Shen Miao had dreamt of a very long dream .

That dream seemed to be very very long and it lasted a lifetime . She had a bystander perspective as she watch herself grew from a baby b.u.mbling over words to a lively young girl, from a lively young girl to a young female, then to a middle aged married woman, then to the Mistress of the Six Palaces and finally to an abolished Empress in the Cold Palace before during into a pile of ashes in that fierce fire .

She saw herself falling in love with Fu Xiu Yi and begging Shen Xin to marry her to Fu Xiu Yi . She sat at the side and did her best to stop herself from her stupid behaviour but it was all in vain . No one could hear her words and she could only watch as everything happened around her .

From a perspective of a bystander, she saw how stupid the things that she did in the past and this time Shen Miao finally understood . The most terrifying thing was to experience all the heartbreaking matters again . It ended when she married Fu Xiu Yi when she was young . Those carefree days, even when others called her stupid, were after all filled with freedom and happiness . When she was called Ding w.a.n.gFei, she was forced to be involved with all these fighting and scheming .

Even her pair of son and daughter was unable to escape .

The people around her left one by one and the First household of Shen family gradually declined . The prosperity of the past was like a flower that bloom during spring . Once spring is over and one headed towards summer and when the autumn wind starts, it would then wither, making it look cold and desolate .

In that dark life where one could not even see a single ray, there were some matters that she had ignored . Those were the stars in the night . They were covered up by other things and became unreal but after one accidentally discovered it, it was as bright as ever . It was like there was fireworks in one’s backyard and had colours which breath in live into the cold boring night .

She saw Xie Jing Xing .

Not that stubborn and obstreperous youth, not that hero that died on the battlefield . His arrogance was the same in the previous generations as he rode a high horse and carried a bow and in a conversation, he subverts an Imperial dynasty . He drank the wine that she had offered under the clear and bright moonlight and gave her a wish that she could not fulfilled in her entire life on the dark clouded ruined city .

They watch fireworks during the day and even did not miss the promise of that New Year’s night . They obviously had a chance encounter but he became the most indispensable person in her life .

Because of him, her wish came true . Because of him, she could be redo her life .

But that lifetime’s fate was just too short . Such a beautiful fate that made one look forward to was halted due to fate’s teasing . What was pitiful was that even with this chance of a lifetime, that short lived fate still continued .

There was no need to speak of any of the questions that were not asked . Many things had vanished at that moment, including questions and including answers .

The past fate was the result of the future result .

Shen Miao slowly opened her eyes .

As far as one could see, the skies had cleared up after the rain and a delicate scent sachet was hanging from the corner of the mosquito net, most likely to dilute the bitter aroma of medication . A more intriguing scent was revealed after the scent and medication were mixed together .

Shen Miao looked up beside her .

The young male leaned at the head of the bed and one of his hands was tightly holding hers . His eyes were closed and there was a slight stubble on his chin . Even though it was not so obvious, it was a different appearance that how he usually was .

His hand was distinctively defined, slender and warm and it was the right size that covered her entire hand up . Shen Miao only moved slightly and Xie Jing Xing woke up .

Seeing her opening her eyes, Xie Jing Xin was startled for a while and seemed not to be able to react to it . After pausing for a while, he then suddenly said, “You woke up . ”

Shen Miao nodded her head .

“Do you feel anywhere unwell?” Xie Jing Xing questioned closely, “Let Gao Yang come in to take a look?”

He usually had an appearance of laziness that any matter would not be able to enter his heart but this time there was a rare anxiousness on his face . Shen Miao said, “There is no need . I am fine . ” She then asked, “How is Gentleman Pei?”

Xie Jing Xing’s face turned black in a moment .

When Shen Miao saw that his face had changed, she was stunned before she immediate understood . However she did not know how to explain it . Was Pei Lang detestable? Naturally he was detestable . In the past lifetime, he took her fingertip blood for Mei Furen, and even though one did not know if Mei Furen’s ‘changing of one’s fate’ was real or not, one felt that it psychologically helped and that sentence of ‘cut the weeds and eliminate the roots’ to Fu Xiu Yi had indirectly led to Fu Ming’s end .

Shen Miao had complicated feeling with Pei Lang . She could ignore herself but the matter concern Fu Ming which made her unable to forgive Pei Lang . However at the end, Pei Lang used his life to give her an opportunity for rebirth .

One was unable to speak clearly of one feeling as one was unable to be purely grateful or simple hate a person . One could only be done was to draw a line in the relations.h.i.+p . Shen Miao did not want to have any relations of ‘owing’ or ‘being owed’ . The matters of the past lifetime ended but in this lifetime she did not want to owe Pei Lang anything and did not want to be owed by Pei Lang . She had remembered clearly that when the childlike a.s.sa.s.sinate attacked, it was Pei Lang that took the most serious stab . If Pei Lang died because of her then in these two lifetimes, their relations.h.i.+p would not be able to be calculated cleanly .

However upon seeing Xie Jing Xing’s expression, Shen Miao knew that he had misunderstood . When Xie Jing Xing was angry because of these things, Shen Miao felt that it was very similar to the little wolf dog that was raised in the Luo family army .

She quickly stroked this little wolf dog and said, “He saved my life and is after all one’s benefactor . Without any rhyme or reason, one cannot smoothly accept this type of kindness from others . ”

It was only then that Xie Jing Xing’s expression got better, “Gao Yang had taken a look . He woke up once yesterday night . His life is indeed thick . ” He then looked at Shen Miao, “It is you that do not wake up . If you don’t wake up, I planned to bash that Taoist Priest’s head in . ”

“Taoist Priest?” Shen Miao was startled, “Are you referring to Chi Yan Taoist Priest?”

“What Taoist Priest or not . ” Xie Jing Xing said with disdain, “He is only a swindler who earns other’s money . ” The so called ‘Chi Yan Taoist Priest’ had bid farewell to the residence of Prince Ding this morning and even took a good grade antique vase along, saying that it was a thank you gift . One did not know how was a Taoist Priest who schemes for a fortune would be a Superior One .

