Chapter 139: Heart Jumping (Part 1)

For several continuous days, the Ding capital was very calm.

In the residence of the Qin Crown Prince, Princess Ming An had also paused for a few days. Other than strolling around in the Ding capital streets, she did not do anything else.

However it only appeared so on the surface, but it was not necessary the case in private.

Over in the mansion, Princess Ming An’s appearance was as charming as she wore a golden red gauze dress, and she was taking a bite of preserved fruits from a plate in front. Opposite her, there were two official-like person that were kneeling. These two person were insulted like this by Princess Ming An, but there was no anger at all in their expressions. These two was none other than the two Shu sons of the Marquis of Lin An, Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao.

Ever since Xie Jing Xing’s news, Xie Ding had no mood to handle government affairs, and passed on his power to his two Shu sons and let them battle in the court. Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao did not have low abilities, and currently they were working under Prince Ding. Even though Prince Ding did not value them greatly, he developed them as people that he could potentially use in the future. Thus both of them hope to make some achievements.

If one were to say what were Xie Chang Wu’s and Xie Chang Chao’s resentment, it was that even though Xie Jing Xing was dead and there was no descendants of Princess Yu Jing, Xie Ding refused to elevate Madam Fang’s status. Without elevating Madam Fang’s status, both of them would only have the position of Shu sons. Now Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were in a rush to gain achievements, so that when they were able to reach a certain level of meritorious service, they would be able to force Xie Ding to change their status to Di sons. Even it was for the sake of the Marquis of Lin An’s residence, he could only do so.

The only reasons as to why they appeared in the residence of the Qin Crown Prince, was also because of Fu Xiu Yi’s instructions.

Fu Xiu Yi currently had the intention to have good relations with the Qin Crown Prince, and also wanted to reach some kind of agreement privately, so naturally one would need to spend some effort with HuangFu Hao’s blood younger sister, Princess Ming An. Thinking that Princess Ming An might not be familiar with the Ding capital, he then sent Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao over.

Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were Fu Xiu Yi’s people in secret, and normally their tasks were to accompany higher ranked officials, thus others would not be surprised to see both of them flattering Princess Ming An.

As Princess Ming An had a violent temper, these days Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao had to suffer a lot.

It was the same today.

She looked at the two person opposite and laughed, “You all follow Bengong all day but are not at all bored. Does the officials of Ming Qi really like to follow behind other countries’ Princesses? If so, then it is really too easy for the Ming Qi to gain its country.”

“This official’s responsibility is to please Your Princess Highness.” Xie Chang Wu said, “Only when Your Princess Highness is satisfied, could these officials be at ease.”

Princess Ming An sneered, “You are not Bengong’s officials and Bengong will not accept such idle people. One heard that your residence of the Marquis of Lin An had an extraordinary heir, but it is a pity that he died young. Perhaps if it was him, Bengong would consider in letting him be Bengong’s official.”

The two persons that were prostrating had their heads down, but their expressions were hazy.

Even though some people died, the shadow left behind would not diminish at all. After Xie Jing Xing passing two years ago, Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao had thought that they would no longer need to live under the shadow of Xie Jing Xing. However when others mentioned about the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, the first thing that they thought about, was still Xie Jing Xing. They always said, “If that Little Xie Marquis was not dead, one do not know how extraordinary he would be today. One fear that the Marquis of Lin An would have been extremely proud.”

They had forgotten that both of them brothers, are also Young Masters of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, but no matter how outstanding they performed, they were unable to exceed the heroism that Xie Jing Xing left in the hearts of everyone.

Xie Chang Chao’s gaze flashed and said, “Older Brother was indeed outstanding and even had a great relationship with the Formidable Great General’s Di daughter, Fifth Shen Young Lady. Speaking of which, it was really fated.”

When Princess Ming An heard Shen Miao’s name, she was first surprised before her brows went up straight and her tone of voice involuntary became heavy, “What was it? Quickly tell Bengong.”

