions naturally caused the people in the mansion to be surprised, and someone came to ask tentatively, but she only said that she was going to find Feng Anning. Feng Anning and Shen Miao could be considered friends, and when something happened in the main house of the Shen family, it was also natural for Shen Miao to go to Feng Anning to pour out her troubles. Therefore, no one stopped her.

  As soon as they left the gate, Mo Jing drove the carriage towards Feng's residence. After passing through a small alley and confirming that no one was following behind, Shen Miao said: "Go to Su's residence."

  "Su's residence?" Gu Yu was taken aback: "Which Su's residence?"

  "The Pingnan Marquis's residence is at Su Family Village, above the Su Wei Mansion."

  The Mo family's young master was actually very familiar with the roads outside the city, and he knew exactly which noble residence was where, so they didn't need to ask for directions. He turned his horse around and galloped off in another direction.

  Jing Zhen and Gu Yu wanted to ask something but didn't dare, Shen Miao naturally had a plan. However, even the servants knew that in the imperial court, the Shen family was an enemy of the Xie family, and the Xie family and the Su family were like ants on the same boat. The Su and Shen families were also sworn enemies, so why would the Shen family help their arch-nemesis?

  But... it's probably not asking for help either. The uneasy thoughts of Jingzhe and Guyu.

  In the Pingnan Bo Su Fu, in Su Ming Feng's house, there was still one person sitting. The person wore a purple and gold robe that shone brightly, with an air of lazy indifference on his face, while Su Ming Feng looked anxious and asked: "What's going on? Why did you ask to come out?"

  "The capital is too depressing, let's go play in the northern border." Xie Jinghang said.

  "Are you kidding me?" Su Mingfang looked at him, her usually gentle face showing anger: "Do you know what Beijiang is? The Xiongnu are now so powerful that no one dares to confront them head-on, and you're going to go looking for trouble?" Seeing that Xie Jinghang didn't take his words seriously, Su Mingfang slowed down her tone: "I know your father bringing in Xie Changzhao and Xie Changwu to serve as officials made you unhappy, but there's no need to vent like this. This matter is not trivial or child's play, although your martial arts are strong, the terrain of Beijiang is complex, and you've never been there before... Jinghang, don't go."

  "Su Ming Feng," Xie Jing said with a smile: "Your Majesty has already asked Commander to give the order to me, do you think I can still not go?"

  Su Ming Feng was stunned, and a look of despair suddenly appeared on his face. The emperor's words were golden, how could he go back on them? The imperial edict was already in hand, at this point there was no room for maneuvering. Even if Xie Jinghang later changed his mind himself, he would still have to go.

  Look at Su Mingfang like this, Xie Jinghang said: "Is this cursing me to get into trouble or cursing me to get into trouble?"

  "Bastard!" Su Ming Feng cursed, somewhat resentful: "Why didn't you discuss this with me?"

  "Is it useful to discuss with you?" Xie Jingxing casually took the teapot on one side and poured himself a cup of tea: "It doesn't matter to me."

  "Ah!" Su Ming Feng sighed, feeling helpless. He knew that Xie Jing Xing had always been someone who did whatever he wanted, and once he made up his mind, no one could change it. They were childhood friends, but now it seemed like Xie Jing Xing only told him things as a formality, just to "inform" him.

  For example, now that you're here, it's just a matter of "notifying" him, and once the day arrives, he'll set off.

  "Why must you go to the northern border of Laos?" Su Mingfen paced back and forth in the room: "Don't you want to live? Do you know that if you win, it's good, but if you lose... your two younger brothers will be overjoyed!" Su Mingfen suddenly clapped his hands in front of Xie Jinghang's face: "Are you sure to leave them in Dingjing? Aren't you afraid of what your father will say?" As he spoke, he suddenly stopped and looked at Xie Jinghang: "Does your father know about this matter?"

  Xie Jinghang shook his head.

  "Look!" Su Mingfen said: "You are so willful, and the Marquis of Xie will surely be furious when he finds out. At that time, your two younger brothers will stir up some rumors again, and there is still that hidden aunt in the mansion... Who knows what the mansion will become like after you return from Beijiang? Xie Jinghang, can you really rest assured?" Su Mingfen treated Xie Jinghang as a true friend, and his words were all for Xie Jinghang's consideration.

  Xie Jinghang smiled and said, "When I leave the capital, you can take care of the princess's mansion for me."

  Xie Jinghang, in the capital city, aside from the Su family, had the most interactions with Princess Rongxin of the Gongzhufu. At this time, going to Beijiang, it would take at least a year and a half, or who knows when he could return. Princess Rongxin found out, and inevitably another sentimental scene would ensue.

