Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage: Chapter 129 (Part 2)

March 3, 2018 By in CNovel, Translation Tags: , 130 Comments

Edited by Tnyhy

Chapter 129: Prince Rui’s Neighbour (Part 2)

After Shen Miao returned to the residence from the Feng Xian Pawnshop, it was still very early so she locked herself in the room and no one knew what she was thinking about. When the skies were nearing the evening, Luo Tan returned. She had bought some jewellery and magnanimously gave some to Shen Miao, “Biao Youngest Sister, today we went shopping in a jewellery shop and the jewellery shops in the Ding capital are very big. Young Lady Feng and me selected some for you, unsure if you would like them or not. Take them first and when you want to go out, we can go there to shop again.”

It was an appearance that one had not fully expressed oneself.

Shen Miao nodded in comply and after Luo Tan left, she looked at the half box of jewellery, wondering how much money would there be if it was pawned.

Shen Xin and entourage also returned shortly after Luo Tan and everyone ate dinner together. Most likely the official matters were smooth as Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan seemed to be in a very good mood. Only Shen Miao looked somewhat wan. Luo Ling noticed it and said, “Biao Younger Sister looked out of sorts, is there something that happened?”

Shen Qiu’s chopsticks stopped, “Younger Sister, what is wrong?”

Shen Miao was surprised for a moment and seeing that everyone at the table was staring at her, she smiled, “Nothing. It is only that after returning to the capital from the Xiao Chun City, one is not used to it. It would be alright after a few days.”

Shen Qiu laughed, “What is there not to get used to? If Younger Sister is not used to it then after a few days, I will be free to bring Younger Sister to stroll from the west to the east, and from the south to the north of the city. After walking a few times, one will get used to it.”

“Biao Older Brother also bring me along.” Luo Tan quickly declared her position, “I can also protect Biao Youngest Sister.”

“Nonsense.” Luo Xue Yan said, “If your Younger Sister really follow you around the city, one fear she would be too worn out. Moreover the Ding capital is so big, what if something went wrong?” She glared at Shen Xin, wanting him to help out.

Shen Xin laughed and said, “It is fine as long as the children are happy. Stinky brat, if you really bring your Younger Sisters out to play, then also bring this old one’s soldiers. Just beat up whoever dare to create problems. No need to be afraid.”

Luo Xue Yan was so angry that she pinched him.

The relationship between this husband and wife was boisterous, but it also looked very close as one watched. Shen Xin has an awe-inspiring presence outside, but obeys Luo Xue Yan’s words upon returning home. Shen Miao was smiling as she watched on but as she did that, she thought about something unknown and her expression gradually became hazy. She quickly lowered her head so that the people around would not discover it. Luo Ling who was beside her, noticing her every move also thoughtfully bowed his head.

After talking a while after the meal in the hall, everyone returned back to their rooms. Shen Miao was returning to her room and since Luo Tan’s courtyard was in front of Shen Miao’s, Luo Tan returned first to her room lively. Just as Shen Miao was about to enter her courtyard, she stopped at Luo Ling’s voice.

“Biao Younger Sister, wait a moment.”

Shen Miao turned her head and looked at him, “Older Brother Ling, what is the matter?”

Luo Ling hesitated for a moment, and finally took out something that was folded to a square from his sleeve. He said warmly, “Today when going out with Biao Older Brother, in a coincidence one saw there was a shop outside that was selling this and seeing that there were many buyers, I bought one. One heard that Biao Younger Sister dream a lot at night and this was soaked in a fragrance that has a calming effect. If Biao Younger Sister do not dislike, please accept it.”

Shen Miao was slightly surprised for a brief moment before looking up at the youth in front of her.

Luo Ling was born with good looks. Even though he could not be compared to Shen Qiu’s bravery, inferior to Xie Jing Xing’s handsomeness (Translator: I KNOW YOU MENTION IT SO MANY TIMES!! Ed: /patpat Hang in there Zaza /headdesk) and even Ji Yu Shu looked more adorable than him, but this kind of gracefulness that came from the heart made one feel calm. Among the younger generation of the Luo family, Luo Ling was the most outstanding one, not because he was the most stable but because he could bear the entire responsibility of the entire clan, and had a sincere character.

In the dark night, one could seemingly see Luo Ling slightly red face. He said somewhat uncomfortably, “If Biao Younger Sister do not like…”

Shen Miao lightly took the thing in Luo Ling’s hands and smiled, “How can I refuse Biao Older Brother kind feelings. Thanking Biao Older Brother.”