Xie Chang Chao lifted his head and seemingly looked shocked at Princess Ming An, “Does Your Princess Highness remember that during the Ming Qi’s academy examinations, the matter of the Fifth Shen Young Lady winning first place in the archery challenge?”

Princess Ming An’s expression became increasingly gloomy. When Xie Chang Chao said that, it made her think of the moment in the tribute banquet when she competed with Shen Miao and made a fool of herself. She could not wait to tear Shen Miao apart.

“At that time after Cai Ling exited the arena, my Second Older Brother wanted to challenge Fifth Shen Young Lady. If my Second Older Brother were to go up, he would definitely be able to make Fifth Shen Young Lady fail, but at that time my Eldest Brother rushed up and protected Shen Young Lady by offering himself.” Xie Chang Chao said. He would forever remember that moment as it seemed that they were able to be successful in drawing Cai Daren over to their side, but who knew that Xie Jing Xing would suddenly jump into it. Even though Xie Jing Xing looked like a dissolute on the surface, he had not helped young females in problems. Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao could almost confirm that Xie Jing Xing, most likely had other feelings for Shen Miao, else he would not have helped Shen Miao out of it.

It was because of Xie Jing Xing’s appearance, that both brothers were beaten to the ground by Xie Jing Xing during the academy examinations, and almost became a joke. Thus this had become Xie Chang Wu’s and Xie Chang Chao’s anger that would not be able to dissipate.

“So it actually turned out to be that.” After hearing it Princess Ming An sneered, “It seemed that Xie Jing Xing was also not a good thing. To actually hook up with that slut, he deserved to die, and his death is a happy thing.”

A flash of comfort appeared in Xie Chang Wu’s and Xie Chang Chao’s eyes. As long as Xie Jing Xing’s reputation was smeared, and hearing others talking about the bad things of Xie Jing Xing, their hearts will be pleased, as if this would help vent out the dissatisfaction in their hearts.

“Bengong find that Shen Miao is very obtrusive and if it was not Older Brother protecting, making Bengong unable to take action, one can already kill her eight to ten times over.” Princess Ming An was somewhat irritated. That day in the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace, the words that Prince Rui said echoed in Princess Ming An’s ears.

“Such a good young lady. As luck would have it, this prince also want.”

She was crazily jealous and the new and old hatred converged, she could not wait to crush Shen Miao into tens of thousands of pieces. But she was confined by HuangFu Hao and even if she went out, HuangFu Hao’s guards would be beside her, and thus she was unable to do anything. Now that Xie Chang Chao mentioned Shen Miao, her vicious emotions were hooked up from her heart.

Princess Ming An was arrogant for her entire life and there was nothing that she was unable to get. Now that Shen Miao became the blocking stone, there was no reason for her to be kept.

Suddenly her heart moved and she looked towards Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao.

Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were still kneeling on the ground. Princess Ming An did not let them get up so they were unable to get up. They were like that the entire day, being very obedient. It was as if no matter what order was given, they would obediently perform it.

She suddenly laughed. Princess Ming An picked up a snack and looked carefully at the delicate flower pattern on the snack but said, “Xie Chang Wu, Xie Chang Chao. You both have followed Prince Ding for many years right? Why are you both only still running errands?”

Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were startled, as they did not expect that Princess Ming An would suddenly make things difficult for them,. But Princess Ming An’s words poked their pain points. One had to know that they were already working for Fu Xiu Yi two years ago, but it was all irrelevant stuff. Just like now, there was no difference between the servants in the Palace as they served the Princess. In their eyes, the reason why Fu Xiu Yi valued them had nothing to do with themselves at all. Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were very outstanding in literature and military, but they were unable to breakthrough till now, it was only because they had the position of a Shu son.

Princess Ming An’s words were laced with ridicule and although they did not speak, they could not help but show a bit of indignancy on their faces.

Princess Ming An said, “You both really want to be promoted and kept by Prince Ding’s side, so that he will value you seriously and one day be able to soar into the skies. Finally breaking away from the humiliating position of a Shu son.”

The Xie brothers did not speak.

