When he jolted back to awareness, Xiao Huayong threw the book aside as if it had burned his hand. Staring blankly at the fallen volume, he remained dazed for a moment before bending down to retrieve it.
After a self-deprecating chuckle, he returned it to its original place.
The next day when Xiao Huayong visited Shen Xihe again, his expression appeared completely normal. During their casual conversation, Shen Xihe glanced at him several times, making him feel she had something to say. "Youyou, if you have something to say, speak freely. Though I possess the beauty of Pan An and refined elegance, I cannot withstand your secretive gazes."
This was the Crown Prince whom court officials viewed as humble, reserved, gentle, and scholarly - yet in her presence, he never knew the meaning of restraint or modesty. Shen Xihe could only shake her head with a soft, helpless sigh, unaware how indulgent her expression appeared.
"Your Highness seems to have forgotten my keen sense of smell. Yesterday when I spoke with Prince Xin, you were nearby." He had arrived early, and she was certain he had heard Xiao Changqing's words, yet he showed no reaction whatsoever.
After six months of interaction, Xiao Huayong not only lacked humility and propriety around her, but even minor matters could provoke emotional reactions. Had he heard Xiao Changqing's words, he would never have remained so calm, nor could he have concealed any inner turmoil.
"I was somewhat startled," Xiao Huayong admitted truthfully. "I even indulged in wild fancies and read some supernatural tales."
Shen Xihe raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
"Then I remembered Fifth Prince has gone mad - should I follow his madness?" Xiao Huayong chuckled wryly. "If I were to doubt you because of his baseless claims, how could we build a lasting future together?"
Undoubtedly, more people would try to drive wedges between them in the future.
After a moment of thoughtful silence, Shen Xihe responded with a faint smile: "Your Highness, what if Prince Xin's words were true?"
His profound eyes, shimmering with starlight, gazed deeply at her: "Having traveled extensively, I've witnessed countless strange occurrences. Some things in this world truly defy conventional explanation. But it's you I love, you with whom I wish to tie the marriage knot. As long as it's you, nothing else matters."
In that moment, Xiao Huayong realized what he cherished was Shen Xihe herself - every aspect of her, inside and out, captivated him. Not Zhaoning County Princess, not the Northwest King's beloved daughter. Status and position meant nothing; only she mattered.
Shen Xihe smiled wordlessly, her obsidian-dark eyes clear and unclouded: "Your Highness, I will always be just myself."
This was her subtle explanation and reassurance. Xiao Huayong beamed with joy - the mere fact that she had broached the subject voluntarily was enough to make him happy. "The sun isn't too harsh today. Shall I take you mushroom picking?"
Mushrooms had begun appearing since June. Though Shen Xihe enjoyed these delicacies, she had never picked them herself. Finding the novelty appealing, she happily agreed. Changing into lightweight men's clothing, she brought along her bow and arrows. Xiao Huayong had been teaching her archery, and though she never neglected practice, her arm strength remained insufficient and her aim still poor - yet this didn't diminish her enthusiasm.
Xiao Huayong recognized many mushroom varieties, including numerous types Shen Xihe had never seen before.
"I've visited Nanzhao Kingdom where mushrooms are more abundant, with various preparation methods. Later I'll have Jiuzhang cook some for you to try." Xiao Huayong had once wanted to learn cooking himself, but ultimately chose to abandon the endeavor, having to admit that nobody could excel at everything."What are the customs and culture of Nanzhao Kingdom like..." Shen Xihe followed behind Xiao Huayong, carrying a scented sachet to ward off snakes and insects.
Since the tiger attack incident, the two had been traveling alone. Tianyuan and others would follow at a distance, but on steep terrain, Xiao Huayong would climb up first, then turn and extend his hand to Shen Xihe, who had grown accustomed to naturally taking it.
Both dressed in simple attire, they strolled across the grassy meadow, discussing distant lands. Their laughter and chatter added a poetic touch to the midsummer day.
Who would have thought that these two composed and serene figures carrying bamboo baskets through the woods were among the most exalted individuals in the world?
Tianyuan and Zhenzhu watched them, feeling the pair radiated an innate vitality. They could be aloof and decisive in judgment, yet also tranquil and approachable.
Unconsciously, they wandered far. Sitting on clean stones, they enjoyed the breeze while drinking from their water pouches. Suddenly, Haidongqing's clear cry echoed from above as it circled high in the sky. Shen Xihe glanced upward: "It always follows you. Your Majesty might grow suspicious."
During last autumn's hunt, the Youning Emperor had wanted to capture this Haidongqing, but his attention was diverted by the giant serpent.
"No matter. Even if His Majesty suspects, can't I keep a bird?" Xiao Huayong remained unconcerned.
Shen Xihe said no more. Although Haidongqing was revered as the deity of eagles, carrying extraordinary significance beyond ordinary birds, Xiao Huayong had his own plans and didn't require her worry.
Being with Xiao Huayong had another advantage - she never needed to fret over his affairs.
"When does Your Majesty plan to act?" Shen Xihe changed the subject.
"Not recently. His Majesty prefers the element of surprise." Xiao Huayong turned his head and smiled at her.
With three or four months remaining at the retreat, the Emperor had ample time to scheme. Xiao Huayong wasn't anxious - the longer the wait, the more it would lull the prey into complacency.
Shen Xihe nodded in understanding. As she was about to speak of other matters, Duanming emerged from the woods after foraging and dashed toward her. Xiao Huayong raised a hand and caught it by the scruff. Knowing they were coming to the forest, Shen Xihe had brought it for training. After all its jumping and climbing, it was thoroughly dirty, and Shen Xihe was fastidious.
Pinned by Xiao Huayong, Duanming growled angrily from its throat.
Shen Xihe tapped its head with her fingertip before signaling Xiao Huayong: "Your Highness, let it go."
Once released, Duanming didn't jump on Shen Xihe, but seemed displeased. Hearing Haidongqing's cry, it leaped onto a high rock, craning its neck and howling at the sky like a wolf.
Shen Xihe watched, caught between laughter and exasperation.
Xiao Huayong was also amused: "Where did it learn such audacious behavior?"
"Perhaps... it was always like this before I found it." Shen Xihe also wondered what made Duanming so lacking in self-awareness.
Haidongqing circled for a while as Duanming continued its ignorant barking. Seeming annoyed, the eagle soon disappeared into the forest. With Haidongqing gone, Duanming barked twice more, its tone clearly triumphant.
Just then, Haidongqing suddenly reappeared, clutching a struggling rabbit in its talons.When Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong looked up, they saw Haidongqing—whether intentionally or not—drop the rabbit from its claws. But with wind-like swiftness, it caught the rabbit mid-air again.
Duanming stared dumbfounded, its head tilting backward repeatedly before it silently retreated, curling up at the base of the stone by Shen Xihe’s feet.
"Hahahaha…"
The scene sent Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe’s joyous laughter echoing through the mountain forest.
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