  Su Mingfen was about to scold Xie Jinghang a few more times, but seeing Xie Jinghang's slightly depressed expression, he didn't dare say anything else. He only heard Xie Jinghang say: "Within two years, the Su family would do well to temporarily avoid the limelight, you shouldn't enter officialdom, just claim illness."

  "Huh?" Su Ming Feng wondered: "What does this have to do with me? Didn't they say that as long as I enter officialdom, I just need to stay away from military affairs and that's it?"

  "Let you do it then." Xie Jinghang glanced at him and stood up: "I'm leaving."

  "Hey." Su Ming Feng said: "You, you're leaving just like that? What did you come here for today?"

  "Farewell." Xie Jinghang shrugged, but suddenly heard a "bang" at the door. Su Mingfen was startled and opened the door to find a round ball rolling in.

  That ball was born round and chubby. Su Ming Feng helped him up, patted the dust off his clothes, and only then said: "Ming Lang, what are you doing here?"

  The chubby and round dumpling was none other than Su Jia's second young master, Su Minglang. He saw that there were still people in the house, and this person was Xie Jinghang. At first, he was frightened and shrank back, but then he hid behind Su Mingfeng, pulling on his sleeve and saying, "Big brother, Shen family's sister has arrived."

  "What?" Su Ming Feng didn't understand what was going on, and saw his substitute servant running to the door, panting: "Young Master, there's a young lady at the gate looking for you."

  As soon as this was said, Su Mingfen was stunned for a moment, and then looked at Xie Jinghang, who seemed to be smiling but not quite. Su Mingfen coughed lightly and said, "Nonsense! What girl do I know?"

  "It's true!" The little servant hastily said: "It is said that the fifth young lady of the General Wuwu's mansion, the eldest daughter, has come to discuss important business with you."

  "The majestic General's mansion, the eldest daughter of the fifth young lady..." Su Mingfang was still figuring out this mouthful of a title when Su Minglang suddenly jumped up: "It's Shen Miao jiejie! Big brother, it's Shen Miao jiejie who has come to find you!"

  What's wrong? Su Mingfen was stunned for a moment, Xie Jinghang furrowed his brow.

  As for the Su family, they had never had any dealings with them. As for private matters, Su Ming Feng and Shen Miao didn't have much of a relationship either. Shen Miao suddenly came to their doorstep, and Su Ming Feng was also perplexed. He asked Xie Jing Xing: "Could it be... that she's here looking for you?"

  "Shen Miao sister must be looking for me!" Su Minglang was overjoyed, holding up his face: "Big brother, let's go see Shen Miao sister!"

  "This..." Su Mingfen hesitated.

  "Go ahead." Xie Jingxing suddenly spoke up, his eyes seeming to hold a deeper meaning: "Right in your own home."

  When Shen Miao brought Mo Xiang into Su Ming Feng's house, she happened to see Su Ming Lang being taken out by a small servant of Su Ming Feng. The snow-white glutinous rice balls struggled hard to try and get rid of them, but unfortunately, it was all in vain. Seeing her, however, lit up her eyes, excitedly waving her small hands: "Sister Shen!"

  Shen Miao stopped beside him, rarely revealing a hint of a smile, and touched his head: "What are you doing here?"

  "Big brother won't let me go in..." Su Minglang cried with a sad face: "Shen family sister, are you here to see me?"

  The young servant next to her coughed lightly and smiled apologetically at Shen Miao, saying: "Sorry, Miss Shen, the young master is waiting for you inside." Thus covering up Su Minglang's words.

  Su Minglang was clearly very dissatisfied, and glanced at Shen Miao's cheek. Shen Miao smiled and said: "I came to find your brother to talk about something, next time I'll come see you again, and bring you some sweet pastries to eat."

  Upon hearing this, Su Minglang immediately became happy and stopped struggling. He carefully reminded Shen Miao not to forget their agreement before happily following the servant away.

  Mo En was slightly surprised, Shen Miao had never been a person who would be patient and kind to strangers, just now she was extremely good-tempered towards Su Ming Lang, he didn't know why, but he thought that Su Ming Lang might be her son. As soon as this strange idea emerged, it was suppressed by Mo En. Not to mention the age difference between Shen Miao and Su Ming Lang wasn't that big, moreover Shen Miao herself was still a young girl, where did the mother come from?

  Shen Miao pushed open the door and walked in, and there was only Su Ming Feng sitting alone at a small table. Seeing Shen Miao come in with Mo Jing, he first hesitated for a moment, but didn't stop them, letting Shen Miao enter the house. The little servant at the door quickly closed it behind them.

  Mo En stood still in front of the door, lest something unexpected happened.

  Shen Miao walked straight to Su Ming Feng's opposite side and sat down, doing all this with an air of naturalness as if she were in her own courtyard. Of course, there was no problem with that. But now, this was her first time coming to the manor, and before this, she hadn't even had any interactions with Su Ming Feng. Facing a stranger so calmly, Su Ming Feng couldn't help but steal glances at her.

