"Their method of contact is extremely covert. I suspect she has already arranged to meet with the Fourth Prince, and he should come to see her within the next few days," Xiao Huayong said.
So Li Yanyan had truly taken action, though Xiao Huayong hadn't uncovered exactly how she had contacted Xiao Changtai.
"How does Your Highness plan to deal with them?" Shen Xihe asked.
"Rather than 'dealing with' them, I think 'retaliation' or 'counterattack' would be more appropriate." The tiny mole at the corner of Xiao Huayong's eye seemed to dance with infinite charm as his gaze shifted.
Shen Xihe didn't understand why he needed to rephrase it, as her use of "deal with" also implied retaliation.
Then she saw the smile at his lips deepen instantly: "If the Fourth Prince comes, the charge of adultery with his sister-in-law will be undeniable."
Now Shen Xihe understood. Xiao Huayong felt this method was somewhat underhanded and was emphasizing it as retaliation out of concern that she might be uncomfortable with it.
She smiled faintly: "Your Highness worries too much. I have never been one of the gentle and virtuous. Not to mention that the Fourth Prince masterminded the tomb robbery case, committing heinous and inhuman acts solely for profit, with the Princess Consort of Dai as his accomplice. Just based on the Fourth Prince collaborating with Munuha, nearly costing both our lives in this matter, I would never let it rest."
As for whether Li Yanyan and the Fourth Prince Xiao Changtai were having an affair, Shen Xihe believed they weren't. Even though she had detected Xiao Changtai's scent on Li Yanyan.
When the lantern tower collapsed and flames erupted everywhere, and they were meeting privately, panicking like startled birds and hiding together, it would be normal for them to be in close proximity, thus transferring each other's fragrance.
If she could meticulously scheme against Yangling Princess and Munuha step by step, how was that different from Xiao Huayong setting up Xiao Changtai and Li Yanyan?
This matter involved both a princess consort and a prince. Taking down both sides simultaneously wouldn't be easy. Xiao Changtai had cultivated considerable influence over the years—otherwise, how could he have orchestrated the shocking tomb robbery case?
If there was a method to solve everything at once, why not use it?
A prince who secretly returned to the capital while being punished at the imperial mausoleum, committing adultery with his sister-in-law—what a massive scandal that would be?
His Majesty would inevitably have to secretly order his execution to preserve the royal family's dignity.
Xiao Huayong's smile brightened further. He had actually been somewhat worried that Shen Xihe might disapprove of his methods.
"The Fourth Prince is an intelligent man. Would he easily fall into the trap?" Shen Xihe was concerned that if Xiao Changtai learned that Xiao Changtian had been poisoned, he would deduce that Xiao Huayong was behind everything and refuse to come to the capital.
"Even if he can guess, it doesn't matter. The Princess Consort of Dai might not believe him. I will make sure she forces him into the game whether he wants to or not." Xiao Huayong mysteriously winked at Shen Xihe with his mole-adorned eye.
Shen Xihe felt utterly helpless with Xiao Huayong. Just as she was gradually getting used to his verbal teasing, he had started with physical flirtation. It seemed he was deliberately and methodically expanding her tolerance for him bit by bit.
Feeling that she shouldn't indulge him without limits, Shen Xihe picked up her teacup and said, "Your Highness must have many important matters to attend to. I won't keep you any longer."
Her way of dismissing guests was always so direct. Xiao Huayong chuckled softly and asked, "Would Youyou like to accompany me to see off Munuha?"
To send him on his final journey. Between her and Munuha, it was Munuha who had first attempted to ambush and kill her father. She had also made Munuha flee in disgrace. Munuha had orchestrated a tiger attack, and she had captured him. Knowing clearly that Munuha wouldn't survive past tomorrow, she didn't have such a strong desire for revenge that she needed to witness his death personally.After casting a glance at Xiao Huayong, Shen Xihe particularly didn't want to go with him at this moment, knowing he would surely find ways to take advantage of her.
"I'm not going." Shen Xihe decisively refused.
He had actually anticipated her refusal long ago. His earlier behavior had indeed been somewhat frivolous. As an elegant and composed young lady, it was already remarkable that she could tolerate his flirtatious remarks. Expecting her to immediately accept his forward actions was truly asking too much.
Xiao Huayong understood propriety well and didn't press further, leaving alone.
Long before he left the palace, Munuha had been sent out. The courtyard where Xun Wang had been secretly detained last time now contained four interconnected iron cages, separated by iron doors that could be raised via overhead iron cables.
Upon entering, Luling brought a chair for Xiao Huayong to sit. He lifted the cover of the front cage, revealing Munuha curled in a corner, who squinted uncomfortably at the sudden light.
Turning his head, Munuha's blue eyes locked onto Xiao Huayong. He lunged forward, gripping the iron bars tightly while staring intently at Xiao Huayong.
"Has the Prince heard any sounds?" Xiao Huayong picked up a cup of hot tea, lowering his head to inhale its aroma.
Half-squinting, his movements were unhurried, exuding an aura of calm elegance.
Munuha had indeed heard it - a restless panting. Having grown up on the grasslands, he was more sensitive to wild beasts than ordinary people.
He gazed coldly at the three connected iron cages.
"What do you want?" Munuha stared at the young man outside the cage. He didn't want to die.
"I won't spare you." Xiao Huayong stated plainly. "But I can offer you a choice of death - either drink a cup of Dream Slumber Wine to fall asleep painlessly and never wake, or be torn apart by a tiger in agony."
As Xiao Huayong finished speaking, a servant presented a cup of wine. This "Dream Slumber" was the most merciful option - said to induce eternal sleep without pain, the body hardening and withering over time without decay. Priceless at a thousand gold per cup.
A substance from over two hundred years ago, its formula long lost to most, had been preserved by the Linghu family. Xiao Huayong obtained it from Linghu Zheng.
"You want me to reveal my accomplices." Munuha's eyes turned lifeless.
Xiao Huayong took a sip of tea, holding the cup while idly stroking it with his fingertips. "You probably don't even know all your accomplices yourself," he said casually, looking down, "but I already know."
Xiao Changtai's covert influence was substantial. Having pushed Dai Wang Xiao Changtian to take the fall for the tomb robbery case, even making his trusted subordinate Yu Zao believe it completely - why would he need to expose himself to help Munuha?
Munuha's pupils contracted. He hadn't expected Xiao Huayong to know everything. His grip on the iron bars tightened. "What do you want?"
"The map of Turkic territories." Xiao Huayong stated calmly.
Munuha's expression changed, then he burst into laughter filled with mockery. After laughing, he declared, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, you underestimate Munuha. I won't betray my people!"
"What a pity." Xiao Huayong sighed softly and nodded slightly to Luling.
Luling opened the cage, forced a bowl of water down Munuha's throat while he was restrained by iron chains, then locked the cage again.A thick iron cable was pulled, and the cage connected to Munuha's left side was opened. A fierce tiger that had been starved for several days swiftly pounced forward.
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel