Chapter 51: Summoned Back to the Capital

Meng Yuanheng has lost his sense of taste!

Shen Qianmo, upon hearing this, looked at him with some surprise. It seemed his acting skill had truly improved—he ate with such relish despite being unable to taste anything.

“Mo’er!” Exposed by Yun Yi, Meng Yuanheng’s expression turned slightly unnatural, calling out to her with a hint of nervousness, afraid she might be angry at him for deceiving her.

Shen Qianmo did not mind such harmless lies from Meng Yuanheng; instead, her heart ached for him even more. She gently placed another dish in his bowl and spoke softly, “It’s all right. Whether you can taste or not, I will always make delicious food for you.”

His Mo’er was so generous and considerate. Deeply moved, Meng Yuanheng’s heart eased, and then he cast a cold glance at Yun Yi, who was grinning mischievously, as if eager for chaos. The words that followed carried a heavy threat.

“Yun, you’d better watch your tongue. Or this prince might cut it out.”

Yun Yi had long grown used to his venomous tongue and paid it little mind. Instead, he turned to flatter Shen Qianmo, “Qianmo, all these delicacies are wasted on someone who can’t appreciate them. Why not let me have a taste as well?”

Shen Qianmo had no objection, but Meng Yuanheng’s face darkened considerably. Hearing Yun Yi call her “Qianmo,” he grew even angrier. Wasn’t that a name only he could use? He spat out, grinding his teeth, “Yun Yi.”

Having known him for many years, Yun Yi understood his temper well. Hearing his full name called out, he knew Meng Yuanheng was truly furious and dared not joke further. He composed himself and said, “Ah Heng, don’t be angry. I came with important news.”

Honestly, this man couldn’t take a joke. Yun Yi had only teased him for the fun of seeing him flustered—did it warrant such rage?

“You’d better have something remarkable to say.” Meng Yuanheng’s expression remained grim.

“The emperor is critically ill. The fourth prince has been imprisoned in the imperial dungeon as the culprit. Would you call that remarkable?” Yun Yi sipped his tea, speaking slowly.

Both Meng Yuanheng and Shen Qianmo were stunned at Yun Yi’s words. How could such earth-shattering events have happened in the capital in less than three months?

“What about the other princes? Any movement?” Meng Yuanheng asked in a low voice.

Yun Yi stroked his chin, “No movements yet. But the emperor has issued an urgent summons for you to enter the capital. I expect a messenger from the palace to arrive any day now.”

Yun Yi’s information proved accurate. Three days later, a eunuch arrived from the palace at the Suzhou villa, barely pausing for tea before delivering the emperor’s message to Meng Yuanheng: he was to enter the capital immediately.

The eunuch was Li Gonggong, an attendant of Emperor Mingde. After conveying the emperor’s command, he bowed to Meng Yuanheng and said, “Your Highness, please depart with us at once.”

Shen Qianmo quickly realized what was happening. This eunuch was not here simply to deliver the imperial edict; he was here to escort a prisoner. Clearly, Emperor Mingde’s illness was truly dire—otherwise, he would not have summoned Meng Yuanheng so urgently.

But why did Emperor Mingde insist on bringing this prince, whom the world regarded as a useless figure, into the capital?

Meng Yuanheng pondered for a moment before instructing Changdong, “Pack our things. We leave at once.”

After bidding farewell to the Xie family, Shen Qianmo followed Meng Yuanheng back to the capital.

Ever since Yun Yi had mentioned the imminent summons to the capital, Shen Qianmo had resolved to accompany Meng Yuanheng, and for the past three days, she had not rested for a moment.

Before leaving, she went to bid farewell to Master Piaomiao. In the bamboo cottage of Biyu Academy, she and Master Piaomiao talked by candlelight late into the night.

Upon hearing Shen Qianmo speak of the capital’s affairs, Master Piaomiao stroked his graying beard and said with some concern, “Lately, I have observed the heavens at night. The imperial star is growing dim, while the surrounding lesser stars are shining brighter. The situation in court is uncertain, and the ten-year treaty with the northern Di kingdom is about to expire—the border is restless. It seems the world is on the verge of turmoil once more.”

“The rise and fall of the world follows a natural pattern—long divided, it must unite; long united, it must divide. It’s the way of history, but the ones who suffer most are the common folk,” Shen Qianmo remarked with heartfelt emotion.

