The case of Shen Yingluo's fall into the water remained unresolved, with no clues to trace. The whereabouts of the schizonepeta in the palace were clearly accounted for, and since it was Shen Xihe's coming-of-age ceremony that day, many people had entered and exited the palace. Investigating whether someone might have hidden the unremarkable schizonepeta in their scent satchel was like searching for a needle in a haystack. A thorough investigation would inevitably expose Shen Yingluo's accident.
The mastermind, likely realizing that the Youning Emperor had intervened and their scheme had failed, dared not spread rumors further to pressure Shen Yingluo and Xiao Changmin into marriage.
Although Shen Xihe also suspected it might be an attempt to obstruct her marriage to Xiao Huayong, she wasn't entirely convinced. Moreover, the matter was difficult to investigate deeply, so she didn't dwell on it.
Besides, Shen Yueshan was about to return to the northwest. The New Year period was crucial for them, and the Lantern Festival was a nationwide celebration. The Turks beyond the northwest did not observe such festivals and were most likely to launch sneak attacks during this time. If they learned Shen Yueshan was absent, they would not miss this golden opportunity.
Before Shen Yueshan departed, he received a reply from Shen Yungan expressing willingness to marry Xue Qiniang. Shen Yueshan personally paid a formal visit to the Xue family. Pressured by Xue Heng, the Xue family could only put on a joyful facade and accept the marriage proposal.
Once the engagement was settled, it naturally couldn't be concealed. The Youning Emperor summoned Xue Heng over this matter. No one knew what was discussed between the ruler and his subject, but in the end, the Emperor generously bestowed his blessing upon Shen Yungan and Xue Jinqiao's marriage, decreeing that the wedding take place after Xue Jinqiao came of age.
"Ah, why is your brother marrying that little imp? Wouldn't a bold and highly skilled woman like me be a better match for him?" Bu Shulin, upon hearing the news, rushed to Shen Xihe with a look of betrayal, as if Shen Xihe had abandoned her.
"If you dare to reveal your true gender to His Majesty and survive, I might try to play matchmaker for you too," Shen Xihe retorted lightly, in good spirits over her brother finding a suitable match. She then asked seriously, "You've always mingled with the capital's ne'er-do-wells—have you heard any compromising information about the Ministers of War and Justice?"
Bu Shulin's act as a ne'er-do-well had its advantages. Most of these idlers were simple-minded yet held prominent family status, making it easy to extract information from them.
Bu Shulin, nibbling on a plum blossom cake, asked mysteriously, "How have they offended you this time?"
Shen Xihe seldom initiated conflicts unless provoked, rarely scheming against others unprovoked.
"This time, they haven't offended me—they're merely blocking my path," Shen Xihe replied with a faint smile.
Upon returning from the palace, Xue Heng only mentioned that he had informed the Emperor of his declining energy and intention to retire. The fate of the Xue family would depend on future generations, and since he had only raised Xue Jinqiao, he wished to fulfill her heartfelt desire in his final years.
By stepping down himself, he implied there was no intention to form an alliance with Shen Yueshan. This was his subtle way of telling the Youning Emperor that he was willing to sacrifice his career for his child's happiness.
The Emperor had no grounds for blame or retaliation. Instead, he pondered how to promote his own confidants once Xue Heng retired.
Although Xue Heng didn't specify when he would resign, the Emperor assumed it would be after Xue Jinqiao's wedding. In reality, Xue Heng might not last that long. This wasn't deceit toward the Emperor, but it bought them time. They needed to pave the way before the Emperor finalized his plans and Xue Heng's condition deteriorated beyond control.The best approach was to replace the Ministers of War and Justice beforehand, just like the Minister of Revenue. Once replaced, it would be difficult to promote them again within six months, as this would severely disrupt the operations and efficiency of the Six Ministries.
"Oh?" Bu Shulin said with interest. "So you're planning to cultivate influence in the court? Why don't you ask the Crown Prince? You're now the future mistress of the Eastern Palace."
"He does his things, I do mine," Shen Xihe said calmly. "We each go our own way without conflict."
Bu Shulin nodded. "Alright, I'll make inquiries for you."
Having entrusted the matter to Bu Shulin, Shen Xihe didn't bother sending anyone else to investigate, fearing it might alert others and give them time to cover their tracks.
After spending a day with Shen Yueshan, she packed the items she had made for him during this period. The next day, she reluctantly saw him off at the city gate. When Shen Yungan left, Shen Xihe felt reluctant but not as heartbroken. However, when Shen Yueshan departed, her eyes grew sore.
The tough man Shen Yueshan also had red-rimmed eyes. "Go back quickly, don't catch a cold."
"Mm," Shen Xihe responded muffledly.
Shen Yueshan's heart ached even more. In the wind and snow, he adjusted her cloak hood and patted her head through the fabric, his voice hoarse. "Take good care of yourself. Father will write to you often."
"The journey ahead is through snowy skies and icy roads. Father must be careful," Shen Xihe worriedly advised.
"I know," Shen Yueshan smiled, then swiftly mounted his horse. The horse galloped a few steps before he reined in, turned to wave at her, then cracked his whip and shot away like an arrow from a bow, quickly disappearing into the vast snowfall.
Only after Shen Yueshan's figure completely vanished did two lines of tears slide down Shen Xihe's cheeks.
"Princess," Zhenzhu offered a handkerchief.
Shen Xihe took it, wiped her tears, composed herself, and stood up to return home. Unbeknownst to her, after her carriage disappeared down the long road from the city gate, Shen Yueshan emerged from a side path on horseback, watching where she had gone for a moment before whipping his horse again and leaving with peace of mind.
Not long after Shen Xihe entered the city, a shivering young beggar rushed over and fainted in front of her carriage.
Mo Yuan carried the child over. Shen Xihe was about to order him taken to a clinic to see a doctor when she noticed the young beggar clutching a piece of torn cloth embroidered with eucommia leaves. Her eyes flickered. "Take him to the Princess Manor."
The eucommia leaf was a signal Shen Xihe had arranged with the former A Dai, now Cui Dai. If he needed help, he would send a young beggar with something embroidered with eucommia leaves to find her.
Zhenzhu and Sui Axi examined the young beggar and found he had fainted from hunger and cold. After administering acupuncture, he quickly regained consciousness. Upon realizing he was lying in a bed at the Princess Manor, the young beggar struggled to get up, afraid of dirtying the bedding.
"Stay lying down. Tell me everything in detail," Shen Xihe said, waiting nearby.
Cui Dai, now recommended by Cui Jinbai to the Cui clan school, was literate. He wouldn't send such an urgent message in the freezing snow unless it was important.
"Princess, a beggar came to our orphanage. He's from Li County, Dingzhou, in Hebei Circuit. His kneecaps were dug out, and his legs are festering with maggots. When Brother A Dai came to visit us, he said this man wasn't an ordinary beggar and told me to find you," the young beggar spoke fluently, pulling a silk scroll from his pocket. "He asked me to give this to you."After reading the silk scroll, Shen Xihe realized just how severe the collusion among officials in Hebei Circuit had become.
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