Chapter 167

Chapter 167: Bestowing a Marriage (Part 1)

“The Young Lady of the Shen family?” The Crown Prince was first stunned and lose his voice saying, “Shen Miao?”

Fu Xiu Yi looked at him and smiled without saying anything.

“No.” The Crown Prince shook his head, “The Young Lady of the Shen family is the pearl on General Shen’s hands and is currently not engage till now. One fear that he view his daughter’s lifelong matter very seriously and importantly so why would he be willing to marry her to the Eastern Palace? Moreover,” The Crown Prince looked at Fu Xiu Yi and smiled, “Everyone in the Ding capital know that at the beginning the Young Lady of the Shen family had Ninth Younger Brother in her heart. I would not be able to gain her affection.”

Fu Xiu Yi laughed and shook his head, “How would she have me in her heart? That was only a joke when one was young. Otherwise you have seen in these few years, she had not given me any special treatment these few years and it was even colder than outsiders.”

The Crown Prince thought about it carefully. It was indeed so. In these two years, it seemed that when Shen Miao saw Fu Xiu Yi, there was no warm like previous and both of them were so cold that it made them princes feel puzzled. Having said that, the Crown Prince still said, “Maybe it was because you are not affectionate with others so Young Lady Shen is angry with you.”

“Eldest Brother better not tease me.” Fu Xiu Yi smiled, “Furthermore the Shen family is not the in-laws that I can climb onto. I am however willing to look for a wife with a less prominent status since it would be much of ease. Speaking of which,” Fu Xiu Yi said seriously, “Why does Eldest Brother have to work from the side of General Shen and Young Lady Shen? The parents will make the decision of the children marriages. The best method for this matter is to give it to Imperial Father.”

“Imperial Father?”

“Correct.” Fu Xiu Yi saw that the wine cup of the Crown Prince was empty and filled it to the brim. He then said slowly, “Imperial Father dotes Eldest Brother the most and would definitely support Eldest Brother and will seek a strong support for Eldest Brother. If Eldest Brother want to marry Young Lady Shen, Imperial Father will definitely be happy to make it come true. As such, with an Imperial edict to bestow marriage, everything will be solved.”

“Ninth Younger Brother had thought about it too simple.” The Crown Prince shook his head, “Nothing forcibly done is going to be agreeable. One know that the Young Lady of the Shen family is not willing to marry me and because of the Imperial edict, she had to enter the Eastern Palace, in the future she will have grievances about it. General Shen will also have grievances with Imperial Father. This marriage would not be successful and one will become enemies. Then it would be bad.”

“Why would Eldest Brother think so?” Fu Xiu Yi looked at him with surprise, “All the females in the world only seek for a wealth and peaceful future. Even though one will not be the official consort after marrying into the Eastern Palace, the Secondary Consort identity is not of a lowly position. In the future when Eldest Brother is enthroned, the Young Lady of the Shen family naturally will be raised to a Consort position. Eldest Brother has a warm temperament and as long as one treats the Young Lady of the Shen family well, one’s heart would be seen in the future so why would there be grievances towards Eldest Brother? Just like Eldest Sao who was bestowed to Eldest Brother by Imperial Father, but now is single-mindedly helping Eldest Brother to plan.”

When the Crown Prince heard of it, he felt that Fu Xiu Yi’s words were somewhat reasonable. In the beginning the Crown Prince Consort also married due to the Emperor’s Imperial edict and before that they did not see one another much. Initially there were various unwillingness but now, she had deeply rooted feelings for the Crown Prince and would keep thinking for the Crown Prince.

“Females are all like this. If one marry a chick one will follow the chicken and when one marry a dog, one will follow the dog. As long as one treat her better, she will whole-heartedly follow one’s husband. Eldest Brother is a dragon among people so how could one unable to tame a female?”

The Crown Prince was a little embarrassed with Fu Xiu Yi’s words and waved his hands continuously. Both bothers confide with entire sincerity and exchanging cups of wine. It was really joyous and harmonious.

It was only when the night was deep and after Fu Xiu Yi left the Eastern Palace, the drunkenness was swept away from the Crown Prince’s face. Instead in its place, there was somewhat of a clarity.

The aides walked out from behind and asked the Crown Prince probingly, “Your Highness, just now the Ninth Highness’s words…”

“Ninth Younger Brother is sending a plum to steal a peach in turn.” The Crown Prince laughed and naturally picked up his wine cup, “It is rather courageous. Now that Imperial Father is suspicious of him in his heart, he dared to show goodwill to my Eastern Palace. From this, it is true that us brothers had underestimated him.”

