Xiao Changgeng’s attendant, Dai Yi, was so terrified that he dropped to his knees with a thud, trembling uncontrollably.
Xiao Changgeng cast a sidelong glance at him, refusing to bow or lower his head. "The Crown Prince has been lying low for so long. If you wish to kill with a borrowed knife, you must eventually reveal your tracks. How fortunate I am that the Crown Prince would go so far as to expose himself just to eliminate me?"
"You are still too naive," Xiao Huayong chuckled softly and shook his head. "If I wanted you dead, why would I need to make such a fuss? Everyone knows I have at most three to five years left to live. What do you think would happen if, starting today, I began meddling in court affairs, consolidating power, and openly expressing my intention to groom you?"
The Crown Prince was, after all, the Crown Prince. No one could strip him of the authority that was rightfully his. In the past, he had voluntarily declined on the grounds of poor health, but from today onward, if he chose not to refuse, no one could question it. He would bring Xiao Changgeng close, handle everything flawlessly, and then let the outside world believe it was all Xiao Changgeng’s doing.
How could such a successor, vigorously promoted by the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace and groomed as his replacement before his life burned out, avoid attracting envy and being thrust into the center of the storm?
Killing with a borrowed knife—shedding not a drop of blood while concealing one’s own glaring ambition.
Xiao Changgeng involuntarily took a step back.
"Let me tell you one more thing," Xiao Huayong said quietly. "Your sixth elder brother, Xiao Changyu, is not dead. He fled early simply because he feared me. And do you know why he feared me to such an extent?"
Xiao Changgeng’s face turned pale.
He had always believed that his sixth elder brother, Xiao Changyu, cared more for beauty than for the throne. He had suspected something amiss in his sixth brother’s death, especially since Bian Dajia had also died so coincidentally. He never imagined that his sixth brother’s drastic decision was not only due to a woman but also because this Crown Prince before him had filled him with such despair and terror that he dared not entertain even the slightest thought of coveting the throne.
"Because… seven years ago, he witnessed me strangling your eldest brother to death…" Xiao Huayong uttered this shocking secret slowly and lightly, as if it were of no consequence.
Xiao Changgeng could no longer hold his ground. Staggering a few steps, he leaned against a nearby palace pillar for support.
But hadn’t his eldest brother been executed by His Majesty after being caught in bed for defiling the palace? Why did the Crown Prince claim he had strangled him with his own hands?
Seven years ago, his eldest brother was already a grown man, while the Crown Prince was merely twelve years old. How could he…
Not only had he strangled his eldest brother alive, but he had also orchestrated an elaborate scheme to deceive everyone, ensuring that to this day, no one knew the true cause of his eldest brother’s death.
That year, his sixth brother was also only twelve. What reason could have compelled him, an eyewitness, to bury this secret deep within, never daring to step forward and accuse the Crown Prince?
All these years, the Crown Prince had known that his sixth brother was aware of the truth, yet he had never made a move against him. What kind of confidence was that?
The impact of this revelation was too overwhelming for Xiao Changgeng, far beyond what he could bear.
It also laid bare a stark reality before him: Xiao Huayong had already killed a prince, and he had done so with such chilling nonchalance.
"Tianyuan, take the Twelfth Prince to the vacated Juyue Hall," Xiao Huayong resumed in his languid tone.
"As you command," Tianyuan responded respectfully, then turned to approach Xiao Changgeng. "Your Highness, please follow me."
Though his face was ashen and defeated, Xiao Changgeng did not forget his manners. He bowed to Xiao Huayong before steadying himself and following Tianyuan’s lead.His reaction actually earned Xiao Huayong's respect. After the figure disappeared from sight, Xiao Huayong sighed with slight regret, "What a pity..."
Such promising talent, delayed until now. Had he been cultivated earlier, he would already be capable of handling responsibilities independently.
Tianyuan soon returned with another report: "Your Highness, the Junzhu has gone spring outing with Worldly Son Bu..."
After speaking, Tianyuan immediately hunched his shoulders, bracing for Xiao Huayong's thunderous wrath.
Since returning from Tianshan, His Highness had been particularly attentive toward the Junzhu. Anyone who even slightly approached her would face severe consequences.
The Ninth Prince was now as busy as a spinning top, constantly assigned duties requiring him to leave the capital until he scarcely seemed like a capital resident anymore.
The Twelfth Prince remained a mere child. Look how pitifully their Highness had frightened him.
Worldly Son Bu, may you protect yourself.
Contrary to Tianyuan's expectations, though Xiao Huayong's smile vanished, he showed no anger. After a pensive moment with clenched jaw, he finally said, "Never mind. Since I cannot accompany her in leisure activities now, it's good she has company and enjoys herself."
Was Xiao Huayong jealous?
Of course!
He disliked not only men approaching her but women as well. Yet he struggled to control his possessiveness, knowing full well that excessive dominance would eliminate any possibility of their union.
Having long known Bu Shulin was female, he couldn't deprive her of the right to form friendships.
Let her be happy, let her be happy—even if that happiness didn't come from him.
Xiao Huayong closed his eyes, repeatedly persuading himself until ultimately failing. He abruptly stood, "I'm leaving the palace."
He could endure her finding joy in others' company, but he couldn't bear missing the sight of her happiness.
Shen Xihe was genuinely delighted today. Mounting the horse, she started with someone leading the reins. As the horse grew accustomed to her, she had Moyu release it, slowly guiding the steed herself. Though not galloping freely, merely riding independently fulfilled a years-long aspiration, filling her with indescribable joy.
"Seeing you so happy, shall I often accompany you riding from now on?" Bu Shulin guided her horse alongside, watching the sparkling excitement in Shen Xihe's eyes. Even the earthy scent in the air seemed freshened by her radiant smile.
"Alright," Shen Xihe agreed readily.
Noticing a stray hair clinging to Shen Xihe's lips from proximity, Bu Shulin naturally reached to brush it away. Knowing Bu Shulin was female and genuinely considering her a friend, Shen Xihe didn't avoid the gesture.
Just then, Xiao Huayong—disguised with altered features—arrived on horseback with several young nobles and witnessed the scene.
Under the clear sky and gentle breeze, yellowing leaves swayed softly while a distant stream murmured, enveloping the world in tender harmony.
Two fine horses paced together, the slightly taller Bu Shulin leaning toward Shen Xihe as she gently tucked away the stray strand with focused tenderness and an indulgent smile.
To any observer, it appeared a picture of loving harmony between a devoted couple. Even Xiao Huayong, aware of Bu Shulin's true gender, darkened at the sight.
Cui Jinbai, who had come with Xiao Huayong, looked as grim as a burnt pot.
"Cui Shaoqing, what troubles you? Could it be Worldly Son Bu diverting affections that stirs your jealousy?" teased a companion, noting Cui Jinbai's stony expression and flared nostrils.The voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for Shen Xihe and Bu Shulin to hear. They turned their heads in unison, with Shen Xihe being the first to spot a young nobleman dressed in a navy blue lapel robe, a jade belt cinched at his waist.
When his gaze fell upon her, a silvery gleam gathered in the depths of his eyes, profound as an abyss and vast as the sea.
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