Princess Ming An died!
Shen Miao was startled. Luo Tan harped on about it, even though it was not clear, Shen Miao was able to understand most of it. There was no doubt that the death of Princess Ming An was on Xie Jing Xing’s hands. As for those two males, Shen Miao could almost immediately thought that they were the Xie brothers. The more she thought about it, she could not help but take in a breath of cold air. One had no choice but to say that Xie Jing Xing was indeed one who was vicious and merciless. If Princess Ming An was harmed ordinarily, there would not be much of a problem, but to put Princess Ming An and the Xie brothers in such an alluring manner, everyone would not focus on the fact of that they were dead, but on the love affair between them.
It was true that perhaps everything was the perpetrator’s doing, but comparing to a cold investigation of the case, this kind of amusing and alluring case was easier for everyone to talk about. No matter what, even if HuangFu Hao or Emperor Wen Hui suppressed it by force or explaining it by person, no one would believe it. Princess Ming An had an appearance of a Princess of a country, but was looked upon like a young lady in a brothel. One fear that when the matter got back to the Qin country, it would also be a joke there.
Xie Jing Xing was indeed one who was not in the least tenderhearted.
As for the Xie brothers, Shen Miao’s heart was slightly heavy. Perhaps HuangFu Hao would be in a rodent rage, but no one was able to prove that the Xie brothers forced Princess Ming An to anything, because the Xie brothers were also dead. HuangFu Hao would not be able to take his anger out on the Marquis of Lin An, as the Marquis had lost two sons in a row and that was very tragic.
Luo Tan saw Shen Miao’s thoughtful look and could not help but ask,
Youngest Biao Sister, have you guessed it? Who do you think the person behind the scenes is, to be this audacious?
Shen Miao smiled gently,
I am not an expert in investigating cases. If one wants to know the results of it, one can go to Judicial Bureau to see how the case is trialled.
Anyways.
Luo Tan was one who says what she thought,
I am not a little bit sympathetic to her at all. That Princess was so bossy and domineering. One heard that she holds a grudge so if she was still alive, one would not know if one day she would be able to find a small mistake of Youngest Biao Sister, so it is better with the current situation. One do not know which hero helped to eliminate a public threat.
Luo Tan rubbed her fists and wiped her palms, seemingly looked like she really wanted to make friends with that person.
Shen Miao took a glance at her and said,
You are very fond of the person who murder and arson.
Luo Tan said,
We, the Luo family, have always been clear to distinguish our grudges, hate, love and gratitude!
She suddenly paused and said,
Speaking of being clear on grudges and gratitude, previously when you were kidnapped by others, I went to the Great Liang’s Prince Rui for help and he immediately rescued you. Youngest Biao Sister must not forget to thank him when you have time in the future.
Shen Miao said,
… Many thanks for your concern.
Luo Tan patted her shoulder and heard Jing Zhe coming in from outside with a smile,
Young Lady Luo, Imperial Physician Gao has come to take your pulse.
Luo Tan’s face instantly changed and she immediately stood up and said to Shen Miao,
Then Youngest Biao Sister, I will leave first. Think about the matter of Princess Ming An and if there is any conclusion to it, tell me about it as I want to look for that person!
Finishing it was like she had became a mouse who had seen a cat’s tail, and ran off with her skirt picked up.
Shen Miao sighed when she looked at Luo Tan’s back and her eyes gradually became serious.
Xie Jing Xing had made such a big ruckus and naturally he had helped to unleash the resentment. However it was after all, a Princess of a country and involved a number of people. Could it pass by calmly? Shen Miao did not think so.
The matter of Princess Ming An and the Xie brothers becoming ice sculptures quickly spread out throughout the entire Ding capital. The people from the government office quickly chased away the people surrounding the Wan Li Lake and removed the three people. When HuangFu Hao saw Princess Ming An’s body, he flew into a terrible rage that even Emperor Wen Hui was somewhat unable to hold on his own.
With HuangFu Hao’s solemn face, he sneered,
In the land of Your Majesty, my Qin country’s Princess can be this humiliated upon death. One can only be suspicious of what intentions the Ming Qi is harbouring? Perhaps BenWang should report to Imperial Father about the matter promptly, and request for Imperial Father final decision.