“Then the proposal that the Ninth Highness had mentioned, to let Your Highness seek a relation with the Shen family. What does Your Highness think about it?” The aide asked.

The Crown Prince put down the cup in his hands and a light flashed in his eyes, “Although his heart is not right, his scheme can be used. I indeed need the Shen family’s power. Shen Miao is a good chess piece, it won’t hurt to marry her in.” He then smiled again, “Since one has a good appearance, it is of no matter to coax her a bit.”

The aide nodded his head, “Your Highness is agreeing to the matter?”

The Crown Prince looked at the wine flagon on the table, “This Prince will personally mention this matter to Imperial Father and will also remember the sentiments of Ninth Younger Brother.”

As Fu Xiu Yi expected, within a few days, the Crown Prince really mentioned the matter to Emperor Wen Hui. Emperor Wen Hui did not immediately agree but also did not refused and instead looked at the Crown Prince meaningfully before finally laughing, “Not bad. Zhen kept thinking that you have not improve but you have finally grew up.” Afterwards he said, “Zhen will consider it.”

After the Crown Prince left, Emperor Wen Hui then said to Su GongGong beside him, “Zhen had not think that the Crown Prince would actually want to marry Shen Miao.”

Su GongGong said with a smile, “The Young Lady of the Shen family is excellent in learnings and behaviour. The Crown Prince’s foresight is excellent.”

“Enough of it.” Emperor Wen Hui dismissed it, “Zhen is not one without a brain. It is Number Nine that pointed out a clear route for the Crown Prince so what is the meaning of it?” From his words, he knew that Fu Xiu Yi was the one that came out with the idea of the marriage with the Shen family.

Su GongGong was cautious and did not speak. These family matters of the Imperial family all had a death word in it. She was only a servant and dared not mixed into it.

“However it is good. Zhen wanted to support the Crown Prince since Prince Zhou and Prince Li have no longer put Zhen in their eyes. Zhen also cannot understand Number Nine. With the support of the Shen family, the Crown Prince can balance off with Prince Zhou and Prince Li and also control the Shen family’s military power in one’s hand. It will save Zhen some effort. It is just that…” Emperor Wen Hui smiled as he looked at the memorandum on the table before closing it up and standing up, “Set off to Kun Ning Palace.”

*****

Luo Xue Yan received a message from the Palace to bring Shen Miao to the Palace tomorrow and was confused for a moment. She still thought that there were some issues with Shen Xin’s side and asked Shen Xin but he also could not figure it out. Both husband and wife would be particularly cautious with regards to the Imperial family. However even though one’s heart was cautious, they dare not show it to Shen Miao, fearing that Shen Miao would be scared.

Even though Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan tried their best to say it casually, how could Shen Miao’s heart be able to relax? Without any rhyme or reason the Fu family would definitely not let Luo Xue Yan bring her into the Palace. But she had no clue what exactly this matter was for. Pei Lang had not wrote to her for a long time and if there was a letter, most likely she could still guess Fu Xiu Yi’s next move… Shen Miao’s heard suddenly moved. That was right, why had Pei Lang not written to her for such a long time?

Even if it was the past, even if there was no major event, Pei Lang would also write a letter to her but a long time had passed already. A faint conjecture formed in Shen Miao’s heart, could it be that… Pei Lang was unable to write to her? Was it because Fu Xiu Yi had discovered him?

The more her heart felt chaotic. Ever since the strange encounter with that inexplicably mad priest in Pu Tuo Monastery, it was difficult for Shen Miao’s heart to calm down. She wanted to know who was the benefactor with the fate of ‘a fierce dragon overcomes the Heavens’. She also really want to know who was the person who gave her the opportunity to relive one more time but after thinking back and forth, she had no clue and instead mad her mood much more restless.

Shen Miao could not help but look up at the window. The windows were closed tightly. Xie Jing Xing said that in the future there was no need to open the window and he could still come in but these days Xie Jing Xing did not appear at all. Shen Miao draped her outerwear and walked over to the window to open it. The scene outside was the night wind and cold weather. Shen Miao grabbed onto her outerwear tighter.

Suddenly there was a flash of a figure. Cong Yang had stood up from the corner of the wall and asked as he looked at Shen Miao, “Is Young Lady looking for Master?”

