"Ah," Su Mingfen exclaimed, "Why did you kick me? I was just about to remind her too, but she drank so fast, what could I do?" Su Mingfen looked at Xie Jinghang and said, "Besides, it's not like you're the one who suffered a loss, why are you being so petty?"

  Xie Jinghang ignored him and sat down at the table, looking serious as he asked: "Is what she said about the troops and horses true?"

  Upon hearing this, Su Mingfang's face turned unsightly. Under Xie Jinghang's sharp gaze, he finally managed to say: "That's right."

  "Why did you keep it from me?" Xie Jinghang asked, his tone pressing. Su Mingfeng shook his head and let out a bitter laugh: "This matter was only discussed privately between my father and me, I haven't even told anyone else, let alone Father, who would never dare to speak of it carelessly. It's not something to be taken lightly, after all. I had planned to tell you after some time... but how did Miss Shen find out about this? Could they have someone familiar with the military stables as well? But even the people at the military stables wouldn't dare to spread rumors about this matter..."

  Xie Jinghang glanced at Su Mingfen, who was also a talented person, but after all, he had been protected by the Su family since childhood and had never experienced any major storms. To say that Shen Miao's trump cards were endless, and it was one surprise after another beyond his expectations. Xie Jinghang gave Shen Miao a "retreat" strategy, but didn't expect Shen Miao to not use his strategy at all. Joining forces with the Su family and other familiar officials to deal with Shen Xin, turning things around, would indeed be able to alleviate Shen Xin's urgent situation. However, the emperor's thoughts were unpredictable, and this time letting Shen Xin off, the Shen family's military power was still great, and one day it would still be seen as a thorn in the emperor's eye. You could avoid it for a while, but you couldn't avoid it forever.

  Is it really... Shen Miao didn't think of this level? Xie Jingyi doesn't think so.

  Xie Jinghang didn't say a word, but his usual carefree face was furrowed in thought. Su Mingfen also tensed up, knowing that this friend, although seemingly careless, had a deeper understanding of the imperial court's dynamics than anyone else. Su Mingfen asked: "What's wrong, is there something on your mind?"

  Xie Jinghang shook his head: "What are you thinking?"

  "It's highly likely that the horse disease will lead to a horse plague. Moreover, this is a serious matter and Father is in charge of the cavalry, so if something happens, our family will be the first to bear the brunt." Su Mingfeng said: "If Miss Shen really didn't deceive me, I think we can give it a try. Although convincing Father might be difficult, I'll do my best." After a pause, Su Mingfeng looked at Xie Jinghang: "What do you think of this deal?"

  Xie Jinghang raised an eyebrow: "The biggest winner of the transaction must not be you, but you haven't lost out either." He glanced at Su Mingfen: "Just do as she says."

  Su Mingfen lowered her head, somewhat hesitant: "But... if they join forces to impeach Shen Xin, won't she be afraid of things backfiring?"

  "Haven't you noticed?" Xie Jingxing said with a hint of a smile: "The emperor's thoughts, she understands them more clearly than you."

  Su Ming Feng didn't say a word, but saw Xie Jing Xing stand up. Su Ming Feng was stunned: "Where are you going?"

  "Please, handsome." Xie Jinghang returned to his previous lazy appearance: "Have to show it to the Marquis of Lin'an for a look."

  Outside the gate of Xie's mansion, Shen Miao wore a bamboo hat and asked Mo Jing beside her: "Just now in Su Ming Feng's room, did you feel that there was someone else?"

  Mo Qing was taken aback: "I didn't feel anyone else around, did you discover something, miss?"

  Shen Miao shook her head. Mo Qing's martial arts skills were exceptional, and even he hadn't noticed anyone else in the room, so there probably wasn't anyone else around. But... Shen Miao felt a bit strange that Su Ming Feng kept glancing towards the screen. Although she didn't have any martial arts skills by her side, her ability to observe and listen was well-honed, and it was more than enough to deal with someone like Su Ming Feng, who was still somewhat immature.

  Now thinking back, those two teacups on the table were also a bit strange.

  Shen Miao shook her head, throwing out the jumbled thoughts in her mind. Regardless of whether there was anyone behind the screen or who it was, she had already said what needed to be said to Su Ming Feng. And based on her understanding of Su Ming Feng as a person, this matter should be able to come to fruition.

