Enough, enough. No amount of talking now could change her deeply ingrained thoughts. All he could hope for was that this conflict would soon be resolved, that the Crown Prince would live fewer years, and that when the time came to bring Youyou home, with their companionship, she would find happiness.
Shen Yungan was caught in an intense internal conflict. He blamed himself for not realizing sooner that his younger sister lived with excessive clarity of mind, devoid of any ordinary maiden's romantic fantasies or poetic sentiments. Yet he was also grateful that she possessed such sharp awareness—such a sister would never be wounded by any man.
"Youyou, your brother will decline Prince Xin's proposal," Shen Yungan sighed softly.
"Brother, do not trouble yourself over this." Shen Xihe's delicate hands rested gently on Shen Yungan's arm. "People in this world all have different desires and needs. To obtain what one desires and possess what one finds satisfactory—that is true fulfillment."
Why force what isn't needed?
"It is your brother who has been narrow-minded." Shen Yungan suddenly understood—this version of his sister was perfectly fine. As long as he and Father remained well, no one would ever be able to harm her.
"Not narrow-minded, but rather Brother cares for Youyou too deeply, always wishing for her to possess all the finest things this world has to offer." Seeing the worry vanish from between Shen Yungan's brows, Shen Xihe unconsciously revealed her shell-like teeth in a smile.
With matters clarified, Shen Yungan set aside his sorrow over their impending separation. He devoted his time to arranging reliable connections in the capital for his sister while taking her on excursions around the capital's outskirts.
Before they knew it, the Double Ninth Festival arrived. Early that morning, Shen Xihe rose to prepare five-colored cakes and retrieved the chrysanthemum wine she had brewed. She asked Ziyu to deliver portions of both to Xie Yunhuai.
Shen Yungan wore a deep navy blue gown with folded lapels, the reversed collar and cuffs embroidered with dogwood patterns. Shen Xihe was dressed in a moon-white high-waisted ruqun adorned with an apricot-yellow sash, similarly embroidered with dogwood motifs.
Shen Xihe prepared two dogwood sprigs, pinning one to Shen Yungan's sleeve and placing the other in a scented sachet hanging from her own waist.
In the courtyard, Shen Yungan carefully selected a vibrant, fully bloomed chrysanthemum and personally tucked it into Shen Xihe's hairpin.
Wearing dogwood and adorning chrysanthemums were both traditions of the Double Ninth Festival.
"Noticing Youyou's improved complexion these past few days, perhaps we should attempt mountain climbing?" Shen Yungan had never gone hiking with Shen Xihe before.
In the northwest, her health had been too fragile, and he had been occupied with official duties. Moreover, even if he carried her on his back, Shen Xihe would have been unwilling.
"Let us try," Shen Xihe responded with budding enthusiasm.
She sensed that after taking the Bone Shedding Pill for over a month, her hands had gained some strength. Each day after meals, she walked around the courtyard, gradually increasing her distance.
Today being the Double Ninth Festival, the mountain paths teemed with climbers seeking blessings. Everyone wore dogwood and chrysanthemums. They arrived at the foot of a small hill Shen Yungan had chosen considering Shen Xihe's fragile health. Despite its size, the trail buzzed with continuous foot traffic. Vendors lined the paths, selling ready-made dogwood sachets, chrysanthemum wine, and fresh seasonal goods.
The autumn wind blew vigorously—unlike spring scenery, yet surpassing it, with chrysanthemum fragrance permeating the entire mountain.
Shen Xihe had ultimately overestimated her stamina. After just a few dozen steps, she was already breathless, her face pale and lips colorless.
"Let us rest awhile over there." Shen Yungan spotted a pavilion where, despite the crowd, there remained some space.Shen Xihe dared not push herself and allowed Biyu to support her as they went to sit in the pavilion. The pavilion was filled with young ladies, so Shen Yungan could not enter and had to wait outside. Coincidentally, someone was flying a kite on the mountain. Having traveled to many places, Shen Yungan knew that in the south, there was a custom of flying kites during the Double Ninth Festival.
Thinking that Shen Xihe should not climb further, he decided to get a kite and fly it with her instead.
"Youyou, rest here for a while. Brother will go buy a kite."
They had not brought many guards or servants for the mountain excursion to avoid disturbing the locals. With no one to send on errands, Shen Yungan had to go himself.
Without waiting for Shen Xihe’s reply, Shen Yungan strode away quickly.
The pavilion was built along the cliff edge, offering a view of overlapping peaks adorned with swaying hues of yellow, orange, and red. Under the blazing sun, the autumn wind felt exceptionally cool.
Shen Xihe sat for about the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, catching her breath as her racing heart gradually calmed. Suddenly, two venomous snakes flew down from above, startling the young ladies into screams. Moyu caught a glimpse of a figure darting past and immediately gave chase. Biyu swiftly shielded Shen Xihe, but one of the snakes landed nearby and, frightened, attacked Shen Xihe directly. Biyu stepped forward and accurately caught the lunging snake.
At that moment, amidst the panicked fleeing of the young ladies, one came unusually close to Shen Xihe. As she rushed past, a small stone struck her knee, causing her to stumble sideways and crash into Shen Xihe.
Shen Xihe lost her balance and fell backward. Biyu reacted instantly, leaping to grab Shen Xihe with one hand while clutching the ornate wooden railing at the pavilion’s edge with the other.
Shen Xihe hit her forehead against the stone wall, her vision darkening momentarily.
Moyu, who had chased a short distance and realized the assailants were deliberately luring her away, quickly turned back. Just then, the other snake slithered over, about to bite Biyu’s hand. Moyu’s sword flew out, deflecting and slicing the snake in two with a swift stroke.
She pulled both Biyu and Shen Xihe to safety.
"Forgive us, Princess." We failed to protect you adequately," Moyu and Biyu knelt with a thud.
Shen Xihe waved her hand. "This was a premeditated ambush. Rise—it is not your fault."
Moyu’s first instinct was to capture the mastermind to avenge Shen Xihe and drive away the enemies hiding in the heights. Otherwise, trapped there, they would be sitting ducks for further hidden attacks.
"Youyou!" Shen Yungan rushed over, having returned upon hearing the commotion. The sight of the red, swollen scrape on Shen Xihe’s forehead made his eyes bloodshot. "It’s my fault for leaving you."
The thought of nearly losing his sister made it hard for him to breathe, his fists clenching audibly.
"Brother, don’t blame yourself. With so many people today, none of us noticed we were being watched," Shen Xihe reassured him while Biyu tended to her forehead wound.
They had been targeted long ago. Unless she never stepped outside, her enemies would always find an opportunity to strike.
"Let’s head back first," Shen Yunnan said sternly.
"Alright," Shen Xihe agreed.
She was not afraid of the schemers trying again; in fact, she wanted to follow the clues and catch them. However, with so many commoners on the mountain, she could not risk endangering innocent lives just to lure out the culprits.Shen Yungan paid no heed to anything else, carrying Shen Xihe on his back as he hurried down the mountain, with Moyu and Biyu covering the rear.
Shen Xihe had no choice but to let them proceed.
Just as they reached the foot of the mountain, Xue Jinqiao's voice rang out: "Sister Xihe, wait!"
Looking up, they saw Xue Jinqiao accompanied by two burly men dragging someone along.
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