Shen Miao was caught off guard and jumped in shock. She was clutching her chest in annoyance and said, “No.”

Cong Lang seemed not to have heard Shen Miao words and continued speaking in all seriousness, “Master is recently not in Ding capital. Young Lady need not need to wait for him here.”

“I am not waiting for him.” Shen Miao stressed, “I am only letting some air in.”

Cong Yang did not speak and Shen Miao had thought about something and asked, “Cong Yang, if I enter the Palace, can you go in together?”

When Cong Yang heard it, he was stunned for a bit before saying somewhat sorrowful, “This subordinate is not one from the Palace and not familiar with the Palace’s terrain. If one were to follow Young Lady in, there would not be places to hide and one is unable to guarantee that one would not be discovered.”

Shen Miao’s eyes hang down. Since Cong Yang could not guarantee not to be discovered then forget about it. After thinking, no matter what kind of play the Imperial family was putting up, they would not take action in the Palace since Luo Xue Yan was still there. Upon thinking to this point, she was relieved and said, “It’s alright.”

“If Young Lady have anything to say, do tell this subordinate. When this subordinate send the letter over, one will also bring it to Master.” Cong Yang looked at Shen Miao and said what he wanted to say.

Shen Miao closed the window with a loud ‘Ba’. What kind of subordinate would have what kind of Master. Just don’t even listen to what others said.

At the other end, in the residence of Prince Rui, Gao Yang and Ji Yu Shu was studying a map at the moment. The map was densely covered in many places and when one look closely, it was a military defence map.

The guard outside came to report, “Gao Daren and Young Master Ji, tomorrow the Young Lady of the Shen family will be entering the Palace. Must one send a letter to His Highness?”

“Enter the Palace?” Ji Yu Shu asked, “Is there anything the matter?”

The guard shook his head.

Ji Yu Shu sighed, “These days one was busy drawing up this map and did not help Third Older Brother to watch Young Lady Shen. It would be bad when Third Older Brother return since one would not know anything when he ask. You and me will be out of luck.” He hit Gao Yang, “You have people in the Palace , is there anything happening recently?”

“Nothing.” Gao Yang thought about it and said, “Don’t send the letter first. He is currently busy with official matters and cannot have distractions. Since there is no news from Cong Yang, it should not be serious. If something really happen, we can just block it.”

That guard complied and left.

Ji Yu Shu looked at Gao Yang, “Why do I feel that your way of doing things is not proper?”

“There is nothing not proper.” Gao Yang said impatiently, “Look at the map.”

Ji Yu Shu muttered, “Anyways, if anything happens and when Third Older Brother asked why it was not reported in time, I will say that it was you who let…”

*****

On the second day, Shen Miao followed Luo Xue Yan into the Palace.

Everything when they entered the Palace, something would always happen. Luo Xue Yan was somewhat vigilant but Shen Miao seemed to be accustomed to it. This was because she already knew that the Heaven’s family did not have good intentions so she was not nervous.

The palace maid took them directly to Kun Ning Palace.

Upon reaching Kun Ning Palace, one first saw the Empress who was sitting at the main seat. The Consort that was sitting beside the Empress had a gentle smile, with beautiful but plain clothes worn. It was none other than Dong Su Consort.

The Empress and Dong Su Consort? Shen Miao’s heart was up on alert.

The Empress was the birth mother of the Crown Prince and had a conventional husband and wife relationship with Emperor Wen Hui. However most probably because the Empress was born from a wealthy family, the entire journey to the current position was smooth sailing, her whole heart was focused on the Crown Prince’s health and did not have the heart to fight for power in the Inner Palace. Thus it was rather like thunder passing and wind moving. However at the end it was this Consort Dong Su who was the most unobtrusive could not be beaten.

Consort Dong Su had always stayed out of the matters in the Inner Palace, just like Fu Xiu Yi, watching other consorts fight till heads were broken and blood flowed. Naturally there was still one more point, which was she had a bit of power that no one knew of. It was that bit of power that would drive things to the worst. Using another’s knife to kill others, causing the calamity? No one could play it better than Consort Dong Su.

If one were to say that Mei Furen was brazen, fearless, arrogant and rampant, then Consort Dong Su was gentle and warm as she bring a knife with a smile. Therefore when the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law saw one another, Consort Dong Su looked down on Shen Miao but was very appreciative of Mei Furen.