  After getting on the horse-drawn carriage, Gu Yu asked: "Miss, will Mr. Su help Master and Madam?"

  Jingzhen and Guyu were outside, unaware of what Shen Miao and Su Mingfeng had said, only thinking that Shen Miao was asking Su Mingfeng for help. However, the relationship between the Su and Shen families had always been like this, which made them somewhat uneasy.

  Shen Miao nodded: "I will."

  The Su family was beheaded for privately selling military horses, although they were also a prominent family that the imperial court could not tolerate. In addition to the evidence of selling military horses, another matter was also included in the crime, which was that in the early 69th year of the Ming Dynasty, the military horse under the control of Pingnan Hou Su Wei broke out with equine disease, even causing a small-scale epidemic. However, it was later controlled by a veterinarian brought from the countryside by Pingnan Hou. This matter was only known to the inner circle of the military horse department and no one else knew about it. Later, when Pingnan Hou's house was confiscated, this matter was also exposed.

  Shen Miao was still the empress, and she had carefully reviewed the documents regarding Ping Nanbo's crimes, so she knew where that veterinarian lived. In fact, even if Shen Miao didn't come to find Su Mingfeng today, it wouldn't be long before Xiao Bo's horse plague broke out, and Su Yu would also be able to find that veterinarian and control the epidemic. The reason Shen Miao didn't let Su Mingfeng tell Su Yu about this was to take advantage of the time difference in between.

  Su Mingfen asked Su Wei to write a petition for another reason, and she also took advantage of this condition, which was just right.

  Just... Shen Miao's face sank, and before his death, Shen Jian handed over the evidence of the Shen family's disobedience to Fu Xiuyi. This must not be complete. Fu Xiuyi actually started dealing with the Shen family now, which made Shen Miao feel a little tense. At this time, she didn't have a complete trump card to contend with Fu Xiuyi. The timing was not ripe, and there was no opportunity, but it really fulfilled Xie Jinghang's word - retreat.

  But how to retreat is also a problem. Retreating three houses is a retreat, and retreating as an advance is also a retreat. How to make arrangements for everything and then retreat completely, this is what she should be worried about now.

  Because she couldn't stay out for too long without arousing suspicion, Shen Miao quickly returned to the Shen residence. The people in the Shen residence saw her return and thought that she had made up with Feng An Ning. However, Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan still hadn't shown any signs of returning from the palace, probably because Shen Gui and Shen Wan had said something, the other members of the Shen family were watching with a look of schadenfreude.

  They had already gotten used to the Shen family treating Dafang as an enemy, so Shen Miao didn't even glance at them and directly returned to the West Wing. Jing Xiu and Gu Yu thought that Shen Miao would be preoccupied with thoughts tonight, and probably would sit in front of the desk for a whole night like yesterday. But unexpectedly, Shen Miao had already gone to bed early after washing up, which made several maids look at each other in dismay, worrying about Shen Miao even more.

  Shen Miao lay on the bed, gazing at the four-cornered sachets hanging from the carved bedpost, and slowly closed her eyes.

  She has done everything she can, now all she can do is wait.

  Su Jia and other officials jointly submitted a memorial, which... triggered Emperor Wen of Chen's suspicion.

  In the palace, Shufang Palace was different from other luxurious and grand palaces. It could even be considered simple. Even the decorations were just some flowers or paintings. Empress Dong sat sideways on a soft couch listening to a small tune played by a young girl with a round face, who wasn't particularly beautiful but played lively music. Empress Dong listened with a smile, she herself wasn't particularly beautiful either, among the many beauties in the palace, she seemed very ordinary. Although she was also elegant, she was gentle and didn't have much personality, no wonder she was the least noticeable of the four consorts.

  By her side sat a young man, dressed in fine clothes, with a handsome face and a somewhat cold demeanor, but the smile on his face seemed to be quite affable. He said to Empress Dong, "This little tune is played quite well."

  This man is none other than the son of Empress Dowager Dong, the Ninth Imperial Prince, Fu Xiuyi.

