Shen Xihe could only speak to this extent; any more would be unwelcome. As for whether Qi Pei could take it to heart and let go of his resentment, that depended entirely on him.
Whether he would choose to do good or evil in the future rested on his own decisions.
Stepping outside, a cold wind swept toward her. Shen Xihe paused and slightly turned her head. "Qi Pei, what kind of person is your brother?"
"My brother, though a merchant, is righteous and principled. In business dealings, he values sincerity above all. Every year, he donates to orphanages and charitable institutions, and whenever he passes by Taoist temples or Buddhist monasteries, he never fails to make offerings." In Qi Pei's heart, his brother was the most upright and honorable person.
A faint smile bloomed on Shen Xihe's face in the pale dawn light. "When you feel uncertain, you might consider what kind of person your brother hoped you would become."
With these words, Shen Xihe stepped over the threshold and departed, enveloped by the chilly wind.
Qi Pei's gaze followed her through the window lattice, watching as plum blossoms danced and snowflakes fluttered. Her elegant, almost ethereal profile appeared as gentle as spring sunlight, and her words etched themselves deeply into his mind.
What kind of person had his brother hoped he would become?
His contemplative eyes grew distant amid the snowy scene as he recalled his brother's earnest teachings from years past.
"Our A'Pei must grow up to be strong and upright. I don't ask for great wealth or prominence from you, only that you live with a clear conscience."
His eyes stung, and glistening tears fell, splashing onto the back of his hand. Once again, Qi Pei could no longer suppress his sobs.
Hearing Qi Pei's unrestrained weeping from afar, Shen Xihe finally showed a relieved smile. It was good for him to cry freely.
After leaving the courtyard where Qi Pei was staying, Shen Xihe saw Hongyu rushing toward her. "My Lady, Mo Yuan has returned."
Shen Xihe hurried to the main hall and saw Mo Yuan, weathered and somewhat disheveled. "Is Father well?"
"My Lady, this time, it was all thanks to His Highness arriving in time..." Mo Yuan wasn't deliberately praising Xiao Huayong but truthfully recounting everything he had seen and known.
None of them had expected the Turks to infiltrate, braving the wind and snow to lie in ambush for days, heedless of the risk of sparking a war between the two nations, all to assassinate the Prince at any cost.
After listening, Shen Xihe felt deeply grateful to Xiao Huayong. "And the Crown Prince?"
"His Highness's steed is much faster than ours. He likely returned to the palace last night or early this morning," Mo Yuan replied.
"Was he injured?" Shen Xihe asked again.
"No." Moreover, he and the Prince stayed overnight in the town and even shared a drink.
Only then did Shen Xihe feel at ease. "Go wash up and rest well with the others. You've all worked hard on this journey."
"It is my duty, My Lady. Please do not say such things." Mo Yuan clasped his fists. "I take my leave."
Shen Xihe turned to Zhenzhu. "Zhenzhu, how should I express my gratitude to the Crown Prince?"
Though Zhenzhu was recovering from her injuries, it didn't hinder her mobility, so she remained by Shen Xihe's side daily. After a moment's thought, she said, "The Crown Prince saved the Prince. The Prince will surely express his gratitude. My Lady, a gesture of your personal regard would suffice."
Shen Xihe pondered and agreed. If she prepared too lavish a gift, Xiao Huayong might not accept it. After some thought, she said, "Tomorrow, I will visit the Eastern Palace to see the Crown Prince."She decided to prepare some food for Xiao Huayong. However, given the cold weather, it wouldn’t be feasible to cook at home and bring it over. Instead, she would go to the Eastern Palace and cook for him personally. The Eastern Palace was well-stocked with ingredients, so she only needed to bring a jar of her own specially made sauce and dig up a jug of chrysanthemum wine that she had brewed together with Shen Yungan when he was still around.
While Shen Xihe was contemplating how to visit the Eastern Palace to express her gratitude to Xiao Huayong, he was currently there, having just been examined by the Chief Imperial Physician. The physician could only sigh heavily and say, "Your Highness, you must not recklessly use your inner strength again. If my senior brother finds out, I’ll be severely reprimanded."
The reason the Chief Imperial Physician had become Xiao Huayong’s ally was that, in his youth, he had secretly studied under Linghu Zheng’s father—a fact unknown to the court. With this connection to Linghu Zheng, the physician had no choice but to side with Xiao Huayong.
"I am fine," Xiao Huayong withdrew his wrist. "Tell His Majesty that I have recovered."
"As you command," the physician bowed and acquiesced.
After the physician withdrew, Xiao Huayong said to Tianyuan, "Youyou will surely visit me tomorrow. Remember to tell her that I nearly damaged my meridians."
Tianyuan: …
"Your Highness, I thought good deeds were to be done without seeking recognition?" Tianyuan was puzzled. Wasn’t the matter of the Snow Lotus more significant?
"The Snow Lotus matter must be revealed at the right moment. Used correctly, it will help me win her heart," Xiao Huayong glanced at Tianyuan. "If I mention it now, what good would it do besides making her a little more grateful?"
He had no intention of being an anonymous hero. If he invested effort, he expected returns. Even if he failed to obtain what he sought, he wouldn’t complain or regret it—but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t strive for it.
Even if Shen Xihe lacked emotions and desires, he was determined to pull her into the mortal world and make her sink into passion alongside him.
"But you said… you would never deceive the princess again," Tianyuan had to clarify. He didn’t want to be thrown under the carriage later if the princess decided to settle scores, only for the unscrupulous Crown Prince to punish him further to appease her!
Taking the blame wasn’t out of the question—subordinates often bore faults for their masters—but he’d rather die an informed ghost!
"When did I ever deceive Youyou?" Xiao Huayong scrutinized Tianyuan with a questioning gaze. "Did I not genuinely disrupt my inner strength? Did I not truly nearly damage my meridians?"
Tianyuan thought for a moment and nodded. "Yes."
Xiao Huayong shot him a sidelong glance. "You’re growing increasingly foolish. It seems you’ve been too comfortable for too long. Perhaps you should exchange positions with someone in the provinces…"
"Your Highness!" Before Xiao Huayong could finish, Tianyuan dropped to his knees with a thud. "This subordinate cannot bear to leave your side…"
Xiao Huayong rubbed his temples impatiently. "Leave. I haven’t rested on my beloved pillow for several days."
Not daring to delay for even a moment, Tianyuan swiftly withdrew. Xiao Huayong lay back on the couch, closing his eyes as the familiar scent enveloped him, allowing him to savor the moment.
As Tianyuan turned to close the door, he couldn’t help but wonder at the scene.
It’s just a pillow. Once the princess marries into the Eastern Palace and shares a bed with the Crown Prince, will His Highness ever want to leave it?
When Shen Xihe entered the palace and saw Xiao Huayong, his complexion was paler than usual, and there was a trace of weariness in his eyes. "Your Highness… are you alright?"
Although Mo Yuan had said Xiao Huayong wasn’t injured, he was still poisoned. Having exerted himself in martial arts, could the poison have flared up?
"I…""Princess, the Unique Poison in His Highness's body is formidable. He must not recklessly engage in martial arts, as this time he nearly damaged his meridians," Tianyuan interjected first, his face full of concern. "I beg the Princess to advise His Highness more. His Highness listens to your words the most."
"Speak no more. Step back," Xiao Huayong chided softly.
"As you command," Tianyuan withdrew, looking aggrieved.
He was genuinely aggrieved, not pretending in the slightest!
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