Youning Emperor understood that his son's inner turmoil stemmed from envy of his brothers' frequent interactions.
As the Crown Prince, he was separated from his brothers by status hierarchy. His frail health made it difficult for him to play with them, and he had been sent away from the palace since childhood to recuperate in a Taoist temple...
Thinking of this, Youning Emperor recalled that Xiao Changgeng was also in poor health. Coincidentally, he didn't want Xiao Changgeng to move out of the palace at this time. With Prince Dai having just lost his mother, granting Xiao Changgeng a title and his own residence now might turn the two brothers into enemies.
Just as Youning Emperor was worrying over this matter, the Crown Prince came to share his burden.
The next day, Youning Emperor issued an edict ordering the twelfth prince, Xiao Changgeng, to move into the Eastern Palace to keep the Crown Prince company.
Shen Xihe was stunned upon hearing the news: "You said His Majesty ordered the twelfth prince to temporarily reside in the Eastern Palace to accompany the Crown Prince?"
This was the first time Mo Yuan had heard such incredulous astonishment in Shen Xihe's voice: "Yes, the palace has issued the decree."
Shen Xihe stared unblinkingly at the ginkgo bonsai nearby, growing more perplexed the longer she pondered: "Could it be that this twelfth prince has some quality that makes him wary?"
The Eastern Palace was a special place, a symbol of status, particularly for princes.
Although Xiao Huayong's position as Crown Prince was essentially nominal, having another prince temporarily reside in the Eastern Palace wouldn't trigger shifts among court factions, as they all tacitly assumed Xiao Huayong would succumb to illness in a few years.
However, this violated protocol—not only was it a slap to Xiao Huayong's face, but it wouldn't pass the censors' scrutiny either.
The current calm could only mean it was Xiao Huayong's own wish.
She truly couldn't comprehend why, aside from wariness, Xiao Huayong would want Xiao Changgeng in the Eastern Palace.
Surely it couldn't genuinely be to share His Majesty's burden and show compassion for his younger brother? Or because the deep palace was lonely and he needed companionship?
"Youyou, I'm here!"
Shen Xihe's thoughts were interrupted by Bu Shulin. Since the military funds issue was resolved, she had been walking with such buoyancy—either going to the Dali Temple to tease Cui Jinbai or coming to Shen Xihe's Princess Manor to chatter incessantly.
"The weather's clear today without harsh sunlight—perfect for horseback riding to relax. Let's go riding."
Shen Xihe watched her dash forward, carrying a bundle: "What's this?"
"The riding outfits I prepared." Bu Shulin pulled out the Hu-style clothing—with folded collars, front openings, and narrow sleeves. One was moon-white with apricot-colored circular patterns, clearly women's wear.
The other was apricot-colored with moon-white circular patterns—both having identical designs.
"You want to wear this to go riding with me?" Shen Xihe asked.
Bu Shulin examined both garments: "What's wrong with them?"
Shen Xihe's gaze fell on her face—thick, slender, heroic eyebrows and much darker skin than her own—and felt she had overthought it. She had initially worried that wearing such Hu-style clothing, with her by Bu Shulin's side, might lead others to suspect Bu Shulin was a woman.
"Alright." Shen Xihe also wanted to test how much her body had recovered.
She could already jog lightly these past two days. Horseback riding should be fine as long as she didn't gallop.
She changed into the moon-white riding outfit Bu Shulin brought—this set was relatively short. Bu Shulin changed into the other one.
Though Shen Xihe wore no makeup, her snow-like skin, porcelain-bright eyes, and slender brows extending toward her temples made her unmistakably a peerless beauty.
Wherever Bu Shulin stood, an air of rakishness emanated from her.The two rode their horses, slowly passing through the long street. This was Shen Xihe's first time riding through the city streets. Watching the commoners and vendors on both sides, the bustling crowds in the shops, she couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile. The noisy sounds made her feel vibrant and alive.
"Isn't that the Shunan Prince Heir? She's changed female companions again?"
"What a sin! Who knows which young lady will be ruined by this libertine next!"
"I heard just the other day that Lady Zhu was starving herself for her!"
"This lady's beauty can't be concealed even in men's clothing, with such a graceful figure and charm. No wonder the Shunan Prince Heir abandoned Lady Zhu..."
Hearing these discussions, Shen Xihe glanced at Bu Shulin with a meaningful smile. Bu Shulin responded with an embarrassed grin.
After they exited the city gate, Bu Shulin took her to their usual riding spot. The wide grassy field was perfect for beginners like Shen Xihe.
While they were riding, strolling, and chatting in the suburbs, Xiao Changgeng arrived at the Eastern Palace carrying a rather shabby bundle, first going to pay respects to Xiao Huayong.
"Twelfth Brother pays respects to the Crown Prince." Xiao Changgeng performed the proper ritual between subject and ruler.
Xiao Huayong was the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince was different from others. While others could simply exchange greetings as brothers, the Crown Prince was also the ruler.
"Twelfth Brother, no need for such formality." Xiao Huayong's clear, deep voice sounded.
Xiao Changgeng slowly rose. He hadn't heard Xiao Huayong speak for a long time. At first, he stood to the side, waiting for about a quarter of an hour without hearing any further words from Xiao Huayong. Just as he lifted his head to speak, he met Xiao Huayong's profound eyes that seemed to concentrate silver light.
That single glance gave Xiao Changgeng the illusion that he was standing there naked.
He quickly lowered his eyes. "If Your Highness has no instructions, Twelfth Brother requests permission to withdraw and organize his belongings."
Xiao Huayong's gaze lightly swept over him and his single bundle. "Discard the old items. Now that you're in the Eastern Palace, I won't let you lack for daily necessities."
Xiao Changgeng tightened his grip slightly, responding very obediently, "Yes."
His reaction made Xiao Huayong raise an eyebrow. "I quite like those who are obedient and well-behaved. Won't you ask me, Twelfth Brother, why I've taken you in at the Eastern Palace?"
The words "taken you in" struck a painful chord, constantly reminding Xiao Changgeng that he was like rootless duckweed, without any territory of his own. He laughed softly, raised his head and looked directly at Xiao Huayong, this elegant, magnificent, noble and dignified Crown Prince brother.
Having shed his disguise in front of him, Xiao Changgeng felt an oppressive sensation that made it hard to breathe. "Can Your Highness keep Twelfth Brother here permanently?"
"You wish to remain in the Eastern Palace forever?" Xiao Huayong looked Xiao Changgeng up and down with a casual gaze.
"Twelfth Brother believes that, aside from Sixth Brother, there isn't any brother who wouldn't want to stay in the Eastern Palace." Xiao Changgeng allowed Xiao Huayong to scrutinize him. "But Your Highness cannot keep Twelfth Brother in the Eastern Palace for long. Twelfth Brother is merely a guest here."
"So you don't care why I'm having you stay temporarily in the Eastern Palace." Xiao Huayong understood Xiao Changgeng's meaning. "You're not afraid of whatever I might do to you."
"Twelfth Brother has no attachments, no desires, and therefore no fears." Xiao Changgeng answered firmly.
"Oh?" Xiao Huayong chuckled softly, but his smile vanished instantly, leaving a cold, intimidating expression. "Not even afraid of death?"
Xiao Changgeng's heart tightened, though he showed no expression. "Does Your Highness truly believe that instruments of killing can remain untainted by blood?""A weapon of murder must indeed be stained with blood. But if it is another's blade, whether it is stained or not, and whose blood it bears—what concern is that of mine?" Xiao Huayong's tone was gentle, carrying an indescribable composure.
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