  Shen Miao was also sizing up Su Ming Feng.

  To be fair, Su Ming Feng is a handsome young man. However, standing in front of Xie Jing Hang, who shines like the scorching sun, his light is somewhat overshadowed. In fact, Shen Miao knows that Su Ming Feng is not an ordinary official's son, but has some real skills.

  Unfortunately, the Su family was eventually destroyed due to the sale of horses and soldiers. Su Mingfeng also died in that disaster, and the bodies of the father and son of the Su family were finally collected by Xie Jinghang himself. The relationship between the Su and Xie families can be seen from this.

  It's also because of this that Su and Shen families have little contact with each other.

  Su Mingfen felt a bit uneasy under Shen Miao's inquiring gaze, and lightly cleared her throat before saying: "Miss Shen, I don't know what brings you to our manor today?"

  "My parents and elder brother have all been summoned into the palace by Your Majesty, does Young Master Su know why?" Shen Miao asked.

  Su Mingfen was somewhat inexplicable. The Shen family's affairs had spread throughout the entire Dingjing City early in the morning, and the officials were even more fearful for their own safety. After all, being an official in the imperial court, any slight movement could lead to a big deal. But what did the Shen family's trouble have to do with his Su family?

  "I don't know." Su Mingfen replied. He really didn't know what the reason was for Shen Xin being summoned into the palace, everyone had guessed that it must be Emperor Wen Hui wanting to deal with the Shen family, but no one knew what crime they were accused of.

  "My father was in the northwest, conquering the Western Barbarians and recovering cities, when Your Majesty issued an order to slaughter the city. My father did not follow it." Shen Miao said: "So I thought that Your Majesty would punish my father for deceiving the emperor and disobeying military orders."

  Su Mingfen was startled, but not because of the crime Shen Miao mentioned, but because Shen Miao so easily told him about it. This matter could be used as a handle against anyone, and now that it's out in the open, Shen Miao actually told him so bluntly. Even Su Mingfen, who had been clever since childhood, didn't know how to respond, and could only laugh dryly and say, "Ah, what can we do about it then?"

  "So I'd like to ask Su Shizi for help." Shen Miao said.

  Su Mingfen was stunned again. He thought and thought, but couldn't figure out what kind of relationship he had with Shen Miao in the first place, or what kind of relationship the Su family and Shen family had, that would make the Su family willing to lend a helping hand now. In his confusion, Su Mingfen secretly glanced at the screen again.

  "Miss Shen, please," he quickly withdrew his gaze and looked at Shen Miao with a warm and polite smile: "But what can I possibly help with? Miss Shen must have overestimated me... Moreover, forgive me for saying something impolite, this matter is complex and confusing, if we rush to help, we might end up getting burned ourselves. I really can't find any reason to take on the danger of being a good Samaritan."

  Su Ming Feng's words were also clever, polite but ruthless in rejecting Shen Miao's request. Su Ming Feng himself had seen clearly that the Shen Miao in front of him was a straightforward and direct person, so he also abandoned his usual roundabout and courteous approach, directly stating: No way.

  Upon hearing this, Shen Miao couldn't help but laugh lightly. When she laughed, her eyes sparkled with a hint of innocence. However, in an instant, the smile faded and she said: "Su Shizi, although you are not currently serving as an official, your father seems to still be in charge of the military."

  Su Mingfen slightly frowned and said, "Not bad."

  "Has your respected father discussed with you that there seems to be some problem with the military horses?" Shen Miao asked.

  Su Mingfang's eyebrows furrowed even tighter as he stared intently at Shen Miao, saying: "Miss Shen, what do you mean by this?"

  Shen Miao smiled slightly: "I heard that there have been some minor issues with the military horses recently, several of them have fallen ill and no medicine seems to be effective?"

  Su Mingfen suddenly tightened her grip on the teacup with a "ding" sound.

  Shen Miao's words were not false, and Su Wei had been busy with this matter for days, to the point of being worried sick. This matter was only known by a few subordinates in the military department and Su Wei secretly told him about it, no one else knew. However, the people in the military department would never tell Shen Miao, if they did, Emperor Wen Hui would punish them, and everyone would be in trouble, making things even worse.

  But how did Shen Miao know?

  Su Ming Feng heard his own hoarse voice: "Shen young lady... where did you hear these untrue words?"

  "Untrue words?" Shen Miao sighed softly, her eyes seemed to hold a hint of a smile. She leaned in close to Su Ming Feng and whispered: "Is the young master of the Su family not afraid that this horse disease will eventually become a horse plague?"

  Su Ming's pupils suddenly enlarged!

  Horse plague!

  "Could Pingnan Bo, being so cautious and careful by nature, and having dealt with the military for his whole life, not have suspected this?" Shen Miao feigned surprise: "What, didn't you tell Su Shouzi?"