“Bengong has a method that would let the both of you achieve your wishes.” Princess Ming An spoke slowly and emphasised.

Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao looked at each other and bent over, “Seeking Your Princess Highness enlightenment.”

“That is Bengong.” Princess Ming An was in all smiles, “Bengong is the Princess of Qin and now Prince Ding wants a favour from my Older Brother Crown Prince. Thus you both are here to incur my likes, but if Bengong speak of some favourable words to Older Brother Crown Prince, and let Older Brother Crown Prince and Prince Ding matter become successful, Prince Ding would also give the both of you credit.” She Looked at her fingernails, “These few days you both have been doing everything to please Bengong, is not it all for that?”

Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu did not speak. Generally it was like that, but when they were sent over to make Princess Ming An happy, from the start they did not have any expectations that Princess Ming An would say anything good for them. One had to know that Princess Ming An was domineering and looked down on everyone, thus it was a good thing not to provoke her anger, thus how would one dare to be in her good graces. Xie Chang Chao and Xie Chang Wu were not fools and knew that for Princess Ming An to suddenly raise this matter, there would bound to be some exchange of terms, thus they did not speak at the moment.

Seeing that both of them were not speaking, Princess Ming An was somewhat unable to hold back and said it herself, “It is only some words from Bengong but numerous of people were unable to get them. Both of you are not friends or relatives of Bengong, thus without any rhyme or reason when Bengong speak about you, naturally one must have some compensation.

No matter how foolish one act, one could not not understand that sentence. Xie Chang Wu said, “May Your Princess Highness instruct.”

“You all also know,” Princess Ming An lift her little finger and said, “That Bengong has always been kind, and have good intentions and thoughts of people when one came to the Ming Qi. To no avail, there would be some slut without eyes that provoke Bengong.” Her voice became sharp, “Currently Bengong hate Shen Miao that slut the most.”

Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were aware about the disagreement between Shen Miao and Princess Ming An. Princess Ming An was one who dispute over every trifle thing, and since she suffered losses from Shen Miao, naturally she would not let it go. Now that this was the land of the Ming Qi, and Shen Miao was not an innocent Young Lady from a normal family, if there was a real accident, Princess Ming An would land in a big trouble.

Princess Ming An looked at Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao and for the first time her gaze was very amiable, “I know that both of you are the top talented youths of the Ming Qi, with more courage and knowledge than other. One does not know if you are willing to help Bengong with this?”

Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were surprised for a moment before Xie Chang Chao asked probingly, “What does Your Princess Highness plan?”

“Rest assured. Bengong has a kind heart and do not want her life.” Princess Ming An smiled, “However you have to sell her off to the lowest ranked brothel and wait till she slowly get used to the place, then find means to get the officials to save her out.”

The two Xie brothers let out a breath of cold air.

A female would be almost destroyed after being sold to the lowest ranked brothel. At the lowest ranked brothel, most of the customers were rough and robbers, and would torture others till one was better dead than alive. Many of the servants who committed wrongs against their masters would die after entering one day. However Princess Ming An still specifically instructed not let her die, and wait till Shen Miao was tossed around by enough people and become a walking dead, then let the officials save her out. This was making her to be the object of universal ridicule, and one fear that everyone would know of the fact that the Fifth Young Lady of Ming Qi’s Shen family, had become a prostitute and their spit would be enough to drown Shen Miao.

To let the most honourable young lady to be devastated by the roughest and most brutal of men, one fear that it would be better for Shen Miao to die.

Xie Chang Wu barely forced a smile out, “Each one of the Shen family guards are highly skilled in martial arts, so how would one be able to sell the Fifth Shen Young Lady to that place?”

“This is your problem.” Princess Ming An resumed that noble and high appearance, “Even though Bengong said that you have the knowledge and guts, how to kidnap Shen Miao would depend on your abilities. Else if everything have to be thought by Bengong, then what use does Bengong have for you both?”

