Chapter 36: The Youth in Purple

 

The most supreme power was imperial authority. Yet what could surpass even imperial authority was the voice of the common people.

Though iron-fisted methods might silence them, when the day came that commoners dared not speak freely—when jokes spread only through glances on the street—wouldn’t that be the greatest absurdity under heaven?

The imperial family of Ming Qi was precisely such a case. Behind closed doors they committed countless filthy deeds, yet outwardly maintained a facade of caring for the country. They basked in the offerings and protection of noble families, only to shift blame onto others when convenient.

Shen Miao’s speech left the hall in silence.

The young ladies thought of their ancestors’ glory, especially those from military families, deeply moved. The male students, in the prime of youth, naturally admired heroes, for battlefield warriors commanded respect wherever they went.

But not all were pleased.

The three Ming Qi princes frowned in unison. They knew well the imperial family’s intentions toward noble houses. The Shen family was a towering tree attracting the wind—sooner or later, the Emperor would find an excuse to cut it down. Yet the Shen family’s reputation among the people was strong; destroying them would not be easy. Shen Miao’s words, while mourning soldiers, praised their service and placed warriors in the public eye. Any imperial misstep would leave them morally disadvantaged.

Was she doing this deliberately?

All eyes turned to the young lady who had fallen silent. Her robes fluttered in the cold wind, her slender frame appearing even more delicate.

Perhaps they misunderstood. She was merely a girl from the inner chambers. Her unexpected victory today was likely due to being Shen Xin’s daughter, privy to battlefield tales that gave her advantage.

Prince Yu’s gaze lingered on the purple-clad young lady. After a moment, he smiled meaningfully:
“This Shen family young lady is quite interesting.”

At his words, both Pei Lang and Fu Xiuyi frowned, unease settling in their hearts.

Prince Zhou spoke with sly implication:
“Does Uncle Prince favor that Shen family young lady? I’ve heard she is ignorant and incompetent, but seeing her now, that doesn’t seem true. Sharp-tongued, not bad-looking. If there were another aunt by marriage…” He laughed crudely. “That would be quite interesting.”

Prince Yu, brutal and vicious, had claimed countless women’s lives. If Shen Miao fell into his grasp, she would not last long. Prince Zhou’s words were immoral, yet his arrogance made them unsurprising.

Prince Jing thought further. The imperial family sought to suppress the Shen clan, yet their military power was invaluable. Whichever prince gained their support would hold advantage in succession. But if Shen Miao married Prince Yu—who no longer vied for power—the military authority would rest within the imperial household without sparking rivalry. Perhaps the best solution.

He nodded.
“The Shen family young lady is indeed quick-witted. If Uncle Prince finds her suitable, there’s no reason to object.”

Fu Xiuyi’s brow furrowed deeper. He too saw the benefits: Shen Miao’s entanglement removed, scandal avoided, and the Shen family’s military power safely placed. Yet displeasure gnawed at him, as if something was amiss.

Pei Lang glanced at Shen Miao descending the stage. Her steps were steady, her expression calm, unaware her fate was being decided by imperial heirs. He sighed inwardly—bound by their teacher-student bond, yet powerless to change her destiny.

Prince Yu waved impatiently, his smile edged with malice.
“Nephews, this prince knows what you’re thinking. Prince Yu’s household cannot handle a great buddha like the Shen family.” His gaze dropped to his crippled leg. “But the Shen family’s young lady is interesting. Taking her to play with wouldn’t be bad.”

Nearby, Su Mingfeng observed, indignation rising. Even if Shen Miao were foolish, being targeted by Prince Yu meant disaster. If Shen Xin were in the capital, it might be different, but he would not return until New Year. Without father or brothers, how could a young girl resist these wolves?

Foreseeing tragedy, Su Mingfeng sighed, gathered Su Minglang, and quietly left.

Shen Miao remained unaware of the storm brewing among the men. Jingzhe rejoiced for her, while Shen Yue’s pleasant mask cracked, her departure stiff and cold.

After the women’s validation, the men’s group began. The young ladies left to rest. Feng Anning walked beside Shen Miao, admiration finally genuine.
“You did so well just now, truly excellent.”

Shen Miao replied calmly:
“You weren’t bad either.”

Thinking of her own victory in the zither category, Feng Anning smiled.
“Hard work pays off. I’m going to fetch something from the carriage, wait for me here.”

Shen Miao waited in the plum forest of Yan Bei Hall. Though blossoms had yet to bloom, the trees stood lush and verdant.

Guyu emerged, whispering:
“Young lady, it has been delivered to Young Master Jing Dianshi’s hands. We bribed an outside servant to make the switch, absolutely safe.”

“Very good,” Shen Miao answered.

Guyu remained puzzled. Why would her young lady do such a thing, when she did not even know the Jing Dianshi heir?

Just then, a light laugh drifted from above.

All three looked up. A flash of purple descended gracefully from a treetop, landing before them.

The youth in purple was striking, his beauty beyond ordinary mortals. Arms crossed, he leaned lazily against a tree trunk, a half-smile on his lips. Yet his eyes were deep as the winter night in the capital, carrying a biting coldness.

It was Xie Jingxing.

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