Xue Heng's eyes cleared, the heavy, stone-like knot in his heart seemingly pierced, allowing a ray of light to seep in, gradually illuminating his thoughts.
Yes, he should carry her memories to see the mountains, rivers, and seasonal beauties she had often spoken of. When they meet again in the afterlife, he could share these tales with her.
Enlightened, Xue Heng bowed deeply to Xiao Huayong. "Your Highness's guidance has been a sudden awakening for this humble official."
"Now is an opportune moment," Xiao Huayong naturally steered the conversation back to the main topic. "Since Duke Xue already intends to leave, why not take this chance to resign? This could still spare Xue Hui's life."
"Why is Your Highness so determined to save Xue Hui?" Xue Heng was puzzled.
Having served as an official for many years and risen to the rank of Grand Secretary, his strategic acumen and intellect were far from ordinary. Xiao Huayong had come with the intent to save Xue Hui, yet Xue Hui was of little use—someone Xiao Huayong should have no regard for.
"Someone wishes for him not to die. To me, this person is worth more than ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains. Whatever she desires, I will exhaust my efforts to fulfill it." Xiao Huayong's lips curved like a gently blooming flower, soft and lingering, scattering intricate fragments of light that seemed to brighten the very world.
His eyes held the shattered brilliance of countless stars, so tender and dazzling that one dared not look directly, fearing to drown in their depths.
Xue Heng and his wife had shared a deep bond in their youth. After she succumbed to depression following the early death of their only son, he understood profound affection. At his age, even without personal experience, he had witnessed enough. The Crown Prince's demeanor, so meticulously woven, was unmistakably that of deep-rooted love.
Who else could make the Crown Prince's voice soften unconsciously at mere mention?
This person was also connected to Xue Hui—it must be Shen Xihe. Shen Xihe did not want Xue Hui to die, likely to avoid disrupting Seventh Lady's marriage arrangement. Now, with a permanent solution, she had even persuaded him to embrace the desire to live, ensuring Seventh Lady's marriage to the Northwest Prince Heir would proceed as scheduled.
"Your Highness, with your vast vision and profound wisdom, if you were to become the ruler, it would be a blessing to all people." Xue Heng knew he shouldn't say this, but he couldn't resist adding, "A monarch too burdened by emotion may be weighed down by it."
"Duke Xue, you are mistaken," Xiao Huayong disagreed. "A monarch without emotion, or with little of it, cannot possess deep benevolence. I was originally indifferent, where right and wrong, good and evil, held no distinction to me. My heart changed because of her. She holds benevolence and righteousness in her heart, with eyes for the people. My heart follows hers, aligning with her aspirations."
It was because he met Shen Xihe that he wanted to become someone she would admire, prompting him to alter his aloof disposition.
Xue Heng said no more, only sincerely offering, "This humble official wishes Your Highness and the princess a shared heart in companionship, and enduring affection in long-term union.""
These eight words—"shared heart in companionship, enduring affection in long-term union"—carved themselves into Xiao Huayong's heart. He felt there were no words in the world more profound or moving. "Today, Duke Xue's auspicious words; in the future, I shall surely look after the Xue clan."
Xue Heng, who thought he had already grasped how deeply Xiao Huayong valued Shen Xihe, was further shaken by this statement.
In the Crown Prince's heart, the princess indeed outweighed ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains. A mere congratulatory phrase, pleasing to him, could elicit such leniency and favor toward the Xue clan.
After Xiao Huayong left the Xue residence, Xue Heng went to see the Emperor. Whatever passed between the ruler and his subject, despite the joint pressure from Prince Xin Xiao Changqing and Prince Jing Xiao Changyan, the Youning Emperor did not execute Xue Hui.Xue Hui was neither the mastermind nor an accomplice; he merely accepted bribes and harbored malicious intent. This crime could be considered either major or minor, depending entirely on the emperor's attitude. The Youning Emperor simply dismissed Xue Hui from his post.
Just as the court officials were dissatisfied and preparing to submit memorials, Xue Heng claimed illness and was unable to attend the morning court. Two days later, he resigned from office on the grounds of serious illness. At this point, the court officials understood why His Majesty had spared Xue Hui's life, and they dared not submit further memorials. One Grand Secretary in exchange for Xue Hui's life.
"Youyou, are you pleased?" In the Eastern Palace, Xiao Huayong waited for Shen Xihe, his gaze as gentle as the warm sun of March.
"Your Highness..." Shen Xihe did not know what to say. She had merely mentioned in passing that she did not wish for Xue Hui to die, and Xiao Huayong had skillfully manipulated the situation to allow Xue Hui to escape death.
In truth, Xue Heng could not have held out much longer, but the Emperor was unaware. The Emperor had always believed that Xue Heng intended to resign normally only after Xue Jinqiao and Shen Yungan's wedding. There were too many variables, especially with Xue Hui's downfall. The Xue family was already in decline, and the Emperor could not afford to be overly aggressive.
How could that compare to the immediate benefit of Xue Heng vacating his position now? Sparing Xue Hui's life was nothing but advantageous for the Emperor.
"Youyou, every word you say to me, I will firmly remember in my heart. Therefore, in the future, speak less of words that wound me. Even if they are truly what you think, do not voice them." Xiao Huayong seized the opportunity to seek favor, then feigned a coughing fit. "Though I am frail, whatever you need, I can offer it all to you."
Shen Xihe, who had been feeling a tumult of emotions and deeply moved, found herself both amused and exasperated by his antics.
Suddenly, he reached out his hand. Shen Xihe instinctively wanted to dodge, but for some reason, she restrained herself. His fingertips gently brushed against her hair, removing a fallen petal from her locks. "Youyou, I do not want your gratitude. What I want is your heart."
Gratitude she had, but her heart remained untouched.
At this moment, Shen Xihe felt that for a man like Xiao Huayong to encounter a woman like her, it truly was not worth such wholehearted devotion.
"Your Highness, I will be a good wife." This was the greatest promise she could give him now.
Once, she had told him she would be a qualified wife, but now she would not settle for merely qualified—she would be a good wife.
Xiao Huayong's heart trembled. Even such a softly spoken promise filled him with a sweetness as if he had been drenched in honey, satisfying yet aching. He could not restrain himself and pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly.
Shen Xihe stiffened for a moment but gradually relaxed. Since she was seven years old, this was the first time she had so meekly nestled against a man's chest. In her childhood, she had only done so with her father and brother.
She seemed to hear the beating of his heart against her ear, like the pounding of a drum.
He was deeply enamored with the fragrance and tenderness of her in his arms but still quietly kissed the top of her head before releasing her. He could sense her forcing herself to adapt; this was too unfamiliar for her and would make her fearful.
He had patience. Step by step, he would help her grow accustomed to him.
"Tomorrow, His Majesty will issue an edict appointing Imperial Censor Tao to succeed as Grand Secretary." Xiao Huayong shared another piece of good news with Shen Xihe.
"Has His Majesty already decided?" Shen Xihe felt it was almost too smooth."Regarding Xue Hui's case, Imperial Censor Tao rendered great service during the investigation and verification process," Xiao Huayong said with a faint smile.
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