Seeing that Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao were still hesitant, Princess Ming An’s tone lightened and said temptingly, “However if the matter is successful, Bengong will definitely speak well of you all to Prince Ding, and at least let Prince Ding get good jobs for both of you and it would not be like now, a not high enough nor low enough position. With such a deal, do you still not agree?”

Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao looked at one another and saw the entanglement in each other’s eyes.

Aspirations of the rich were achieved from danger, and people like them who entered the career would desire nothing more than to reach the top. Now Princess Ming An offered a shortcut for the both of them, seemingly only taking a short amount a time to get a step closer to their dreams.

However, kidnapping Shen Miao was indeed not an easy task. Even if the both of them had some of their own people, the Shen family originated from a military lineage and those guards were extraordinary. One fear that any of the guards around Shen Miao was highly skilled in martial arts. Moreover once Shen Miao disappeared, Shen Xin would definitely lock the entire Ding capital down tightly, and at that time one would need to spend a substantial effort to hide and transport her to a brothel.

Upon success, glory and wealth would come pouring in. Upon failure, indefinite difficulties would fall onto them.

When Princess Ming An saw their expressions, she smiled coldly, “Since both of you hesitate, then take it as Bengong had never mention about this matter before. Opportunity only comes once and Bengong will not give a second chance. Both of you withdraw. Both of you are not the only people in Ming Qi who have knowledge and guts. Bengong thinks that there will be someone who is willing to gamble on this fortune.”

“This official is willing.” Not waiting for Princess Ming An to instruct others, Xie Chang Chao cried out first as he pulled Xie Chang Wu. When Xie Chang Wu saw Xie Chang Chao speak, there was no longer any reason to decline. He then bowed down and said, “This official is willing to go through water and tread on fire without hesitation for Your Princess Highness.”

This was the indication of making this deal.

Princess Ming An smiled and said, “Get up. Since you both are putting effort to work for Bengong, Bengong will not treat you badly. Bengong will wait at the residence for your good news, and thus bide one’s time.”

After coming out of Princess Ming An’s residence and returning back to the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, the Xie brothers closed the doors of a room and discussed about the matter. Xie Chang Wu complained, “Third Younger Brother, you are too impatient to just agree in front of Princess Ming An. This matter is extremely difficult and if one was not careful, there will be disadvantages.”

Xie Chang Chao disagreed with his words, “Second Older Brother, the Princess had also said that even if we do not do it, she will find someone else to do it. Currently what you and me are lacking is not abilities but opportunity. If it is successful then naturally one would rise directly to a high position. Is not this the result that you and I wish to see?”

“But Shen Miao is not the daughter of an ordinary family.” Xie Chang Wu sighed, “Even if we are able to kidnap Shen Miao, then Shen Xin would search the entire city so it would not be safe, no matter where we hide her.”

“Is not our residence still available?” Xie Chang Chao smiled.

Xie Chang Wu looked at him, “Are you saying?”

“No matter how much Shen Xin search the entire city, there would be no reason to search our residence. No matter how suspicious he is of others, he would not suspect that it is us that kidnapped Shen Miao. We have no grief with Shen Miao so why would we kidnap her?” Xie Chang Chao smiled, “Absolutely perfect.”

Xie Chang Wu who had some expression of worries also gradually relaxed and listen to Xie Chang Chao speak, “But how to kidnap Shen Miao, it still require both of us to deliberate at length.”

Shen Miao was not aware of the agreement between the Xie brothers and Princess Ming An. The light dimmed early during the winter days in the Ding capital thus not long after dinner, the skies were already dark. As there were more court matters these days, Shen Xin and the rest were so busy that it became advantageous for Shen Miao.

However, today she was replying to invitations under the lamp.

Feng An Ning had sent her a number of invitations, but because she had the matter of Chang Zai Qing on her mind, she did not go over a single time. She let Luo Tan go over to accompany Feng An Ning to window shop all the time but after a few times, Feng An Ning’s Young Lady’s temper blew up, and sent her an invitation that she must come out with her to shop in two days’ time. If not, they would no longer be friends.

