Identity

When those words were spoken, a blanket of silence fell into the room.

Luo Xue Yan dared not look at Shen Miao's eyes, Shen Xin's voice had revealed exhaustion, Luo Ling was stunned, Lou Tan's jaw dropped and it was Shen Qiu who slammed on the table and stood up, "What is this?"

The calmest one was, however, Shen Miao.

However, even though she looked calm on the surface, it did not mean that there were no waves in her heart. She had long expected Xie Jing Xing's move but she did not expect that Xie Jing Xing would actually dare to be so blatant… Wait... How did he make Emperor Wen Hui take the initiative to bestow the marriage?

As Shen Miao was thinking about that, Shen Qiu could not help but stand up and spoke in a rush, "What kind of person is Rui Wáng? How could Mèimèi, a gūniáng of Ming Qi marry a person from Great Liang? Is the Huángdì crazy?"

"Qiu-er!" Luo Xue Yan glared at him, "Guard one's tongue." Walls had ears and there would be spies of the Heavens' family everywhere. Shen Qiu was so crazily angry that he said such treacherous things.

Shen Qiu held his tongue and looked at Shen Miao before he scratched his head, "No matter what, Mèimèi cannot marry that whatever Rui Wáng… Why is this name so familiar…" Suddenly, his brain made the connection and he suddenly clapped his hands, "So it is that person. Like I said, why would a magnificent Qīn Wáng in Great Liang take the initiative to greet me? So he is chasing Younger Sister. How vile." (Qīn Wáng, in this case, is referring to Prince of First Rank, a direct and very close relative of the emperor)

Shen Xin frowned when he heard it and asked, "You have seen Rui Wáng?"

"Previously when Biǎodì and I returned to the residence, we encountered him. He even invited me to the residence of Rui Wáng to spar." Shen Qiu spoke angrily, "If I had known that he had such an intention, I would have broken his horse's legs and let him fall to his death."

Shen Miao, "…"

Luo Ling was also startled before thinking about something and looked at Shen Miao.

Shen Miao was unable to make heads or tails of Luo Ling's complicated gaze and also did not have the mood at this moment to investigate it further. She only asked Shen Xin, "This was the s that Bìxià announced? Why did Huángshàng suddenly bestow a marriage to me?"

Even though there were not many Young Ladies that were suitable to marry to Great Liang, there were a few Imperial Princesses in the Imperial family and numerous Princesses, so no matter the case, there was no need to pinpoint her. Of course, Shen Miao knew that it was Xie Jing Xing's intention but she still wanted to inquire on how did Xie Jing Xing convince Emperor Wen Hui.

(公主 Gōngzhǔ - Daughters of the Emperor aka Imperial Princesses, 郡主 Jùnzhǔ - Daughters of Princes or titles granted by the Emperor to specific Young Ladies aka Princess)

Shen Xin looked at Shen Miao, his eyes felt painful and it was only after a moment when he sighed and said, "Jiao Jiao, it is Fùqīn that is incompetent." He then slowly spoke of the day's matters.

So it was during today's court when Emperor Wen Hui had dealt with a few court matters but suddenly changed the topic and spoke of Prince Rui's of Great Liang's intention to marry back a Prince Consort from Ming Qi. Some of the officials were excited and some were restless. Those who doted on their daughters naturally would not wish to see their daughters marrying far away, whereas those who were determined to climb up the ladder would wish to see their daughters marrying Prince Rui and be at least a Prince's Consort.

However, Emperor Wen Hui did not give others much opportunity to think and the Young Lady bestowed a marriage was Shen Miao, the Di-daughter of the Formidable Grand General, Shen Xin.

Everyone was stunned. Everyone knew that Shen Miao was the pearl in Shen Xin's palm, thus, one feared that Shen Xin would not be willing to let Shen Miao marry Great Liang. Currently, it was a time when Ming Qi needed Shen XIn the most so why would Emperor Wen Hui make Shen Xin unhappy at this time? Even though these officials were sharp and crafty, this time they were unable to see through Emperor Wen Hui's heart.