Shen Miao looked at the current situation and knew that the Empress would be used as a knife by Consort Dong Su. After all, Consort Dong Su was the kind of person who ensures that she would have the highest profit no matter what she did.

Chapter 167: Bestowing a Marriage (Part 2)

The Empress smiled as she let Luo Xue Yan seat but waved Shen Miao over, indicating for Shen Miao to come forward.

Shen Miao went up to the front and the Empress look up and down to size her up. She smiled and said to Consort Dong Su, “What a tidy and complete person.”

Luo Xue Yan was somewhat restless and only wished to grab Shen Miao and step out of this Palace doors. It was just that as an official, there are too many considerations. She was not clear what the Empress was planning but as a mother she had an intuition, especially towards people who attempt to use one’s children.

“How old this year?” The Empress asked.

“Replying to Your Ladyship’s words, this official’s daughter is sixteen.” Shen Miao answered.

The Empress smiled and took Shen Miao’s hands, “When BenGong is in the Palace, one would always hear that General Shen’s daughter had both looks and talents. Previously one had saw in the Palace banquet before and felt extremely pleased. Thinking that these days are filled with leisure, one called Shen Furen to bring Young Lady Shen to the Palace to take a look.” She sighed, “Sixteen and look so intelligent. One do not know which family’s gentleman is fortunate to marry Young Lady Shen.”

Luo Xue Yan’s heart thumped and her hands that was hanging by her side clenched. Shen Miao’s heart jumped but she had understood more or less the Empress purpose of summoning them into the Palace.

Consort Dong Su also smiled, “Isn’t it so? So beautiful in appearance and well behaved. One is unable to find a single arrogance all over. It is indeed rare to see such a young lady.”

“Shen Furen, does Young Lady Shen have a marriage match?” The Empress asked with a smile.

Luo Xue Yan’s heart was up in knots but she quickly replied, “One not afraid of Your Ladyship’s laughing. Lately one is looking at suitable young masters to match with one’s daughter.” If the Imperial family had this intention then one fear that one had already inquired about Shen Miao’s matter very clearly. One dared not hide anything else it would be a crime of fooling the Imperial family.

“So it is like this.” The Empress’s smile was deeper, “How about BenGong being the matchmaker for Young Lady Shen?”

“No.” Luo Xue Yan did not even think before opening her mouth. Seeing that the Empress’ expression had gotten unkind, she then explained, “One’s daughter is still young and this official cannot bear to marry her off and still want her to stay a few more years.”

When the Empress heard of it, she smiled, “Shen Furen’s words are not right. It is always said that daughters cannot be retained as one would become enemies. You kept on dragging and not let Young Lady Shen marry, in the future Young Lady Shen will blame you for it. Is that correct Young Lady Shen?”

Shen Miao took a look at the Empress and smiled, “This official’s daughter also wish to accompany by Mother’s side.” She did not give any face to the Empress at all.

The Empress’s smile was no longer refreshing. She stared at Shen Miao as she did not know if Shen Miao had no brains thus she dared to be so arrogant or did she slap her face on purpose. Seeing such a female like this become her daughter-in-law, in a short moment, the Empress’s heart was not happy at all.

It was Consort Dong Su who saw that the atmosphere was so rigid that she smiled warmly, “Shen Furen and Young Lady Shen has deep feelings as mother and daughter that one is so envious. But…” Her topic of conversation changed, “A female must be married. Moreover even if one marry, it does not means that mother’s and daughter’s feelings cannot be deep anymore.”

These words were said to help smooth things over but unfortunately Luo Xue Yan and Shen Miao did not carry on Consort Dong Su’s conversation.

Consort Dong Su was somewhat flabbergasted in her heart. Previously when Shen Miao was obsessed with Fu Xiu Yi, Consort Dong Su thought that Shen Miao was an idiotic female without brains but after taking a look at her, she felt that this was not true. She felt that Shen Miao had some intelligence and knew the weight of matters but who knew that today’s visit, she was really birthed by Luo Xue Yan. Both mother and daughter were the same, did not take soft or hard approaches.

The Empress did not seem to be accustomed to be close with another, especially when the other’s attitude was not at all warm. However today she only wanted to wear it in, so that the Shen family could make preparations. Actually the Empress did not care what the Shen family’s attitude was. No matter how big Shen Xin’s guts were or how much he loved his daughter, he would not go against the Imperial edict. No matter how big one’s arm was, it would not exceed one’s thighs. Under the Imperial power, everyone would bow down.

