After spending more time together, Shen Xihe gradually discovered Xiao Huayong's habits. He was a complex person to her—most of the time gentle, glib-tongued, and stubbornly temperamental. Only when discussing serious matters did he become dignified, wise, and profound.
How could one person possess so many faces and dispositions?
Shen Xihe had never been able to understand it. Since he made no effort to hide these facets in front of her, she was willing to try to understand him more deeply.
As the third drumbeat faded, the dragon boats surged forward, swift as light chasing lightning. Cheers rose and fell along both shores, capturing Shen Xihe's attention.
The music of pipes and flutes swelled, and shouts surged like tides, blending with the rhythmic drumming from the dragon boat prows, the chant of rowers, and the sound of oars striking water. The scene was lively and inspiring, captivating every onlooker who feared missing even a moment of the excitement.
The dragon boats raced across the water, chasing one another, while the banks were filled with their respective supporters shouting at the top of their lungs. Some noble families had even organized robust matrons to lead vigorous cheers.
The sight of this prosperous and peaceful era filled Shen Xihe's eyes, and she couldn't help but wonder: if Gu Zhao had not compromised, what would the capital be like now?
Tensions drawn like bows, sovereign and subjects locked in confrontation.
Her gaze swept over every joyful, smiling face. This was likely the outcome he had sought to achieve.
Lost in thought, Shen Xihe was suddenly overwhelmed by a thunderous roar from the pavilion—someone had reached the finish line first. It turned out to be the dragon boat led by Bu Shulin. Many young men and women leaped up in celebration. Shen Xihe also stood, but not to join their exuberance. Instead, she took advantage of everyone's rapt attention on the race and made her way along the aisle toward Xiao Huayong.
Seeing her approach, Xiao Huayong instinctively started to rise and greet her, but a petty stubbornness made him force himself back into his seat, deliberately avoiding her gaze.
Suppressing a smile, Shen Xihe stepped forward and gave a slight bow. "Your Highness."
Xiao Huayong tightened his fingers in his wide sleeves, forcing composure as he nodded stiffly, eyes fixed ahead but his gaze subtly locked on her. He feigned aloofness. "Hmm."
"For the Dragon Boat Festival, I noticed Your Highness isn't wearing a Five-Colored Thread. It so happens I've woven one for you—I hope you won't find it unworthy." Shen Xihe produced the thread from her hand.
Xiao Huayong's composure shattered instantly. His lips curved into a grin, and he spun around, striding down from his seat. "Youyou, you specially wove a Five-Colored Thread for me?"
Tianyuan, Zhenzhu, and Biyu lowered their heads, sharing the same thought: Your Highness, could you not hold out a little longer?
What was the point of holding out? If he acted too proud and truly annoyed Youyou, and she refused to give him the thread, whom could he turn to for one?
"Yes, I specially wove it for Your Highness." Shen Xihe bowed her head slightly and lifted his hand. Xiao Huayong cooperatively raised it higher, allowing her to tie the thread around his wrist herself. "May Your Highness find success in all endeavors, ward off illness and misfortune, and enjoy longevity and well-being."
The Five-Colored Thread, woven from multicolored silk threads, gleamed vividly and smoothly under the sun, shimmering with iridescent hues. It complemented Xiao Huayong's unstoppable smile, lending his pale, sickly complexion a touch of snowy radiance.
The Crown Prince's seat was flanked by the Youning Emperor on one side and princes on the other. His every move naturally drew attention—especially when someone as noticeable as Shen Xihe approached. It was impossible for others not to notice.Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong were already betrothed. Given the liberal social customs of the time, it was commonplace for engaged couples to exchange gifts openly and frequently go out together.
Shen Xihe made no attempt to conceal her actions, tying the Five-Colored Thread around Xiao Huayong's wrist in full view of everyone. Many had noticed the Crown Prince's sour expression throughout the day and were speculating about the cause.
Those who understood Xiao Huayong's unfathomable nature—such as Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changgeng—suspected he was merely putting on an act. How could someone so deeply reserved allow their emotions to show? No matter how great his anger, he should have been able to maintain composure, keeping his feelings hidden. They wondered what scheme Xiao Huayong was plotting this time.
Watching Shen Xihe tie the Five-Colored Thread around his wrist and instantly transform his stormy mood into radiant sunshine made them all feel a tinge of envy.
The Twelfth Prince, Xiao Changgeng, was purely envious. He then lowered his gaze to watch the dragon boat race.
The Ninth Prince, Lie Wang Xiao Changying, felt despondent and lost, his eyes growing distant.
The Fifth Prince, Prince Xin Xiao Changqing, unconsciously touched his own wrist. Finding it empty reminded him of sorrowful memories from the past.
The Third Prince, Dai Wang, turned to look at his consort, Li Yanyan, who was enthusiastically focused only on the dragon boat race, and felt a wave of loneliness.
The Second Prince, Zhao Wang Xiao Changmin, cast his gaze toward Shen Yingluo, who sat primly nearby, her attention also captured by Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong. He unconsciously clenched his fists.
While the princes displayed varied expressions, the Youning Emperor watched Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong with inscrutable depth. He himself had arranged their marriage, understanding its underlying purpose: Shen Xihe served as a hostage to control Shen Yueshan. To minimize her potential to disrupt the political landscape, marrying her to the short-lived Xiao Huayong was undoubtedly the best choice.
The emperor knew better than anyone that the poison in Xiao Huayong's body was nearly incurable. Yet, it puzzled him why Xiao Huayong, aware of his limited lifespan, still insisted on marrying Shen Xihe, and why Shen Xihe, knowing Xiao Huayong's fate, agreed to the union. He could see the genuine affection in his son's eyes, but Shen Xihe's feelings were not as intense. Her determination to marry Xiao Huayong, coupled with Shen Yueshan's consent, remained a perplexing mystery. Given Shen Yueshan's deep love for his daughter, why would he allow her to marry a dying man? This led the emperor to suspect that the Crown Prince's poison might not be hopeless after all.
However, these swirling thoughts did nothing to dampen Xiao Huayong's elation. This was one of the happiest moments of his life, and he had no interest in engaging in their intricate power plays. If not for the surrounding chatter reminding him of their public setting, he would have pulled Shen Xihe into an embrace, holding her tight to savor her softness and fragrance.
"Youyou, what scent are you wearing?" Xiao Huayong couldn't resist leaning closer, inhaling deeply. The cool, refreshing aroma was especially soothing on such a sweltering day.
Shen Xihe subtly stepped back, distancing herself from this scoundrel, then bowed and turned to leave.
As the beauty departed, Xiao Huayong was momentarily stunned. At first, he couldn't pinpoint what had offended her, but soon realized that his innocent question about her perfume had reminded her of his past flirtatious behavior. She must have thought he was teasing her again, especially in public—how could she not be annoyed?Finally realizing the drawbacks of his usual verbal provocations, Xiao Huayong desperately wanted to chase after her to explain himself. Not only would pursuing her at this moment be inappropriate, but even if he did catch up, she would certainly not believe that he had no improper intentions earlier.
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