Shen Xin naturally had a stomach full of anger and hated that he could not chop down the hall. He was willing to bear all kinds of grievances but was not willing to let his daughter suffer any but this time Emperor Wen Hui did not discuss with him at all and directly bestowed a marriage to Shen Miao. This meant that there was no chance for the Shen family to oppose. If they were to oppose, it would mean that they were resisting the decree and one feared that Shen Miao would not be willing to get the entire family killed.

Shen Xin's heart was also filled with suspicions, just a short period back Emperor Wen Hui also wanted to marry Shen Miao to the Crown Prince but the wine-lovers heart was not In the cup. So why is it in such a short period of time he would let Shen Miao marry Great Liang's Prince of First Rank?

After the court session, Emperor Wen Hui stopped Shen Xin and did not let him leave. Shen Xin was brought to the Imperial Study and had an intimate and long talk with him.

This time, he spoke of the truth behind the bestowing of Shen Miao's marriage.

That was how Shen Xin knew that it was Prince Rui's intention to marry Shen Miao and Prince Rui used the border cities of Ming Qi to threaten Emperor Wen Hui to make this decision.

Even though it was said as border cities of Ming Qi but the meaning behind was the entire land that Ming Qi was sitting on. Emperor Wen Hui was helpless and had no choice but to agree to this request. In the end, Emperor Wen Hui said, "Zhèn is the zhǔzi of Ming Qi and cannot just ignore the life and death of the commoners, so General Shen, this time, one have to wrong Shen Xiǎojiě this time and use her to exchange for the safety of the commoners. If Shen Xiǎojiě knows of it, she would understand Zhèn's decision."

Officials should listen to the Monarch's orders, not to mention the Monarch in front was sincerely apologising and explaining the situation. If it was in the past, Shen Xin would definitely be considerate and even feel a little grateful.

However, when Emperor Wen Hui said 'use her to exchange for the safety of the commoners', there was a slight chill that passed him. He felt that there was some hypocrisy in this Monarch that he had been loyal to for his whole life.

The commoners. Wasn't his daughter also one of the commoners? Why must he sacrifice his daughter? His entire life was all expeditions and battles and he had already given half his life to Ming Qi. His life could be sacrificed to protect the world's living things. However, he was unable to protect his own daughter, so what kind of father was he? After sacrificing him, now is his daughter turn to sacrifice?

Shen Xin could no longer listen to whatever Emperor Wen Hui said. Most likely he mentioned that when Shen Miao marries, what Emperor Wen Hui would give so that it would be grand. But in Shen Xin's ears, it was extremely sarcastic.

No matter how selfless one was, one's heart would be biased towards one's loved ones. In particular with Shen Xin, who in the past decades had never had his daughter by his side, had always felt that Shen Miao was distant with both him and his wife and they had deserved it. Afterwards, it was Heaven's pity that Shen Miao became close with them again but Shen Miao's personality had changed so much that it seemed that she had grown up a lot overnight. Shen Xin saw it in his eyes and ached in his heart.

Shen Miao was a little flower that was carefully grown in the residence and now unknowingly this flower had grown into a strong and upright tree. By growing this fast, she had also lost a lot of things. His heart initially felt conscience-stricken with Shen Miao and now with this Imperial Decree, Shen Xin really did not know how to face Shen Miao.

Shen Xin finished all his words and the room fell silent. Even Shen Qiu did not speak.

Emperor Wen Hui had already said it to such a point so what else could be done? Did one have to watch wide eyes as Shen Miao marry another? This was being too cruel to Shen Miao.

Not to mention about liking the man, to live together for her entire life with a man that one had never seen or know what kind of temperament that he has and in a foreign country… Shen Xin did not dare to think about it.

