The autumn wind whispered, rustling the treetops; the bright moon shone brilliantly, and all sounds were hushed.
The deep blue night curtain seemed to rise not only from the earth but also descend from the starry sky, merging heaven and earth into one hue.
Yet he alone was a distinct and extraordinary color in this universe, vividly imprinted in Shen Xihe's eyes.
She was deeply shaken, for in this moment she believed every word he spoke came from the depths of his heart.
"Your Highness, would mutual respect not suffice?" Shen Xihe sighed softly. "Were we to marry, I would honor you as my husband, and you would respect me as your wife. We could be as close as flesh and blood—you never betraying me, I never leaving you. Cherishing each other, growing old together."
This was what Shen Xihe considered the ideal model for a marital relationship: more tolerance, fewer demands; more clarity in facing challenges, less impulsiveness.
"No," Xiao Huayong firmly rejected. "Had I never met you, I might have thought your words described the most loving couple in the world. But having met you, I desire more than that. I do not wish to be someone you respect, nor your closest kin. I want to be the one and only in your heart, just as you are irreplaceable in mine."
He was so forceful, his gaze so intense, like flames in the dark night, making Shen Xihe feel scorched and wanting to retreat. She shook her head slightly: "Your Highness, Zhaoning knows not what affection is, nor what love is. I do not know how to feel or give either."
Her eyelids lowered slightly, her face pale, she appeared weary and bewildered. Her innocence ran deeper than he had imagined.
Any composed young woman, upon hearing such a direct confession, would have shown at least a hint of shyness or joy. Even without reciprocation, being admired—especially by someone as exceptional as him—should have brought some delight.
Yet she showed no trace of pleasure, remaining so calm it felt disheartening.
He felt somewhat despicable, knowing what kind of person she was. Under normal circumstances, if he dared speak these words, she would surely show resistance and distaste. By confessing while she felt grateful to him, he was undeniably exploiting her sense of obligation.
But her willingness to marry him out of pity for his short life had pierced his heart. He had originally intended to proceed gradually, but now he could not wait.
He knew she bore him no malice or ill intent. As long as he did not harm her, even if he lived a long life, she would not harm him. Yet if he were long-lived, she would not choose him—she truly disliked entanglement with men.
"Before I met you, I did not know either," Xiao Huayong sighed deeply. "I hope I can be the one to help you understand. Until then, treat me as you wish."
He had compromised, yielded, resigned himself.
Who made him fall for such a person, whom others did not even cherish?
If he could not win her heart, it was likely because he had not done enough.
At least, upon learning of his feelings, she had not tried to avoid or reject him.
"Your Highness, do not invest too much emotion in Zhaoning. I am devoid of sentiment. I do not wish for us to resent each other because of this in the future." After some thought, Shen Xihe felt it necessary to be clear. "I have spoken these words to you. If you still insist on pursuing this path, regardless of any regret or blame you may feel later, I will not consider myself indebted to you."
Shen Xihe never believed that just because someone cherished her, she was obliged to reciprocate with genuine feelings.It must be understood that in this world, with its countless entanglements between men and women, a young man may not be admired by only one maiden, nor a maiden cherished by only one young man. If one were to respond to every admiration and affection, wouldn't it lead to utter chaos?
Xiao Huayong was both exasperated and amused by her earnest explanation, ultimately responding with tender indulgence and helplessness, "I understand. Henceforth, no matter what I do for you, it stems solely from my own devotion. You owe me nothing."
Still somewhat dissatisfied, Shen Xihe added, "Your Highness has the right to act as you wish, and I have no authority to interfere. But whether I accept your kindness is my prerogative. I hope that if I ever decline your gestures in the future, you will not take it too much to heart."
Even if he grew angry or resentful, she would not care—it would only cause him distress.
Such blunt words were somewhat hurtful, but out of gratitude for his having saved her, she tempered them with subtlety.
Xiao Huayong was not moved by her diplomacy; however tactful she might be, he could still discern her true meaning.
Heaving a long sigh, he resigned himself to patience—after all, she was the one he had chosen. "I understand," he conceded.
Shen Xihe was pleased that Xiao Huayong did not press aggressively or make unreasonable demands. Having resolved the doubts in her heart, she rose slowly. "The night is deep. Your Highness should retire early."
After offering a slight bow, she returned to her room, slipped back into her bedding, and soon fell into a deep slumber.
Xiao Huayong: "..."
He felt a flicker of irritation, yet couldn't suppress a smile. Shen Xihe was undoubtedly the most peculiar maiden he had ever encountered.
How could she sleep so soundly after merely telling him to rest early, without a thought to where he would sleep? She seemed utterly unguarded around him.
Yet her reactions were undeniably endearing, like an innocent little rabbit that made him want to tuck her into his embrace and gently ruffle her fur.
Xiao Huayong found a random spot to rest. During his years of traveling across mountains and rivers, he had often slept rough. As the Crown Prince, he could be as fastidious as none could rival, yet as adaptable as none could surpass.
He slept soundly through the night. When Xiao Huayong opened his eyes, he was greeted by a faint, delicate fragrance. He saw Shen Xihe sitting by the fire, stirring porridge in a hanging pot with a ladle, and was taken aback.
He was usually a light sleeper, alert to the slightest disturbance. Yet Shen Xihe had risen who knew how long ago, dressed and freshened up, and even started cooking porridge—all without rousing him in the slightest.
Turning his head, he sat in silent disbelief.
Shen Xihe explained, "I lit some tranquilizing incense."
The tranquilizing incense had been lit before Xiao Huayong returned, brought up by Moyu.
Hearing this, Xiao Huayong looked at her with gentle warmth in his eyes. "Youyou knows my heart best."
Without a word spoken, she had understood his thoughts from a mere glance.
Shen Xihe glanced at Sui Axi, who was pretending to be invisible, and at Moyu, standing guard by the stone wall like a wooden stake. "Do not call me by my milk name."
"Why?" Seeing that she wasn't particularly resistant, Xiao Huayong feigned ignorance.
"That is for those close to me to use," Shen Xihe replied without ulterior motive. It was one thing for Bu Shulin to call her that, but quite another for an unrelated man to do so—it felt awkward.
"Those close to you?" Xiao Huayong smiled meaningfully. "Are you reminding me, Youyou, to seek your hand in marriage soon?"
Shen Xihe cast him a cool glance. "I do not care for glib talk.""But I'm not being glib, and Youyou doesn't like that, does she?" Xiao Huayong suddenly discovered how amusing it was to tease her.
Shen Xihe thought about it and realized he was right.
What did her dislike have to do with him? Once she understood this, she stopped caring.
Yet Xiao Huayong suddenly said, "Youyou may also call me by my childhood name—Luming."
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