When Shen Miao finished listening to Xie Jing Xing story of that Taoist Priest taking a vase away, there were some doubts in her heart . The long dream had resolved many of her doubts but it might not be real . It was just that Shen Miao did not know why but she felt that everything that happened in the dream was a complete story of her last lifetime .

She indeed encountered that priest on the journey back to Ming Qi from Qin country and thought that he was a refugee who had escaped and dressed as a Taoist Priest for survival . She was after all a daughter that was raised by Shen Xin and had some kindness in her heart, so she gave the other party a bowl of water to drink and did not expect that so many things were involved .

If she had really listened to that Taoist Priest in her last lifetime and did not return to Ding capital, most likely there would not be such tragedy later . But if one had an opportunity to repeat it, even though one knew it was a route of no return to the Underworld, she would not choose the alternative because her pair of children were deep in the Palace .

But that Taoist Priest fulfilled a fate .

Shen Miao remembered it very clearly .

In the dream, her corpse had turn into ashes by the fire that was ordered by Fu Xiu Yi and nothing remained . However the air of grievances was extremely heavy and would not just dissipate . Mei Furen instructed people to do some rituals so that she would not become a vicious spirit and would not be able to reborn . Her soul was imprison in the Palace walls and would often move around in it and would be also weaker day by day .

All of her things that were left behind were burnt . If there wasn’t the red string on Xie Jing Xing’s hand, one feared that she would have disappeared from the world .

That red string had protected her some misery and in all those days that one could not live on, Shen Miao’s soul inhabited in the red string around Xie Jing Xing’s wrist and muddledly pa.s.sed one life .

Until the day that the city was broken .

She saw that Fu Chen died in the hands of his own people and saw Mei Furen and Fu Xiu Yi were tired up and displayed on the city tower, watched as both of them had tens of thousands of arrows pierced into their heart and die and watched as the countless fires burnt down the Palace that she hated her entire life and raze till a pile of hashes . The unfulfilled desire in her heart disappeared and at that moment her soul finally found complete peace .

The red string was severed . She could let it go . And at the expense of Pei Lang’s life, time was reversed and she regained her life .

Xie Jing Xing saw Shen Miao not speaking and asked with a frown, “What is wrong?”

Shen Miao recovered to her senses and did not speak as she looked at him .

She was somewhat touched . She was saying that there was no intersection between Xie Jing Xing and herself in her past life time so why would they be mistakenly tied together and one would not be able to get out? So it was that there was some entanglement in the past lifetime . Initially Xie Jing Xing owed her a wish but it was just a joke . One did not expect that he would keep his promise and personally end Fu Xiu Yi and Mei Furen and avenged her .

She said softly, “Xie Jing Xing, do you have any wishes?”

Xie Jing Xing took a glance at her, “Why? You want to accomplish it for me?”

“I can give you a wish . ” She said seriously, “As long as I have the ability to accomplish it, I will definitely do my all . ”

She had a solemn expression and it caused Xie Jing Xing to cast a sidelong glance . However in a short moment his lips were hooked up and he said in a smile but not a smile, “Good . ” He then went closer to Shen Miao ears and said softly, “My wish… You can definitely accomplish it . ”

Shen Miao asked, “What is it?”

“Give birth to a baby for me . ” He spoke lightly .

Shen Miao looked at him for a while and Xie Jing Xing touched his nose . Just as he was about to speak, he heard Shen Miao answering, “Alright . ”

Xie Jing Xing was stunned .

Shen Miao stared at him and there was a smile on her lips that was different from usual . It was not the kind that was put on display or a little reserved or somewhat lazy . It was as if she was really heavy and there was even a touch of gentleness .

Xie Jing Xing unconsciously reached out and touched her forehead, “You are indeed sick . ”

Shen Miao pushed his hands away and said, “Xie Jing Xing, you must be terrified on your birthday . ”

Xie Jing Xing released his hands and seeing that her expression was calm and there was nothing strange, he felt relief and followed her topic of conversation and asked, “What do you thing? I even thought…” He did not continue speaking . Even upon recalling that scene now, Xie Jing Xing could not help but felt scared . Shen Miao was laying in a pool of blood and seemed to be unconscious, as if she would not wake up again . His heart seized and stopped, even when he brought the Xie family army to the Northern Jiang’s battlefield for the first time, even if someone was scheming in the dark and his life and death was unclear, he was not as fearful as he was currently .

He also had things he was fearful of, also had people he was afraid of losing and also had weakness . These three things were all the same, which was this person in front .

“I will make up of it . ” Shen Miao said, “Has your birthday long pa.s.sed? Why not one make it up for you today?

Xie Jing Xing looked at her unfathomably and said, “One appreciate your kindness . Your health is not recovered yet so don’t torment yourself . ”

“It is only a superficial wound . ” Shen Miao instead took the initiative to say, “Let’s go out . ”

She behaved somewhat abnormally after she woke up . First was that Shen Miao was not a playful person and second, she seemed to be much more intimate that she was before . Her previous temperament was somewhat restrained and even though one did not know why she was used to put it up, but Shen Miao was one who had an big ego, else she would not be in a cold war with Xie Jing Xing for that long . For her to take the initiative and fawn, it made Xie Jing Xing surprised .

He squinted his eyes and asked, “Did you do something behind my back?”

“En . ” Shen Miao nodded her head seriously .

“Is it related with Pei Lang?” Xie Jing Xing’s expression got cold .

Shen Miao took a deep breath . She felt that one could not indulge this conduct of Xie Jing Xing . Just what was he thinking? After resuming her normal look, she asked, “Are you going or not?”

Before Xie Jing Xing could speak about her changing temperament, one heard a voice from behind, “Go then . ”

Gao Yang walked in and took a look at Shen Miao, “One heard that you woke up and came over to take a long . Originally that wound is a superficial wound and it did not affect any internal functions . It is alright . ” He then said to Xie Jing Xing, “It is also good for you to have some activity with your body as you have been guarding in the room and did not even gone out to the sun . The weather is good today . It is alright as long one does not return late . ”

Afterwards, he picked his medical box in the room and left .