Emperor Wen Hui pressed his heart. The threatening words of HuangFu Hao made him very unhappy, as he did not seem to take him the Emperor of Ming Qi to mind. However this matter suddenly happened and Emperor Wen Hui did not know how the matter would appear to be as such. The Marquis of Lin An, Xie Ding, followed and knelt down as he cried profusely,
Begging Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly! Give this old official’s sons justice!
The hundred of officials in the hall of the Golden Throne were somewhat sighing. The residence of Lin An was so splendid initially, and when the Marquis of Lin An was young, he was full of mettle that he could even find an excuse not to listen to Imperial instructions, and at the end could marry the Ming Qi’s noble Princess Yu Qing. But since Princess Yu Qing passed away, the residence of the Marquis of Lin An seemed to have lost its spirits and gradually declined. Xie Jing Xing, Princess Yu Qing’s blood, was a rarely seen young talented character, but was buried by the yellow sand of the battlefield. Emperor Wen Hui initially wanted to deal with the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, but upon seeing that the Marquis of Lin An squandered himself away after Xie Jing Xing’s death, he gradually paid no attention to the residence of the Marquis of Lin An. Now that the remaining two Shu sons of the Marquis of Lin An died this tragically, there was no one to succeed the Marquis of Lin An, and one day would only disappear from the history of the Ming Qi. Recalling the glory of the past and seeing the bleakness of today, everyone could not help but felt grief.
HuangFu Hao glanced at Xie Ding without a trace and a hidden look appeared in his eyes. No matter if the Xie brothers were the victims or not, or if they were placed in that position after death, without a doubt Princess Min An’s innocence and dignity was destroyed because of the Xie brothers. The person behind the scenes was hateful but the Xie family should not be let off. How would the Imperial family of the Qin country be able to bear such humiliation? HuangFu Hao looked at Xie Ding and he made up his mind.
Emperor Wen Hui’s head ached, and he waved his hand to indicate to everyone to be quiet before speaking seriously,
This matter is extremely vile. There is actually someone who dared to commit such a monstrous crime at the feet of the Emperor, ignoring Ming Qi’s law and order. Zhen had already instructed the people of the Judicial Bureau to thoroughly investigate the case, and will definitely catch the people behind the scenes and give everyone an explanation!
In spite of those words, HuangFu Hao was not satisfied and said after cupping his hands,
Since it was the Princess of the Qin country that suffered this calamity, may Your Majesty agree to let my Qin country’s people to follow the investigations. Else in the future when one returned and is questioned by Imperial Father, BenWang would not be able to explain.
The meaning behind those words, was that he did not believe that the Ming Qi would really investigate the matter at all.
Emperor Wen Hui resolutely suppressed the anger in his heart and said,
In that case, Zhen grant it.
After Emperor Wen Hui left, since the hundreds of official in court were unfamiliar with HuangFu Hao, they did not take the initiative to go forward. However the Marquis of Lin An was a big clan of the Ming Qi, and they went up to give comfort for encountering such misfortune.
During the mass consoling, one person walked to HuangFu Hao and warmly said,
May the Crown Prince restrain one’s grief and accept fate.
This person was Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi.
HuangFu Hao was at the point of extreme anger thus when he saw Fi Xiu Yi, his facial expression did not improve and he cupped his hands before leaving. However he heard Fu Xiu Yi’s voice from behind him,
Regarding the matter of the Princess being murdered, this one have some thoughts. Not sure if the Crown Princes is willing to listen?
HuangFu Hao was a little startled. Currently the hundred of officials were busy comforting the Marquis of Lin An, and at the same time they just walked towards the corner thus no one saw both of their actions. HuangFu Hao sneered and asked,
Could it be that Prince Ding have some wise opinion?
One only felt that there are some odd areas.
Fu Xiu Yi smiled without a care,
If the Crown Prince is interested and free, this one is willing to carefully explore it with the Crown Prince.
HuangFu Hao turned back and Fu Xiu Yi smiled before turning away to leave. HuangFu Hao stood on the spot for a while before looking over at Xie Ding, who was being surrounded by people and sneered before he strode away.
The person that was investigating the case of Princess Ming An quickly took action, because the Qin country’s Princess was implicated in the case, everyone in the Judicial Bureau dared not lower their guard. But one did not know why there was no small trace or clue in this case at all. After looking through thoroughly at the various scenes, they only manage to find out the fact that there was an affair between Princess Ming An and the Xie brothers. But this result could not be shown to Emperor Wen Hui. Disregarding the Emperor, one fear that if the Crown Prince of the Qin know about it, he would be furious.
The case seemed to be in a deadlock.
In the Shen mansion, Shen Qiu walked into Shen Miao’s room. Seeing that Shen Miao was casually flipping through a biography bought from outside, he then sit opposite her.
Shen Miao glanced at Shen Qiu and upon seeing that he was stopping what he was about to say, she asked,
With how Eldest Brother is looking at me, does Eldest Brother have anything to say?
Younger Sister.
Shen Qiu hesitated, looking as if it was difficult to speak and in a tangle. Shen Miao felt somewhat strange and asked,
Eldest Brother can just directly speak about it, there is no need to have apprehension.
After Shen Qiu considered it for a while, he then asked,
Younger Sister, the matter of Princess Ming An, is it your doing?
Shen Miao was slightly surprise as she did not expect that Shen Qiu would actually thought about her. But she quickly smiled,
Why would Eldest Brother think so? Just depending on my abilities, one will not be able to take action on Princess Ming An and the Xie brothers.
Shen Qiu looked at Shen Miao with a complicated gaze in his eyes. After a moment he sighed,
Younger Sister, previously it was Father, Mother and me who were unable to protect you, and had let you stay with those beasts in human forms. Initially I did not understand what you have experienced but afterwards, one understood. I know that you have knowledge of self-protection but… We are your family.
He said seriously and earnestly,
So matters do not need you to solve them by yourself. Tell me, Father or Mother, even though we will not cover the skies with our hands, we can do our best to protect you.
Shen Miao’s eyes hanged down, and she quickly sorted out the myriad of emotions her heart had and smiled,
Eldest Brother, your words are correct. Admittedly its true that we are family, it is just that Princess Ming An matter is not of my doing. I do not have such a capability and do not have such courage. Moreover,
She answered the question with a question,
Never mind if it is Princess Ming An, but what kind of connection does the Xie brothers and I have?
Shen Qiu sighed,
You are still not willing to tell me the truth.
Shen Miao did not speak. In fact, towards Shen Qiu, Shen Miao was revealing the information about her a little at a time so that if there was a time, when one took the route of no return, at least Shen Qiu would be able to understand why did she do all these things. But in this world, there would not be success in one step in all matters, so she could not open up with everything.
Never mind. I only wanted to tell you that since I could guess that you are connected to the matter, Father and Mother might not be ignorant to it.
Shen Qiu stared at Shen Miao with a solemn expression,
One have to know that Princess Ming An did not have any conflict with others in the Ming Qi and if there was, it would only be you. If we think like this, the Crown Prince of the Qin country would also think like so. In fact, no matter if this is connected with you or not, there would always be people will put their gaze on you. Younger Sister, you are now in dangerous situation.
Shen Miao said,
But I have nothing to do with this matter, so no matter how one investigate, it would not lead to me, is it not so?
With regards to what Shen Qiu said, how would Shen Miao not thought of it before? Xie Jing Xing can seal the entire Ding capital’s mouth and not let the people in the Ding capital discover any tiny hints, but how would HuangFu Hao think? Xie Jing Xing could not stop this.
You really have such confidence?
Shen Qiu asked.
Shen Miao said,
Rest assured Eldest Brother, This matter really has nothing to do with me.
Shen Qiu then release a little sigh of relief,
These days, do not go out of the residence. The Ding capital is not peaceful and moreover, there are still people who harbour sinister motives. There are additional guards in the residence so it is still safer here.
Shen Miao nodded her head as Shen Qiu stood up. He still had military matters to attend to and had to rush back. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly thought about something and looked back at Shen Miao to ask,
Youngest Sister, are you acquainted with powerful people?
Shen Miao’s heart moved, but her appearance remained calm as she shook her head,
No.
Shen Qiu did not say more and turned around to leave.
In fact, Shen Qiu’s worries were not unfounded.
(Part 2)
On this night, there was a special guest that went to the residence of Prince Ding. This distinguished guest was none other than the Crown Prince of the Qin country, HuangFu Hao, who was extremely angry due to the tragic death of his beloved Younger Sister.
