After the matter was settled at the Hall of Bright Governance and the court session adjourned, Cui Jinbai returned home, packed his belongings, and headed straight to the Bu residence.
"Cui Jinbai, what are you doing?" Bu Shulin was still on duty when Jinshan summoned her back.
Upon returning to the manor, she saw Cui Jinbai directing her servants to move his belongings inside, turning livid with rage.
"Because of you, I've lost my position as Chief Minister of the Dali Temple," Cui Jinbai replied expressionlessly. "I informed His Majesty at the Hall of Bright Governance that I would be staying at the Bu residence. If I didn't come, wouldn't that be deceiving the sovereign?"
Bu Shulin:...
Since when could "deceiving the sovereign" be used like this?
In the end, Bu Shulin could only watch helplessly as Cui Jinbai moved all his possessions inside. Fortunately, he still had some sense of propriety and didn't directly move into her room—otherwise, she would have taken a broadsword and thrown all his things out.
Such a commotion at the Bu residence naturally attracted many curious glances. People wondered why Cui Shaoqing was moving into the Bu residence, and upon inquiry, learned about the peculiar circumstances in Cui Shaoqing's household. Hearing this, they felt that Cui Shaoqing's stepmother was not a good person, casting sympathetic looks at Cui Jinbai, which inadvertently downplayed the scandalous entanglement between him and Bu Shulin.
When Shen Xihe heard about it, she couldn't help but silently praise Cui Jinbai's clever scheme.
He had not only managed to lodge himself at the Bu residence as desired, taking advantage of the proximity to pursue his love interest, but also subtly tarnished the reputation of his stepmother and younger brother.
"Youyou, you're heartless," Bu Shulin grumbled, seeing Shen Xihe smile. "I've fallen into such a state, and you're amused."
Shen Xihe gave Bu Shulin a pitying look. She really wanted to tell her that riding into the city together on horseback was probably deliberately arranged by Cui Jinbai. The Crown Prince didn't want him to become Chief Minister of the Dali Temple too soon, but given his hard work and impeccable conduct, there were no flaws to exploit—except for his youth, no one was more suitable for the position.
He had gone to great lengths to provide others with a pretext, and he was undoubtedly thrilled inside. Not only could he get close to his beloved, but he could also discreetly avoid being selected for the Dali Temple position, then use it as an excuse to openly move into the Bu residence.
Indeed, like master, like servant—Cui Jinbai had as many tricks up his sleeve as Xiao Huayong.
"A Lin, actually, the Crown Prince doesn't want Cui Shaoqing to rise too quickly," Shen Xihe restrained herself repeatedly but couldn't resist teasingly revealing this fact to Bu Shulin.
Bu Shulin took a moment to process this before springing to her feet in fury. "That Cui Jinbai! How dare he use me! He takes advantage and then plays the victim, even claiming that I hindered his promotion and wealth!"
Fuming, Bu Shulin turned and left the Princess Manor, storming back to her residence to settle scores with Cui Jinbai.
After Bu Shulin left, Shen Xihe took the hundred-flower cakes she had made and went to the palace.
Watching Xiao Huayong enjoy the food she had prepared, Shen Xihe felt a sudden thought. "Your Highness, why didn't you tell Cui Shaoqing that Worldly Son Bu is actually a woman?"
"He's merely my subordinate. If he's too foolish to notice himself, why should I enlighten him?" Xiao Huayong smiled mischievously. "Don't you think... watching him act this way is quite entertaining?"
Tianyuan looked up at the sky, praying that he would never fall for a woman disguised as a man without recognizing her—lest he too become His Highness's amusement.
Amitabha, poor Cui Shaoqing."I also think..." Shen Xihe agreed with Xiao Huayong for the first time and told him, "Just before I entered the palace, I informed A Lin that Your Highness didn't wish to see Cui Shaoqing promoted."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Huayong immediately burst into joyful laughter: "Hahahaha..."
This was the first time she had shown such a sly expression in front of him. So she could play tricks too—this made Xiao Huayong even happier. They were truly kindred spirits, teasing the same couple.
Shen Xihe picked up a piece of hundred-flower cake and stuffed it into Xiao Huayong's mouth: "I've told you not to laugh so heartily in the Eastern Palace.""
Xiao Huayong's eyes still sparkled like stars. He slowly chewed and swallowed the cake, then licked his lips: "I've taken your words to heart, Youyou, but when I see you, I can't help feeling happy."
"I used to believe there was no emotion I couldn't feign or control. But meeting you made me understand what it means to be unable to restrain oneself."
Falling for you was beyond my control; every joy and sorrow with you is beyond my control.
Provoked by him again, Shen Xihe slowly averted her gaze, avoiding eye contact. She appeared to calmly adjust her hair, but it revealed her unease.
The smile in Xiao Huayong's eyes seemed to overflow like brimming water. Her attitude toward him had changed significantly—at least when faced with his affectionate self, she was no longer as indifferent as before.
This version of her was like a flower bud about to bloom on a branch, making him both delighted and careful not to harm it. Instead of pressing further as usual, he proactively changed the subject: "Peach and apricot blossoms vie in splendor, the sky is bright and beautiful—this is the finest season of the year. May I invite Youyou for a spring outing?"
Spring outings were the most beloved pastime for young men and women in the capital, especially during the Shangsi Festival, when the city would empty as everyone—old and young—went out for excursions and banquets.
"Alright," Shen Xihe agreed without hesitation. "Where does Your Highness plan to take me?"
"Qujiang is overcrowded. I'll take you to a serene, elegant place that few visit," Xiao Huayong said gently.
In previous years, there were also imperial scholar banquets. However, this year's imperial examination cheating scandal had exposed numerous disgraceful affairs. Under the Youning Emperor's order for a thorough investigation, one clue led to another, spiraling out of control. This resulted in the postponement of re-examinations, pushing the spring exams to next year—naturally, there were no scholar banquets this year.
In the palace, the Imperial Astronomer had proposed dates for the Crown Prince's wedding. After discussing with the Empress Dowager, the Youning Emperor set it for early spring next year.
Coincidentally, around this time, all the princes except the Crown Prince and the three-year-old Xiao Changhong were summoned by the Empress Dowager. In the Youning Emperor's presence, the Empress Dowager said: "You're all grown men now. I won't let your mothers decide for you. During the Spring Day Banquet, all the young ladies made appearances. In my old age, I only hope you each find someone who truly suits your hearts. Whichever young lady you fancy, just tell your father and me."
The princes glanced at each other. The third prince, Prince Dai Xiao Changtai, stepped forward first: "Grandmother, this grandson already has a wife and doesn't wish to take a concubine."
The Empress Dowager lifted her eyelids slightly and slowly set down her teacup: "Third Lang, your grandmother isn't insisting you carry on the lineage. The Xiao family has many sons—even if you have no children, the line won't end. But as someone who's lived through life, I must say something unpleasant: some people remain cold no matter how long you try to warm them, likely because they have no heart. Persisting will only hurt yourself and others..."With that, she cast a meaningful glance at Xiao Changqing, who stood with lowered eyes and a submissive demeanor.
"Grandmother's admonition, this grandson has engraved in his heart," Xiao Changtai replied with utmost reverence.
"Engraved in your heart, yet you have no intention of putting it into action," the Empress Dowager said with a light laugh.
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