Luo Ling lightly smiled, “It is good that you like it.”

His brows were warm and his words were filled with concern. This originally was an attitude that made others comfortable and if it was any ordinary female, not to say being moved, one would have a very good impression and feelings for the person in front. But Shen Miao took a step back and looked at him, “If there is nothing else, I will return to the room first.”

There was a trace of disappointment but it was very quickly covered up, “Would not trouble Biao Younger Sister.” He turned around and left.

Shen Miao looked at Luo Ling’s leaving figure and silently watched for a while. She was not some ignorant and innocent young female, even if she had not experienced the tenderness between men and women with Fu Xiu Yi, she had stayed in the Palace for so many years. Luo Ling was a good person, and to drag such a good person like this to her entire life filled with schemes and plotting, she would be too selfish. Even though Luo Ling was a good match, but since the Luo family treated her well, she could not return kindness with ingratitude.

She turned around and returned to her room. After cleaning up, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu withdrew and Shen Miao sat at the table before spreading out the thing that Luo Ling gave to her.

That was a handkerchief and coincidentally it was a double-sided embroidery, the embroidered handkerchief currently most difficult to get in Ding capital, so one think that Luo Ling had spent quite some money on buying this handkerchief. There was a white crane sewn on it, touching on his consistent desire and was exuding a faint fragrance that indeed made one feel relief and calm.

Shen Miao scrutinized for a long time. This pattern on the handkerchief was apparently from Liu Ying’s hands. Liu Ying’s skills was one of the best in Ding capital and what is more was, that there were very few number of double-sided embroidery in the Ming Qi. It seemed that Liu Ying was doing rather well. The more Shen Miao look at it, her mood became better after being downcast from meeting those people in the rain.

She felt a bit tired and took off her outer robe and was only wearing the middle clothes, she walked to the couch to sit down. Just as she was about to remove her middle clothes to rest, one heard a chuckle, “Wait a moment.”

Shen Miao’s hand paused and when she turned her head back, this time she could no longer hide her raging anger. He looked at that particular uninvited person outside the window and punctuated each word she said, “Xie Jing Xing.”

That person entered the room and closed the window backhanded, it was done so leisurely as it was one’s very own courtyard. This time he did not wear a mask and that handsome face was exposed under the lamp light and was very seductive, but Shen Miao just wanted to drag him out to be beheaded.

“Under the entire Heavens, now only you can call my little name.” Xie Jing Xing pulled out a chair casually and sat down not far from Shen Miao’s couch before he laughed lightly, “Only you have that honour in the world.”

He had a tall stature that even when he sat down, he was much taller than Shen Miao. His imposing manner was not once relaxed at all.

Shen Miao looked at him coldly, “Prince Rui is really very free every day, to be able to come here so familiarly from the Yan Qing Lane.”

“Simple.” Xie Jing Xing supported his chin, “I have bought all the residences from the Yan Qing Lane to here. The residence next to where you are staying is also my courtyard. Keeping harmonious relations with neighbours, this Prince came to visit.”

Shen Miao sucked in a mouthful of cold air. Even though the Yan Qing Lane was considered near to the Shen residence, there was still some distance. Xie Jing Xing bought all the residences from the Yan Qing Lane to Shen residence. That meant that more than half of the southern city was his courtyard, and the courtyard beside the Shen residence was also bought by Xie Jing Xing. Even if Xie Jing Xing has money, it should not be spent like that. He squandered money like dirt, was it that he brought all the money in the Great Liang’s treasury over? Did Emperor Yong Le of the Great Liang know about it?

When she saw the desultory smile on Xie Jing Xing’s face, Shen Miao started to get angry again. Xie Jing Xing was really shameless to even mention about keeping harmonious relations with his neighbours. Where was there people who would visit their neighbours in the middle of the night unsolicited, without so much as to give an invitation card? Is there no regulations in the Great Liang Imperial family?

“You do not look very happy.” Xie Jing Xing looked at her with great interest, “You can tell me, this Older Brother, whatever difficulties. The identity of Prince Rui is still helpful, on the account of old friendship.”

Shen Miao rolled her eyes at him. She could not understand what exactly was Xie Jing Xing thinking. However Xie Jing Xing’s words reminded her about the words Ji Yu Shu said in the Feng Xian Pawnshop, and Shen Miao suddenly had a thought and deliberately asked, “Xie Jing Xing, how do you see Madam Fang of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An?”