Shen Miao said, "So it is as such." Her expression was calm and did not seem to be affected by the slightest. Everyone only then found that from knowing about the Imperial Decree till now Shen Miao did not reveal a trace of surprise at all.

Luo Xue Yan was afraid that she was restraining too much, "Jiao Jiao, you need not need to suppress everything in the heart. The matter is not decided yet…"

"Mǔqīn need not need to coax me. The Imperial Decree had been passed so one cannot just resist it." Shen Miao smiled, "Moreover, it is not a bad thing to marry Rui Wáng since one will be a Wángfēi and there would be no problems in wearing brocade and eating jaded food. With Rui Wáng's graceful bearing, even though one is unable to his face, he should have a good appearance."

"But you do not know him at all." Shen Qiu said anxiously, "So how would you know his behaviour and conduct?"

"Isn't the world like this?" Shen Miao said plainly, "For some people, after being with another for the entire life, one would still not know about one's conduct so marrying Rui Wáng is not as bad as you all are thinking. By remaining in Ding capital city, it would be easier to be schemed by others and the Shen family would not be able to protect me."

Shen Xin's eyes flashed and there was a trace of pain in them.

The greater his military power was, the more restraints he had to take on as the Emperor would be more fearful and would want to contain him more. Previously, the Crown Prince could create difficulties in Shen Miao's marriage and naturally, others could also create difficulties. One was not afraid of thieves but fear that thieves remember one. The Shen family indeed could not protect Shen Miao.

An ignorant person was innocent and treasuring a jade ring becomes a crime. For the first time, one started to hate the military power one had.

"Great Liang is a good place." Shen Miao smiled gently and her tone of voice was somewhat yearning, "One had seen travel notes that indicated that Great Liang is a rich nation and its citizens enjoy peace, that there was not a need to lock one's doors at night and songs and dance were used to celebrate peace. With the commoners harmonious and happy and purging of thieves, it is a good sight to behold."

"No matter how good the sights are, you will be alone…" Luo Xue Yan could not bear to continue.

"Being Rui Wángfēi is being Qīn Wángfēi... Being below one person and above ten thousand, there would not be others bullying me." Shen Miao said thoughtfully, "Since Rui Wáng wants to marry me, it might be that he has deeply rooted feelings for me and naturally would treat me well."

She rarely said words to tease herself like this and it made Luo Xue Yan and the rest of them smile. Luo Xue Yan said smilingly, "Silly child. He might not necessarily…" Her words suddenly stopped. Shen Miao was bright and intelligent so how would she not know that it was possible that Prince Rui did not fancy her but it was due to the Shen family? However, like this, it made them feel assured.

Thinking about this, Luo Xue Yan felt infinitely sour in her heart.

Shen Miao smiled slightly, "it is a joyous matter so why are you all not happy? Not only that, you look suffocated." She continued, "Since the Imperial Decree has been passed, not too long later, one would be notified. I will have to start embroidering my wedding dress."

There were no traces of grievances or unhappiness in her tone and instead was so natural as if it was a marriage that was settled for a long time. The more she was like this, the sadder Shen Xin and wife were.

After talking for a while, Shen Miao felt tired, thus, everyone started to eat. This meal was eaten tastelessly as each was preoccupied with their own thoughts. After the meal was finished, the group was dispersed to rest but Luo Tan clung onto Shen Miao's arm as if she had something to talk to Shen Miao. Just as they were heading to her courtyard, Luo Ling called her.

"Biǎogē, is anything the matter?" Shen Miao asked as she looked at him.

Luo Ling asked, "Xiǎo biǎomèi, do you really want to marry Rui Wáng?"

Luo Tan looked somewhat strangely at Luo Ling as Shen Miao smiled, "The Imperial Decree has been passed. It does not matter whether I want to or not."

"One thought that you would directly say that you do not want." Luo Ling's gaze dimmed but he still put on a slight smile, "Just like previously in Xiao Chun City where you rejected those Shàoyé."