In the hall of the Golden Throne, Fu Xiu Yi’s feather-like words to HuangFu Hao finally made the ever suspicious HuangFu Hao make this trip. Before HuangFu Hao arrived, Fu Xiu Yi had hidden Pei Lang in the room beside, so that he could hear the conversation between the two people through the secret window.
HuangFu Hao placed the teacup heavily on the table and did not dawdle with Fu Xiu Yi, getting right to the point,
Previously Your Highness Prince Ding said that one’s beloved Younger Sister’s matter is odd, can one explain in detail?
Your Crown Prince need not be impatient.
Fu Xiu Yi smile faintly,
I am deeply regretful of Princess Ming An’s misfortune. But the current stratagem is not to immediately capture the perpetrator.
HuangFu Hao frowned and sneered at Fu Xiu Yi,
Could it be that Prince Ding also believed that BenWang should keep the peace? One do not know what kind of laws does your Ming Qi have but in the Qin country, a mishap of a Princess of a country is a top priority matter. Even if one keep the peace, in the future when Imperial Father is aware of this, he would definitely seek justice with the Majesty of the Ming Qi. It was just a tribute dinner but my Qin’s Princess had to die. Does Prince Ding think this is proper?
There was some vague hint of threat in his words.
Fu Xiu Yi shook his head and said,
Since Your Crown Prince is so anxious, then I would not talk in riddles with Your Crown Prince. Generally when murder happens, there would always be reasons. This matter appeared to be that the Xie brothers and Princess Ming An were murdered together, and the other part displayed their corpses in such a way, with the intention to humiliate. It is obviously done on purpose to ensure Princess Ming An’s reputation would be at an all-time low. This meant that the other party is clearly targeting Princess Ming An.
HuangFu Hao sneered,
I naturally know of that. To actually dare to do such a thing, one is really bold.
Your Crown Prince might as well think who would have such an enmity with Princess Ming An in the Ming Qi?
HuangFu Hao was startled and his brows started to knit afterwards. Princess Ming An had an arrogant personality and on normal days would beat and scold the servants, so naturally there would be a number of people who hated her. But after entering the Ming Qi, because of Imperial Father’s sincere advice of not making matters sour with Emperor Wen Hui, Princess Ming An had to tone it down. Thus even though Princess Ming An acted rashly towards the Ming Qi’s officials, she did not offend them.
Unless… HuangFu Hao suddenly thought of something and his eyes lit up as he asked,
You are saying Shen Miao?
Fu Xiu Yi smiled without speaking.
Impossible!
HuangFu Hao said,
Even if she has some misgiving with Ming An and afterwards Ming An also made fun of her, Shen Miao is only a woman whereas Ming An had guards by her side. So how would Shen Miao deal with that?
Fu Xiu Yi smiled as he shook his head,
Shen Miao cannot but you must not forget that she is Shen Xin’s daughter, and how does he treat her? In the tribute banquet, the Crown Prince saw it for yourself.
HuangFu Hao then remembered the day of the tribute banquet. When Princess Ming An and Shen Miao were in a deadlock, Shen Xin, as a father, stood at Shen Miao’s side from the beginning till the end, and even expressed his unyielding attitude to Emperor Wen Hui. If one were to say that Shen Xin had gotten a subordinate to take action to stick out for his own daughter, it would not be impossible.
Then what about the Shu sons of the Xie family?
HuangFu Hao said in a heavy tone,
Even if Shen Xin stick out for Shen Miao, there would not be any reason to include the Xie family’s people. Xie Ding is after all an official of the Ming Qi, thus Shen Xin would not cause trouble for himself.
Fu Xiu Yi sighed,
Crown Prince still do not understand? These days, it was me who let the Xie brothers entertain Princess Ming An, so the Xie brothers would be at the same location with her. Since Crown Prince was siblings with Princess Ming An, one would know about the Princess’ temperament. Shen Miao and Princess Ming An were not in agreement and also if Princess Ming An wanted to deal with Shen Miao, it would be pardonable. It is just that the Princess is from the Qin and Shen Miao is an official’s daughter, so there would be inconveniences if one were to take action, thus the Xie Brothers were used.