Madam Fang of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, birth mother of Xie Chang Wu and Xie Chang Chao. Madam Fang originally was more or less involved in the death of Princess Yu Qing, and everyone knew that Princess Yu Qing was a topic that could not be mentioned to Xie Jing Xing, but she purposely mentioned it.

Xie Jing Xing looked at her with a smile but not a smile, “Want to dig information from my words.”

“Are you willing to speak?”

“It is of no harm to tell you.” Xie Jing Xing said lazily, “In my eyes, inferior to ants.”

Shen Miao looked at him, “Why do you not kill her to take revenge?”

Xie Jing Xing narrowed his eyes and stared at Shen Miao for a while before he suddenly laughed. His voice was like the peach blossom wine that was buried in the summer and dug out in the winter, bringing an intoxicating mellow breeze but was as cold as the winter, making one awake. He said, “Shen Miao, you are worried that Shen Xin will become the second Xie Ding.”

Shen Miao eyes hang down, “Correct.” She paused before speaking, “If I was in your position, I will try every means to take revenge. Kill Madam Fang then kill her two sons. This is then considered revenge and also not living in vain.”

She said so indifferently, as if she did not find that her words were ruthless at all. When Xie Jing Xing heard them, he was not at all surprised and only laughed once, seemingly laughing at her innocence. Xie Jing Xing, “One did not kill Madam Fang due to disdain and also fear of trouble. Xie Ding and Princess Yu Qing are not related to me at all so why would I want revenge?”

Shen Miao was surprised for a moment.

Shen Miao previously heard Xie Jing Xing saying that Xie Ding and him were not father and son, so she was not surprised but how was it that even Princess Yu Qing and Xie Jing Xing had no relationship? If Xie Jing Xing did not have Xie Ding’s or Princess Yu Qing’s blood in his vein then how could he be the Di son of the Xie family?

Shen Miao’s heart moved and she thought of something before asking Xie Jing Xing, “Then Princess Yu Qing’s son?”

“Dead.” Xie Jing Xing said blandly, “Dead upon birth.”

Dead upon birth. But there was not a slightest wind about this at all. It seemed that that was the time when Xie Jing Xing was foisted into it, and the identities were swapped but no one actually found out about it. One fear that even Princess Yu Qing herself would not know of the matter.

“If Xie Ding’s son was alive, he would have had a premature death before the age of three.” Xie Jing Xing said indifferently, “Because it is me, Madam Fang dare not take action. Because,” He laughed rather evilly, “Those people who were sent over mysteriously disappeared.”

Shen Miao was suddenly enlightened. She had previously said that Madam Fang could force Princess Yu Qing into such tough straits, that at the end she faded away like a flower, she was definitely one who had means and ambitions. So how would such a person live in seclusion of one’s house and even let Xie Jing Xing grow up safely? So it was the most inferior of schemes. The people that were sent out would always mysteriously disappear, so Madam Fang herself would feel that there was a devil’s gate and path and settled for the next best thing. As to why those people would disappear, since Xie Jing Xing was Prince Rui of the Great Liang, there would be highly skilled personnel around, more than enough to deal with Madam Fang.

At this moment those parts that she initially did not understand suddenly became clear, and forgot those matters that she was worried about. Xie Jing Xing lowered his head and took a glance at her, “You do not need to worry. Shen Xin is different from Xie Ding.”

Shen Miao said, “I am also different from you.”

Xie Jing Xing was slightly startled but continued to listen to Shen Miao, “You disdain and also it was not necessary. I am however different. If someone, like Madam Fang, shakes my family up, I will do everything in my power to make her suffer the consequences of her actions. Suppose that there is someone with bad intentions like Madam Fang who attempt to wreck, I will rip her inside out, and throw her to the unmarked graves to feed the dogs.” When she spoke to the end, her head lowered but there were other surging emotions in her dark eyes.

But as her head sank, one of Xie Jing Xing’s hands pressed on her head, “Just tell me if there are such people. Keeping harmonious relations with neighbours, I will kill her for you without leaving any potential future problems.”

Shen Miao shook off his hand and Xie Jing Xing smiled while looking at her. He had an undisciplined expression, his words were filled with jest and were casually spoken but in that pair of eyes, it seemed serious.

If Xie Jing Xing killed someone, it was indeed a breeze to kill a person like Madam Fang.

Shen Miao said, “These kind of things like killing other, I can do it myself.”

“Unless it is the last moment, it is not a good move to take action personally.” Xie Jing Xing said, “If you are really apologetic about it, then it is alright to give me something as a reward.”