Xie Jing Xing and Shen Miao looked at one another in silence . After half a moment Xie Jing Xing smiled, “What do you want to play?”

“Ever since one came to Long Ye, one did not go out for a walk . ” Shen Miao said, “I am not too familiar with Long Ye so accompany me to walk around and talk to me about things here . ” Shen Miao suddenly remembered something and said, “Oh right . That day when I was at the pavilion outside Bi Xiu Luo, I have instructed Ba Jiao to buy a number of fireworks and most likely they are still there . Bring all of them along . ”

“Watch what fireworks in broad daylight?” Xie Jing Xing stared at her, “Is you head also injured?”

Shen Miao asked in reply, “Have you seen fireworks during the day?”

Xie Jing Xing said, “Whoever is silly would have seen it . ”

“I have seen it before . ” Shen Miao replied .

Xie Jing Xing stared at her in doubt .

“Fireworks at night are good to look at but it would not be inferior during the day . Since you have not seen it, I will bring you to take a look . ” Shen Miao smiled gently and wanted to get out of bed . However she was lying on the bed for these few days and her legs became stiff thus it was so painful for her to get out like this that she took a deep breath of cold air .

“You will?” Shen Miao could tell from his expression that he did not have good intentions .

Xie Jing Xing said, “Beg me and I will help you . ” He leaned over, as if to listen carefully to how Shen Miao would give in .

Shen Miao felt that Xie Jing Xing’s temperament was really unpredictable . There were obviously some overbearing points and when he was a youth, he had a scheming and calculative mind that adults could hardly match but currently he looked more like a youth who likes to play tricks and would tease others .

She stared at Xie Jing Xing’s flamboyant side view and her heart moved before she directly gave a kiss to Xie Jing Xing’s cheek .

XIe Jing Xing was stunned and Shen Miao diverted her gaze and looked at the sachet that was hanging at the head of the bed .

“Shen Miao . ” Xie Jing Xing frowned at her, “You are seriously ill . Gao Yang has to come over to take a look . ” He was about to walk away when Shen Miao panicked and stopped him, “Xie Jing Xing . ”

He paused and turned his head but his expression was a mischievous one . Shen Miao knew that she had been fooled and felt regretful in her heart but after seeing Xie Jing Xing laughing out loud and suddenly walking up to pick her up, Shen Miao unconsciously hook her arms around his neck .

Xie Jing Xing carried her like that out the door, causing all the servants in the residence of Prince Rui to look at them . In Shen Miao’s previous lifetime, she had never been so unbridled intimate with a male . No matter if it was in the residence of Prince Ding or the Inner Palace, she would have a manner of a Empress and even if it was Mei Furen, she was also not carried by Fu Xiu Yi in front of so many people . If it was the case then the reputation of a fatuous Monarch and disastrous beauty would be solidified .

Was it that her previous lifetime was a dignified and solemn Empress and this lifetime she would have a reputation of a disastrous beauty? Xie Jing Xing was quite like a fatuous Monarch . Shen Miao was thinking such nonsense when her eyes swept over the servants who were covering their mouths snickering and she got annoyed . She pinched Xie Jing Xing and said, “What are you doing? Quickly let me down . ”

“Oh? Know how to be shy?” Xie Jing Xing raised his eyebrows as he spoke and his tone made one feel like beating him up . He continued, “One does not know who was it just now who wanted to destroy my innocence in broad daylight…”

He actually used the words ‘destroying innocence in broad daylight’ . Shen Miao worked hard to calm her emotions .

However Luo Tan came over . Luo Tan most likely did not expect to see such a scene . Even though she was usually open-minded, she was after all a female and thus instantly became somewhat uncomfortable . Shen Miao let Xie Jing Xing put her down and Luo Tan did not know where to fix her gaze so Shen Miao asked her, “These days have also been difficult for you . ”

“It is not difficult . Not difficult . ” Luo Tan waved her hands continuously as she was a little scared seeing Xie Jing Xing at the side . At that that she was wholeheartedly venting on Shen Miao’s behalf and raged at Xie Jing Xing but afterwards became regretful . The other party had power, held a high position and was even Prince Rui of First Rank in Great Liang and if he were to lash out at Shen Miao, then her offence would be greater . Now upon seeing that Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing were being intimate, it seemed that there was no quarrels and could not help but felt grat.i.tude in her heart .

“Oh yes . ” Luo Tan suddenly remembered something and took out something from her sleeves and placed in onto Shen Miao’s hands, “This is what Chi Yan Taoist Priest pa.s.sed to me before he left and he had instructed me to pa.s.s it on to you, indicating that it is a parting gift for you . ”

That was a small wooden box with a carving that looked like a chicken and a snake so Luo Tan said, “One do not know why the need to carve a chicken and snake . ”

Shen Miao, “…” She then said, “This is a dragon and phoenix . ”

Chi Yan Taoist Priest’s carving was really not flattering and if Shen Miao did not have an understanding, one feared that she would really not be able to see that this was a dragon and phoenix . Luo Tan choked on it as Shen Miao opened the wooden box and took out two red strings out .

“This…” Luo Tan said, “These are just two red strings . There is nothing special but he said it so strangely that one thought it was some valuable thing . It is better to send some herbs over . That Taoist Priest is sure stingy . He obviously have an entire valley of herbs but only gifted this . . ”

However Shen Miao was staring at that strings and her gaze was slightly swaying .

In her previous lifetime, she had gotten a red string from the Taoist Priest and that string accompanied her for several years before landing onto Xie Jing Xing’s hands . Later her soul inhabited within the red string and became the medium that connected her previous lifetime to Xie Jing Xing .

Suddenly she felt that this red string was somewhat close and dear .

