Shen Xihe's formidable reputation once again left the nobility of the capital numb with shock. She had boldly stormed into Duke Xie's residence with her guards, yet emerged completely unscathed, while Duke Xie was stripped of his position and authority. The incident could not be concealed, and though everyone had investigated it thoroughly, they still found Shen Xihe somewhat unnerving.
Recounting the events since her arrival in the capital, not a single person who had crossed her had met a good end—whether they were influential families, distinguished nobles, or even imperial relatives. Had they not witnessed how Princess Changling, who once whipped her horse, mysteriously threw herself into a deep pool to feed a giant serpent?
Before Princess Changling offended Shen Xihe, she had never been short of arrogance—yet when had she ever suffered such a fate? She was a favored daughter of heaven, but upon encountering Zhaoning County Princess, she met such a tragic end. If anyone claimed Princess Changling's death had nothing to do with Zhaoning County Princess, they would not believe it!
Previously, they had to respect and yield to Zhaoning County Princess; now, they feared and avoided her!
Shen Xihe paid no mind to how others speculated about her. Taking advantage of Tao Zhuanxian's day off the following day, she visited the Tao residence and spent a leisurely day with Tao Zhuanxian and her maternal uncle and aunt.
She truly wished to go to the Eastern Palace to seek out Xiao Huayong and meet with Xun Wang, but to avoid arousing suspicion, Shen Xihe restrained herself. She planned to wait two more days before approaching Xiao Huayong. However, that very night, just after bathing and preparing to rest, Zhenzhu entered and said, "County Princess, someone is requesting an audience outside the residence. They said you would understand upon seeing this item."
Shen Xihe fastened her cloak, took the box, and opened it. Inside was a scented sachet for repelling snakes and insects. Her memory was sharp—she had gifted many such sachets, but this particular one had been given to Xiao Huayong. It was after receiving two of these sachets that he had, for some unknown reason, become upset with her the very next day.
After a moment's contemplation, Shen Xihe pinned up her dark tresses simply with a plain silver Eucommia leaf hairpin. She brought Zhenzhu and Moyu with her and left the residence, where a carriage awaited at the back gate.
The horse was held by an unfamiliar young man standing tall and straight, his expression blank as he stared ahead. As she approached, he bowed respectfully. The carriage curtain was lifted, and a long, broad hand reached out.
Without hesitation, Shen Xihe placed her hand in his, allowing Xiao Huayong to pull her into the carriage. Zhenzhu followed, while Moyu sat outside.
"Aren't you afraid someone might use this to deceive you?" Xiao Huayong was pleased by her trust—how she rushed over at the sight of the sachet—yet he couldn't help but worry.
"Your Highness, are you questioning my intelligence or your own capability?" Shen Xihe asked him coolly.
Any item she gifted to Xiao Huayong, even if not precious enough to be treasured, should either be destroyed or properly safeguarded. If it fell into another's hands, it would reflect poorly on his abilities.
If she couldn't even distinguish authenticity and was fooled into a trap by a mere sachet, then her intellect was lacking.
He had only been concerned out of fluster, yet she showed not a hint of romantic sentiment. Still, Xiao Huayong adored her straightforward words and chuckled lightly. "Youyou, rest assured. Anything you give me will never fall into another's hands."
As he spoke, his gaze upon her grew even softer and brighter.
Unlike her usual meticulously applied makeup, Shen Xihe wore no powder or rouge. Perhaps because she was nearing the end of her Bone Shedding Pill regimen, her porcelain-like face was as smooth as curdled cream, her cheeks tinged with a faint cherry blossom hue, and her lips soft and delicately pink.Her long hair was simply tied up and secured with a single silver hairpin. The unadorned Eucommia Leaf, shaped like butterfly wings, accentuated her elegant and serene demeanor, making her resemble a night-blooming epiphyllum—beautiful, pure, and transcendent.
Wrapped in a cloak edged with silver fox fur, the fine, smooth, and glossy fur framed her delicate face, adding a touch of charm. When silent, she resembled an endearing and captivating kitten, tempting one to reach out and stroke her.
Shen Xihe pretended not to notice Xiao Huayong’s gaze—bright and tender enough to melt one’s heart. "Has Your Highness detained Xun Wang outside the palace?"
"How could I bring a living person into the Eastern Palace?" Xiao Huayong’s eyes remained fixed on her, as if admiring a beloved from head to toe. "Besides, if he were in the Eastern Palace and managed to escape, wouldn’t he flee straight to His Majesty?"
Under any other circumstances, Xun Wang would not rashly seek out His Majesty. But if driven to desperation, as he was now, he would undoubtedly turn to the Emperor. Though survival was unlikely, there remained a slim chance. "I assumed the palace was a place where Your Highness could come and go as you pleased. Whether it’s one living person or ten, if Your Highness wished it, it would hardly be a challenge," Shen Xihe remarked indifferently.
Xiao Huayong raised an eyebrow. "So, in Youyou’s eyes, I am that formidable~"
He drew out the final syllable, his voice—uniquely clear and rich—twisting it with a playful lilt, inexplicably seductive and alluring.
Zhenzhu felt a wave of discomfort wash over her and had to resist the urge to rub her arms, mindful of maintaining decorum.
Shen Xihe was not particularly unsettled, but she disliked his tone, finding it indescribably frivolous.
Though both women restrained their reactions, the carriage jolted slightly. The driver was none other than Tianyuan’s younger brother, Difang. Before entrusting His Highness to him, Tianyuan had specifically warned, "Don’t say I didn’t warn you. His Highness is bringing the Duchess along. When His Highness is around her... well, he’s just not his usual self. If you hear or see anything unusual, act deaf and blind. Don’t take it to heart."
At the time, Difang had dismissed it, thinking he had seen every side of His Highness—after all, he had grown up serving him! Surely, Tianyuan was just jealous that His Highness had recalled him and was trying to drive a wedge between them.
But when he unexpectedly heard His Highness’s tone moments ago, he was so startled he nearly dropped his whip. The light flick to the horse’s flank caused the animal to shift uncomfortably, almost jostling the carriage.
His brother had said His Highness acted differently around the Duchess, but he never mentioned it would be like this! It must be Tianyuan’s jealousy—deliberately vague to make him slip up in front of His Highness!
The carriage swayed briefly, but Difang’s swift reflexes steadied it, restoring smooth movement.
He thought to himself, I reacted so quickly—surely His Highness didn’t notice?
Little did he know, the slight jolt had made Xiao Huayong’s eyes light up. He had already reached out, ready to catch Shen Xihe and pull the beauty into his embrace—but the carriage only swayed once!
Just once!
Shen Xihe barely leaned off-balance, her body tilting only for a moment. He had no choice but to silently retract his outstretched hand, the brilliance in his smile dimming slightly.Shen Xihe seemed to have noticed Xiao Huayong's intention to support her. Seeing his slight embarrassment, she tactfully and earnestly said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Xiao Huayong:
Having already naturally withdrawn his hand, Xiao Huayong felt even more discomfited when she so bluntly exposed his thoughts, thinking she had guessed his ulterior motives.
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