Shen Miao smiled without saying anything.

"Congratulations." He smiled bitterly.

Shen Miao nodded her head as thanks.

After sending Luo Ling off, Luo Tan pulled Shen Miao back into the courtyard and dispersed the servants upon entering the room. After closing the doors, she lowered her voice and spoke mysteriously, "Xiǎo biǎomèi, you knew of this matter correct?"

"What?" Shen Miao was unable to make heads or tails on the matter.

"The matter of Rui Wáng forcing Huángdì to bestow a marriage for you." Luo Tan said hurriedly.

Shen Miao's heart jumped. Luo Tan was normally very carefree and casual and would not be sensitive to whatever matters but surprisingly she had an instinct to matters that she should not know.

She vaguely dealt with it, "How is it possible?"

"How could it not be possible?" Luo Tan said with interest, "You still remember the last time when we were kidnapped. When I woke up, I passed your message to Rui Wáng and Rui Wáng found you in a short time. At that time, I was wondering about the relationship between both of you and guessed that it must be rather good else Rui Wáng would not have helped you. Is it like what the novels spoke of, things of heroes and beauty?"

Shen Miao said, "You better read less of those novels."

"Not mentioning novels." Luo Tan spoke as she rested her chin on her hand, "That Rui Wáng's ability is not small at all. At that time, Xiǎo Gūgū and Gūfū had searched for you for many days but unable to find you but he was able to find you in a short time. We, the Luo family, only look at abilities. He is a man with abilities and one heard that he is also very good looking. This is very rare. Many good looking men are embroidered pillows and are visually attractive but useless, just like that Physician Gao who comes to our residence often. He is also good looking but from one glance, he is one that could fall with a gust of wind. This kind of man is not dependable and at most, one could only see."

Cong Yang, who was up on the tree outside was listening with fascination, almost fell off. Visually attractive but useless… This Young Biao Lady of the Luo family was really bold and powerful. One did not know how Gentleman Gao would feel upon listening to this…

"Alright." Shen Miao glared at her, "All the incoherent rambling. What exactly do you want?"

"Xiǎo biǎomèi, I just know that you are the smartest. No one in the Shen Mansion knows me the best like you and not even my Dìdì, Luo Qian, have a connected heart to me like you." Luo Tan looked at Shen Miao with anticipation, "I just have a wish that when you go to Great Liang, you will bring me as your Biǎo jiějiě accompanying you to marry."

Shen Miao almost fainted and said incredulously, "What did you say?"

"I have never been to Great Liang before." Luo Tan said, "One had heard that Great Liang is a great place with lots of good food and things to play. This time, Ling Gēgē and I came out to train in Ding capital city. The more places one visits the more one trains."

Shen Miao said, "It was obvious that it was you who secretly climbed into the horse carriage."

Luo Tan said, "If one has the code of sisterhood then bring me along."

"Not bringing." Shen Miao's heart was set in stone.

In the subsequent half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours), Shen Miao had witnessed Luo Tan's forms of pestering. Even though there was still Xie Jing Xing when she goes to Great Liang, Shen Miao also knew that it would not be smooth sailing. No one was able to say accurately what would happen in the future thus there was no need to drag Luo Tan into it.

After Luo Tan left, Shen Miao sighed and pulled open the window. There was a hovering tree shadow outside, making the winter night cold and sombre.

She thought that Xie Jing Xing was so capable that he did not even give her a heads-up and just act on his own initiative to give her a 'marriage bestowment'. Not considering the Imperial Decree, currently, he was not even seen. At such a time where an explanation was needed, what was he trying to do? Running away after stirring everything up?

Shen Miao shut the windows with a 'Pa' sound. Shameless.

The sound made Cong Yang rub his ears. One thought that Young Madam's period had come, that was why she was so moody…

On the other side, in the courtyard of Shen Xin and wife, Shen Xin was also discussing this matter with Luo Xue Yan.

