The most supreme power is the imperial authority. Even more powerful than the imperial authority is the people's voice.
It is certainly possible to suppress it with an iron-blooded approach, but when that day really comes, the people will not dare to speak out, and the joke will spread on the streets. Wouldn't that be the biggest joke in the world?
The Ming Qi royal family was like this: they were clearly corrupt and had committed countless filthy deeds, yet they pretended to be concerned about the country. They comfortably enjoyed the offerings and protection of the aristocratic families, but in the end, they would turn the tables and blame them.
Shen Miao's words gradually silenced everyone present.
The daughters thought of the glory of their ancestors, and if the family had military commanders, they were even more tempted. The male students were at the age of full vigor and vitality. Soldiers on the battlefield were admired wherever they went, so they naturally worshipped heroes.
But some people are not so happy.
The three Mingqi princes present all frowned in unison. While others might not know, they knew what the royal family was thinking about when it came to treating such aristocratic families. The Shen family, with its size, attracted attention, and sooner or later, the emperor would use some other excuse to eliminate them. However, the Shen family had enjoyed a good reputation among the people for so many years, and it would take time to bring them down. Shen Miao's words, seemingly mourning the soldiers, were actually eulogizing their merits and placing them in the spotlight. Any inappropriateness on the part of the royal family would be a moral failing.
Did she do it on purpose?
Everyone looked up. After the girl finished speaking, she fell silent. Her robe was a little loose, rustling in the cold wind, making her figure look even more slender.
Perhaps I was mistaken, she was just a girl from the boudoir. The reason she was able to take the top spot this time was because she was Chen Xin's daughter, and Chen Xin had really told her about these things on the battlefield, which made her take advantage of it.
Prince Yu's eyes followed the purple-robed girl intently. After a moment, he suddenly smiled meaningfully, "This Miss Shen is quite interesting."
For some reason, when Prince Yu said this, Pei Lang and Fu Xiuyi both frowned, with a bad feeling in their hearts.
Upon hearing this, Prince Zhou asked meaningfully, "Uncle Wang, do you like Miss Shen? I heard that Miss Shen was a fool and ignorant, but now it seems that's not entirely true. She's eloquent and pretty. If there were another wife like you..." He laughed lewdly, "That would be quite interesting."
Prince Yu is now over forty years old, and he is also brutal and cruel. He has toyed with countless women to death. If Shen Miao fell into his hands, she would probably die soon. Prince Zhou's words were a bit outrageous, but he was arrogant by nature, so it was not surprising for others to say them. However, putting a young girl into such a dangerous trap was truly unethical.
Prince Jing, however, had a more far-sighted vision than his brother. While the imperial family was intent on suppressing the Shen family, the Shen family held military power, akin to a powerful lord possessing a precious treasure. Any prince who secretly received support from the Shen family would be a huge bargaining chip in their bid for the throne. However, if Shen Miao married Prince Yu, who would no longer be able to fight for power, it would be equivalent to placing military power within the imperial family, away from the covetousness of any prince. Perhaps this would be the best approach.
Thinking of this, Prince Jing Fu Xiuxuan nodded and said, "Miss Shen is very talented and quick-witted. If Uncle Wang thinks it's good, there's nothing wrong with that."
Fu Xiuyi's frown deepened. He had naturally considered everything Prince Jing could consider. Knowing that Shen Miao was marrying into Prince Yu's mansion was a hundredfold advantage for him, with no downsides. Firstly, at least he could escape Shen Miao's entanglement, saving him from a romantic scandal. Secondly, the Shen family's military power was too hot to handle. Even if he wanted to use it, he feared it would arouse the Emperor's suspicion, making it more costly than gain. It would be better to keep it in Prince Yu's mansion and wait for an opportunity. But for some reason, he couldn't help but feel a nagging displeasure, as if this wasn't the right thing to do.
Pei Lang glanced worriedly at Shen Miao as she walked off the stage. She walked calmly, her expression serene, perhaps unaware that her fate was already in the hands of this group of royal children. He sighed inwardly. After all, they were a teacher and a student. However, he was just a small teacher, unable to change anything. He could only feel sorry for Shen Miao's fate.
Prince Yu waved his hands impatiently, not seeming particularly happy. The smile on his lips was indeed somewhat sinister. "My nephew, I am not unaware of your plans. Prince Yu's Mansion cannot afford the Shen family's great Buddha." His eyes fell on his stump. "However, Miss Shen is interesting. It wouldn't be bad to bring her over to play with."
Su Mingfeng glanced over here. He and Fu Xiuyi and the others were standing close together, intently observing the situation on stage, but a sense of resentment lingered within him. Even if Shen Miao was a fool, she would be in great danger if she were targeted by Prince Yu. If Shen Xin were in Dingjing, it would be fine. Unfortunately, Shen Xin wouldn't be back until the end of the year. Without her father and brother to protect her, how could a young girl stand up to these vicious wolves?
As if he had anticipated the tragic ending, Su Mingfeng sighed, brought Su Minglang to Mr. Su, and quietly left the table.
Shen Miao was unaware of the changes taking place at the men's table. Jing Zhe was very happy for Shen Miao, but Shen Yue, finally unable to maintain her good expression, left the table somewhat stiffly.
After the women's group finished their checks, it was the men's group's turn. The women who had already been checked left their seats to rest. Feng An Ning followed Shen Miao. This previously proud girl finally showed a look of genuine admiration towards Shen Miao. She said, "You did a really good job just now. It was really great."
Shen Miao replied calmly: “You are not bad either.”
Perhaps thinking of his first-place finish in the Qin category, Feng Anning smiled and said, "Hard work pays off. I'm going to get something from the carriage. Please wait here for me."
After Feng An Ning left, Shen Miao went to the plum forest in Yanbei Hall to wait for her. The plum blossoms were not in bloom at this time of year, but the trees were lush and green.
Guyu walked out, looked around, and whispered, "Miss, it has been delivered to the hands of the Imperial Court official. He bribed the servants outside to replace it. It is guaranteed to be safe."
“Very good.” Shen Miao said.
Guyu was still a little confused, not understanding why her daughter would do this. After all, there was no way her daughter could know the son of the Jingdianshi family.
At that moment, they heard a soft laugh overhead. The three of them looked up and saw a streak of purple falling from a nearby tree branch, landing in front of them in an instant.
The young man in purple was too handsome to be an ordinary person. He leaned lazily against the tree trunk with his arms folded across his chest, a smile on his lips, but his eyes were as deep as a winter night in Dingjing, carrying a chill.
It was Xie Jingxing.
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