Xun Wang's fate was tied to the stability of the northwest, so Shen Xihe had to take it seriously. She felt Xiao Huayong might not easily pry open Xun Wang's mouth and thought she might be able to offer some assistance.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Huayong said, "I'm afraid I've disappointed you, Youyou. Xun Wang escaped the trap I laid."
Shen Xihe sighed inwardly at the missed opportunity—a rare and unique chance. Next time, Xun Wang would not fall for it again, and there would be nothing left to lure him into a scheme.
Even if Xiao Changfeng were to die, Xun Wang would only feel hatred but would not appear in person.
"Although he escaped, he is still in the capital," Xiao Huayong added. "He is severely injured and cannot leave the city. These past few days, I have had people watching all the pharmacies and physicians."
"Four days have passed since the ancestral temple fire, and there's still no movement?" Shen Xihe was not optimistic.
Xiao Huayong's gaze was calm. "We don't know where he is hiding. The poison he was hit with cannot be cured by ordinary means. We can only ensure he hasn't left the city."
"Could he seek out Your Majesty?" This was Shen Xihe's greatest concern. If Xun Wang turned to Your Majesty, he would surely escape alive.
"Not necessarily," Xiao Huayong could not be certain. "He would only seek Your Majesty as a last resort. As long as he has even a sliver of hope, he won't go to Your Majesty."
Xun Wang had returned to the capital privately, already crossing a major line with Your Majesty. Now, with such severe injuries, it was unclear how Your Majesty would deal with him.
From the fact that Your Majesty dared to target Bu Shulin, it seemed the private army had likely grown formidable, and Your Majesty might no longer need Xun Wang.
Although Xun Wang had long known his fate—from the moment he agreed to serve Your Majesty, he might not have thought of escaping—he would not willingly become a dead man now. He had to see with his own eyes his son, Xiao Changfeng, leading the army he had meticulously trained to pacify the northwest before he could rest in peace.
"I hope so," Shen Xihe said. She also knew that unless absolutely necessary, Xun Wang would not seek out Your Majesty. But there was always a chance, especially since Xun Wang was no simple man.
"Youyou, don't worry," Xiao Huayong said softly. "Even if he escapes this time, I can ensure Your Majesty cannot turn his spear toward the northwest."
Hearing this, Shen Xihe merely smiled faintly. "Thank you, Your Highness."
"I know the Northwest King and the heir are both brave and skilled in battle, but I am still willing to add flowers to brocade." His eyes were warm and gentle, shimmering with a soft light. "In the future, we will be family as well."
The words "family" were spoken with particular tenderness and affection.
Meeting his bright, expectant gaze, Shen Xihe offered a slight smile. "Your Highness need not be so cautious. I, Father, and Brother would never think your assistance implies we are incapable and must rely on you to survive."
Xiao Huayong felt both joy and frustration—joy that she was broad-minded and reasonable, not requiring him to weigh every word for fear of displeasing her, and frustration that she showed no trace of shyness at his words.
To her, marriage was likely as ordinary as eating daily meals or resting on a bed—nothing out of the ordinary.
There was no expectation, nor any dissatisfaction, leaving him feeling utterly powerless.
"Youyou, after you come of age, I will ask Your Majesty for our marriage," Xiao Huayong said in a tone of discussion.
When she was not by his side, he always felt a sense of panic, fearing that in the next moment, she would fly off to some unknown place, and he would struggle to find her trail again.Since we cannot cultivate mutual affection before marriage, then after the grand wedding, he would stay by her side every step of the way, revolving around her at all times.
Shen Xihe: "I will seek the imperial decree."
Xiao Huayong was taken aback, staring at Shen Xihe in a daze as if uncertain of what he had just heard.
"Before I entered the capital, Father told me that if I did not consent, His Majesty would not force the marriage," Shen Xihe said calmly. "If Your Highness seeks the imperial marriage decree, His Majesty will surely become suspicious of you."
Any prince who sought to marry her would become a thorn in the emperor's side.
Even for Xiao Huayong, years of careful disguise would be torn apart in an instant.
But if she were to actively seek the marriage herself, it would be different. The Youning Emperor would only speculate about her and her father's motives, becoming more convinced that the Crown Prince was nearing his end and isolated. Their goal would be seen as supporting the Crown Prince,
with the Crown Prince merely being their pawn. The Emperor might even attempt to win over the Crown Prince, driving a wedge between her and him. If that were to happen, it would be even harder for the Crown Prince to reap the benefits.
Xiao Huayong's smile froze at his lips for a moment before gradually fading. "In this lifetime, I have schemed countless times, with nothing beyond utilization, nothing beyond strategizing.
But regarding our marriage, I do not wish for it to involve even a hint of calculation. Youyou, I want to become your husband, a man who can shoulder all burdens for you. This is the responsibility I ought to bear."
Shen Xihe slightly furrowed her brows before asking after a moment, "Does Your Highness see Zhaoning as someone dependent?"
"That is not what I meant!" Xiao Huayong responded urgently.
"If that is the case, why does Your Highness feel that Zhaoning's actions have damaged your dignity?" Shen Xihe pressed. "Your Highness, Zhaoning will never become a virtuous wife and nurturing mother. I will not refuse to bear children, but raising children will not be Zhaoning's entire purpose.
These words needed to be made clear to Your Highness early on. If you find it difficult to accept such a Zhaoning, we can simply maintain a mutually beneficial relationship. I only hope that in the future, Your Highness will show leniency towards the Shen family."
"Youyou!" Xiao Huayong's expression changed. "This is my fault. If you feel it's better for you to seek the marriage decree, then you shall do so. You may request it whenever you wish. If you have any dissatisfaction with me in the future, you must always speak frankly. Just one thing—please never speak again of maintaining only a mutually beneficial relationship with me, alright?"
"Your Highness, I am not threatening you, nor am I disregarding your dignity because I know you currently hold affection for me," Shen Xihe said, disliking Xiao Huayong's boundless concessions. "What I said is truly for the sake of the bigger picture. If you find it inappropriate, you can voice your concerns. We can debate it or mutually compromise to find a middle ground that we both can accept."
Shen Xihe did not believe she was always right or that her considerations were the most comprehensive. She was someone who could accept rebuttals and suggestions—as long as the other party's arguments were reasonable and offered greater benefits, she would naturally listen and comply.
Xiao Huayong smiled bitterly. How could they possibly compromise? He prioritized emotions, while Shen Xihe focused on benefits. How could she understand when he spoke of feelings?
He had been impulsive earlier. He only wanted their marriage to be free from any entanglement of interests, forgetting that without such considerations, why would Shen Xihe ever marry him?
"I was being emotional earlier. Youyou's words are absolutely right. Let's proceed as Youyou suggested," Xiao Huayong said earnestly, adopting a proper attitude.Shen Xihe had already shown great sincerity by not having him cooperate in scheming against his brothers and allowing Your Majesty to weigh the pros and cons to grant their wishes, taking his feelings into account. He should not push his luck.
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