Shen Xin said, "Go to Great Liang with Jiao Jiao?"

Luo Xue Yan nodded her head, "We are not at Jiao Jiao's side and if Jiao Jiao meets some troubles in Great Liang, with Heavens so high and Earth so wide, we would not know her grievances. In the beginning… Wasn't there also a gūniáng that was married to another country that was harmed to death by the husband's family but the people at this end did not know?"

"He dares!" Shen Xin was so angry but he immediately suppressed his anger, "I can go but one fear that the Emperor would not allow it."

Luo Xue Yan's voice was lowered, "Now Great Liang's and Ming Qi's situation is so critical, if we also followed them to Great Liang, the Emperor will definitely think that we are going to succumb… It is not appropriate. But is there really no other way?"

Without a better option, Shen Xin turned his back towards Luo Xue Yan and looked at the calligraphy on the wall, lost in thoughts.

That was the calligraphy of 'dedicating one's loyalty to the service of the country'.

He was loyal and he served the country but what did he gain? The Shen family emphasis on the monarch's rule all under Heavens. If the monarch wanted the official to die, the official did not have a choice but to die. But why did he feel regretful at this moment?

This monarch had always guarded against him, suppressed him and controlled him. Shen Xin did not think anything of it even if the monarch made use of him.

But why harm his daughter?

Was it that all the monarchs under heaven would treat loyal officials like that or was it only just this one? Shen Xin was thinking that if Emperor Wen Hui had a little resistance when he was in front of Prince Rui or fought just a little for Shen Miao, he would not be this dissatisfied with Emperor Wen Hui as he was now. It was because Emperor Wen Hui's answer was clean and crisp, that because of the land under heaven, Shen Miao was nothing at all that made Shen Xin felt that there was a lump in his heart.

If Ming Qi was much stronger, was it that there was no need to submit oneself in front of Great Liang and just a 'Prince Rui' would not be able to threaten a monarch?

Shen Xin suddenly felt a trace of hate towards Emperor Wen Hui's incompetence.

He had not realised that in this transaction, he would have an indignant heart towards Emperor Wen Hui that was far greater than Prince Rui of Great Liang.

He naturally also did not know that his change in mindset was also expected by others a long time ago.

Luo Xue Yan also spoke, "Why does Rui Wáng suddenly want to marry Jiao Jiao? Great Liang does not lack this much military power and even if it was for a provocation, there was no need to be like this."

Shen Xin said, "I will go and inquire about it tomorrow. Sleep first."

But tonight it was destined to be a sleepless night.

*****

Emperor Wen Hui had announced the Imperial Decree in front of hundreds of officials in court and thus, there was no need to hide. In just a short day, everyone in Ding capital city knew about the matter. From officials to the commoners, everyone was discussing this matter.

The Princess Residence was covered in a sheet of solemnness.

Princess Rong Xin sat on the main seat and could not help but laughed coldly.

How could she not see that this wàishēng (sister's son) of hers had such abilities?

Xie Jing Xing had clearly viewed Shen Miao in a different light two years ago and after turning into Prince Rui, Princess Rong Xin had thought that with Prince Rui's identity, even if Xie Jing Xing think highly of Shen Miao, it would not be possible for him to be with Shen Miao in this lifetime. One did not think that Xie Jing Xing had such an ability to get what he wanted.

In the afternoon, after Princess Rong Xin knew of this information, she went to the Palace to meet with Emperor Wen Hui. She knew that Emperor Wen Hui would not bestow Shen Miao a marriage for no reason and she must know the reason. Emperor Wen Hui still respected this Older Sister of his thus, he told her the ins and out of it.

Princess Rong Xin was unable to tell what her heart was feeling and only felt that her back was somewhat cold.