Shen Miao mocked, “Your Highness Prince Rui is as precious as gold and as respected as jade. I will not be able to afford the money to compare.”

Xie Jing Xing smiled, “Give you two tenths discount.” He stood up and strolled to the table where the handkerchief that Luo Ling gifted laid, spread out by Shen Miao just now. Xie Jing Xing casually picked it up and took a sniff before raising an eyebrow, “Although the scent is inferior, the dog that this Prince raise, is lately not sleeping well. This will be not bad to be used.” Not waiting for Shen Miao to speak, Xie Jing Xing kept the handkerchief in his sleeve, “This is considered a compensation.”

130 responses

    • Wahh! XJX, so shameless! I read the “keeping harmonious relations with neightbours” part and that was the first thing that came mind- this arrogant young master thinks there’re neighbours worth keeping up good relations with (apart from the empress). Pfft.
      And buying up that much land so you can freely flirt with SM, really a person that doesn’t do anything by half measures!

      As for Luo Ling’s handkerchief, part of me wants to squeal because his words about how the handkerchief was only good enough for a dog (hint, hint) were so cute because he’s eating so much venigar but I also really want to smack him because LL’s sincere feelings and he’s a great guy and XJX you jerk, argh!!!

      Thanks so much for the chapter guys, it’s always great to open nu and find an update- hugs!

      Liked by 20 people

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  2. He took that handkerchief omg hahaha. Can’t you spare a day or two so that Luo Ling’s gift won’t be wasted just like that? Jealous huh. Luo Ling is such a nice guy but I understand her intention cause all she wants right now is to take a revenge. She can’t afford to drag Luo Ling into the mud :/

    Liked by 24 people

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    • XJX: Ke ke ke it’s not like hubby came here because there was someone interested in wifey. Hubby just wanted to look for a good handkerchief for the dog he raised and the handkerchief suited the dog. It’s not like hubby’s jelly or anything. There was just a fly I saw on the way. Oh look, remember that this prince meant that he would kill those who harms your harmonious family. Don’t forget

      Inner monologue: Hmph! A fly daring to court my Empress. He’s 100 years early for him to beat me with my beauty and strength and status. *dramatic hair flip*

      Liked by 15 people

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  10. O my Dear! That’s hilarious! XJX, of course we believe in your wish “to keep harmonious relationship with neighbors”, and that the handkerchief “will help your dog sleep well”. Pfff. So funny! Our great Excellence, you have a volunteer with 20% discount, to deal with problems! Good luck!

    Liked by 4 people

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  12. Ahh!!! Look who’s drinking vinegar hehehe pretty sure he saw the whole ordeal of the giving of handkerchief and here I thought XJX will make our empress “remember” the kiss
    I hope there’s more episodes like these where the handsome prince rui is jealous.
    hahahhaha

    Liked by 8 people

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  18. Ha… Poor Luo Ling.Well, you never stood a chance bro. Not when pretty, beautiful, handsome, elegant, ravishing, enticing, etc. etc. Prince Rui a.k.a. Xie Yuan a.k.a. Xie Jing Xing. God… that was a mouthful!

    Thanks for the chapter!

    Liked by 4 people

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      • LOL! Yeah. I might as well just throw it in there, because that was one word that was missing in the author’s adjective for his royal pain-in-the-butt-with-multiple-paragraphs-just-to-describe-his-celestial-like-beauty-that-could-befell-nations. 😛 So, I’ll just throw it out there next time. XD

        Liked by 4 people

  19. Someones eating bitter gourd and gets jelly ace as desserts 😂😂😂
    Really.. XJX..hahah.. 😂😂😂

    Also, poor Lou Ling.. Come to Big Sis, Me, I will give you a big warm hug.. you and Pei Lang.. each in my arms 😎✌😏👍

    I’m really a sucker for second male leads.. 😍😍😍😍

    THANKS FOR THE CHAP…… GO!!! Prince Rui.. kill the b!atch that will ruin the power couple ( Our Jiaojiao’s parents), your future parents-in-law 😎

    Liked by 3 people

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    • +1
      Lol. I’m with you in regards to the 2nd leads.
      Poor Luo Ling……………

      The way he actually cares and pays so much attention to SM… He really treasures her. I know hubby’s offer to kaching SM’s enemies will be more useful and fitting to SM but..

      Luo Ling’s sincere feelings and personality.. Makes my heart ache.

      Because of this chapter I actually wished for like, 2 min, that SM could appreciate him and actually fall in love and recover a bit of her joy in life and heart.