She brought her hand out and tied the red string onto her hand . Luo Tan saw her movement and was shocked, “You… Youngest Biao Sister, it cannot be that you want to wear this?”

Shen Miao looked with satisfaction at the red string that was tied around her hand and picked the other one before speaking to Xie Jing Xing, “Stretch your hand out . ”

Xie Jing Xing said, “I am not wearing it . ”

“Stretch your hand out . ” Shen Miao repeated .

Xie Jing Xing looked at her incredulously, “I am a man . ”

“This can ensure safety . ” Shen Miao said casually, “If you and I wear this, when you are in danger, I will be able to know . And when I am in danger, you will also feel it . ”

Luo Tan stood at the side and asked weakly, “Really… That great?”

Shen Miao did not care if it was that great or not . She felt that Chi Yan Taoist Priest was very capable so the things that he gave out should be very valuable . If it was truly like Luo Tan said, then this would be just two red string but these things had profound meaning to her . Its meaning was more memorable than the value of gold and silver .

After Xie Jing Xing heard that, he no longer refused . Even though he was filled with disgust, he still allowed Shen Miao to tie that red string at this wrist and tied a tight knot around it .

Luo Tan watched on with her jaws dropped . Xie Jing Xing was a manly man and was an elegant and n.o.ble Prince Rui but there was such a plaything on his hands . This made him look as good looking as in paintings . Never mind about it being feminine, the most important thing was that this red string did not look expensive and was out of place with their outstanding appearances .

Shen Miao said, “Done . ”

Xie Jing Xing retrieved his hand back and adjusted his sleeves so that the red conspicuous colour is blocked .

Luo Tan said, “Alright, the things are sent over and seeing that you both seem to have something on, I will not bother and leave first . ” She then blinked at Shen Miao and dragged out her tone, “I am relieved that Youngest Biao Sister is good . ” She then leave with a trace of smoke .

Shen Miao, “…”

Xie Jing Xing said, “Let’s go and watch fireworks . ”

The servants in the residence of Prince Rui, “…”

Cong Yang asked Tie Yi softly, “It is Furen that is clearly ill so how is it that Master’s brain is affected? It is a bright clear day so watch what fireworks?”

Tie Yi handled him a broom expressionlessly, “Sweep the floor . ”

In Wei Yang Palace, Empress Xian De was leaning against the couch reading . She read leisurely as she listened to the palace maids speaking . She then put the book down and her expression seemed to be gratified, “It is good that there is no issued . There is always something happening these days that BenGong even plan to burn some incense and pray for blessings . ”

Shen Miao’s a.s.signation attempt was hidden from outsiders but was not concealed from Emperor Yong Le and Empress Xian De . Even Gao Yang had no alternatives, much less the Imperial Physicians in the Palace . Speaking of which, it was truly strange these days as accidents happened continuously to the residence of Prince Rui . First it was Xie Jing Xing and when Xie Jing Xing just escaped from a catastrophe, it was Shen Miao’s turn . It was fortunately that Shen Miao was currently awake and one’s heart was able to set down like a rock .

Empress Xian De placed the book down and no longer had any mood to read . She stood up and walked over to the windows . The rain fell yesterday night and there was a good weather today . Where were the traces of the great winds of yesterday night other than the falling leaves that were blown off the plum trees .

She said to herself, “Long Ye is not peaceful too . ”

The wind sweping through the tower heralds a rising storm in the mountains . For the residence of Prince Rui, such an impenetrable place, could have two accidents after Xie Jing Xing’s return to Great Liang, it could only be a message . Perhaps of warning or an attack?

Because Emperor Yong Le had started to take action with the Lu family .

Tao GuGu was the female official that was by Empress Xian De’s side . Ever since Empress Xian De became the Empress, she had always been by her side and after so many years, she was the most loyal confidant of Empress Xian De .

Tao GuGu said, “Today Consort Jing went to the Imperial Study to look for His Majesty . When she went over, her eyes were full of tears and when she left, she did not seem well . The palace maid in Jing Hua Palace said that upon returning, Her Ladys.h.i.+p Consort Jing had punished a number of servants and even smashed a lot of things, seemingly in a bad mood . ”

Empress Xian De smiled gently, “The Lu family had suffered a disadvantage and also want to test His Majesty’s att.i.tude so naturally one would start from Consort Jing’s side . A few days before, didn’t Lu Furen even enter the Palace to visit Consort Jing?”

“The Emperor seemed no longer treats Her Ladys.h.i.+p Consort Jing patiently . ” Tao GuGu said, “These days, Her Ladys.h.i.+p Consort Jing has restrained her att.i.tude towards you . If the Emperor really take action towards the Lu family, at Consort Jing’s side…”

“Let the Emperor decide everything . ” Empress Xian De said faintly, “Be it sincerity or fake emotions, BenGong is unable to see all these things clearly . At the beginning when one entered the Palace, one understands these principles . ” She looked towards the worried Tao GuGu and smiled, “Do you think that BenGong would still care for all these?”

Tao GuGu no longer spoke .

Empress Xian De looked outside again, “Ever since BenGong became this Empress, one had not regarded oneself as a female . The Emperor’s wife is not a wife and has to bear the weight of the people under Heavens with him, acompanying in fortune and disasters, sharing life and death . BenGong has never been afraid . BenGong only felt somewhat regretful…” She looked at her abdomen, “BenGong… Is not able to give birth to one’s own child . ”

“At the beginning if Her Ladys.h.i.+p Consort Jing…” Tao GuGu gritted her teeth and spoke with some resentment and heartache in her voice .

“Never mind . ” Empress Xian De waved her hands tiredly and smiled but there was a bit of numbness in that smile, “With or without Consort Jing, it would be the same . At the end, BenGong would not be able to give birth to this child . ” She said softly, “Take a look at the Inner Palace . Who was able to give birth to his child?”

“None and it is impossible . So although BenGong have some regrets, the females in this Inner Palace are all regretful so the regret that BenGong feel is no longer regret . At least BenGong still have this unshakable position . ” She said .