  Dong Shufei smiled and glanced at Fu Xiuyi, waved her hand, and the person playing the small tune suddenly stopped. Dong Shufei said with a smile: "You played well, take some reward money."

  The girl who played the small tune flashed a hint of joy on her face, and hurriedly hugged the zither and went down. Everyone in the entire Mingqi Palace knew that the servants of Shufang Palace lived the most comfortably, because Empress Dong was a kind-hearted person, treating her servants extremely leniently, just like at this moment, playing a tune for a group could get a generous reward.

  "Everyone withdraw." Dong Shu Fei swept a glance at the other palace maids, and they too retreated in an orderly manner. In an instant, only Dong Shu Fei and her son were left in the palace hall.

  "The Empress's method of teaching people is getting more and more clever." Fu Xiuyi smiled.

  "It's better to show kindness than to bear a grudge," said Dong Shu Fei with a smile, "Mother has told you that many times."

  "Yes, yes, yes." Fu Xiuyi sighed: "Unfortunately, in the position I am in, it is much easier to make enemies than to grant favors."

  Upon hearing this, Empress Dong's smile faded slightly as she asked, "These past few days, your father the Emperor has been worried about General Wei Wu. As for that other matter... do you have any assurance?"

  Dong Shufei has always not interfered with Fu Xiuyi's affairs, and the harem is strictly forbidden from interfering in politics. Moreover, Emperor Wenhui had nine sons, each of whom was a potential threat. It's better to hide one's abilities than to reveal them prematurely. At present, the situation is unclear, so Dong Shufei doesn't mind being an "out-of-favor" concubine.

  "The Emperor was already concerned about this matter, and naturally would not raise it heavily only to drop it lightly." Fu Xiuyi said: "My evidence has been presented, coincidentally aligning with the Emperor's intentions, and will surely go smoothly."

  "I know you have a plan." Dong Shu Fei shook her head and said lightly: "However, Xiao Jiu, the current situation is tense, it's best for you to be more careful. Don't take credit, let them fight, wait until they're exhausted from fighting, then it won't be too late for you to make your move."

  "Your son has carefully listened to your teachings, Mother." Fu Xiuyi hastily replied.

  Dong Shu Fei smiled, then suddenly thought of something and said: "Last time when I let Madame Shen bring Shen Miao into the palace, you told me to make sure not to let Shen Miao hear our conversation... what's going on?"

  Last time, Luo Xueyan and her mother entered the palace, Fu Xiuyi had previously reminded Dong Shufei that at that time, Shen Miao should not be allowed to attend. So later, Dong Shufei let Tong Yao take Shen Miao away.

  "What does Her Majesty think of Miss Shen, the fifth daughter of the Shen family?" Fu Xiuyi asked.

  "She looks quite good, and in the future, she should become a little beauty. However, her personality is too introverted and gentle, probably making it easy for people to bully her." Dong Shu Fei looked at Fu Xiu Yi: "I heard earlier that she had feelings for you, but looking at her now, she doesn't seem like the kind of person who would be bullied, although she's not particularly clever or resourceful, she's not stupid either."

  Fu Xiuyi smiled slightly: "The empress is such a picky person, yet she can't say anything bad about her?"

  Dong Shufei was taken aback. On the surface, she looked gentle and kind-hearted, but in reality, she was extremely particular and demanding. Since Fu Xiuyi had also reached the age of considering marriage, he himself was quite good, and there were many high-ranking families who wanted to marry their daughters off to him. Among these noble ladies, there were naturally many excellent candidates, but Dong Shufei always managed to find fault with them, thinking that they were not worthy of her son.

  At present, this remark, although not flattering Shen Miao, did not contain any contemptuous tone either. Upon careful consideration, it even seemed to be slightly biased towards Shen Miao. Among the young noble ladies, Empress Dong was unusually lenient in her evaluation of someone for the first time.

  Fu Xiuyi's reminder made Dong Shufei herself stunned.

  An ordinary little girl who seems completely normal, how could she say anything bad? But apart from being a bit dull, it's really unclear what's wrong.

  No desire, no ambition, calm and peaceful like a woman, Dong Shu Fei's heart skipped a beat. This was exactly the same as herself... or rather, her disguised self.

