Ye Wantang was gentle, serene, and well-educated, yet she encountered the calamity that was Xiao Changtai. Though they shared genuine affection, their desires were vastly different—Ye Wantang sought peace and stability, while Xiao Changtai aimed to rule the world.
Had she met Xiao Changyu instead, her life would surely have been one of comfort, wealth, marital harmony, and growing old together.
"Your Highness, will Xiao Changtai truly come?" Biyu couldn't resist asking once they were in the carriage.
Xiao Changtai had suffered severe injuries less than a month ago; his wounds were likely not yet healed. Moreover, many knew of his feigned death, probably even His Majesty, which was why he had been directly expelled from the clan.
For Xiao Changtai, the capital was undoubtedly a dragon's den and a tiger's lair.
"No, aside from me, no one in the capital wants his life," Shen Xihe chuckled lightly. "Even a vicious tiger does not eat its own cubs. His Majesty may not truly believe that Xiao Changtai was behind the witchcraft incident. The severe punishment was merely a last resort—unable to investigate further, he had to use thunderous means as a deterrent. Otherwise, if everyone took it lightly and resorted to cursing His Majesty at the slightest dissatisfaction, wouldn't the world fall into chaos?
As for the other princes, Xiao Changtai has already been expelled from the clan and bears the charge of using witchcraft against His Majesty. He can never 'return to life,' or he would face certain death. To the other princes, he no longer poses any threat.
Moreover, they are all brothers. If they truly intended to eliminate him completely, they must ensure His Majesty remains unaware. Otherwise, what would His Majesty think?"
How could His Majesty not guard against such cold-hearted and ruthless sons?
"What about the Crown Prince?" Zhenzhu followed up, having long been puzzled as to why the Crown Prince had not pursued Xiao Changtai further.
"The Crown Prince is currently under His Majesty's watchful eye. Xiao Changtai now has no weaknesses left. If he were to risk everything and seek mutual destruction with the Crown Prince, he might not take the Crown Prince's life, but he would certainly inflict significant damage. The Crown Prince would not use jade to strike against rubble."
Shen Xihe paused, a faint smile curling her lips as if recalling something. "Given his temperament, he no longer regards Xiao Changtai as worthy of his attention or effort."
The reason Shen Xihe sought Xiao Changtai's life was that she lacked Xiao Huayong's confidence and concerns. It was because Xiao Changtai was too tenacious and despicable—unless he was truly eliminated, given the deadly enmity between him and Xiao Huayong, he would never relent.
"Your Highness..." Zhenzhu hesitated before speaking, "Aren't you afraid that by giving the token to Ye Shi, she might later assist Xiao Changtai and use it to set a trap for you?"
"Your concern is not unfounded, though it is highly unlikely," Shen Xihe had naturally considered this. "When the time comes, we need only observe what Xiao Changtai does to determine whether she has been completely swayed by him and chosen to conspire with him."
Though, based on her understanding of Ye Wantang and her grasp of Xiao Changtai's character, she seemed to foresee their future. However, there is always the possibility of exceptions, and people can change due to certain events. For instance, after Ye Wantang leaves with Xiao Changtai, if they were to have a child, the identity of motherhood might alter her.There were too many uncontrollable factors in the future, yet Shen Xihe still took this step because the benefits outweighed the risks. Since Xiao Changtai couldn’t be apprehended at present, planting a thorn in Ye Wantang’s heart was the next best move. Whether this thorn would fester in her wounds or be gently removed by Xiao Changtai’s tenderness remained to be seen—Shen Xihe was betting on the former.
To break the indomitable Xiao Changtai, perhaps only Ye Wantang could achieve it.
The choice lay with Ye Wantang, and also with Xiao Changtai.
Shen Xihe’s wish for Ye Wantang never to need the pouch she had given her was sincere. If that were the case, it would mean Xiao Changtai had truly let go completely, and Shen Xihe herself harbored no cruel desire to drive anyone to their demise.
The wind lifted the carriage curtain, and Shen Xihe glanced outside. It was a familiar street; turning the corner would lead to the Eastern Market. From afar, the Living-Alone Pavilion was visible. Raising her voice, she instructed the driver, "Head to the Living-Alone Pavilion in the Eastern Market."
With the upcoming four-month stay at the Lin You Imperial Villa, it was the perfect time to inspect the shop. The Living-Alone Pavilion’s business had flourished even more, attracting numerous merchants from the south and foreign lands who made bulk purchases. After over half a year of training, more Fragrance Artisans had emerged, some exceptionally talented.
After reviewing the accounts and giving further instructions to the shopkeeper, Shen Xihe was about to leave when a young beggar ran in. The shopkeeper moved to offer her some pastries as per Shen Xihe’s usual orders, but the child looked up at Shen Xihe, placed a small paper ball on the counter, and dashed away like the wind.
Zhenzhu stepped forward to unfold the paper ball. It contained an address of a teahouse—someone was requesting a meeting with Shen Xihe. Zhenzhu expressed concern, "Your Highness, such secrecy suggests a possible ambush."
Shen Xihe took the paper from Zhenzhu. The handwriting, elegant yet sharp, was familiar. Earlier in the year, for the birthday banquet of the Princess Consort of Dai, Li Yanyan had personally written all the invitations to the imperial clan, including the one sent to Shen Xihe.
This was Li Yanyan’s handwriting.
Of course, imitating someone’s handwriting was not difficult—for instance, the voodoo doll linked to Xiao Huayong had also involved a forger replicating Xiao Changtai’s script.
But on the paper was drawn a carp in a leaping posture, identical to the pattern on a flowerpot during Shen Xihe’s private meeting with Li Yanyan, when Li Yanyan had disclosed matters about the Yangling Princess. Shen Xihe, fond of flowers, had glanced at it twice, and Li Yanyan, following her gaze, had specifically introduced the porcelain pot.
Thus, Shen Xihe was certain it was indeed Li Yanyan requesting the meeting. The fact that she hadn’t approached the Princess Manor openly indicated something requiring concealment.
As for whether Li Yanyan was setting a trap to capture her, similar to how Ye Wantang had been seized, Shen Xihe had no worries. Li Yanyan had captured Ye Wantang because of her cooperative relationship with Xiao Changtai—it wouldn’t lead to a rift between them.
If Li Yanyan attempted to capture Shen Xihe, success was uncertain, and the repercussions—antagonizing both the Eastern Palace and the Northwest—would far outweigh any gains.
Originally planning to return to the manor, Shen Xihe turned back into the Living-Alone Pavilion instead. She changed her clothes, then left through the back door with Zhenzhu and Moyu. After ensuring no one was following and taking several detours, they arrived at the teahouse Li Yanyan had specified.
Li Yanyan was dressed in a turned-collar robe, disguised as a young man, with two moles drawn on her face and her eyebrows and eyes altered with makeup. At first glance, Zhenzhu didn’t even recognize her."The Third Princess Consort has summoned me with such elaborate arrangements. I wonder what matter requires such urgency?" Shen Xihe got straight to the point.
Li Yanyan gestured for Shen Xihe to take a seat, personally poured tea for her, and handed the cup to her. Her naturally alluring eyes gazed deeply at Shen Xihe: "What if we join forces?"
Shen Xihe raised her brows: "Join forces?"
It was utterly unexpected that Li Yanyan had come to propose an alliance.
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