      But then the ship crashed.
      It was nothing but a summer dream.
      He’s got no chance against XJX. Poor Luo Ling T_T

      Liked by 2 people

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      • Yes, kudos to the author for making such likable characters…but at the same time everyone is in agreement that LL is too nice for the Empress.

        Although I would love to see her enjoy life and be happy it is just too dangerous politically. She can’t afford to wallow in LL’s kindness. Serious respect that she is self-aware and will not lead him on.

        Liked by 3 people

  20. [“You disdain and also it was not necessary. I am however different. If someone, like Madam Fang, shakes my family up, I will do everything in my power to make her suffer the consequences of her actions. …”

    But as her head sank, one of Xie Jing Xing’s hands pressed on her head, “Just tell me if there are such people. Keeping harmonious relations with neighbours, I will kill her for you without leaving any potential future problems.”]

    Translation:

    Shen Miao: If there’s a shameless bitch like that after my family, Imma tear her apart and not leave anything enough for a grave.

    Xie Jing Xing: Tell me, who do I need to kill?

    So, am I the only one who thought that was romantic? No? I mean good friends help you before you need to ask. Best friends will help you bury a body without asking questions. Oddly enough, for all their arguments, they’ve reached that point by now. I find the degree of trust they have in each other to be oddly touching.

    I also like the way we see Shen Miao has enough awareness to realise that she’s going to walk a vengeance path filled with thorns and raining blood—and that she’s still not heartless enough to make Luo Ling walk that path with her, along with his _entire clan_ (he is the clan heir). Really, her unwillingness to use the Luo clan until they have nothing else to give shows how different she and Fu Xiu Yi is. After all, Fu Xiu Yi did exactly that with her Shen family.

    Even Shen Miao has limits in her actions.

    Also, thanks zazajunie and tnyhy! At least we don’t get paragraphs upon paragraphs of Xie Jing Xing’s beauty this time, heh.

    Liked by 6 people

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    • +1! +2! Take all my upvotes!

      Yes, XJX has been laying it thick and coming heavily isn’t him?
      It’s not romantic as in sweet romance imo, but it was a romantic proposal. He’s not doing it for free, you know.

      he’s been trying time and time again to show SM he’d make a good groom, and what assets he could bring her. Of how he could support her and how he is the male lead that could take care of everything to her.
      He’s sooo flaunting his trousseau *rolls eyes*

      But what did it for me was this part:

      [I also like the way we see Shen Miao has enough awareness to realise that she’s going to walk a vengeance path filled with thorns and raining blood—and that she’s still not heartless enough to make Luo Ling walk that path with her, along with his _entire clan_ (he is the clan heir). Really, her unwillingness to use the Luo clan until they have nothing else to give shows how different she and Fu Xiu Yi is. After all, Fu Xiu Yi did exactly that with her Shen family.]

      Yeeees ;___;
      This so spot on my heart hurts.
      I know this was made to show us just how much SM and XJX suit each other but…
      This chapter made me wish for a middle of the ground road and sorta of rendemption of SM.
      That SM could have a fulfiling love with Luo Ling and have all her children back and just take care of her family and lead a happy life.
      No plotting, no backstabbing, no having to stay alert 24/7.

      I don’t mean rendemption in the sense she did something wrong and should have rendemption but in the sense that she suffered a lot and lost her heart. More like her heart should have rendemption.
      I just wish she could it could come back again and find relief and happiness.

      I mean, she obviously hasn’t gone full hatred in that she’d destroy everything and use even her family and those that are good to her for revenge.
      This made me wish for a middle ground, and that she could heal and have a sweet love and life instead of a thorny path (even if XJX is there to walk it with her)

      Liked by 2 people

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      • To some, that lifestyle may be satisfying. To others, it’s like a “normal”, infuriating ending of a game with a “good” ending. I’m in the second camp tbh – a blood debt is best paid in blood.

        And unlike the overpowered XJX, there is truly no guarantee that Luo Ling will be able to protect the family and ensure good lives in your scenario. SM should have a secure, wealthy life, not one subject to negative outside interference.

        Liked by 2 people

  22. lol he’s jeALOUSSSSSSSSS and he’s concerned for her xD
    I also hope Liu Ling will find a very VERY nice girl, he’s so sweet T.T
    Thank you for the chapter~!

    Liked by 1 person

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  24. Pervert,ah , pervert! !!!
    Coming to a young lady’s room at night!!!
    And vinegar to boot!!! Stealing her stuff!!