  "The empress dowager has also seen through it." Fu Xiuyi smiled: "This Miss Shen is actually a hidden mastermind."

  Dong Shu Fei looked at Fu Xiuyi with doubt: "You say she's pretending? At such a young age, it's possible to pretend in other ways, but one's nature can't be hidden."

  "Empress Dowager," Fu Xiuyi's eyes flashed with an unusual light: "I have seen her make a fool of herself in public, I have also seen her shamelessly show off her love, and on the archery field, I saw her shoot three arrows that made the young master of the Cai family unable to come down from his horse. Now, you've also seen her foolish and stupid appearance, Empress Dowager thinks, with so many appearances, which one is really her?"

  Dong Shu's hand holding the teacup paused.

  How can one person have a thousand different looks, and each look is so vivid, each look seems to be her own personality, that disguise is too terrifying. What's even more terrifying is that she has just come of age.

  Fu Xiuyi lowered his head, but what he didn't say was that he had also seen at the palace banquet, Shen Miao looking at him with a gaze full of suppressed hatred. That kind of deep-seated hatred, absolutely not the kind of hatred a young girl would have because she loved and couldn't get him, that kind of hatred seemed to make his soul tremble with anger, hating him so much he wanted to tear him apart.

  There are many puzzling places.

  "Empress, the Shen family is still a variable. The current situation cannot be changed again." Fu Xiuyi lowered her voice: "Miss Shen, it's not necessarily as simple as we think. To eradicate the weeds, one must remove the roots. It hasn't even started yet and it's already over, this is the best outcome."

  "So this time General Wei Wu will not be able to escape his fate?" asked Empress Dong Shu.

  "That's not it," Fu Xiuyi smiled: "The Shen family is now the leader of the aristocratic families, and for now, apart from the Shen family, it will only bring about greater variables. However, if we take in the Shen family's power, the Shen family will gradually decline, and when the time is ripe, we can wipe them out with one net."

  "What if something unexpected happens halfway?" Dong Shu Fei looked at him: "The Shen family may have other trump cards, what if they pass smoothly? If it's found out that you're the one who framed them, I'm afraid you'll be the one to suffer."

  Fu Xiuyi shook his head, still with a gentle smile, but his eyes suddenly turned cold and stern: "Deceiving the king and deceiving the superior, this crime is already very serious. No matter how powerful and capable you are, you cannot let Shen Jiaran retreat so easily, it's just...” He said lightly: “This was originally just a test for me.”

  "Trying?" Dong Shu Fei was somewhat puzzled.

  Fu Xiuyi looked at his fingertips: "That's right." Shen Yuan had previously asked him to pay attention to Shen Miao, but Fu Xiuyi hadn't taken it to heart. However, a series of events later on, including the extermination of the Yu Qin Wangfu and Shen Yuan's death, made him gradually realize that what Shen Yuan said might be true.

  Shen Miao, a lady from a boudoir, couldn't possibly accomplish such great things no matter what. There's only one possibility: Shen Miao has someone backing her up. The person behind her is so capable that Fu Xiuyi can't help but be on guard.

  This time the Shen family was in trouble, and only Shen Miao was left. It was naturally suggested by him to Emperor Wen of Chen. However, Fu Xiuyi's purpose was to see how this fifth young lady of the Shen family, who was so deeply hidden that even he had been played with, would use what method to get out of trouble. And whose help would she have?

  However, no matter what method was used, Shen Xin would never be able to retreat safely. Fu Xiuyi clenched his fists and bit the fat on his lips, how could he possibly spit it out?

  The Shens are destined to perish in the annals of Ming Qi, no doubt about it.

  Tonight's Lin'an Marquis Manor is also not peaceful.

  In the innermost courtyard, in his room, Xie Jing was just taking off his outer robe when the door suddenly creaked open. The young servant stood trembling at the entrance, afraid of being implicated himself, and nodded hastily: "Young Master... I couldn't stop him..."

  Marquis Lin'an Xie Ding stood at the door, and upon hearing this, he became even more furious, shouting: "Block? You dare to block me? I'm your father! Since when did the master of Lin'an Hou Fu change? Xie Jinghang, stand up straight for me!"