Shen Miao had dreamt of a very long dream

That dream seemed to be very very long and it lasted a lifetime . She had a bystander perspective as she watch herself grew from a baby b.u.mbling over words to a lively young girl, from a lively young girl to a young female, then to a middle aged married woman, then to the Mistress of the Six Palaces and finally to an abolished Empress in the Cold Palace before during into a pile of ashes in that fierce fire

 .

She saw herself falling in love with Fu Xiu Yi and begging Shen Xin to marry her to Fu Xiu Yi . She sat at the side and did her best to stop herself from her stupid behaviour but it was all in vain . No one could hear her words and she could only watch as everything happened around her

From a perspective of a bystander, she saw how stupid the things that she did in the past and this time Shen Miao finally understood . The most terrifying thing was to experience all the heartbreaking matters again . It ended when she married Fu Xiu Yi when she was young . Those carefree days, even when others called her stupid, were after all filled with freedom and happiness . When she was called Ding w.a.n.gFei, she was forced to be involved with all these fighting and scheming

Even her pair of son and daughter was unable to escape

The people around her left one by one and the First household of Shen family gradually declined . The prosperity of the past was like a flower that bloom during spring . Once spring is over and one headed towards summer and when the autumn wind starts, it would then wither, making it look cold and desolate

In that dark life where one could not even see a single ray, there were some matters that she had ignored . Those were the stars in the night . They were covered up by other things and became unreal but after one accidentally discovered it, it was as bright as ever . It was like there was fireworks in one’s backyard and had colours which breath in live into the cold boring night

She saw Xie Jing Xing

Not that stubborn and obstreperous youth, not that hero that died on the battlefield . His arrogance was the same in the previous generations as he rode a high horse and carried a bow and in a conversation, he subverts an Imperial dynasty . He drank the wine that she had offered under the clear and bright moonlight and gave her a wish that she could not fulfilled in her entire life on the dark clouded ruined city

They watch fireworks during the day and even did not miss the promise of that New Year’s night . They obviously had a chance encounter but he became the most indispensable person in her life

Because of him, her wish came true . Because of him, she could be redo her life

But that lifetime’s fate was just too short . Such a beautiful fate that made one look forward to was halted due to fate’s teasing . What was pitiful was that even with this chance of a lifetime, that short lived fate still continued

There was no need to speak of any of the questions that were not asked . Many things had vanished at that moment, including questions and including answers

The past fate was the result of the future result

Shen Miao slowly opened her eyes

As far as one could see, the skies had cleared up after the rain and a delicate scent sachet was hanging from the corner of the mosquito net, most likely to dilute the bitter aroma of medication . A more intriguing scent was revealed after the scent and medication were mixed together

Shen Miao looked up beside her

The young male leaned at the head of the bed and one of his hands was tightly holding hers . His eyes were closed and there was a slight stubble on his chin . Even though it was not so obvious, it was a different appearance that how he usually was

His hand was distinctively defined, slender and warm and it was the right size that covered her entire hand up . Shen Miao only moved slightly and Xie Jing Xing woke up

Seeing her opening her eyes, Xie Jing Xin was startled for a while and seemed not to be able to react to it . After pausing for a while, he then suddenly said, “You woke up . ”.

Shen Miao nodded her head

“Do you feel anywhere unwell?” Xie Jing Xing questioned closely, “Let Gao Yang come in to take a look?”.

He usually had an appearance of laziness that any matter would not be able to enter his heart but this time there was a rare anxiousness on his face . Shen Miao said, “There is no need . I am fine . ” She then asked, “How is Gentleman Pei?”.

Xie Jing Xing’s face turned black in a moment

When Shen Miao saw that his face had changed, she was stunned before she immediate understood . However she did not know how to explain it . Was Pei Lang detestable? Naturally he was detestable . In the past lifetime, he took her fingertip blood for Mei Furen, and even though one did not know if Mei Furen’s ‘changing of one’s fate’ was real or not, one felt that it psychologically helped and that sentence of ‘cut the weeds and eliminate the roots’ to Fu Xiu Yi had indirectly led to Fu Ming’s end

Shen Miao had complicated feeling with Pei Lang . She could ignore herself but the matter concern Fu Ming which made her unable to forgive Pei Lang . However at the end, Pei Lang used his life to give her an opportunity for rebirth . .

One was unable to speak clearly of one feeling as one was unable to be purely grateful or simple hate a person . One could only be done was to draw a line in the relations.h.i.+p . Shen Miao did not want to have any relations of ‘owing’ or ‘being owed’ . The matters of the past lifetime ended but in this lifetime she did not want to owe Pei Lang anything and did not want to be owed by Pei Lang . She had remembered clearly that when the childlike a.s.sa.s.sinate attacked, it was Pei Lang that took the most serious stab . If Pei Lang died because of her then in these two lifetimes, their relations.h.i.+p would not be able to be calculated cleanly

However upon seeing Xie Jing Xing’s expression, Shen Miao knew that he had misunderstood . When Xie Jing Xing was angry because of these things, Shen Miao felt that it was very similar to the little wolf dog that was raised in the Luo family army

She quickly stroked this little wolf dog and said, “He saved my life and is after all one’s benefactor . Without any rhyme or reason, one cannot smoothly accept this type of kindness from others . ”.

It was only then that Xie Jing Xing’s expression got better, “Gao Yang had taken a look . He woke up once yesterday night . His life is indeed thick . ” He then looked at Shen Miao, “It is you that do not wake up . If you don’t wake up, I planned to bash that Taoist Priest’s head in . ”.

“Taoist Priest?” Shen Miao was startled, “Are you referring to Chi Yan Taoist Priest?”.