    Translator-sama and Editor-sama, hang in there!

    Descriptions are flowery and the word count are high, but we believe in you!!!

    Thank you for the update!

    Liked by 3 people

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  29. “Unless it is the last moment, it is not a good move to take action personally.” Xie Jing Xing said, “If you are really apologetic about it, then it is alright to give me something as a reward.”

    Oh My. From him letting her be the only person to call him by his little name, to the multiple offers to let her use him/deal with things for her.. XJX is really offering her his heart (and hand) on a platter, isn’t he?

    ‘Shen Miao mocked, “Your Highness Prince Rui is as precious as gold and as respected as jade. I will not be able to afford the money to compare.” = SM: We’ve tried this before, and we saw how it went when I offered you money, didn’t we, XJX?

    “This is considered a compensation.” = XJX: Well dear, since you don’t want to take the heart I’m offering to you, I’ll take the one that you have already accepted.

    and LOL.
    Our empress got marvelously sidetracked didn’t she?
    He managed to bait her out of her anger toward him with info, she didn’t ask/talk about what she was meaning to, exchanged it for his personal information AND he took the only item that made her happy (and was given by others).

    He led her through the nose D:
    I fear this one is at least XJX 3 x SM 0

    And poor, pooooooor Luo Ling.
    I’m just so sad for him. He’s such a good boy.
    He’s been paying awfully close attention to SM and he’s been caring for her.
    And now, just because hubby was jealous and won’t accept wifey be happy with a gift that wasn’t from him the poor boy (who had nothing to do with this matter) will suffer.

    Somehow I really hope SM will get another (if not the same) handkerchief so it won’t break his heart.
    😦

    Also, I could joke about how SM won’t have any problems marrying XJX then, since both aren’t exactly saints, while Luo Ling, she doesn’t dare touch but…
    I’m just already so sad for the poor boy.. </3 😥

    On another note, XJX you scoundrel. What a timely and wondrous appearance. How long will you wait next time? Your stalking habits are getting worse by the day.. or rather night.

    Anyways, Thanks for the chapter!!

    Liked by 3 people

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    • [From him letting her be the only person to call him by his little name, to the multiple offers to let her use him/deal with things for her.. XJX is really offering her his heart (and hand) on a platter, isn’t he?]

      Definitely (too bad I can’t like this comment without an account). For that era, he’s already giving signals the size of two-story tall billboards with neon lights. Shen Miao’s aloofness in that direction probably comes from the fact she’s not the type to entertain wishful fancies (and Xie Jing Xing/Prince Rui wanting to marry her probably still sounds like the pointless daydream of some lovestruck noble girls).

      [and LOL.
      Our empress got marvelously sidetracked didn’t she?
      He managed to bait her out of her anger toward him with info,]

      Ha! He’s the master of sidetracking people. As pleasant as receiving the handkerchief from Luo Ling is to her, I don’t think she really takes it personally. As she said, she’s too focused on making it rain blood for Fu Xiu Yi (and the Stupid Shens) to have romantic daydreams.

      I don’t completely agree that Xie Jing Xing had won totally, though. He distracted her, true, but she had also made him jealous, so +1 to her. She probably didn’t even realise it either, which might earn her another bonus point in that if he asks, she can truly look unknowing and uncaring, thus demonstrating that she really didn’t think that often about him (accidental stab to the heart! Xie Jing Xing loses 50% HP!).

      [And poor, pooooooor Luo Ling.
      I’m just so sad for him. He’s such a good boy.]

      Well, yes, there would inadvertently be winners and losers since it’s obvious that more than one person was interested in Shen Miao and she’s only ever going to marry one. Yet on the other hand, I can’t help but think that maybe it’s a good thing for Luo Ling too. I get that he likes Shen Miao, but exactly which ‘Shen Miao’ did he like? The graceful-under-pressure, extremely-talented daughter of his Aunt, true. But did he know that she has another face that he hasn’t seen, which is that of the goddess of calamity to her enemies? That she can plot the deaths of her enemies calmly even if they’re ‘gentle ladies’ and lose no sleep from it?

      As nice and genuine as he is, he still doesn’t know all of her, something that Xie Jing Xing definitely does. Luo Ling living in a border city all his life also made me wonder if he knew what to expect in terms of viciousness in capital city politics.