After chatting some more sentences of not warm nor cold words, she let Luo Xue Yan and Shen Miao return back.

On the way back, Luo Xue Yan did not say a single word at all. Shen Miao was also thinking about her matter. This kind of heavy and silence atmosphere scared Jing Zhe and Gu Yu as they thought that something happened.

Upon returning to the Shen mansion, Shen Xiu and Luo Ling had also just returned from the ministry and asked them why did the Empress summon them to the Palace for. Luo Xue Yan answered them vaguely before pulling Shen Xin back to the room.

As soon as they entered the room, Luo Xue Yan told Shen Xin about what the Empress said to her in the Palace today. At the end of it she asked, “I guessed that Empress’ intention was to bestow marriage for Jiao Jiao. What can be done now?”

Shen Xin’s entire face sunk down, “Bestow marriage? She is my daughter, so on what grounds do they bestow marriage? It is due to our support that Jiao Jiao grew up so on what basis does others have the power to make the decision on Jiao Jiao’s marriage?”

“I guess the Empress wants to let Jiao Jiao marry the Crown Prince.” Luo Xue Yan said. “Today there are both hidden and outright repeat mentions of the Crown Prince’s health improving. This is not good. The Crown Prince already have a Crown Prince Consort so if Jiao Jiao marries over, at the most she would be the Secondary Consort. A Secondary Consort is only a concubine with a little higher status. I am not willing to let Jiao Jiao marry over and still have to serve tea to another female and live under other’s nose. Thinking about this, my heart started to be anxious. Moreover, so what if the Crown Prince’s position and character is good? I do not dare to pass Jiao Jiao over to him with his health.”

“No matter which Prince it is, Jiao Jiao cannot marry to them.” There was an unexplainable foul air in Shen Xin’s chest that he simply slammed his fist on the table, making the cup shake a little.

“You are afraid that when Jiao Jiao marries over, our entire Shen family would be involved in the turmoil of the fight for the throne?” Luo Xue Yan said, “Correct, with the current situation, these people are like the wine-lover’s heart which was not on the cup. Once one is related with the Imperial family, the Shen family would not be able to run away in the future.”

“It is not because of this reason.” Shen Xin gave a long sigh, “The sons of the Imperial family are all inconstant in love and has groups of concubine and consorts. If Jiao Jiao married in, she will not be happy. So what if the Crown Prince becomes the Emperor in the future, so what if he is healthy, there is three palaces, six courtyards and twelve consorts. There isn’t enough rain for everywhere. I do not want Jiao Jiao to live that kind of life. Moreover, just like you say, they are not truly sincere in marrying Jiao Jiao. My son-in-law does not need to be a Prince or Prime Minister in the making and do not need to be wearing embroidered brocade hat and marten coat but he must treat Jiao Jiao with all his thoughts and efforts. If one cannot do that, then even the Emperor of Heavens would not do.”

When Shen Miao, who was at the door eavesdropping, heard this sentence, a warm feeling enveloped her heart. In this world, there were still loved ones who would support her unconditionally and willing to offend the bigwigs but not willing to let her suffer a single grievance.

One only heard Luo Xue Yan speaking again, “Exactly. Since it is so, Jiao Jiao must not marry into the Eastern Palace. It is just that once the Imperial edict, it would be bad if the matter is settled. So now what should be done?”

Shen Xine frowned and thought about it, “Before the Imperial edict comes, quickly marry Jiao Jiao off. It is just that in such a short time, it is difficult to be engaged. Moreover one would not know the other party’s character. No matter what, today I will get people to look for some talents and if there are ones with good character and Jiao Jiao does not dislike, then just settle it down.” Shen Xin said, “In short, one must not let Jiao Jiao marry into the Imperial family.”

One could not describe the inexplicable feeling in Shen Miao’s heart. The voices in the room had gotten softer, and it should be discussing about which youths of which families are within reasonable limits. Shen Miao turned around and was just about to return to her room when she saw Shen Qiu and Luo Ling standing behind. Both of them were frowning and one did not know when they had been standing here and heard how much.

Shen Qiu pulled Shen Miao along as he walked away.

They walked directly to Shen Miao’s courtyard and after Shen Qiu and Luo Ling entered the room and let the maids leave, they closed the doors and said, “Younger Sister, the Empress want to bestow a marriage for you to the Crown Prince?”