“What Taoist Priest or not . ” Xie Jing Xing said with disdain, “He is only a swindler who earns other’s money . ” The so called ‘Chi Yan Taoist Priest’ had bid farewell to the residence of Prince Ding this morning and even took a good grade antique vase along, saying that it was a thank you gift . One did not know how was a Taoist Priest who schemes for a fortune would be a Superior One

When Shen Miao finished listening to Xie Jing Xing story of that Taoist Priest taking a vase away, there were some doubts in her heart . The long dream had resolved many of her doubts but it might not be real . It was just that Shen Miao did not know why but she felt that everything that happened in the dream was a complete story of her last lifetime

She indeed encountered that priest on the journey back to Ming Qi from Qin country and thought that he was a refugee who had escaped and dressed as a Taoist Priest for survival . She was after all a daughter that was raised by Shen Xin and had some kindness in her heart, so she gave the other party a bowl of water to drink and did not expect that so many things were involved

If she had really listened to that Taoist Priest in her last lifetime and did not return to Ding capital, most likely there would not be such tragedy later . But if one had an opportunity to repeat it, even though one knew it was a route of no return to the Underworld, she would not choose the alternative because her pair of children were deep in the Palace

But that Taoist Priest fulfilled a fate

Shen Miao remembered it very clearly

In the dream, her corpse had turn into ashes by the fire that was ordered by Fu Xiu Yi and nothing remained . However the air of grievances was extremely heavy and would not just dissipate . Mei Furen instructed people to do some rituals so that she would not become a vicious spirit and would not be able to reborn . Her soul was imprison in the Palace walls and would often move around in it and would be also weaker day by day

All of her things that were left behind were burnt . If there wasn’t the red string on Xie Jing Xing’s hand, one feared that she would have disappeared from the world

That red string had protected her some misery and in all those days that one could not live on, Shen Miao’s soul inhabited in the red string around Xie Jing Xing’s wrist and muddledly pa.s.sed one life

Until the day that the city was broken

She saw that Fu Chen died in the hands of his own people and saw Mei Furen and Fu Xiu Yi were tired up and displayed on the city tower, watched as both of them had tens of thousands of arrows pierced into their heart and die and watched as the countless fires burnt down the Palace that she hated her entire life and raze till a pile of hashes . The unfulfilled desire in her heart disappeared and at that moment her soul finally found complete peace

The red string was severed . She could let it go . And at the expense of Pei Lang’s life, time was reversed and she regained her life

Xie Jing Xing saw Shen Miao not speaking and asked with a frown, “What is wrong?”.

Shen Miao recovered to her senses and did not speak as she looked at him

She was somewhat touched . She was saying that there was no intersection between Xie Jing Xing and herself in her past life time so why would they be mistakenly tied together and one would not be able to get out? So it was that there was some entanglement in the past lifetime . Initially Xie Jing Xing owed her a wish but it was just a joke . One did not expect that he would keep his promise and personally end Fu Xiu Yi and Mei Furen and avenged her

She said softly, “Xie Jing Xing, do you have any wishes?”.

Xie Jing Xing took a glance at her, “Why? You want to accomplish it for me?”.

“I can give you a wish . ” She said seriously, “As long as I have the ability to accomplish it, I will definitely do my all . ”.

She had a solemn expression and it caused Xie Jing Xing to cast a sidelong glance . However in a short moment his lips were hooked up and he said in a smile but not a smile, “Good . ” He then went closer to Shen Miao ears and said softly, “My wish… You can definitely accomplish it . ”.

Shen Miao asked, “What is it?”.

“Give birth to a baby for me . ” He spoke lightly

Shen Miao looked at him for a while and Xie Jing Xing touched his nose . Just as he was about to speak, he heard Shen Miao answering, “Alright . ”.

Xie Jing Xing was stunned . .

Shen Miao stared at him and there was a smile on her lips that was different from usual . It was not the kind that was put on display or a little reserved or somewhat lazy . It was as if she was really heavy and there was even a touch of gentleness

Xie Jing Xing unconsciously reached out and touched her forehead, “You are indeed sick . ”.

Shen Miao pushed his hands away and said, “Xie Jing Xing, you must be terrified on your birthday . ”.

Xie Jing Xing released his hands and seeing that her expression was calm and there was nothing strange, he felt relief and followed her topic of conversation and asked, “What do you thing? I even thought…” He did not continue speaking . Even upon recalling that scene now, Xie Jing Xing could not help but felt scared . Shen Miao was laying in a pool of blood and seemed to be unconscious, as if she would not wake up again . His heart seized and stopped, even when he brought the Xie family army to the Northern Jiang’s battlefield for the first time, even if someone was scheming in the dark and his life and death was unclear, he was not as fearful as he was currently

He also had things he was fearful of, also had people he was afraid of losing and also had weakness . These three things were all the same, which was this person in front

“I will make up of it . ” Shen Miao said, “Has your birthday long pa.s.sed? Why not one make it up for you today?.

Xie Jing Xing looked at her unfathomably and said, “One appreciate your kindness . Your health is not recovered yet so don’t torment yourself . ”.

“It is only a superficial wound . ” Shen Miao instead took the initiative to say, “Let’s go out . ”.

She behaved somewhat abnormally after she woke up . First was that Shen Miao was not a playful person and second, she seemed to be much more intimate that she was before . Her previous temperament was somewhat restrained and even though one did not know why she was used to put it up, but Shen Miao was one who had an big ego, else she would not be in a cold war with Xie Jing Xing for that long . For her to take the initiative and fawn, it made Xie Jing Xing surprised

He squinted his eyes and asked, “Did you do something behind my back?”.

“En . ” Shen Miao nodded her head seriously

“Is it related with Pei Lang?” Xie Jing Xing’s expression got cold

Shen Miao took a deep breath . She felt that one could not indulge this conduct of Xie Jing Xing . Just what was he thinking? After resuming her normal look, she asked, “Are you going or not?”.

Before Xie Jing Xing could speak about her changing temperament, one heard a voice from behind, “Go then . ”. Chapter 215: Waking Up (Part 2)

Gao Yang walked in and took a look at Shen Miao, “One heard that you woke up and came over to take a long . Originally that wound is a superficial wound and it did not affect any internal functions . It is alright . ” He then said to Xie Jing Xing, “It is also good for you to have some activity with your body as you have been guarding in the room and did not even gone out to the sun . The weather is good today . It is alright as long one does not return late . ”.

