Chapter 414: The Joy He Brought Her
Xiao Huayong had never felt so embarrassed in his life. He could only awkwardly explain, "In this life, if one has no aspirations or pursuits, wouldn't that make them like a walking corpse?" As he spoke, his expression gradually relaxed, his eyes turning suggestive again as he deliberately leaned closer to Shen Xihe. "I want Youyou to know that I'm madly obsessed with you, haunted by thoughts of you."
When it came to shamelessness, Shen Xihe had to admit defeat. She could only surrender and change the subject: "Did Your Highness come today just to give me this parrot?"
"Youyou, the deer calls, forever united in heart..." The white parrot started chanting again. Shen Xihe handed it to Zhenzhu.
Xiao Huayong watched as the parrot reciting his words was carried away, then turned back with a serious expression. "My people have discovered traces of the fourth prince."
"Xiao Changtai." Shen Xihe was slightly surprised. "He's really impatient."
It seemed he had planned everything when His Majesty first issued the decree to go to Lin You Imperial Villa, preparing to act today. However, he didn't expect the sudden Ye price case this morning, which enraged His Majesty during court session and postponed the summer retreat. Otherwise, he would probably be making his move right now.
"If we had departed today, it would have been the perfect timing." The day of departure was always the most chaotic, with everyone busy with travel preparations and what to bring, leaving no mind for other matters.
Shen Xihe thought this made perfect sense. A thought occurred to her, and she looked at Xiao Huayong: "Your Highness anticipated he would act this way, which is why you had Prince Yan expose the Ye price case this morning."
He had guessed that Xiao Changtai would sneak into the capital today to find Ye Wantang, predicted how His Majesty would react upon learning about the Ye price case, and caught Xiao Changtai completely off guard.
Now Xiao Changtai had already secretly returned to the capital, but His Majesty hadn't departed. Xiao Changtai must be burning with anxiety. Having been charged with witchcraft crimes, if he showed himself now, it would prove he had faked his death to escape punishment. He would inevitably be brought before His Majesty, facing certain death.
"Since Youyou is concerned about him, I naturally need to pay more attention." Xiao Huayong knew Shen Xihe had gone to Xiangguo Temple to find Ye Wantang. Since Xiao Changtai made her uneasy, he would deal with him promptly. He had originally made other arrangements, but when he learned about the Ye price case yesterday, he decided to make use of it.
"Your Highness cares for me deeply, and I'm truly grateful, but I don't wish for you to be too attentive." She didn't want her influence on Xiao Huayong to be too profound, making him prioritize her in everything and lose his original decisiveness and clarity.
Perhaps one day, because of her, he might become implicated, and she would feel guilty about it.
"Youyou, rest assured. I know you're clever and may not need my help." Xiao Huayong smiled. "You're also worried that if I make major moves in the capital, His Majesty might notice or find evidence against me."
This was a critical period for him. His Majesty was watching him more closely than ever, even more than when Munuha suspected him. Having firmly held the throne for so many years, His Majesty had many capable people in the capital. The slightest movement could give them away.
Shen Xihe was worried he might lose more than he gained because of minor matters.
"As long as Your Highness is aware." Since Xiao Huayong had already considered this, he must have prepared countermeasures.
"I haven't made any moves, which is why I lost track of him as soon as he entered the capital." Where Xiao Changtai was now, he couldn't say for certain. It was precisely for this reason that he came specifically to warn Shen Xihe to be careful and vigilant.
"His target must be Ye Shi." Shen Xihe stated with certainty.At this moment, aside from Ye Wantang, nothing else was worth Xiao Changtai risking his injuries to sneak into the capital.
His wealth and influence in the capital had long been transferred out during the year he was demoted to the imperial mausoleum. This move to conceal himself had been brewing for a long time.
"Ye Shi has already returned to her residence. We can only have people keep an eye on the Ye residence." Xiao Huayong was not optimistic, as Xiao Changtai was extremely skilled at disguise and concealment.
"He is highly likely seeking someone's assistance." Shen Xihe considered Xiao Changtai's past modus operandi—setting up decoys and using others as cover. Whether it was using Li Yanyan during the tomb robbery case or implicating Zhao Wang Xiao Changmin during his previous infiltration of the capital, it had always been this way.
"You and I are of the same mind, Youyou." Xiao Huayong's smile carried a hint of sweetness, his eyes shimmering with silver light, brimming with delight.
"The question is which prince he will seek..." Shen Xihe couldn't guess. They weren't clear on how many cards Xiao Changtai had up his sleeve. "It could be Prince Zhao, the Third Prince, or Prince Xin."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Huayong raised an eyebrow. "Why is our Ninth Prince not a possibility?"
Had it been two months ago, Shen Xihe definitely wouldn't have detected the hint of jealousy. But now, she could grasp a fraction of Xiao Huayong's thoughts, especially since he was dedicated to arranging marriages for the princes, with Xiao Changying as a particular focus. She understood that he was somewhat concerned about Xiao Changying.
The reason was simple: when she first came to the capital, Xiao Changying had been the one chosen for her by Shen Yueshan and Shen Yungan. Being someone who deeply valued her father and brother's opinions, even though she had no feelings for Xiao Changying, it still made Xiao Huayong hold a grudge.
"The Ninth Prince is resolute by nature. Although he has his share of secrets, most of these have already been reviewed by His Majesty. Even if Xiao Changtai were to uncover some leverage, Prince Lie would not fear it. If even I am aware of this, how could he not know?" Shen Xihe patiently explained.
She didn't believe that Xiao Huayong couldn't figure this out on his own—he simply insisted on hearing her spell it out clearly.
Though inwardly satisfied, the Crown Prince still muttered, "Youyou seems to know our Ninth Prince quite well."
Looking at his sour expression, Shen Xihe found it utterly childish. A mischievous impulse suddenly stirred within her. "Your Highness may not know, but before I came to the capital, I did my homework on all the princes."
This was true. Shen Yueshan had investigated all the princes to the extent possible, making general assessments—including Xiao Huayong. However, the information gathered was only superficial, leading to a misjudgment on her part, which resulted in her current predicament, making it difficult to extricate herself now.
But sometimes mistakes lead to fortunate outcomes. At least for now, she felt that marrying Xiao Huayong was excellent—he understood her well.
Xiao Huayong's jealousy was thoroughly provoked. He abruptly stood up, walked to the railing, and took several deep breaths facing the pond where delicate pink lotuses swayed. After calming himself for a moment, he turned back with a stiff jaw, making no effort to hide his displeasure.
His expression didn't frighten Shen Xihe; instead, it amused her. She even developed an inexplicable, almost morbid pleasure in riling Xiao Huayong up like this—it was utterly... adorable.
"I'm fine. Youyou, laugh if you want to." Xiao Huayong spoke woodenly.
"Hahahahaha..." Shen Xihe finally couldn't hold back her laughter, the kind that once started, was hard to stop.
She was naturally reserved, calm and composed, rarely laughing so unrestrainedly. But there was no helping it—every time she looked at Xiao Huayong, she couldn't help but laugh.Laughing along with her, Xiao Huayong, who had been quite angry, couldn't hold back and joined in the mirth.
April has come to an end. A special thanks to all of you for your understanding and patience toward the end of the month. I am truly, deeply touched that you neither scolded nor criticized me, allowing me to shamelessly breeze through the final week without any pressure or urgency.
As May begins, I must pull myself together and work diligently again, or I would feel unworthy of your generosity. Mwah!
(End of Chapter)
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