Master Piaomiao gazed at Shen Qianmo with deep meaning, a sharp light in his eyes. “Mo’er, the fate of the world is like a chessboard, and the most crucial move, your grandfather believes, lies with you.”

“Grandfather, I am but an ordinary woman. How could I possibly influence the fate of the world?” Shen Qianmo felt Master Piaomiao overestimated her.

In truth, she was just an accidental visitor to this era, intent on living a vivid and comfortable life, not wasting the second chance fate had granted her. How could she possess such power?

Master Piaomiao spoke cryptically, “Grandfather would never misjudge you. Mo’er, you possess a unique aura, unlike anything here. Because of this, you will face greater dangers, so you must be exceedingly cautious.”

“Yes, thank you for your concern, Grandfather. I will be careful.” Shen Qianmo replied respectfully. Though she doubted her own abilities, Master Piaomiao was a man of great wisdom; his words must carry meaning.

Did he see that she was not of this era?

“Grandfather, I have a question. Why is the emperor so anxious to summon Prince Xuan to the capital?” Shen Qianmo voiced the doubt that had troubled her.

“The Xuan Prince’s household has a century-old foundation and is beloved by the people—he has genuine strength. Moreover, he holds command of tens of thousands of soldiers in the north. The emperor’s summons are likely to balance the situation in the capital and the struggle for succession among the princes.” Master Piaomiao explained gently. Then he smiled at Shen Qianmo, “I see that since your return from Wuji Island, your relationship with Meng Yuanheng has grown much closer.”

Shen Qianmo did not hide her feelings for Meng Yuanheng. In front of a wise man like Master Piaomiao, disguises were unnecessary; she might as well admit it openly. She briefly recounted the events on Wuji Island, especially the truth revealed by Old Duan on his deathbed regarding Meng Baichuan’s alleged massacre of the Wuji Sect fifty years ago.

“So it seems Meng Baichuan has been wrongly accused by the world all along,” Master Piaomiao sighed upon hearing the truth. After a moment’s silence, he continued, “I see Prince Xuan as a man of strength and endurance, unwavering in spirit—he is destined for greatness. With you by his side, his future will be limitless. However, a man who carries too many sins is not a good thing. Since he values you so highly, you must counsel him whenever you can.”

As they prepared to depart, Xie Mingyu and Leng Aoshuang came together to see them off.

This trip to the capital, Shen Qianmo did not know when she would see Xie Mingyu and Leng Aoshuang again. Yet seeing that their relationship had not progressed at all, still cold and distant, she felt anxious. So the day before, she invited them to a teahouse and, as if by chance, recounted the story of Yin Zhan and Mo Yan.

The two were deeply moved, exchanging a glance filled with mutual understanding. Shen Qianmo left at the right moment, letting them pour out their feelings to each other.

She believed they cared for each other, but Leng Aoshuang had a natural fear of romantic attachment, while Xie Mingyu worried too much. Thus, they never broke through the thin barrier between them. Shen Qianmo simply hoped they would not spend their lives regretting a misunderstanding.

Now, seeing them arrive together, she smiled knowingly, thinking she had made the right move. The Xie family was not old-fashioned, and as long as Xie Mingyu remained steadfast and devoted to Leng Aoshuang, the family would eventually accept her.

On the way to the capital, the carriage jolted along the road. Shen Qianmo rested against Meng Yuanheng’s shoulder; they chatted idly, with a well-behaved little fox curled up nearby—the atmosphere was peaceful and warm.

“I never expected you to have talent as a matchmaker,” Meng Yuanheng said, embracing Shen Qianmo with satisfaction, teasing her.

Shen Qianmo rolled her eyes at him. “You seem quite happy seeing my cousin and Aoshuang together.”

“If Mo’er is happy, so am I.” Meng Yuanheng kissed her forehead and drew her into his arms.

With one less man who might covet his Mo’er, he was naturally pleased.

Shen Qianmo struggled in his embrace. Why did this man like holding her so much? Wasn’t it hot?

Earlier, when boarding the carriage, he had pitifully claimed his leg ailment was acting up and needed her care, insisting she ride with him. Though Green Bamboo was reluctant, Meng Yuanheng’s icy stare left her no choice but to comply.

Yet now, he showed no sign of any leg ailment.

Just as Shen Qianmo tried to wriggle free from his embrace, outside came the sharp sound of arrows slicing through the air.