It must be said that this move was extremely vicious and precise, nearly costing her life.
Shen Xihe had great confidence in the people of her Princess Manor. For someone to determine Xie Yunhuai’s visiting patterns and whether he would arrive on time that day, there must have been someone outside keeping watch and passing information.
She had long known that coming to the capital was like entering a dragon’s den or a tiger’s lair, and she had never dared to let her guard down. Without thorough preparations, how could she dare to venture here alone?
“Biyu, prepare the painting tools,” Shen Xihe ordered languidly.
Biyu quickly brought the items with the help of others. Shen Xihe struggled to sit up, but a slender, well-defined hand pressed down on her shoulder: “I’ll do it.”
Shen Xihe was the only skilled painter here, which was why she had forced herself to gather her strength. Xie Yunhuai had originally been inside the room preparing prescriptions, hoping to alleviate Shen Xihe’s discomfort before the Tianshan Snow Lotus was obtained.
He was also preparing for the worst-case scenario: if the finest Tianshan Snow Lotus could not be obtained, or if its cold-resistant properties did not meet his expectations, how should he adjust the prescription and restore Shen Xihe’s hope.
He knew she was the strongest young woman in this world. Even if he could not concoct a medicine to restore her to normalcy, she would not wallow in self-pity or lose her fighting spirit.
But how cruel it would be to let someone who had long lived in darkness taste the warmth of sunlight, only to suddenly push her into an even deeper abyss?
However, Shen Xihe’s body was too fragile, and his anxiety made him somewhat restless, unable to sort out his thoughts. That was why he had decided to step outside to calm his mind. Hearing the commotion outside, he came to investigate.
He was Xie Yunhuai: a son of the Xie family, favored by heaven, with a mind more intricate than Bi Gan’s.
Excelling in all six arts of a gentleman, his keen insight allowed him to grasp things instantly.
With one glance, he realized she intended to paint herself, so his actions outpaced his thoughts, and he reached out to press Shen Xihe’s shoulder.
Realizing his impropriety, he immediately withdrew his hand: “The Princess should not exert herself.”
“Thank you, Doctor Qi.” Shen Xihe had unwavering faith in Xie Yunhuai’s abilities.
He led the little beggar, A’dai, aside and, based on A’dai’s descriptions, pieced together the selected eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and eyebrows one by one before sketching the faces. One was already complete, while for the other two, A’dai pointed to some images in the album: “Wider here than this one, narrower here…”
Shen Xihe sat nearby, watching Xie Yunhuai bend down to meet A’dai’s eye level as much as possible. A’dai was a beggar, dirty and smelly, yet Xie Yunhuai leaned in close without the slightest hint of disdain, his gaze gentle and voice soft throughout.
Even when A’dai felt the sketches based on his descriptions were inaccurate and repeatedly requested revisions, Xie Yunhuai remained incredibly patient.
His green robe was like tea leaves, his black hair like ink, and the sunlight fell upon his broad back, casting a jade-like glow around him.
Xie Yunhuai truly lived up to his reputation as a refined gentleman, as flawless as jade and as radiant as the moon.
Jade’s luster is silent, the moon’s brilliance boundless.
“Yes, that’s them.” Finally, the sketches matched A’dai’s memory perfectly, and he exclaimed joyfully.
Xie Yunhuai smiled and handed the drawings to Shen Xihe. All three faces were ordinary, making it remarkable that A’dai remembered them. She placed the three drawings on the high table: “These three people, four days ago—the day a wounded guard rushed into my manor—who did you see?”
“This one, I remember him clearly.” A’dai immediately pointed to one of the drawings. “He used to come every two or three days, but he hasn’t been back since that day. These two came again today.”Shen Xihe pulled out the drawing and handed it over her shoulder. "Dig three feet into the ground if you must. I want him found alive or dead, and his relatives thoroughly investigated."
"Acknowledged." Mo Yuan received it with both hands, his admiration for his princess reaching new heights.
He hadn't expected—and likely no one had—that an inconspicuous beggar boy was actually Shen Xihe's deliberate arrangement.
By tracing this lead backward, they would surely uncover who plotted against the princess!
"It may not lead to discovery." Though the maids' eyes brightened with hope, Shen Xihe chuckled lightly. "If the perpetrator is both cautious and ruthless, they'd rather kill mistakenly than spare anyone. Even knowing this informant hasn't revealed themselves, they might have already silenced them."
"Hence, we must work from both ends." Xie Yunhuai looked at Shen Xihe with appreciation.
Even he had never considered placing a beggar outside his own residence for protection—and such a clever one at that.
Though the dynasty was prosperous and powerful, beggars still existed. If nothing else, the emperor set an example by never whitewashing reality. The capital had established "Compassion Fields," "Solitude Gardens," and "Six Maladies Halls" for the elderly, young, sick, and abandoned.
However, the authorities didn't forcibly remove occasional beggars from streets to maintain an illusion of perfect peace, as long as they caused no trouble or gathered in crowds.
In most people's eyes, beggars were filthy and insignificant as ants—more despised than pitied, never taken seriously. Even if someone noticed a beggar daily across from the Princess Manor, they'd at most assume Shen Xihe was kind-hearted and unbothered by the unlucky association. Who would pay real attention? Let alone stay guarded.
This demonstrated her extraordinary wisdom. Using a beggar not only showcased her cleverness but also reflected her noble character—employing talent unconventionally without the slightest contempt for the poor and humble.
In his youth, when his mother was alive, she once told him his betrothed was an aristocratic lady unparalleled in the capital—the only kind worthy of him.
He had met the Young Lady of the Gu Family. His first impression wasn't dazzlement by her beauty but startled by the deathly stillness in her eyes.
Shen Xihe was also cool, but her eyes held flowing water, shimmering with breathtaking radiance.
He had intended to be a good husband. Not understanding why she was so aloof, he thought some people were simply born that way. He considered being more protective after marriage, hoping to bring her some happiness—not out of love, but because as betrothed partners, they should fulfill their duties wholeheartedly.
Later... circumstances made it impossible.
After leaving the capital, he encountered all sorts of people—none lacking in intelligence or talent and beauty.
But not until he met Shen Xihe did he find someone so unique and dazzling. She carried an invisible light that drew the eyes of those who sought illumination.
Shen Xihe folded the remaining two drawings—these also needed investigation, as the people behind these two were monitoring her every move. "The rest awaits Cui Shaoqing."
This made Xie Yunhuai's gaze flicker. "Does the princess believe the body I dissected was taken from the prison?"
Shen Xihe finished folding the drawings and handed them to Biyu, then turned to Xie Yunhuai with a slight smile and nod.
Only Xie Yunhuai understood why she needed Cui Jinbai.
Investigating the capital's prisons was beyond her people's reach—even Bu Shulin couldn't manage it. Forcing the matter would only invite trouble, and if others seized the chance to stir chaos, it would be like inviting fire upon themselves. As the Deputy Chief of the Court of Judicial Review, Cui Jinbai had countless justified reasons to investigate—each one above suspicion."Cui Shaoqing is rather rigid in character," Xie Yunhuai reminded.
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