HuangFu Hao was startled before he said angrily,
It cannot be that you are saying…
Your Crown Prince need not be angry. I initially thought of grooming the Xie brothers so that in the future they could be subordinates, but these two did not have the fortune of a meteoric rise. You are also aware of the matters behind. It is probably that something went wrong during the Xie brothers’ plan and at the end it was both of them that died and implicated the Princess.
Even though HuangFu Hao had an unbelievable express on his face, the knot in his heart started to unravel. First it was Shen Miao who was kidnapped without rhyme or reason, and at that time HuangFu Hao suspected that it was the doing of Princess Ming An, but afterwards seeing that Princess Ming An did not leave the residence and did not know many people in the Ming Qi, he then did not think more of it. Afterwards Shen Miao was sent back to the Shen mansion by Princess Rong Xin unfathomably, and following that, Princess Ming An and the Xie brothers had the accident.
What Fu Xiu Yi said was correct. Princess Ming An had a personality of one who held a long grudge. Since Shen Miao had caused her to lose face, she would indeed not let it settled so easily. These days the Xie brothers often appeared in the residence, and if it was because of this matter, then it was reasonable. But does Shen Miao really have such a big of an ability? HuangFu Hao still found that something was not right. Even if Shen Xin doted on Shen Miao and had that kind of ability, it would not be a wise move to openly confront a Princess of a country. Especially when Shen Xin just returned to the capital and had yet to stabilise himself… Even if he did not think for himself, he would also think about the other people in the Shen family. Was Shen Xin this stupid? To lose all rationality because of his daughter?
Afterwards whatever that Fu Xiu Yi said, HuangFu Hao did not listen to anything. He felt that Fu Xiu Yi’s words had some logic, but felt some hesitance in his heart. Seeing that HuangFu Hao was somewhat restless, Fu Xiu Yi did not speak more afterwards. After HuangFu Hao left, Pei Lang walked out from behind the dividing screen.
Your Highness, what is the meaning of this?
Pei Lang asked,
Why must the topic be lead towards the Shen family?
Fu Xiu Yi glanced at Pei Lang and shook his head,
Gentleman is ignorant of something. I think that Shen Miao perhaps have some involvement with the Great Liang’s Prince Rui.
Pei Lang’s heart jumped but on the surface it was still like a gentle wind and clear skies,
Is Your Highness still concerned about the matter in the residence of the Crown Prince? Prince Rui only came to this country now and Shen Miao left the capital two years ago, so there is no possibility of them knowing each other. It would be too far-fetched if one were to say that they have a friendship in these short few months.
I know that Gentleman feels that this matter is unbelievable.
Fu Xiu Yi said,
But I have an intuition that there is something fishy between Shen Miao and Prince Rui, as these days there are just too many coincidences happening. It is because Shen Miao and Prince Rui became familiar in these months, then it is deliberated. Prince Rui is so arrogant that even Imperial Father cannot get close too. I also want to know what kind of abilities does Shen Miao have.
Pei Lang knitted his brows and asked,
Then what does it relate to the matter with the Qin’s Crown Prince today?
Fu Xiu Yi smiled and looked towards Pei Lang,
Gentleman believe that Shen Miao alone would not be able to do this, and that Shen Xin is not an impulsive person that does not use his brains. Just the Shen family alone would not kill hastily without careful consideration.
Pei Lang suddenly understood,
Could it be that Your Highness thinks that…
Correct.
Fu Xiu Yi said,
I suspect this matter is the doing of Prince Rui.
Pei Lang did not speak. Seeing that Pei Lang was silent, Fu Xiu Yi on the contrary took the initiative and spoke,
Prince Rui’s conduct is loud and while the Great Liang have numerous capable people. One think that with Prince Rui’s abilities, killing a Princess would be just like reaching his hands out. But just as you, I and everyone know, Prince Rui do not have any grievances and animosity with Princess Ming An and have no relation with the Xie family, thus one will not bring trouble for oneself by doing that. But if it was because of Shen Miao, then everything would make sense.
He smiled faintly,
Even though there was such a saying of being in a fit of rage because of a beauty, I do not think it is so. There must be some special relationship between Prince Rui and Shen Miao.
So Your Highness let the Qin’s Crown Prince to take action, so as to attract a snake out from its hole?