  Xie Jingxing carelessly swept a glance at Xie Ding, lazily tossing his robe onto the couch, and sat down in the chair himself, leaning back and putting on an air of a young master, saying: "Lord Hou arrived in the middle of the night, what brings you here?"

  Treat me like a stranger.

  Xie Ding was furious again, and he almost fell over his horse. However, Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao, who were following behind Xie Ding, looked angry but seemed to have a glint in their eyes when they heard the words. Xie Changchao said: "Big brother, Father has always been kind to you, how can you speak to him like that? Don't you know the rules of respect and hierarchy?"

  "None of your business." Xie Jinghang spat out four words.

  Outside, Xie Xiaojun was elegant and refined, but every time he faced Xie Ding, he became like a soldier, leaving the self-proclaimed "Confucian general" Xie Ding helpless.

  "You stinky brat!" Xie Ding didn't notice Xie Chang's face turning iron-green in an instant, but instead scolded: "What kind of invitation is this?!" With a slap, he threw the paper in his hand onto Xie Jingxings' face.

  Xie Jingxing took the paper and glanced at it, raising an eyebrow: "If His Excellency is not satisfied, let His Majesty rewrite one. Coming here in the middle of the night without sleep is just for this matter?"

  "Xie Jingxing, what do you want to do!" Xie Ding thundered: "Do you know what Beijiang is? The commander's orders are not a joke. You've never commanded the Xie family army before, I haven't taught you, do you even know how to use them?"

  As soon as this was said, Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu flashed a hint of gloom in their eyes. The Xie family army was the most valuable asset of the Lin'an Marquis's manor, more precious than the marquis's wealth and glory. Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao also practiced martial arts, but Xie Ding had never intended for them to take over the Xie family army, instead cultivating Xie Jinghang as its heir. Even if Xie Ding brought his brothers into officialdom now, once Xie Jinghang really took control of the Xie family army, it would be difficult for Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu to reach Xie Jinghang's level even if they struggled their whole lives.

  "What's wrong with that?" Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow and smiled, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief: "The more you use it, the handier it becomes."

  "No way!" Xie Ding resolutely refused: "You will follow me to the imperial court tomorrow and make it clear to His Majesty, this request for a military order cannot be accepted!"

  "Marquis," Xie Jingxing looked at him sideways, as if looking at a joke: "I invited the commander back myself, and now you're going to regret it with His Majesty... Marquis, if you want to see me lose my head, just say so directly, why bother being so roundabout and polite." As soon as he finished speaking, he looked at Xie Changwu and the other person with a smile that was not quite a smile.

  It's clear that Xie Changwu and Xie Changzhao are not good at heart. The two men's faces stiffened, and Xie Changwu said: "Big brother, Father is also kind-hearted, but the terrain of Beijiang is complex, if something happens, not only will you be in danger, but Father will also be blamed, and the entire Xie family army will be humiliated. You can't just think about showing off yourself and ignore the future prospects of the Xie family."

  The implicit meaning is that Xie Jinghang's expedition this time was completely unrealistic, unaware of the height of heaven and earth, wanting to make achievements but not knowing his own weight, going out would be a loss of face.

  As soon as this was said, even Xie Ding couldn't help but furrow his brow.

  "Don't worry, little brother." Xie Jingxing retorted, "I'm waiting for you to enter officialdom, make achievements in the imperial court, and have unlimited glory. For now, we still need to rely on your protection to keep the Xie family safe. The marquis will also be very happy."

  Now Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao have just started their official careers, to say that they can achieve great things, with their abilities, it will take until the monkey year. Xie Jinghang is sarcastic about their lack of talent, and can only rely on the Xie family relationship to climb up.

  "You!" Xie Changchao was furious and just about to speak when he heard Xie Ding roar: "Enough!"

  Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu immediately fell silent, but instead Xie Jinghang showed some impatience, saying: "Sir, are you finished speaking? If so, please hurry up and leave, I want to sleep."

  "Jing Xing," Xie Ding suddenly said wearily, "After all these years, you still hate me so much? Hate to the point of not caring about your own life, just to stay away from the Hou Manor."

