Luo Xueyan became more and more cautious. As long as Shen Miao was involved, she had no choice but to be vigilant. Just as she was thinking, she heard Consort Dong say with a smile, “Madam, don’t be nervous. The reason why the two of us invited you to the palace today is actually just to chat with you.” After a pause, she continued, “The two of us have never been to the Northwest. Madam, we’re very curious about the North, so we wanted to ask you about it.”
Consort Dong’s voice was gentle and amiable, like a spring breeze that comforted people’s hearts. However, Luo Xueyan did not relax, and Shen Miao became even more suspicious. She knew that Emperor Wen Hui must have some other motive for summoning them to the palace today. Emperor Wen Hui wanted to probe something through the mouths of Consort Xu and Consort Dong. One of them was domineering, and the other was gentle. With the two consorts working together, it was easy for people to be confused and fall into a trap.
Shen Miao was a little nervous.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Luo Xueyan smiled. “It’s just that the North has always been boring. I’m afraid Your Highness won’t like it.”
“It’s fine.” Consort Dong smiled and said, “I wouldn’t have invited you here if we were worried about being bored.” She paused and suddenly thought of something as she looked at Shen Miao.
Fu Xiuyi knew that the emperor wanted them to test Luo Xueyan, and he also knew that Luo Xueyan would bring Shen Miao along. Yesterday, he told Consort Dong that if Shen Miao was present, she had to send her away during discussion. Fu Xiuyi was Consort Dong’s son, so Consort Dong naturally wouldn’t suspect anything. However… no matter what, she couldn’t tell what was there to be wary of about this slightly dull and timid young lady.
Shen Miao lowered her head, so her expression could not be seen clearly. Consort Dong said, “But this kind of talk will definitely be boring for the little girl to hear. Tong Yao, show Fifth Miss Shen around the garden. When she’s tired, bring her to a living room to eat snacks. Take good care of her.”
Although Consort Xu didn’t understand why Consort Dong did this, she didn’t suspect it because she thought that Consort Dong was instructed by Emperor Wen Hui to do it. Luo Xueyan felt a little uneasy. It was best to put Shen Miao by her side, but in the current situation, she also realized that the talk with the two consorts couldn’t really be a casual one. At least… in broad daylight, these people wouldn’t dare to harm Shen Miao.
At the thought of this, she felt a little relieved. She smiled and said to Shen Miao, “Jiaojiao, go to the garden with the maids. After I’m done talking to the ladies, I’ll come and look for you.”
Shen Miao did not refuse, but she was uneasy. Why did they send her away for no reason? She could naturally kick up a fuss and clamored to stay here, but that would seem too deliberate. Why wasn’t she allowed to hear their conversation? Could it be that she had already aroused the suspicion of others? The person who spoke was Consort Dong. This was the first time they had met in this life… Could it be that Fu Xiuyi was reminding Consort Dong? This thought suddenly flashed across Shen Miao’s mind.
However, she did not say anything. She stood up respectfully and bade farewell to the consorts before following Tong Yao out.
Tong Yao brought Shen Miao to the garden. There were gardens everywhere in the palace. However, Shen Miao was not in the mood to admire the scenery. She was more familiar with every inch of the garden here than anyone else and had been here countless times.
Tong Yao also noticed that Shen Miao was distracted and said, “Miss Shen, if you’re tired, I’ll bring you to the living room. There are snacks there.”
Shen Miao nodded. Halfway to the living room, a young eunuch ran over and whispered something into Tong Yao’s ear. Tong Yao said apologetically to Shen Miao, “The living room is the hall over there. Miss Shen, go in first. I’ll come over after delivering the things. It won’t be long.”
Shen Miao nodded and did not mind. The living room was right in front of her, and there were guards everywhere in the palace. She had been here before and knew the way very well.
She walked to the door of the living room, opened it, and walked in. The door closed with a bang on its own. Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat. Before she could react, a pair of hands covered her mouth from behind. Without thinking, Shen Miao bit down and knocked into the door behind her.
With that, Shen Miao heard a gasp behind her, but her elbow was grabbed and she couldn’t move. A familiar voice sounded with suppressed anger. “Shen Miao, are you a shrew?”
Shen Miao was slightly stunned. The person behind her had already let go. She turned around and looked at him. Opposite her, Xie Jingxing was rubbing his hand, looking a little angry. However… that was not what Shen Miao cared about.
Unlike his usual playful and rebellious self, today, he was wearing a dark red official uniform with exquisite cufflinks and a long hat and green boots. He looked like a different person from before. Shen Miao had never seen him like this and was stunned for a moment.
Xie Jingxing locked the door and turned around to look at her with his arms crossed, looking like he was going to settle the score.
However, Shen Miao was not afraid of him. She only frowned and said, “What are you doing here?”
“When I came out of the palace, I saw you, so I came over to say hi.” Xie Jingxing said casually, “Did the emperor summon your father to the palace?”
Shen Miao’s heart thumped. “What do you mean?”