That beautiful youth who would always call her 'Rong Yí' with all smiles. Far from the way she remembered, the current Xie Jing Xing had an air of unfamiliarity. He could lie for many years in order to get what he wants and he will succeed in the end. That arrogant attitude, the fierce means, the unrelenting threat… He was more like one who was occupying the highest position.

Princess Rong Xin's heart was somewhat afraid.

She did not know if she should tell Emperor Wen Hui about Xie Jing Xing's identity.

Even though she had told him, nothing would happen. Since Xie Jing Xing dared to come, he was definitely prepared for everything.

If she did say it out, at least, the citizens of Ming Qi would know Xie Jing Xing's identity and would not keep on saying that he was a 'heroic youth who died prematurely'.

Princess Rong Xin thought about it for a while and a picture of his childhood floated to his mind. She did not go out during the day and would have little contact with others that even some maids were not allowed to enter her room at night. At that time, it happened to coincide with Fùmǎ's (aka Princess Consort/Husband) death anniversary, she had caught a cold and was unable to get up on the second day. Her body was strangely cold and at that time, the five-year-old Xie Jing Xing went to the kitchens to bring a hot bowl of porridge and fed her spoon by spoon. He even pulled a small stool over to sit by her bedside and read poems to her.

Such a beautiful little boy who did such considerate little actions. As long as one was a female, It was not possible that one was not moved by it.

As ten years passed, they were obviously not mother and son but their relationship exceeded mother and son. So how did they reach such a point?

On one hand, he was the country's enemy, on the other hand, he was a companion for decades. Princess Rong Xin's heart suddenly felt laden with grief.

What was the better way to handle this?

Princess Rong Xin did not know that these days, every single movement from the Princess Residence was being watched and it was not only by one person. As their Princess Residence did not have relations with outsiders, the guards were rather slack that Princess Rong Xin's every move was almost monitored and tracked.

In the residence of the Count of Ping Nan, Su Ming Lang watched as the maid served sweet steamed yoghurt and rejected it properly, "I am not eating. Bring it to Dàgē."

Currently, Su Ming Lang had reached the age where he would be 'vain' and compared to the fair and round dumpling that he previously was, Su Ming Lang was more willing to be an adorable snow jade-like 'Little Gentleman'. Thus, although all these sweet things were fragrant, he had decided not to touch any one of them.

However, he suddenly thought about something and stopped that maid, "Forget it. Don't serve it to Dàgē. If Dàgē marries Shen Jiějiě in the future, what can be done if Shen Jiějiě despises Dàgē because he is a fatty?"

The maid was somewhat speechless as he saw Su Ming Lang's little adult appearance and did not know what to do with the plate she was holding. Su Ming Lang said it and sighed deeply, "Since you are in great difficulty, I will undertake this difficult job and eat it." He then warned the maid fiercely, "You are not allowed to tell niáng that I snatched Dàgē's sweet steamed yoghurt."

The maid, "…"

However, in the room, Su Ming Feng was in no mood to eat whatever sweet steamed yoghurt. He was pacing back and forth in the room with an anxious expression.

Su Yu looked at him sympathetically and patted his shoulders, "Érzi, Diē knows that you feel upset but this Imperial Decree was personally handed out by Bìxià. Diē is also helpless to it. One can only say that you are unfortunate and there is no fate with the gūniáng that you fancy. However, it is fortunate that Shen Xiǎojiě will be marrying Rui Wáng and definitely have to go to Great Liang. What the eyes don't see, the heart won't grieve. After some time you will forget about her."

Emperor Wen Hui had handed out an Imperial Decree and Su Yu and Su Fūrén were most afraid that Su Ming Feng was unable to take this blow and after telling him very tactfully, Su Ming Feng locked himself in his study room. Su Fūrén was afraid that Su Ming Feng would take the easy way out (aka kill himself), so she specifically instructed Su Yu to go in to advise him.

"Diē, can you not create problems for me?" Su Ming Feng said impatiently, "I am not upset because of this matter."