Pei Lang asked.
Correct.
Fu Xiu Yi smiled,
HuangFu Hao is suspicious by nature and even if he did not believe my words, he would have doubts in his heart, and thus would one day investigate. The spearhead will then be directed at the Shen family. If Prince Rui is linked together with Shen Miao, then he would definitely take action. When the time comes, one will be aware of both of their relationship and make other plans.
Pei Lang asked,
What if Prince Rui did not take action, then what?
It is of no bother.
Fu Xiu Yi said,
If Prince Rui does not take action then since the Shen family is being overly excessive lately. Let HuangFu Hao deal with them. Suppressing the Shen family’s strength is also a good thing for us.
Your Highness has already determined to suppress the Shen family?
Pei Lang looked towards him.
Since they cannot be used by me, naturally one must not leave future trouble aside.
Fu Xiu Yi’s smile was warm but his tone of voice was very cold. He turned his head to Pei Lang,
In the future, one will need Gentleman to think of more strategies and tactics.
Pei Lang continuously said that he dared not accept the honour.
After Fu Xiu Yi left, Pei Lang returned to his room and looked at the lights in front of him, and could not help but sigh.
Two years ago, Shen Miao made him hide himself by Fu Xiu Yi’s side to be her spy, and Pei Lang had no other choice but to do it. Fortunately he had some abilities that caught Fu Xiu Yi’s eyes. Currently Fu Xiu Yi treated Pei Lang as the number one confidant. For example, Fu Xiu Yi did not even hide anything of the secret exploration that HuangFu Hao did today to Pei Lang, and trusted him a lot.
Perhaps it was truly that Fu Xiu Yi completely did not guard against Pei Lang, or perhaps it was one of Fu Xiu Yi’s techniques of managing his subordinates. It was inevitable for ordinary people to be be even more loyal if one sees one’s master treating one well, if only Pei Lang was not Shen Miao’s people.
The more Pei Lang get along with Fu Xiu Yi, the more he exclaimed in admiration. Fu Xiu Yi was indeed a person who had a mindset of longitude and latitude. Not only that, he had the viciousness of a man of character, and he was very familiar in hiding a dagger in his smiles. He indeed had the means and methods of a monarch. Pei Lang felt so much that in another few years or ten over years, the entire land under Heavens would end up in Fu Xiu Yi’s hands, and Fu Xiu Yi would become the master of everything under the Heavens. There was no other reasons than among the Princes in the Ming Qi, no one was better suited for the position other than Fu Xiu Yi.
But Shen Miao antagonize Fu Xiu Yi against all expectations. Pei Lang was not optimistic about Shen Miao, and thus was not optimistic about himself. It was not that he did not selfishly thought about turning his back, but Shen Miao had firmly grasped his vulnerable spot, Liu Ying. As for this little bit of reluctance, it could only drift off with the wind. He looked out the window. Fu Xiu Yi treated him extremely well, just his individual room was prepared in extreme detail. Pei Lang took out a piece of paper from the head of the table, and picked up the brush and quickly wrote.
The night was as dark as ink and in the residence of Prince Rui, Xie Jing Xing was teasing the white tiger at his feet. Lately the white tiger ate a lot as it was fed by Ji Yu Shu five times a day. Her body was rapidly expanding that she was now a round fur ball. She was not as agile and quick witted as before when one played with her, and had some bit of a stupid appearance. Xie Jing Xing was an extremely picky person, thus he was too lazy to pick her up and even when he was teasing her, it was also done halfheartedly.
A man, who looked like a guard, walked in from outside. He was much younger than Tie Yu and he took out a letter from his clothes before handing it to Xie Jing Xing’s hand,
This is a letter that came out from the residence of Prince Ding, it was written by Prince Ding’s top aid, Pei Lang, to be send to the hands of Fifth Shen Young Lady of the Shen mansion.
Xie Jing Xing’s eyebrows raised and pulled the letter out from the envelop and quickly glanced through it. When he glanced at the last sentence, his lips pricked up. In the night skies, his brows were as handsome as a painting and his purple gold robes were flowing with light and colour, just like a person in a night painting. It was obviously an indifferent smile, but Nan Qi felt a light shiver and sensed that his Master was not happy again.
That last line was: Be sure to stay away from Prince Rui.