Shen Miao thought about it and eventually felt that Feng An Ning was considered as her friend. In order to maintain this ‘hard-won’ friendship, she magnanimously prepared to reply to the invitation and agreed to meet with Feng An Ning.

After finishing writing, she passed it to Jing Zhe and both Jing Zhe and Gu Yu then closed the door and left. Shen Miao yawned for a few times and decided to rest early, so she headed towards her bed.

When she reached the side of the bed, she saw that something was rolled up into a ball at the corner of the bed moving under the blanket.

Shen Miao jumped in shock. Just now when Jing Zhe and Gu Yu were in the room, they did not detect anything that came in. Suddenly a strange thought appeared in her mind and a layer of goose bumps appeared. However after a moment she calmed down again. Speaking of which, she was one who had died once before so even if she were to see a ghost, it was something not to be afraid of.

She immediately went to the side of the bed and lifted the blanket.

Under the blanket there was a cat-like thing. Its fur was a rarely seen snow white colour and was a shaggy mess. Being cold after someone lifted the blanket, it paused first before looking up to see her.

For a moment Shen Miao was startled.

That thing was running over with joy on her bed and quickly bit the sleeves of her middle clothes. Upon closer view, it was a white tiger.

Shen Miao went crazy. From where did this white tiger came from?

She then heard a person chuckling from the dark corner, “Jiao Jiao.”

Shen Miao unconsciously turned around, but saw the white tiger cub that bit her sleeves suddenly stood up and ran towards the other side.

Under the light, his purple robes were brightly lit, and the golden embroidered dragon prints were glittering. His appearance was coated with a layer of warm by the candlelight, making him so beautiful that it seemed that she was not a person of this world.

Xie Jing Xing leaned over and picked up the white tiger that was biting the corner of his robes and carried it with his sleeves, “Naughty.”

Shen Miao blinked before she suddenly reacted. She saw the white tiger’s head revealing from his sleeves and said incredulous, “What did you call it?”

“Jiao Jiao.” Xie Jing Xing’s eyebrows curved up and he walked over unhurriedly before even asking, “Is it very fitting?”

Shen Miao was so angry that she did not want to talk to him. To use her little name for a beast’s name, was Xie Jing Xing a human?

Xie Jing Xing walked familiarly to the stool to sit and poured a cup of tea for himself before saying, “The tea is still warm. It seemed that you are very thoughtful of me.”

Shen Miao said, “Shameless.”

How would there be such a shameless man like this in the world? But Xie Jing Xing looked at the few Chrysanthemum cookies and said, “Oh? Still prepared snacks. But I am not hungry, so it is tough for you.”

That was the snacks that Jing Zhe prepared, fearing that Shen Miao would be hungry at night and Xie Jing Xing actually thought they were prepared for him? Shen Miao looked coldly at Xie Jing Xing. With this person being like this, it was better for her not to speak.

“It is tiring these few days.” Xie Jing Xing said, “Fortunately one can rest at your place for a while. Many thanks.”

Shen Miao’s heart moved. Xie Jing Xing had not come over for many days already. Even though she was not accustomed of him coming unsolicited at night, at this moment some thoughts appeared in her mind. She asked, “What have you done?”

Xie Jing Xing smiled but it was not a smile as he looked at her, “Again trying to dig information from me.”

Shen Miao did not say anything.

“It is not fair to be always like this.” Xie Jing Xing said leisurely, “You know a lot of my secrets but I know nothing about you. Why not you talk about your stuff?”

Shen Miao rolled her eyes at Xie Jing Xing in her heart. One knew that Xie Jing Xing had the Feng Xian Pawnshop, an intelligence station, under him and all of the big and small matters of the Ming Qi were well in the palm of his hands, yet he still shamelessly said that he knew nothing. Shen Miao felt that Xie Jing Xing was even more dangerous.

“Prince Rui can go and look for Manager Ji for any enquiries.” Shen Miao coolly said, “Manager Ji would be pleased to inform Your Highness.”