      Shen Miao’s position is that (as far as I can see), if Luo Ling hasn’t gone forth to meet the underbelly of this place and soak his hands in blood up to his elbows (even just watching/observing would not leave him untainted, after all; he’d figure out just how rotten people are), she wouldn’t be the one to drag him into it. And in a way, I commend her. After all, I wouldn’t expect Xie Jing Xing to find a beautiful, gentle and sheltered lady to be his wife either. It wouldn’t be fair to her, considering the sort of risks his wife would face in court and out of it.

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    • SM did get to know what she wanted. She didn’t need to inquire about XJX knowing about her scheme against (the disabled piece of incompetent sh-) Prince Yu because she already figured that out. Sooo, in terms of information they are equal in this round.

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      • Oh, yeah, that was why she was so pissed off, right? Because while people are distracted by Prince Yu’s residence being washed with blood, he used the opportunity she created to sneak into the secret room.

        From what I’ve seen so far, i think Xie Jing Xing has shown that he has the astuteness and power to keep up with Shen Miao and all her scheming. The same can’t be said of Luo Ling. Really, I appreciate the writer for writing Xie Jing Xing well (purple prose of blinding beauty aside… =__=;), because in many other xian xia novels, sometimes the second male lead actually seem like he is more understanding and would fit better with the female lead than the main male lead.

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    • The first half of the novel was dominated by Shen Miao and XJX lost pretty badly….I’m afraid he has come this time to dominate the game and make her lose instead…and he is proceeding pretty well! She already lost this round of banter with him!

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  30. As I had expected from the previous chapter that Xie Jing Xing was not the son of Yu Qing’s daughter! and what surprises me more in this chapter is is it true that Xie Jing Xing has bought all of Yan Qing Lane? !! if it is true how rich he is !! oh then in this chapter is why Shen Miao suddenly talked about madam Fang ?? does SM remember the previous life with Fu Xiu Yi? I do not think it’s that, I think about the chapter yesterday about anyone wanting to meet the old Shen Furen must be about a woman !! then does Shen Furen long to give Shen Xin a Yiniang or Tongfang ?? so make Shen Miao alert to people visiting the old Shen Furen residence? because in the past life that the person has done evil to him? So this means why SM suddenly talked about Madam Fang because SM had a bad feeling !!

    Ok that much about my analysis and thanks to Zaza & Tnyhy for the chapter today, happy holiday and see you on Monday !!

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  32. thanks!
    yess! the real reunion, the real reunion!! -screams- also, we can clearly see that xie jingxing’s attitude towards her ha changed?! he’s much more…flirtatious, should we say it? and relaxed as well? hahaha! nice nice!

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  33. Translator-sama and Editor-sama, ML’s portion are full of flowery words, please hang in there. We all would be greatly heartbroken if you stop and we are very grateful for you to translate this.

    On the other hand, it’s just like XJX to offer to OFF somebody as a romantic gesture. I mean, his moral compass lets him sneak into an unmarried, unsullied maiden’s private spaces (ex. room, carriage, etc.) in the middle of the night or anytime within the day AND dare try to tease her, etc.

    He better keep his word and OFF the bitch that would try to mess with our empress’ family hmph!

    Thank you very much for the chapter~!!!

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  35. I love reading all the comments… Just entertaining as the chapter, and sometimes I spend more time reading comments because I would be laughing, nodding, clapping, or scoffing along 😍
    Thank you Zaza and editor😘

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  37. Gaaaaah I blame this novel so much—there’s obviously so many stuff revealed (like who is XJX mom!? Why is she close with the emperor’s sister—forgot the name but the widow princess) but my fangirling won’t stop like lol…did he deliberately expanded her backyard just to become neighbors with Shen Miao? Or did he do that to prevent pests from going near her or SO THAT HE CAN SNEAK IN MOST OF THE TIME???? Like kyaaaaaaa~ ❣️❣️💕💕 srsly, the subtle flirting and what he did at the end!! The hanky!!! Poor handkerchief, poor Luo Ling all those efforts in courting his Biao Younger Sister just went to the dog. Like srsly do dogs even dream??? Gawd, how can he be so savage???he won’t let anything get pass him eh~? Bwahaha😂😂😂😂

    Thank you so much Zazajunnie and Tnyhy ❤️✨✨✨😆

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    • Who do you think XJX’s mom was close to the deceased princess? This could just be a top-secret between direct family members like XJX’s father and mother (not the rest of the fodder) to implant a spy into Ming Qi to obtain its military secrets. Perhaps XJX’s family is the one who made the princess’ baby so weak.