Afterwards, he picked his medical box in the room and left

 .

Xie Jing Xing and Shen Miao looked at one another in silence . After half a moment Xie Jing Xing smiled, “What do you want to play?”.

“Ever since one came to Long Ye, one did not go out for a walk . ” Shen Miao said, “I am not too familiar with Long Ye so accompany me to walk around and talk to me about things here . ” Shen Miao suddenly remembered something and said, “Oh right . That day when I was at the pavilion outside Bi Xiu Luo, I have instructed Ba Jiao to buy a number of fireworks and most likely they are still there . Bring all of them along . ”.

“Watch what fireworks in broad daylight?” Xie Jing Xing stared at her, “Is you head also injured?”.

Shen Miao asked in reply, “Have you seen fireworks during the day?”.

Xie Jing Xing said, “Whoever is silly would have seen it . ”.

“I have seen it before . ” Shen Miao replied

Xie Jing Xing stared at her in doubt

“Fireworks at night are good to look at but it would not be inferior during the day . Since you have not seen it, I will bring you to take a look . ” Shen Miao smiled gently and wanted to get out of bed . However she was lying on the bed for these few days and her legs became stiff thus it was so painful for her to get out like this that she took a deep breath of cold air

“You will?” Shen Miao could tell from his expression that he did not have good intentions

Xie Jing Xing said, “Beg me and I will help you . ” He leaned over, as if to listen carefully to how Shen Miao would give in

Shen Miao felt that Xie Jing Xing’s temperament was really unpredictable . There were obviously some overbearing points and when he was a youth, he had a scheming and calculative mind that adults could hardly match but currently he looked more like a youth who likes to play tricks and would tease others

She stared at Xie Jing Xing’s flamboyant side view and her heart moved before she directly gave a kiss to Xie Jing Xing’s cheek

XIe Jing Xing was stunned and Shen Miao diverted her gaze and looked at the sachet that was hanging at the head of the bed

“Shen Miao . ” Xie Jing Xing frowned at her, “You are seriously ill . Gao Yang has to come over to take a look . ” He was about to walk away when Shen Miao panicked and stopped him, “Xie Jing Xing . ”.

He paused and turned his head but his expression was a mischievous one . Shen Miao knew that she had been fooled and felt regretful in her heart but after seeing Xie Jing Xing laughing out loud and suddenly walking up to pick her up, Shen Miao unconsciously hook her arms around his neck

Xie Jing Xing carried her like that out the door, causing all the servants in the residence of Prince Rui to look at them . In Shen Miao’s previous lifetime, she had never been so unbridled intimate with a male . No matter if it was in the residence of Prince Ding or the Inner Palace, she would have a manner of a Empress and even if it was Mei Furen, she was also not carried by Fu Xiu Yi in front of so many people . If it was the case then the reputation of a fatuous Monarch and disastrous beauty would be solidified

Was it that her previous lifetime was a dignified and solemn Empress and this lifetime she would have a reputation of a disastrous beauty? Xie Jing Xing was quite like a fatuous Monarch . Shen Miao was thinking such nonsense when her eyes swept over the servants who were covering their mouths snickering and she got annoyed . She pinched Xie Jing Xing and said, “What are you doing? Quickly let me down . ”.

“Oh? Know how to be shy?” Xie Jing Xing raised his eyebrows as he spoke and his tone made one feel like beating him up . He continued, “One does not know who was it just now who wanted to destroy my innocence in broad daylight…”.

He actually used the words ‘destroying innocence in broad daylight’ . Shen Miao worked hard to calm her emotions

However Luo Tan came over . Luo Tan most likely did not expect to see such a scene . Even though she was usually open-minded, she was after all a female and thus instantly became somewhat uncomfortable . Shen Miao let Xie Jing Xing put her down and Luo Tan did not know where to fix her gaze so Shen Miao asked her, “These days have also been difficult for you . ”.

“It is not difficult . Not difficult . ” Luo Tan waved her hands continuously as she was a little scared seeing Xie Jing Xing at the side . At that that she was wholeheartedly venting on Shen Miao’s behalf and raged at Xie Jing Xing but afterwards became regretful . The other party had power, held a high position and was even Prince Rui of First Rank in Great Liang and if he were to lash out at Shen Miao, then her offence would be greater . Now upon seeing that Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing were being intimate, it seemed that there was no quarrels and could not help but felt grat.i.tude in her heart

“Oh yes . ” Luo Tan suddenly remembered something and took out something from her sleeves and placed in onto Shen Miao’s hands, “This is what Chi Yan Taoist Priest pa.s.sed to me before he left and he had instructed me to pa.s.s it on to you, indicating that it is a parting gift for you . ”.

That was a small wooden box with a carving that looked like a chicken and a snake so Luo Tan said, “One do not know why the need to carve a chicken and snake . ”.

Shen Miao, “…” She then said, “This is a dragon and phoenix . ”.

Chi Yan Taoist Priest’s carving was really not flattering and if Shen Miao did not have an understanding, one feared that she would really not be able to see that this was a dragon and phoenix . Luo Tan choked on it as Shen Miao opened the wooden box and took out two red strings out

“This…” Luo Tan said, “These are just two red strings . There is nothing special but he said it so strangely that one thought it was some valuable thing . It is better to send some herbs over . That Taoist Priest is sure stingy . He obviously have an entire valley of herbs but only gifted this ”.

However Shen Miao was staring at that strings and her gaze was slightly swaying

In her previous lifetime, she had gotten a red string from the Taoist Priest and that string accompanied her for several years before landing onto Xie Jing Xing’s hands . Later her soul inhabited within the red string and became the medium that connected her previous lifetime to Xie Jing Xing

Suddenly she felt that this red string was somewhat close and dear

She brought her hand out and tied the red string onto her hand . Luo Tan saw her movement and was shocked, “You… Youngest Biao Sister, it cannot be that you want to wear this?”.