It seemed that they had heard it and since Shen Miao had no intention to conceal it, she nodded her head.

Shen Qiu slammed his fist onto the tale and clenched his teeth, “That’s going too far.”

Shen Miao instead laughed, “How many people wished to climb up the high branches of the Eastern Palace but why when it reached to you, it has become bullying? Eldest Brother’s sight is just too high. Like so, everyone in Ding capital will not be able to enter your eyes.”

Shen Qiu said in a bad mood, “Jiao Jiao, how can your heart be this big? I am worried for you but instead you laugh at me.”

Luo Ling looked at Shen Miao and said warmly, “How does Younger Biao Sister view this matter?”

Shen Miao shrugged her shoulders, “Do one’s best and listen to Heaven’s will.”

“Younger Biao Sister doesn’t object?” Luo Ling’s voice was odd.

“Father and Mother had already looked for a way out for me.” Shen Miao said it without much care, as if the matter discussed was not about her lifelong matter. She said, “Find some young talents and if I find the person pleasing to the eyes, then quickly get engaged before the Imperial edict comes to the Shen mansion. This will do.” She smiled again, “Don’t worry. My vision is not as high as Eldest Brother so it is not difficult to search for one suitable.”

Shen Qiu muttered, “One don’t know which family’s kid would have it convenient…” Shen Miao pretend she did not hear it.

Luo Ling walked closer a step and asked, “If you have not find a suitable one and before that happen, the Imperial edict comes down, what will Younger Biao Sister do?”

Shen Qiu said, “Younger Biao Brother, how could you say so unlucky things?”

However Luo Ling was staring at Shen Miao, seemingly obsessed in getting an answer from Shen Miao.

Shen Miao smiled, “Then just married.”

“Younger Sister.” Shen Qiu cried out.

“Else what?” Shen Miao said, “Could it be that one will let the Shen family bear the crime of resisting the Imperial degree? Implicate the entire family because of me, one person? Just because I am stubborn and not willing to marry, the family will suffer misfortune with me? Eldest Brother, is this something you wished to see? Eldest Brother, let me ask you, if you were me and the Empress want to bestow marriage to you, what will you do? Will you say that you will die and not marry?”

Shen Qiu kept quiet.

If it was him, he would accept the marriage bestowment for Shen Miao’s and his parents’ sake. If sacrificing himself would exchange a peace of mind for the entire household, then Shen Qiu felt that there was nothing he wouldn’t do.

“Eldest Brother would also be like me.” Shen Miao said lightly, “Not everyone in the world would be able to do what they wished and everyone would have things they have no choice but to do. Do one’s best and listen to Heaven’s will. I will do my best to avoid such a result but if it cannot be avoided then it is of no big deal. One will just marry.” Shen Miao looked at Shen Qiu, “A husband and a marriage is far less important than one’s loved ones.”

“But that is the happiness of your entire life.” Shen Qiu’s eyes was a little sour. He did not know why when his Younger Sister spoke about marriage and husband, her gaze was so emotionless and there was even some disgust. But he had instinctively felt that Shen Miao was at the age of a young female but did not live the expectation and had the dreams of what a young female should have. This meant that it was him who did not take care of his Younger Sister well.

“Happiness is depended on oneself to achieve and not gain by depending on another.” Shen Miao said, “Could it be that by marrying another, it would guarantee happiness in my entire life? No matter if it is the Crown Prince or another person, can one be certain that in the future, after tens of years, he would not bring in concubines and switch sides? I do not believe it.”

“Younger Sister, you cannot think like this. You are not married now and cannot think others to be so terrible. You also cannot view life…. In vicissitude.” Just like a married woman who was exhausted after experiencing thousands of journeys.

Luo Ling only looked at Shen Miao thoughtfully. His lips moved but he finally did not say anything.

Shen Miao eyes suspended. Husband? Marriage? In her previous life time these were the areas that she had tumbled down badly and to her, they were the two words that carried the most pain and injuries. She did not want to fall at the same place twice. Without any expectation, there will be no pain.

Her smile was cold, “It is not me who thought badly, it is Eldest Brother who think too complicatedly. It is just marrying another. Females all need to marry and if one marry well, it would be peaceful for one’s life. Even if one fear that life is not good in the residence of the Crown Prince, I will not let the people who harm me live well.”