Shen Xihe cast an appreciative glance at Zhenzhu, who had pinpointed the crux of the matter: "She must have someone behind her."
If the goal was merely to deal with the Fifth Princess, there were countless methods over the years—anyone in the palace could be easily manipulated without needing to resort to roundabout tactics. Shen Xihe leaned toward the idea that the Fifth Princess was acting under someone else's direction to target her, and whoever was manipulating the Fourth Princess would grant the Fifth Princess her desires.
Unaware of Shen Xihe's depth, the Fifth Princess dared not act directly herself, making the willful and unruly Fourth Princess a convenient pawn.
This also clarified for Shen Xihe why the Fourth Princess had suddenly taken an interest in her brother that day.
The Fourth Princess had likely praised Shen Yungan repeatedly in front of Changling Princess, planting a seed of thought in the proud princess's mind. Anticipating Shen Xihe's refusal, the Fourth Princess ensured Changling Princess would harbor resentment.
Subsequent events then unfolded logically.
The seemingly delicate and pitiable Fourth Princess was, in fact, the most scheming and profound—no wonder she had been sought out.
"Your Highness, should we—"
"Not for now. I want to see who is behind her; they will surely act again." Shen Xihe shook her head slightly. "At present, the matter of Xun Wang is more pressing."
Xun Wang's affairs concerned the northwest, and Shen Xihe could not allow him to return. Even if she couldn't extract the whereabouts of the army from him, she had to ensure Xun Wang remained here—dead. Without their commander, the troops he had trained would never achieve their full potential.
Instead of returning directly to the Princess Manor, Shen Xihe went to the Living-Alone Pavilion. Perfume blending required medicinal ingredients, and the pavilion collaborated with several major herbal suppliers in the capital. She personally instructed the manager to inquire about the specific herbs Xun Wang needed: "For these herbs, whether sold together or individually, keep a close watch on any transactions."
"I would like this scented fan."
While Shen Xihe was upstairs briefing the manager, Shen Yingluo's voice drifted from below, drawing her gaze downward. Sure enough, it was Shen Yingluo, dressed in plain attire.
"Does she come here often?" Shen Xihe asked the manager.
The manager, a dowry retainer of Tao Shi, was well-versed in the Shen family's intricacies and promptly replied, "Your Highness, Second Miss Shen does not visit frequently. Like other young ladies, she occasionally comes once or twice to purchase necessities."
Operating an open business, Shen Xihe had never mistreated Shen Yingluo or instructed them to refuse her service, so the manager treated her as any ordinary customer.
Shen Xihe nodded slightly and waved the manager away, then turned her attention to the account books. Since she was here, she might as well review the records and identify potential clients she could leverage.
"Second Miss Shen, this scented fan has already been reserved."
"Really? I arrived too late." Shen Yingluo sounded disappointed.
"If A'Luo likes it, it shall be yours." A deep male voice interjected. Shen Xihe's gaze paused and shifted downward.
The Second Prince, Zhao Wang Xiao Changmin, strode in steadily. The attendant serving Shen Yingluo immediately placed the scented fan into a box and handed it to Xiao Changmin: "Your Highness, your fan."
So, this fan had been reserved by Xiao Changmin—and he and Shen Yingluo were acquainted. His familiar tone suggested a close relationship. Shen Xihe's eyes lingered on the two for a moment."Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but a gentleman does not take what others cherish." Shen Yingluo curtsied gracefully, politely declining.
"A-Nuo..."
"If Your Highness has no further instructions, this humble girl takes her leave." Without waiting for Xiao Changmin's response, Shen Yingluo bowed and walked away without glancing sideways.
Xiao Changmin grabbed the scented fan and chased after her. Shen Xihe rose and walked to the street-facing window. Standing before the open window, she watched Shen Yingluo board her carriage while Xiao Changmin did not pursue further.
She pondered thoughtfully. When Prince Kang was imprisoned last time, only two people visited him: Zhao Wang Xiao Changmin, who had once resided in Prince Kang's mansion during his childhood, and Shen Yingluo.
At that time, neither she nor Xiao Huayong had connected these two individuals. But after witnessing today's events, she began to suspect Xiao Changmin harbored profound schemes.
He had openly visited Prince Kang himself,
then sent Shen Yingluo to gather information. Any intelligence she obtained would be relayed to him, yet no one would suspect his involvement. However, Prince Zhao later showed no unusual movements, and judging by Shen Yingluo's attitude earlier, it seemed his plans had been thwarted.
"Your Highness, Prince Zhao harbors impure intentions. What about Second Young Lady..."
"Her fortune or misfortune rests entirely with herself." Shen Xihe interrupted Zhenzhu. "Do not worry. She knows nothing regarding the Northwest affairs. Prince Zhao's attempt to use her to establish connections with the Northwest is likely a miscalculation. However..."
"However what?" Zhenzhu urgently asked, fearing she might miss crucial information.
"What if I were no longer here, and he married Shen Yingluo instead..." A faint, cynical smile curled at Shen Xihe's lips.
Without Shen Xihe, Shen Yingluo would become Shen Yueshan's only daughter. However unfavored she might be, their familial ties would be irrevocably cemented in public perception. Shen Yueshan would find it impossible to disentangle himself unless he publicly disowned Shen Yingluo despite her impeccable conduct.
But if he did so, what kind of man would Shen Yueshan become? How could he continue to command the trust of Northwestern civilians and soldiers?
"Your Highness means the mastermind behind Fifth Princess is most likely Prince Zhao!" Had these events occurred separately, Zhenzhu wouldn't have connected them. But happening together forced her vigilance.
"I simply cannot comprehend. Even if Prince Zhao lacks wisdom, he should know His Majesty would never allow both Shen daughters to marry into the imperial family. My entry into the capital is universally understood for its purpose—why does he still pursue Shen Yingluo?"
To persist in the impossible suggests either irresistible passion for Shen Yingluo, or complete disregard for Shen Xihe as an obstacle.
Had it not been for Shen Yingluo's ill-timed visit to Prince Kang, which confirmed she acted under someone's direction, and today's certainty of Xiao Changmin's involvement, Shen Xihe might have believed it was fleeting deep affection.
After all, there was Sixth Prince Xiao Changyu abandoning wealth and status for Bian Xianyi, and now Xiao Huayong's countless deeds for her—at least at this moment, Shen Xihe believed Xiao Huayong's actions stemmed from genuine sincerity.
Her own emotional detachment persisted because she had never witnessed enduring constancy. Even regarding Xiao Changyu and Bian Xianyi, while she admired Xiao Changyu now, she didn't believe he would never regret his choices.
Hence, she claimed belief in transient deep affection.
But given preceding events, Xiao Changmin clearly harbored no pure, unwavering devotion toward Shen Yingluo. His persistent pursuit despite this indicated he viewed Shen Xihe with contempt—what made him so certain she would step aside for them?Unless Xiao Changmin had long been preparing to take action against Shen Xihe.
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