  Su Mingfang clenched his teeth and didn't speak.

  Didn't Su Wei tell him? Of course, Su Wei told him that the horse disease was a precursor to the plague. A military horse costs a lot of silver to raise, and once the plague breaks out, the death toll is heavy, not only is it a financial loss, but also on the battlefield, without enough horses, the army can't even fight. If the higher-ups blame him, he'll lose his official hat at best, or even his head at worst.

  It's just that this horse disease is so insidious and stubborn, many veterinarians have been consulted, but none of them can do anything about it. Recently, the only solution has been to isolate the sick horses, yet they still die one after another. If in the end it cannot be controlled and is confirmed as a horse plague... I fear it will be a great disaster.

  "What insight does Miss Shen have?" Su Ming Feng said with a hint of awkwardness, and while speaking, he glanced at the screen again without revealing his tone.

  Shen Miao suddenly became calm and picked up an empty teacup from the table, pouring herself a cup of tea and taking a sip.

  Su Mingfang saw this and wanted to say something, but after thinking about it, she swallowed her words and pretended to listen carefully.

  "I have a way to solve your horse's problem." Shen Miao said.

  Su Ming Feng was taken aback: "Is this true?"

  "Fortunately, I know a veterinarian who is exceptionally skilled and has heard that he had cured the same horse disease before. If we can find him, this time the death of the military horse will be easily resolved."

  Su Mingfen did not speak.

  Shen Miao picked up the teacup and took a sip, saying lightly: "It's not too late to mend the fence after the sheep has escaped. Su Shizi, when the horse plague spreads and can no longer be concealed, those who will suffer won't just be the horses."

  Su Mingfang clenched her teeth and looked at Shen Miao: "Miss Shen has come up with a good plan today, but I'm afraid there's something else you want to say."

  His eyes sparkled: "Or perhaps you think that the Su family can also offer a good strategy to help the Shen family? Please, do tell."

  "Refreshing." Shen Miao praised.

  Su Mingfang let out a wry smile, where was the ease he had expected? It was clear that Shen Miao was cunning. Earlier, he had said that the Su family had no obligation to help Shen Xin, and Shen Miao had directly given him the conditions of the transaction. One had to say that Shen Miao was extremely good at grasping people's weaknesses, and she had brought up the issue of military horses, which was currently the Su family's biggest worry. This matter had not yet spread, and even he and Su Ye were discussing it in private, but somehow Shen Miao knew about it. In any case, once she threw out this transaction condition, he fundamentally could not refuse.

  No wonder Shen Miao is unpopular, speaking directly and having an ace up her sleeve. A transaction is a transaction, laid out clearly, no one can take advantage of anyone else.

  "I know that Pingnan Bo knows many people in the court, and his influence is greater than my parents' who have been in the northwest for years. I want to ask Pingnan Bo for help, gather all colleagues with good relationships, and plead on behalf of my father."

  "Are you kidding me?" Su Ming furrowed his brow: "You're going to plead on behalf of General Shen for all of them?"

  Shen Miao shook her head: "No, they all participated in framing my father."

  Su Ming Feng was stunned.

  "Marquis Pingnan probably didn't want to get involved in this muddy water either," Shen Miao smiled slightly: "So, how to persuade Marquis Pingnan is up to you, Su Shizi. Just be sure not to mention the military or horses to him, nor should you bring me up, otherwise, this deal will still be off."

  Su Mingfang was somewhat perplexed, he looked up to see the girl in front of him still with a young and innocent appearance, her eyebrows and eyes were clear and gentle, and when she smiled, there was a hint of naivety and clarity. However, when she wasn't smiling, her eyes had a cold intent, adding an air of majesty. The kind of oppressive force that made one feel suffocated was something even Su Ye had never given Su Mingfang before.

  "I won't stay long, please trouble Su Shizi to decide and send someone to deliver the message to my mansion. After everything is settled, I will definitely take you to see the veterinarian." She stood up, slightly bowed to Su Mingfeng, and then said: "Thank you."

  Su Ming Feng hastily stood up and said: "Definitely."

  Shen Miao glanced at the screen behind her before turning around and taking Mo Qing out of the house. Only after Shen Miao left did Su Mingfang breathe a sigh of relief, and from behind the screen walked out a person - if it wasn't Xie Jingxuan, then who was it?

  "You've all heard that." Su Ming Feng said: "This Miss Shen from the Shen family is indeed more unpredictable than I imagined."

  Xie Jinghang raised an eyebrow, but didn't speak. Su Mingfen's gaze fell on the table, where Shen Miao had left her tea cup after drinking from it. The rim of the cup was slightly moist.

  "Speaking of which, it was you who drank it..." Su Ming Feng said: "You..."

  Xie Jingxing ruthlessly kicked him in the foot.