Chapter 372: Meeting Again in the Palace (1)

"What do you mean?" Ji Yushu asked.

Gao Yang stroked his chin: "Since they want to deal with Prince Ding, they are not from Prince Ding's faction. The Crown Prince, Prince Zhou, Prince Li, which side is Shen Miao on?"

"Neither side." Xie Jingxing said.

"Huh?" Ji Yushu was surprised. "Why is it neither here nor there again?"

Xie Jingxing's eyes softened slightly: "Pei Lang is not an ordinary person, he just hasn't entered the officialdom yet, so he seems immature now. You all heard it just now, Shen Miao's tricks, Shen Xin may not be as smooth as her."

She was slippery, neither admitting nor denying, neither refusing nor accepting. Even a minister with many years of experience in the political arena might not be as adept as she was. Shen Xin was a military commander, as was Luo Xueyan. Where did Shen Miao learn this trick? Was there someone behind the Shen family directing her? He had originally thought so, but now it seemed certain that it was all Shen Miao's own idea. If she were the Crown Prince or another prince's servant, she would never have used such a step-by-step approach. Each prince had his own power behind him, so how could she resort to such a clumsy method?

Yet, she maximized her goals within her capabilities. One can't help but wonder how much more she could stir up if given enough background and power. Even if she doesn't have the chips now, she can slowly cultivate the pieces.

The world is like a chess game, and in Mingqi's chess game, there are too many people playing the game. However, Xie Jingxing never included Shen Miao in it. She was a weak woman and had no motives.

But now, Xie Jingxing saw the girl's ambition through her ability to recruit heroes under a glass of wine.

"But we still don't know how she knew Pei Lang's background." Ji Yushu said, "Even Fengxian Pawnshop hasn't found out."

Prefect Pei had gone to great lengths to save his son, and he must have made every possible preparation. Pei Lang had indeed lived up to his father's expectations, neither seeking revenge nor harboring resentment. He hid his identity and became a teacher. No one would notice him, but Shen Miao saw through his ruse and used Liuying as a pawn to turn the tables on Pei Lang.

I don’t know where he got the information from, just like the Chen brothers before.

"Don't worry about her." Xie Jingxing said, "Have you finished writing the memorial to the handsome man?"

"It's written." Gao Yang frowned. "But are you really sure...? Once you start, there's no turning back. And they haven't received any news about your plan yet. What if they don't agree..."

"Do as I say." Xie Jingxing stood up.

…

Back in the west courtyard of the Shen Mansion, Shen Miao changed her clothes and had just done her hair when she saw Bai Lu hurried in and said, "Miss, Madam asked you to go inside to discuss something important."

The New Year had passed, and spring was almost here. Because Chen Xin had petitioned Emperor Wenhui to stay in Dingjing for another half year, Luo Xueyan had found her life much easier. She kept buying clothes and jewelry for Shen Miao, or else had Shen Qiu take her out for food, drinks, and entertainment. Sometimes, Shen Miao herself felt like she was being treated like a spoiled brat by the Chen Xin couple.

Shen Miao casually put her hair up and went to Luo Xueyan's room. When she entered, she was surprised to see Shen Xin and Shen Qiu there. Seeing her come in, Luo Xueyan hurriedly pulled her to sit beside her and asked, "What did Jiaojiao do outside today?"

Shen Miao asked Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang to stay in the house. If anyone asked, she would say she was out for a walk. She said, "I was just strolling around and passed by Happy House. I brought a few jars of strong liquor for my father and eldest brother."

"You're worthy of being Daddy's good boy!" Chen Xin's eyes lit up when he heard that. He said, "This Dingjing City wine is too sweet, cloying and greasy. It can't even be called wine! Strong liquor is better, it's refreshing!"