"Érzi, how could Diē not know what you are thinking in your heart?" Su Yu said, "It is a waste of youth if one is not a player. Diē also walked through life from your age. It is nothing. There is no shortage of grass in the world. You have to be a little open-minded."

Su Ming Feng could no longer bear it, "Alright. Diē, I understand. I want to be alone to think and would not find an easy way out. Can you let me stay alone for a while?"

Seeing the always mild Su Ming Feng started to look annoyed, Su Yu also feared that by continuing to speak, he would provoke that weak heart and thus said, "In short, Diē will work hard to find a fairy-like gūniáng for you to take as a wife. Don't be upset." And he left crestfallen.

After Su Yu left, Su Ming Feng sat down in front of the study desk and felt inexplicably annoyed.

Emperor Wen Hui suddenly handed out a decree to bestow marriage for Shen Miao? This surprised Su Ming Feng. After all, it was only a short period back when Shen Miao was dragged to the Crown Prince with some relations. How was it that today she was together with Prince Rui?

Su Ming Feng did not have time to guess Emperor Wen Hui's mind as he was thinking about Shen Miao. Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing seemed to have a close relationship two years ago and a few days back because of that Tiger Head Bracelet, Su Ming Feng was confident that there was some special relationship between Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing. Su Ming Feng even suspected that Xie Jing Xing was alive.

If one wanted to find information about Xie Jing Xing, one must pay close attention to Shen Miao.

But why did the matter of Shen Miao's and Prince Rui's marriage made him feel so uneasy? It seemed that something was going on and something was about to happen.

This kind of strange premonition made Su Ming Feng feel very abnormal today. Just as he was being restless, someone had returned from outside. It was the informant that Su Ming Feng had sent out to arrange for people to monitor the Princess Residence and Shen Mansion. Su Ming Feng felt that perhaps Princess Rong Xin knew about something and there was no need to speak about Shen Miao.

The informant bowed and greeted Su Ming Feng before saying, "A few days ago, the matter that Shàoyé had instructed this subordinate to investigate as some progress."

Su Ming Feng's heart was delighted and he immediately sat up straight before asking, "Quickly speak."

"This subordinate's people had followed the Princess Residence's guards and discovered that there were people who kept on monitoring the movements of the residence of Rui Wáng. If this subordinate did not guess incorrectly, it would be with orders from Princess Rong Xin."

"There seemed to be some guards from the residence of Rui Wáng lurking outside the Shen Mansion. One does not know if they were there to monitor or protect Shen Wǔ Xiǎojiě."

Su Ming Feng's brows furrowed. Why was it all Prince Rui? Princess Rong Xin was monitoring Prince Rui and now Prince Rui was monitoring Shen Miao?

But he was clearly searching for clues on Xie Jing Xing.

Could it be… A terrible thought flashed through his head.

Su Ming Feng's heart started to beat violently.

HidAnas: Hi Guys!! So… I was doing some reading and I found this on Wiki!!!

Sons of kings who did not receive other titles were generically called Wángzǐ (王子, king's son), and their children Wángsūn (王孫, king's grandson). Similarly, sons and grandsons of dukes and lords are called Gōngzǐ (公子, duke's son) and Gōngsūn (公孫, duke's grandson).

These honorifics occasionally became heritable titles, no longer indicating relation with the reigning king. And some clans even took them as family names. Gōngzǐ eventually evolved into the generic honorific for all young gentry. Today it is either used as a flattering way to address an interlocutor's son or a pejorative term for a wealthy man. Wángzǐ, on the other hand, is used today as the generic translation for foreign princes (in the sense of a monarch's son, as opposed to a sui generis title).

SO!!!! IN LIGHT OF THIS!!!! Though I know that we as translators and editors are supposed to maintain the authors' original intent of content, I will be changing the terms accordingly to follow the historical terms… My thousand apologies towards the translators and authors out there…