Shen Miao looked with satisfaction at the red string that was tied around her hand and picked the other one before speaking to Xie Jing Xing, “Stretch your hand out . ”.

Xie Jing Xing said, “I am not wearing it . ”.

“Stretch your hand out . ” Shen Miao repeated

Xie Jing Xing looked at her incredulously, “I am a man . ”.

“This can ensure safety . ” Shen Miao said casually, “If you and I wear this, when you are in danger, I will be able to know . And when I am in danger, you will also feel it . ”.

Luo Tan stood at the side and asked weakly, “Really… That great?”.

Shen Miao did not care if it was that great or not . She felt that Chi Yan Taoist Priest was very capable so the things that he gave out should be very valuable . If it was truly like Luo Tan said, then this would be just two red string but these things had profound meaning to her . Its meaning was more memorable than the value of gold and silver

After Xie Jing Xing heard that, he no longer refused . Even though he was filled with disgust, he still allowed Shen Miao to tie that red string at this wrist and tied a tight knot around it

Luo Tan watched on with her jaws dropped . Xie Jing Xing was a manly man and was an elegant and n.o.ble Prince Rui but there was such a plaything on his hands . This made him look as good looking as in paintings . Never mind about it being feminine, the most important thing was that this red string did not look expensive and was out of place with their outstanding appearances

Shen Miao said, “Done . ”.

Xie Jing Xing retrieved his hand back and adjusted his sleeves so that the red conspicuous colour is blocked

Luo Tan said, “Alright, the things are sent over and seeing that you both seem to have something on, I will not bother and leave first . ” She then blinked at Shen Miao and dragged out her tone, “I am relieved that Youngest Biao Sister is good . ” She then leave with a trace of smoke

Shen Miao, “…”.

Xie Jing Xing said, “Let’s go and watch fireworks . ”.

The servants in the residence of Prince Rui, “…”.

Cong Yang asked Tie Yi softly, “It is Furen that is clearly ill so how is it that Master’s brain is affected? It is a bright clear day so watch what fireworks?”.

Tie Yi handled him a broom expressionlessly, “Sweep the floor . ”.

*****.

In Wei Yang Palace, Empress Xian De was leaning against the couch reading . She read leisurely as she listened to the palace maids speaking . She then put the book down and her expression seemed to be gratified, “It is good that there is no issued . There is always something happening these days that BenGong even plan to burn some incense and pray for blessings . ”.

Shen Miao’s a.s.signation attempt was hidden from outsiders but was not concealed from Emperor Yong Le and Empress Xian De . Even Gao Yang had no alternatives, much less the Imperial Physicians in the Palace . Speaking of which, it was truly strange these days as accidents happened continuously to the residence of Prince Rui . First it was Xie Jing Xing and when Xie Jing Xing just escaped from a catastrophe, it was Shen Miao’s turn . It was fortunately that Shen Miao was currently awake and one’s heart was able to set down like a rock

Empress Xian De placed the book down and no longer had any mood to read . She stood up and walked over to the windows . The rain fell yesterday night and there was a good weather today . Where were the traces of the great winds of yesterday night other than the falling leaves that were blown off the plum trees

She said to herself, “Long Ye is not peaceful too . ”.

The wind sweping through the tower heralds a rising storm in the mountains . For the residence of Prince Rui, such an impenetrable place, could have two accidents after Xie Jing Xing’s return to Great Liang, it could only be a message . Perhaps of warning or an attack?.

Because Emperor Yong Le had started to take action with the Lu family

Tao GuGu was the female official that was by Empress Xian De’s side . Ever since Empress Xian De became the Empress, she had always been by her side and after so many years, she was the most loyal confidant of Empress Xian De

Tao GuGu said, “Today Consort Jing went to the Imperial Study to look for His Majesty . When she went over, her eyes were full of tears and when she left, she did not seem well . The palace maid in Jing Hua Palace said that upon returning, Her Ladys.h.i.+p Consort Jing had punished a number of servants and even smashed a lot of things, seemingly in a bad mood . ”.

Empress Xian De smiled gently, “The Lu family had suffered a disadvantage and also want to test His Majesty’s att.i.tude so naturally one would start from Consort Jing’s side . A few days before, didn’t Lu Furen even enter the Palace to visit Consort Jing?”.

“The Emperor seemed no longer treats Her Ladys.h.i.+p Consort Jing patiently . ” Tao GuGu said, “These days, Her Ladys.h.i.+p Consort Jing has restrained her att.i.tude towards you . If the Emperor really take action towards the Lu family, at Consort Jing’s side…”.

“Let the Emperor decide everything . ” Empress Xian De said faintly, “Be it sincerity or fake emotions, BenGong is unable to see all these things clearly . At the beginning when one entered the Palace, one understands these principles . ” She looked towards the worried Tao GuGu and smiled, “Do you think that BenGong would still care for all these?”.

Tao GuGu no longer spoke

Empress Xian De looked outside again, “Ever since BenGong became this Empress, one had not regarded oneself as a female . The Emperor’s wife is not a wife and has to bear the weight of the people under Heavens with him, acompanying in fortune and disasters, sharing life and death . BenGong has never been afraid . BenGong only felt somewhat regretful…” She looked at her abdomen, “BenGong… Is not able to give birth to one’s own child . ”.

“At the beginning if Her Ladys.h.i.+p Consort Jing…” Tao GuGu gritted her teeth and spoke with some resentment and heartache in her voice

“Never mind . ” Empress Xian De waved her hands tiredly and smiled but there was a bit of numbness in that smile, “With or without Consort Jing, it would be the same . At the end, BenGong would not be able to give birth to this child . ” She said softly, “Take a look at the Inner Palace . Who was able to give birth to his child?”.

“None and it is impossible . So although BenGong have some regrets, the females in this Inner Palace are all regretful so the regret that BenGong feel is no longer regret . At least BenGong still have this unshakable position . ” She said