"Benevolence?" Shen Xihe let out a derisive laugh, then gave a meaningful hum. "Hmm, indeed, the epitome of benevolence."
Wasn't it just benevolence? He had preserved Dong Biquan's entire family.
In this game, he had achieved a complete victory!
To the ministers, he stepped forward in a crisis, becoming the one who pleaded for Dong Biquan, giving His Majesty a reason to lightly punish the Dong family. This convinced the officials that the national treasury deficit was not severe and demonstrated the Crown Prince's sense of responsibility.
To the officials, he appeared magnanimous and virtuous. Official corruption was an unavoidable common occurrence, differing only in scale and whether evidence was left behind. In their eyes, corruption was not a grave offense, but the law could not tolerate it. The Crown Prince, however, had managed to spare Dong Biquan's family members from punishment, earning the officials' goodwill and thus gaining a reputation for benevolence.
To His Majesty, he showed consideration for the bigger picture. His Majesty needed a reason to pardon Dong Biquan's family to dispel rumors among the civil and military officials about the treasury's emptiness. But if His Majesty took the initiative to grant clemency, he would have to produce evidence, which meant the Ministry of Revenue could not be thoroughly investigated.
His Majesty needed a stepping stone, but the court officials dared not offer one lightly, unsure of how deeply Dong Biquan was implicated and fearing it might become a weapon for political opponents in the future. Xiao Huayong provided His Majesty with that stepping stone, making everything proceed logically.
Inside and out, high and low, no one had a bad word to say about him. Yet only she knew that all of this was a scheme he had orchestrated.
He reaped the benefits and garnered all the praise. No one suspected him; no one realized they were merely pawns on his chessboard.
Thoroughly exploited by him, they still sang his praises!
In the Celestial Prison, after Dong Biquan received the imperial decree, he handed something over to the prison guard who had persuaded him and knelt at the cell door, bowing devoutly. "Please convey my gratitude to His Highness for his great mercy."
He had handed over something, but it was neither complete nor entirely truthful. He was waiting for the final outcome. As long as his wife and children were spared, he knew he would have no more attachments. This was his pledge of loyalty, hoping His Highness would, out of some regard, not trouble his family.
Only now did he realize that the Crown Prince, whom they had never taken seriously and often forgotten in ordinary times, was the most unfathomable person in the world.
How pitiable that His Majesty, wise as he was, remained unaware. At this thought, he felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction!
"Sister, His Majesty has ordered the replenishment of military provisions across the regions." Bu Shulin came to find Shen Xihe in high spirits.
After Dong Biquan's incident came to light, he had pleaded innocence, claiming he had not intercepted the autumn grain but had gone to buy grain instead of selling it. Why buy grain? To cover the military expenses. The military fund shortfall was thus exposed, but it had nothing to do with Bu Tuohai and the others. Yet, His Majesty still had to replenish their supplies.
Bu Shulin was happy because it proved she had trusted the right person. Although Bu Tuohai had chosen to believe Shen Xihe, he had not been without hidden worries. If Shen Xihe had harbored even a trace of malice, the Bu father and son would have been in grave danger.
"Do not forget what you promised me." Shen Xihe was savoring incense, newly delivered from the perfumery. Several incense burners were lit side by side, and she gently wafted the fragrance toward her nose with her hand.
"Can you tell me what it is now?" Bu Shulin was immensely curious about what Shen Xihe wanted her to do next.
"I'll tell you when the time comes." Shen Xihe did not look up.
Bu Shulin leaned in to smell the several incense burners but was overwhelmed by the complex scents, feeling dizzy. She immediately stepped back.I don't know how Shen Xihe could stand it. She quickly went outside the pavilion to breathe in some fresh air, and only after feeling clear-headed did she ask, "How exactly was this accomplished? Tell me about it."
Shen Xihe smelled each incense burner from the first to the last before looking up and saying, "Don't be curious. Those who know too much often don't live long."
Bu Shulin: ...
Pouting angrily, Bu Shulin then noticed that Shen Xihe's complexion had become rosy. She looked as if she had shed a layer of pale, sickly old skin, becoming vibrant and radiant.
She grew even more curious about what miraculous medicine Shen Xihe had taken: "Your complexion is improving day by day. Will you be able to ride horses in the future?"
"In a while, I should be able to." Mentioning this made Shen Xihe's eyes curve with laughter.
"I'll teach you how to ride!" Bu Shulin immediately volunteered.
"My maidservants all grew up in the northwest pastures," Shen Xihe glanced at her faintly, without any trace of disgust, yet somehow conveying utter indifference. "Don't forget, you're a man."
Bu Shulin looked down at her male attire, then suddenly blinked at her: "What if I change into women's clothing, wear a veil hat, and accompany you?"
Seeing the anticipation in her eyes, Shen Xihe didn't outright refuse: "We'll talk about it after I can ride."
"I'll take that as a yes." Bu Shulin was most adept at seizing opportunities.
"Your Highness, someone named Bian requests an audience," a maid reported from below at that moment.
Shen Xihe raised an eyebrow slightly: "Finally, she's here."
Bian Xianyi had arrived. Two days earlier, when His Majesty claimed illness and security in the courtyard was lax, her Sky Lantern had been found by a close friend who came to her aid, allowing her to escape. Before leaving, she went to identify A Xi's body to give it a proper burial, only to discover that the deceased wasn't A Xi.
Learning some details from her friend, she realized Shen Xihe was using A Xi's life to lure her out.
She could have left the capital without looking back, and she indeed started doing so. But the farther she went, the more unsettled her heart became.
"Bian Dajia, long time no see. I hope you've been well." Shen Xihe walked slowly to the main hall and saw Bian Xianyi wearing a hooded cloak.
Bian Xianyi had been nourishing herself with medicines prepared by A Xi during this period, so her complexion looked quite good.
"Your Highness." Bian Xianyi stepped forward and made a graceful bow. "All faults stem from my selfishness. I am willing to accept punishment, but I beg Your Highness to release A Xi."
"Your Highness, Your Highness!" A Xi came running in panic, kneeling with a thud before Shen Xihe. "Your Highness, please spare Bian Guniang's life! This humble servant will devote my entire life to serving Your Highness, going through mountains of blades and seas of fire without retreat!"
"A Xi!" Bian Xianyi rushed forward, shielding Sui A Xi. "Your Highness, I alone am responsible for my actions."
"Bian Dajia, His Highness is still waiting for you!" Sui A Xi said urgently.
Shen Xihe lazily glanced at them: "Every debt has its debtor."
"Your Highness..."
Shen Xihe raised her hand to cut off Sui A Xi: "You are a rare talent. I truly desire someone of your ability, but I won't tolerate others scheming against me without consequence."
After speaking, she gave Biyu a look. Biyu brought forward a prepared cup of wine and presented it to Bian Xianyi.
"This cup contains poisoned wine. Drink it, and we'll be even."Bian Xianyi pursed her lips, gazing at the clear, pure wine shimmering with a faint glow in the crystal cup. She took a deep breath and was about to reach for it when a figure rushed in, followed closely by Moyu, who darted toward Shen Xihe.
The figure swept toward Biyu, snatched the wine cup, and downed it in one gulp.
"Sixth Brother!" Bian Xianyi's eyes reddened as she dashed over and clung tightly to Xiao Changyu.
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