Ascending the city tower, one could gaze upon the bustling capital, where clusters of fireworks scattered golden radiance across the entire city.
Standing atop the palace gate tower, overlooking the whole capital, lanterns and candles blazed brilliantly, with singing and dancing everywhere. Every household was adorned with festive decorations.
To the northwest, the entire city's populace could be seen cheering and celebrating, illuminated by candlelight, exuding an atmosphere of simple and genuine joy.
From the high towers of the capital, the city's lights stretched like an endless dragon, brightening the imperial city's night sky. The scene of prosperity, wealth, and splendor made one feel as though the heavens and earth lay prostrate at their feet, stirring ambitious aspirations.
"If it were the Lantern Festival, it would be even more beautiful," Xiao Huayong coughed softly a few times. "During the Lantern Festival, there are lantern fairs. Several lantern workshops compete, and the tallest lantern tower can reach over a hundred feet high. Once lit, it rotates endlessly, illuminating the area for miles around."
"Is that so? Next year, I shall have the pleasure of seeing it," Shen Xihe responded.
"If the princess does not mind next year, I would like to accompany you to the Lantern Festival lantern fair," Xiao Huayong invited.
"It's only September now, and the Lantern Festival is still a season away. Who knows what the situation will be by then? It is good for the Crown Prince to have foresight, but thinking too far ahead often leads to dashed hopes. One must be practical and cautious about the present," Shen Yungan declined on Shen Xihe's behalf.
Faced with Shen Yungan's sarcasm, Xiao Huayong still wore a faint smile and humbly said, "The Young Master's words are timely." I have learned from them."
Feeling as though he had thrown a punch into cotton, Shen Yungan snorted coldly and stood on the other side of Shen Xihe, ignoring Xiao Huayong. Instead, he pointed outside and chatted incessantly with Shen Xihe.
Shen Xihe naturally accompanied Shen Yungan in conversation, but her upbringing prevented her from ignoring Xiao Huayong entirely. She made sure to include him, occasionally asking him about the capital's customs.
Xiao Huayong responded with a smile, though inwardly he wished Shen Xihe would disregard him. Only with those closest to her would she be unrestrained, uninhibited, and free from formalities and excessive courtesy.
Because she knew they would not mind—they would indulge her endlessly.
At this moment, with fireworks blazing brilliantly, he looked down at the bright, smiling young woman and wished to become the one who indulged her, the one she could rely on without worry.
He wanted it deeply.
Urgently.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for bringing my brother and me to see the capital's splendor. The wind on the tower is strong, and Your Highness should not catch a chill. Let us leave early," Shen Xihe said softly.
Xiao Huayong could see that she remained elegant and composed, with no change in her expression, but her unusually clear eyes revealed her particularly joyful mood tonight.
He did not know whether it was because he had brought her here or because of the other person accompanying her.
Most likely the latter.
For a moment, he felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.
I failed to let the princess enjoy herself fully. It was my lack of hospitality," Xiao Huayong apologized.
Shen Xihe replied, "No, I am also frail and cannot withstand the cold. If there is another opportunity in the future, I would gladly accompany Your Highness to ascend the tower and enjoy the view again."
"Let's go, let's go," Shen Yungan urged, unable to stand the fellow's pedantic and overly sentimental words to his sister.
Xiao Huayong smiled gently and followed them down the tower, personally helping Shen Xihe into the carriage.
After the carriage had traveled some distance, Shen Yungan said, "Youyou, wait here for a moment."
With that, he turned back and, as expected, saw Xiao Huayong still waiting in the same spot. "Your Highness, may I have a word in private?"
Xiao Huayong followed him to a willow-lined embankment, where the lake shimmered under the night sky, and Tianyuan stood guard in the distance."Your Highness, we are both men. The way you look at my sister is not ordinary." Shen Yungan spoke bluntly. He was departing tomorrow and, given his sensitive position, it was best not to visit Xiao Huayong before leaving. Some words needed to be clarified now. "I don't know how much is genuine and how much is feigned, but I wish to say this to Your Highness."
Xiao Huayong: "Please speak, Marquis."
"Prince Xin sought to arrange a marriage between Prince Lie and my sister, promising that Prince Lie would take no other concubines in this lifetime. My sister refused."
Shen Yungan didn't know how far Xiao Huayong and his sister would go, nor how much genuine affection Xiao Huayong held for her. By saying this to Xiao Huayong, he wasn't demanding the same commitment, especially since his sister didn't particularly care about such matters.
He merely wanted Xiao Huayong to understand how exceptional his sister was and that she deserved to be cherished.
"If I am fortunate enough to take Youyou as my wife, I will devote my life solely to her." Xiao Huayong bowed solemnly to Shen Yungan.
"Your Highness, that was not my intention—"
"Marquis, there's no need to say more." Xiao Huayong interrupted him. "In this lifetime, I have witnessed countless splendors, traversed mountains and rivers, beheld the sun and moon, and only then encountered one person who could stir my heart."
He was neither an ignorant youth sheltered from the world, nor a naive child inexperienced in life's complexities, nor a narrow-minded rustic fool.
Only after experiencing the vastness of human affairs and appreciating myriad graces did he meet her and become certain of her.
He dared not boast about the depth of his feelings for her, but he was convinced that no one else in this world could move him as she did.
Shen Yungan hadn't expected Xiao Huayong to be so solemn and earnest. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, could only return a silent bow before departing quietly.
After Shen Yungan left, Xiao Changying sought out Shen Xihe. Knowing she would face relentless pestering if she refused to see him, Shen Xihe alighted from her carriage and entered a private room in a nearby restaurant.
"Today's incident was my fault. I came specifically to apologize." Xiao Changying spoke with careful hesitation.
"The matter is resolved. Zhaoning is unharmed. Your Highness may set your mind at ease." Shen Xihe was remarkably understanding.
Xiao Changying felt somewhat uncomfortable, hesitating uncertainly about how to proceed.
Shen Xihe waited quietly for a moment before saying, "If Your Highness has nothing further, Zhaoning takes her leave."
As Shen Xihe stood to leave, Xiao Changying grabbed her wrist. Both their gazes fell on his hand. Shen Xihe's delicate brows furrowed slightly, but Xiao Changying didn't release her. "Princess, what is lacking in me?"
Shen Xihe struggled briefly, then ceased when it proved futile, her voice turning cold. "Your Highness, there are countless beautiful people and things in this world, but not everything desirable is sought by all. Different flowers appeal to different eyes. Your Highness is admirable, but you have not captured Zhaoning's favor."
"Who has captured your favor then? The Crown Prince?" Xiao Changying blurted out.
"Who has won Zhaoning's favor is none of Your Highness's concern." Shen Xihe's eyes were calm. "Zhaoning owes Your Highness nothing. Just because Your Highness holds some affection for me doesn't mean I should be grateful."
"That wasn't my intention," Xiao Changying hurriedly explained.
"Your Highness, Zhaoning has told you before that there is no fate between us." With a forceful tug, Shen Xihe freed her wrist.
As her arm lifted, her sleeve slid down, revealing faint scars on her wrist. Xiao Changying stared blankly. "Why did you save me that day?"
"Why does Your Highness ask this? Our intentions have long been clear to each other." Shen Xihe felt there was something unusual about Xiao Changying's behavior.Could it be that he knew she had rejected his marriage proposal, and his pride was wounded, leaving him distressed?
Xiao Changying’s face turned slightly pale: “I—”
“Your Highness, such is the way of the world—there will always be things one desires but cannot obtain. I hope Your Highness finds peace soon.” Shen Xihe gave a slight bow and turned to leave.
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