Northwest and Southern Shu, is there even a choice? Of course, one picks the soft persimmon to pinch!
Can Southern Shu compare to the Northwest?
Forget about the territories and military strength between the two—just consider that Southern Shu has Jing Wang stationed nearby. If countries like Annam show any unusual movements, Jing Wang can stabilize the rear.
Switch to the Northwest, and once the Northwest changes commanders, the Turks will surely seize the opportunity to invade, with no reinforcements from other regions.
As long as Your Majesty isn’t a fool, he will undoubtedly choose Southern Shu as the target!
“No, I must send a message to Father and warn him to be cautious.” Bu Shulin could no longer sit still.
“Right now, Your Majesty’s eyes are fixed squarely on you. It’s best if you don’t act rashly,” Shen Xihe advised. “As long as you remain unharmed, Southern Shu will not see any upheaval.”
Bu Shulin thought it over and realized she was right. If Your Majesty could directly target Southern Shu, he wouldn’t need to use her as a breakthrough point.
“If my speculation is correct, this matter was orchestrated by Cui Shaoqing,” Shen Xihe said, giving her a meaningful glance.
Bu Shulin stiffened. “You mean Cui Shi, Cui Jinbai, created this opportunity for Your Majesty to have me assassinated?”
Suddenly, she felt an emptiness in her chest, an inexplicable heaviness.
“No one can defy His Majesty’s orders,” Shen Xihe said calmly, watching her. “This is His Majesty’s test for him, a test of the relationship between the two of you. He could have refused, but if he did, he would not only lose His Majesty’s trust but also put you in further danger. Rather than that, it was better for him to take charge of the arrangements himself, ensuring your safety to the greatest extent possible.”
It was as if the clouds had parted, and the sky cleared instantly. Bu Shulin asked cautiously, “Is that really the case?”
“Whether he did it intentionally or it was His Majesty testing him, it’s all just my speculation,” Shen Xihe replied.
Bu Shulin had known Shen Xihe for quite some time and understood that she wouldn’t speak without substantial certainty. “It seems I must tread carefully on this journey.”
“I have a way to ensure your survival,” Shen Xihe suddenly said.
“Youyou,” Bu Shulin pleaded, tugging gently at the edge of Shen Xihe’s water sleeves, her eyes curved eagerly as she looked at her.
Shen Xihe ruthlessly pulled her sleeves back. “I’m easily persuaded, as long as the benefits are appealing.”
Bu Shulin pouted, puffing out her cheeks until she nearly resembled a frog. “My father sent a letter recently, saying he’s already gathered quite a bit of Dragon Bone for you, and a Tibetan merchant has even more in his possession.”
“Wasn’t that what you owed me from last time?” Shen Xihe raised an eyebrow.
Bu Shulin hung her head. “Just tell me, what do you want?”
“Southern Shu has many exotic flowers and plants. Have someone gather some for me,” Shen Xihe said.
“That’s it?” Bu Shulin couldn’t believe it. It seemed too simple.
“I want rare flowers and plants I’ve never seen before. Not many—thirty different varieties will suffice.” Shen Xihe held up three slender fingers.
Bu Shulin’s expression fell.
“Can I take my time finding them?” she asked, doubtful she could gather thirty rare varieties all at once.
“I’ll allow you to take your time,” Shen Xihe said generously.
Bu Shulin immediately felt that her Youyou was both beautiful and kind-hearted, the finest lady in the world.
Nearby, Biyu and Zhenzhu couldn’t bear to watch Worldly Son Bu’s foolish expression.
“You said you have a way to protect me. What is it?” Bu Shulin blinked her eyes.
“I’ll go with you,” Shen Xihe said.
Bu Shulin: ??Not only was she startled, but even Zhenzhu and the others tensed up. Zhenzhu said, "Your Highness..."
"This matter, as you said, involves significant implications. Even if you go on orders, you may not achieve anything. I have the imperial Golden Decree; no one would dare neglect me." Shen Xihe carefully explained to her, "I am different from you. His Majesty wants you dead, but he doesn't want both of us to die. If His Majesty truly intends to conquer Tubo, he would be even more reluctant to see anything happen to me."
If anything were to happen to her, His Majesty would not dare attack Tubo, as he would fear Shen Yueshan striking him from behind.
Bu Shulin:
She was furious inside!
"We are both children of different-surnamed princes. Why is the difference between you and me so vast?" The emperor wished for her death,
yet feared any mishap befalling Shen Xihe! "Oh, I believe your father likely shares the same confusion." Shen Xihe smiled gracefully and charmingly.
Bu Shulin didn't react at first, but after pondering it, she understood her father's confusion. Hadn't he said during the previous military funds incident: "Both are daughters of different-surnamed princes, why is the gap between her and Shen Xihe so immense?"
Bu Shulin:
Even angrier!
"Your Highness, His Majesty will not permit you to leave the capital." Zhenzhu also didn't want Shen Xihe to leave the capital. While His Majesty feared anything happening to the princess, there were others who wished for her to meet with misfortune, hoping to stir conflict between the northwest and the emperor and take advantage of the chaos.
"I will make His Majesty agree." Shen Xihe smiled lightly. "Protecting Worldly Son Bu is merely incidental. I have other reasons."
Incidental...
Bu Shulin felt her heart was riddled with holes. But Shen Xihe wouldn't care whether her heart ached or not. Crestfallen, she said, "His Majesty has made it clear he wants to target me. How could he allow you to accompany me?"
"You go investigate your case, and I'll attend to my matters. Then I'll come find you, won't that work?" As she spoke, Shen Xihe gave a mischievous smile. "But you must protect yourself. Don't lose your life before I arrive."
"Hmph, who do you look down on?" Bu Shulin pouted unhappily.
"Alright, return early and prepare. Since Cui Shaoqing has brought this up, His Majesty will likely assign you within the next couple of days." Shen Xihe waved her hand.
Having failed to get a meal again, Bu Shulin felt even more depressed.
Shen Xihe paid no heed to her gloominess, and Bu Shulin could only dawdle away.
After Bu Shulin left, Zhenzhu asked with concern in her eyes, "Why does Your Highness wish to leave the capital?"
Sui Axi seemed to want to speak but hesitated. Shen Xihe glanced at him before saying, "I want to go to Liyang Commandery to search for a rare type of Jade Flower. This Jade Flower only blooms in late autumn and early winter."
"Why search for this flower?" Zhenzhu was puzzled. "We can send someone to find it. If Your Highness is uneasy, I can lead a team there myself."
She simply didn't want Shen Xihe to leave the capital.
"This Jade Flower doesn't bloom every year and is extremely delicate. If its roots are moved, it easily withers. You've never seen it before—how could you determine if it's the Jade Flower I seek, or conclude whether it can bloom?" Shen Xihe's tone brooked no argument. "Rest assured, I have a plan and will make careful arrangements."
"What kind of Jade Flower is it?" Zhenzhu, who studied medicine, was knowledgeable in many medical principles.
"Fine-leaf Jade Flower," Shen Xihe said.
There were many varieties of Jade Flowers, and the fine-leaf Jade Flower was the rarest. Just as Zhenzhu was about to speak, Shen Xihe's sharp gaze forced her to lower her head.Seeing this, Sui Axi felt somewhat guilty. He shouldn't have told the princess that the fine-leafed Jade Flower would benefit the Crown Prince.
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