“Manager Ji does not ask about matters of the wind and moon.” Xie Jing Xing said, “The things that this Prince want to know, Manager Ji would not be able to answer and only you are able to tell this Prince.”

Shen Miao asked, “What do you want to know?”

Xie Jing Xing touched his chin and took a good and leisurely look at Shen Miao and suddenly asked, “Do you like Fu Xiu Yi?”

Shen Miao was slightly stunned.

She thought that Xie Jing Xing would asked her some inexplicably weird questions. After dealing with Xie Jing Xing for all these years, she was clearly aware that the previous understanding she had in her previous life was very superficial. A young talent that passed before his time was the not the best description of him. Xie Jing Xing was an intelligent and dangerous hunter, thus if one had a bad sense of grasp, it would be very easy for that hunter to take advantage of one’s weakness.

She was clear that she had already revealed a lot of information, and also made mistakes that would cause Xie Jing Xing to be suspicious. She even wondered how would she reply when Xie Jing Xing asked her about how she knew about the future knowledge. However she did not expect that Xie Jing Xing would ask her an unrelated question.

Why about if she liked Fu Xiu Yi? What did it got to do with the grand plan of the world?

Shen Miao asked, “Why ask this?”

When Xie Jing Xing did not answer after a long while, Shen Miao turned her head over and coincidentally meet his gaze.

Under the light, Xie Jing Xing was staring at her sideways. He was originally handsome and moving (*eyes rolled*) thus at this moment under the light, his black pupils were like stars, as if the stars that filled the skies were incomparable to his gaze (Translator: HA! I don’t believe! Ed: /headdesk). however in that brightness, there was some sense of sharpness which made others unable to look away, and became firmly locked by him.

That gaze seemed to contain something else, as if it was questioning another thing. The overbearingness and that unavoidable attitude made one eyebrows perk up.

Why was he not answering this?

Shen Miao heard her heart beating violently and she had a moment of panic. This long-standing voice came from her chest and made her helpless, but she did not display the conflict.

In the cold winter nights and with the dark candle lightly lit, the youth’s gaze was sharp, as if everything was insight as his lips gently hooked up.

“Ah-choo.” One did not know when the dust had landed on the white tiger’s nose in Xie Jing Xing’s embrace and she sneezed, awakening the two persons who were silent.

Shen Miao recovered to her senses, “Your pet is sick.” She avoided the question without a trace.

Xie Jing Xing did not continue to harp on the topic, and on the contrary picked the white tiger up and looked into her eyes, “So delicate.” Not sure who was he talking about.

Shen Miao took a deep breath, as she feel that Xie Jing Xing has ill intentions when naming this white tiger with her little name. In the future when others scold this beast, Shen Miao would inevitable think about herself. Thinking about that, she had some unhappiness on the white tiger and Xie Jing Xing also became unpleasant to her eyes.

“Since it is so delicate then let Imperial Physician Gao take a look at it.” Shen Miao said mockingly, “In any case, Imperial Physician Gao has a high level of medical skills. It is the same treating beast and people.”

Xie Jing Xing smiled, “Jiao Jiao do not like Imperial Physician Gao and only like to stick to this Prince.”

Shen Miao glared at him.

Xie Jing Xing must have done it on purpose.

“Prince Rui is not leaving?” Shen Miao said, “I want to rest.”

Xie Jing Xing was displeased, “Have time to travel with Feng An Ning for the entire day but chase this Prince out after a while. Really do not have loyalty.” Even though he said that, he stood up from his seat and walked towards the window. Suddenly he remembered something and turned back to stand by the bed and said, “About that question, tell this Prince in the future.”

His figure disappeared from the window.

Shen Miao walked over to close the window and blew out the lights before going up to bed.

The entire room fell into silence, as if the person who just came was an illusion. Only the cup of tea remaining on the table, reminded one that this was not a dream.

Everything was very real. It is just…

On the bed, Shen Miao’s hand was on top of her heart.

Just now it was violently beating and it has not subsided till now.

It was not an illusion.

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