“ Miaoyi, how did you end up in the Hall of Eternal Life? Did Yue Nu make things difficult for you?”
“The Emperor?”
Zhao Jia let out a soft laugh. “Don’t you think His Majesty looks like a rabbit when he’s angry?”
“His Majesty was born in the Year of the Rabbit. When he was little, he was especially adorable. The Empress Dowager gave him the childhood name ‘Yue Nu’—little rabbit.”
Jing Miaoyi smiled faintly. Ever since the late emperor and empress passed away, only Zhao Jia dared to call him by that nickname.
“Miaoyi?”
Yan Qingzhi, who had been waiting outside the palace gates for a long time, froze when he saw her, then quickly showed joy.
He stepped forward, his outstretched hand trembling slightly with excitement.
“Senior Brother Yan.” Jing Miaoyi subtly stepped back, creating distance.
Yan Qingzhi awkwardly withdrew his hand.
“Husband,” Zhao Jia called.
Only then did Yan Qingzhi come to his senses and turn to her. “My dear, I was wrong. I’ll remember your words in the future. I even had someone prepare pear blossom pastries from Furong House for you.”
Zhao Jia snorted lightly, her anger already gone. Knowing her husband wanted to speak with Miaoyi, she boarded the carriage first.
“Miaoyi, could we speak privately?”
She nodded.
“I heard from my wife that you married Shen Jueming, the Vice Minister of Personnel.”
“He is not a good man.”
Speaking ill of others behind their backs was unbecoming of an official, but Miaoyi was his late teacher’s only daughter.
He couldn’t stand by and watch her fall into ruin.
Under the shifting light, her beautiful face remained expressionless, her gaze cold.
She knew Yan Qingzhi’s character—if he spoke like this, it was out of genuine concern.
But…
“Please mind your words, Lord Yan. My husband and I have shared hardship together. When my father was framed, even the elders of the Jing family chose silence.”
“I sent twenty-three letters to the capital.”
“Other than Shen Jueming, not a single person helped my father.”
Her voice trembled with emotion, though she clenched her palms to maintain composure.
“I do not blame any of you. After all, my father was only your teacher.”
“You all had your own difficulties.”
“But you cannot ignore everything back then, and now stand on moral high ground to judge others.”
Her gaze shifted toward the carriage, tears gathering in her eyes, falling like pearls under the moonlight.
“You all pride yourselves on integrity, looking down on him for attaching himself to the Duke.”
“But if not for him lowering his dignity and maneuvering through the situation back then, I would have died long ago.”
“How could I stand here today listening to your righteous accusations?”
“I…” Yan Qingzhi opened his mouth but said nothing.
He watched her walk away.
Nearby, Shen Jueming stood beside the carriage in a pale robe, jade pendant at his waist, appearing refined and elegant.
He nodded politely toward Yan Qingzhi, but the latter sensed hostility.
Zhao Jia glanced at Shen Jueming and raised an eyebrow. “Not bad-looking. No wonder he was taken into the princess’s chambers.”
Yan Qingzhi frowned. “What do you mean?”
She awkwardly laughed. “I just happened to see him leaving the princess’s room.”
Yan Qingzhi closed his eyes, recalling Miaoyi’s words.
“Back then, it wasn’t your fault,” Zhao Jia said softly. “You were far away on duty. When I see Miaoyi again, I’ll explain everything.”
“No need…” he sighed. “I failed my teacher.”
Inside the carriage.
“Miaoyi,” Shen Jueming said softly, his cold expression gone, replaced with warmth. He pulled her into his arms.
“As long as you understand me, there’s no need to explain to them.”
“They abandoned your father when he needed them most.”
“Only I stood by you.”
His voice was gentle, filled with emotion.
“They are unreliable. Only I truly love you.”
“I love you, Miaoyi. I would rather betray the world than betray you.”
His confession was deep and sincere.
But she knew better.
Did she love him?
She wanted to tear him apart.
That hatred could not be extinguished.
“Miaoyi, do you love me?” he pressed.
She leaned into his embrace, wrapping her arms around him as if she depended on him.
“Shen Lang…” her voice trembled softly.
“I am your wife. Would a wife not love her husband?”
Satisfied, he relaxed and held her tightly.
“Miaoyi, you’ve suffered.”
The carriage stopped at the Shen residence.
As Shen Jueming stepped out, his expression changed upon seeing another carriage waiting outside.
His grip tightened.
“Damn that Ruan brat…”
“Miaoyi, take care of my father for me.”
His tone was gentle, but his meaning was clear.
Jing Miaoyi’s face showed sorrow.
So this was his oath?
Truly—
A man’s oath is no different from a dog’s bark.