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      • I definitely agree on the first half but I doubt XJX’s fam intentionally weakened the princess’ baby. I feel like that part was the fault of the home wrecker. And it just so happened to be aligned with whatever reason XJX was placed there as a baby

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      • I don’t think they even need to do that, considering there’s already the evil concubine on the wings, ready to swoop in for the kill even if the baby is healthy. The baby’s probably already weak, and thus marked for monitoring by Great Liang’s imperial family. The moment the real baby dies, they’d swoop in for the switch.

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  39. “Although the scent is inferior, the dog that this Prince raise, is lately not sleeping well.
    Xie Jing Xing kept the handkerchief in his sleeve, “This is considered a compensation.”

    Pfff hahahaha
    He’s jelly? He had obviously waited for SM for a while to witness her cousin giving the hanky.
    He found a reason to remove that hanky from SM’s side. 🤣🤣🤣

    Thank you for the chapter 🤣🤣🤣 fufufu

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  40. Aw shucks, look at all this vinegar. Rui Wang, is there a need to be so petty.. aroma handkerchief for your ‘dog’ pfft. Why didn’t you just tell her you didn’t want her to get her hands dirty, hmm? I wonder if there’s a chapter where we hear his thoughts. I was really surprised when he guessed SM was worried about her dad liking another woman. How did he guess?! All she asked him was why he didn’t kill off the other Madame… I guess we’ll just write it off as chemistry.

    You know, I’ve said this before, but I really like Luo Ling. He seems so genuine and that is SUCH a rarity amongst all the other icebergs we read about. He really does care for her and the little things he does for her are so heartwarming. He makes a great head of family and it does look like he would treasure her, treat her well. Pei Lang as well *pulls into as hug* I feel sad when I read about him and Pei Lang. Even as side characters, they make you want to root for them. I like them a lot. Alas. None of them are right for SM. They wont be able to protect and inspire her the way XJX can.. give her free reign to do whatever and then bear the consequences.

    Also I was completely floored by this line ahaha
    (-_-;)・・・
    “His voice was like the peach blossom wine that was buried in the summer and dug out in the winter, bringing an intoxicating mellow breeze but was as cold as the winter, making one awake.”
    Haah I really want to try this descriptive wine.

    Thanks for the chapter zaza and tnyhy.

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    • I agree with you about Pei Lang. He was shown to be a person of rare talent and integrity in the capital – its just unfortunate that he’d fallen into Fu Xiu Yi’s orbit first. He’s idealistic, but not so much that he’s unable to compromise. I think he could be an interesting character if the writer would like to focus on him and flesh him out.

      As for Luo Ling… yes, he’s nice. I agree with you that he’s atypical compared to most of the male leads in these novels. Yet considering what Shen Miao is like, I’d turn the question of ‘making a good match’ the other way around. Luo Ling’s gentleness would certainly be comfortable for Shen Miao, but would she, with her ruthlessness, fit him? I’d argue that I do pity the poor guy, and would wish him to end up with a woman who can easily reciprocate his warmth. A wife whose thoughts and emotions isn’t a significant mystery to him.

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  42. The thing that surprised me the most about this chapter was actually XJX calling stop. I thought he’d just sit by the window and watch SM take off her outer garments (*coughenjoyastripshowcough*), just waiting until she noticed him to be all like, “Are you trying to seduce me?”… ’cause he’s kinda a sleaze like that… LOLOL Now that I think about it… Is my impression of him that bad??
    Many thanksss

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  46. keep the handkerchief so his dog can sleep well…

    or is it,
    Keep handkerchief so that XJX can sleep well (from some nightmare that his lovely empress get stolen from him, maybe)…

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  47. You know their dialogue sounded to me like this:
    SM: What are you doing here?
    XJX: Im stalking my wife *cough* I wanted to see you naked *cough* I just wanted to say hello as a good neighbour
    SM:…..

    So my guess is that SRQ will try to stick a concubine to Shen Xin (this is what SM knows from her past probably) But why? Is she just jealous and wants to destroy Shen Xins marriage? I mean I doubt Shen Xin would ever consider to go back to his brothers. I bet Shen Miao will try to divert this woman to SRQ own husband and so seal the fate of the third household.

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  48. Wow!!! I enjoy reading comments so much. My dearest Prince Rui, you only needs windows in your courtyard not door as it would not be useful…lol. Thank you for the update.

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  50. Thank you for chapter. Slowly night date in Shen Miao’s room are become routine xD I guess author don’t want readers ship anyone besides XJX, so in the description is always mentioned how handsome XJX is.

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