  Xie Ding is now in his untroubled years, but he still looks like a handsome middle-aged man. Although he is a military general, he is different from Shen Xin's rough and bold personality, and seems to be elegant and refined like a gentleman. Xie Ding was known as the "Confucian General" when he was young, and he was also born with a clear and handsome appearance. Many members of the Xie family inherited his looks, including Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao, who were also considered to be handsome young men, but compared to Xie Jinghang, they fell short by a large margin.

  Yu Qing Gong Zhu was gentle and elegant, Xie Ding was also a refined gentleman in his youth, but unexpectedly gave birth to Xie Jing Hang. His appearance was extraordinary, and what was even more remarkable than his appearance was his temperament. He was carefree and arrogant, with an air of elegance that made him seem like no one in the world could match him. Looking at how he didn't take anything seriously, and was proud to the point where he looked down on everyone. With such a combination of looks and personality, if placed in historical records, it would likely be considered as a legendary figure of elegance.

  It can also make people helpless, like Xie Ding at this moment.

  Xie Ding's temples already had a few strands of silver hair, he said: "Jing Xing, do you still hate me?" When saying this, Xie Ding's voice was trembling. He usually treated Jing Xing with anger and resentment, but at this moment, he looked like a father surrendering to his son in utmost helplessness.

  Regret? What is there to regret? Regret allowing Madame Fang to enter the household, giving that woman with ulterior motives an opportunity? Allowing Princess Yuqing to die in resentment, and letting Xie Jingxing live in this distorted household? Clearly it was his own fault from the start, yet he stubbornly refused to remarry like a lovesick fool. Having such foolish devotion, yet refusing to put Madame Fang to death. Doting on Xie Jingxing excessively, trying to use this to make amends for past wrongs?

  The mistake has been made, and the person is no longer here; how can the sin be redeemed?

  Xie Jinghang glanced at him, his eyes sharp for a moment, but no matter how tired this former general looked, he didn't flinch.

  He had never hated Xie Ding, he just looked down on him. Moreover... Xie Jing said: "Master Hou, you're thinking too much, I don't have that kind of leisure time."

  I don't have the leisure to hate you.

  These words are too hurtful. Xie Ding heard them and unconsciously took two steps back, covering his heart with his hand, his face filled with sorrow and confusion.

  It was Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao who were increasingly delighted in their hearts. The deeper Xie Jingxing's injury to Xie Ding, the more disappointed Xie Ding would be with Xie Jingxing. Only then could they one day thoroughly replace Xie Jingxing's position.

  "So... " Xie Ding said with difficulty: "Then you can go to war." His voice fell low: "I will explain to the Xie family army, those people will assist you, the armor and shield in the mansion, take them all." Xie Ding seemed to have aged ten years overnight, looking at Xie Jingxuan he said: "You... be careful."

  Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu supported Xie Ding out, before leaving the door, Xie Changchao still maliciously smiled at Xie Jingxing: "Little brother will congratulate big brother on defeating the enemy army and returning triumphantly."

  But he couldn't wait for Xie Jingying to die on the battlefield.

  After Xie Changwu and Xie Changzhang left, the door of the house was closed, and under the flickering lamp light, a man in black appeared at some point. The man in black said: "Master, Xie Changwu and Xie Changzhang..."

  "Never mind." Xie Jing said: "Now that he's dead, Lin An will never let me go again."

  "Xie Jiajun only listens to Lin'an Hou and will definitely not listen to the master's orders." The man in black said, "What does the master plan to do?"

  "Who takes Xie Jiajun seriously?" Xie Jinghang was somewhat impatient: "How's the preparation at the Princess's mansion going?"

  "Returning to the master, all the hidden guards are protecting Princess Rongxin. Doesn't the master bid farewell to Princess Rongxin?"

  "It's all right," Xie Jinghang waved his hand: "It's enough."

  The man in black bowed and said yes, then turned around and left.

  In the dim light of the lamp, that handsome face with red lips and white teeth shed its former proud and elegant demeanor, revealing a few hints of warmth. Shedding his purple gold robe, he wore only a jade-white undergarment, the young man's eyelashes were long and slender, seemingly gazing at the flames, an elegant figure like one from a painting.

  "Regret?" He lowered his eyelids and smiled faintly.

  "Everyone in the world will hate me."