Chapter 480: The Meaning of Continuing the Family Line
Originally not curious, Shen Xihe became somewhat intrigued upon seeing how pleased he looked. Not only did Shen Yueshan show no reluctance, but even his initial dislike for him had vanished. She wondered what means he had used to make Father view him favorably.
Xiao Huayong was quite tactful. After finishing the hot dumplings, he returned to the palace through the night, braving the wind and snow, as if he had truly only come to discuss matters with Shen Yueshan.
Shen Xihe spent this New Year very contentedly, as she had Shen Yueshan's company. Shen Yueshan accompanied her to the Tao residence for two days. Because Shen Yueshan was present, Bu Shulin could not visit openly, as she was still publicly known as a man.
After the third day of the New Year, Xue Jinqiao unabashedly packed her belongings and moved into the Princess Manor, acting as if she were already a member of the Shen family. Xue Heng could not control her, and since he did not intervene, no one else dared to say anything, especially since the Xue family had fallen from grace.
In the eyes of the Xue family, Xue Heng had resigned from his position as Grand Secretary to protect Xue Hui. The Xue Hui family endured daily scorn from the clan and dared not interfere with Xue Jinqiao, fearing they might anger Xue Heng and be expelled from the family.
Although this future daughter-in-law, who lacked tact, deprived Shen Yueshan of some precious father-daughter time, he tolerated it because he saw how well she treated his daughter.
Another reason was that he was quite busy. Having someone by his daughter's side eased his worries and guilt.
During the Lantern Festival, Xiao Huayong was also very generous, allowing Shen Yueshan to accompany Shen Xihe.
"You're so considerate that it makes me suspect you're scheming something," Shen Xihe said. She had originally come to inform Xiao Huayong that she wanted to spend more time with her father during the Lantern Festival. In two months, she would marry Xiao Huayong, and there might be few opportunities to accompany Shen Yueshan afterward.
"This is called retreating to advance," Xiao Huayong never hid his cunning in front of Shen Xihe. "I knew early on that I couldn't win even if I competed. Insisting on clinging to you would only put you in a difficult position. Moreover, this is your father, an elder. If it were your elder brother, I would never yield. Lastly, by yielding proactively today, you will remember my kindness and feel guilty toward me. In the future, you will be more accommodating to me during the Lantern Festival."
Shen Xihe couldn't help but laugh. "You're quite frank."
"I wish I could tear out my heart and show it to you, so you could see everything clearly," Xiao Huayong declared solemnly.
"Aren't you afraid that by saying this, I'll feel no guilt toward you?" Shen Xihe asked, her smile fading.
"You won't," he said, his dark eyes gathering a silvery glow, gentle and shimmering. His tone was soft but firm. "You like me this way."
She was such a person—clear, straightforward, and honest. Beating around the bush would only make her feel that there was a lack of trust between them.
Shen Xihe could no longer hold back her smile. She had Zhenzhu bring a lantern and gifted it to Xiao Huayong. It was a wooden lantern. "I made it myself. I've never made a lantern for anyone else. This is the first one, and only you have it."
Xiao Huayong looked at the lantern, which exuded a fragrant scent. It had no carvings but was crafted using mortise and tenon joints to form the shape of a small house, so exquisite it was breathtaking.
Xiao Huayong carefully took it, his movements extremely gentle, afraid that a single misstep might damage it. In reality, the lantern was as sturdy as a house. He held it in his hands, unable to put it down."Indeed, the strategy of retreating to advance is truly ingenious." Having gained an advantage, Xiao Huayong couldn't resist gloating.
Shen Xihe smiled at him and stepped forward to explain the intricacies of the lantern. There was a window that could be opened, allowing the candle inside to be replaced, and she went on to recount the lantern's origin.
After spending half a day with Xiao Huayong, Shen Xihe finally took her leave. Satisfied, Xiao Huayong escorted her out of the palace before returning to immerse himself in studying his treasured lantern.
Shen Xihe accompanied Shen Yueshan to view the capital's Lantern Festival. Despite the unpleasant incident the previous year, the citizens were still singing and dancing joyfully, though there were noticeably more patrols.
On the night of the first full moon, the streets were packed with crowds gathering for revelry and companionship. Drums echoed to the heavens, torches illuminated the ground, people wore animal masks, men dressed in women's clothing, and performers showcased various skills...
Amid the intertwining lights and bustling lanes, this was Shen Yueshan's first experience of the capital's Lantern Festival. Thousands of magnificent lanterns illuminated the prosperity of a flourishing dynasty; blooming smiles radiated the joy of living in a nation of strength and wealth.
Listening to his daughter, who had prior experience and considerable knowledge of the festival, Shen Yueshan's smile never faded. The only minor flaw was the presence of Xue Jinqiao tagging along, but this could be overlooked.
As Shen Xihe wandered with Shen Yueshan through the dazzling river of lanterns, Xiao Huayong remained in the Eastern Palace, propping his chin with one hand, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on the hanging lantern. The warm orange glow enveloped it gently, softening the moonlight beyond measure.
Tianyuan glanced at the sky, then at the Crown Prince. His Highness had been staring at it for two hours already. The moon had climbed high, and though he had shifted positions countless times, his gaze never left the lantern, his smile growing increasingly... bewildering.
Tianyuan mustered his courage and approached: "Your Highness, it is time to retire."
"I shall gaze a while longer," Xiao Huayong replied, thoroughly pleased.
Tianyuan: ...
"Your Highness, although this lantern was gifted by the Princess, she has bestowed many gifts upon you. For you to be so..." Tianyuan trailed off, wary of being accused of misreading his master's intentions and subsequently dismissed.
Xiao Huayong, in high spirits today, paid no mind to his presumption and continued staring at the lantern. "Does this lantern smell fragrant?"
"Yes." Crafted from sandalwood and lit with scented candles, how could it not be fragrant?
"Thus, this is a fragrant lantern," Xiao Huayong's smile gradually took on a mischievous edge. "A fragrant lantern symbolizes the continuation of lineage. This was gifted to me by Youyou... her intention is to..."
As he spoke, Xiao Huayong's smile grew even more... indescribable.
Tianyuan: ...
He looked up at the sky and silently retreated. He shouldn't have urged His Highness to sleep. With the Prince's talent for convoluted interpretations, how could he possibly sleep while gazing at such a lantern? Did he even need to sleep?
If he had the nerve, he should say such things to the Princess's face! Watch as she scolds him outright and smashes the lantern over his head!
Unaware that her lantern had been twisted into such misinterpretations by the Crown Prince—leaving him too excited to sleep, admiring it until dawn—Shen Xihe went about her business.
After the Lantern Festival, the palace grew busy. The first order of business was the betrothal gifts. Xiao Huayong personally captured two live geese, which were sent along with the palace's betrothal presents to the Princess Manor.
As the eunuch outside recited the lengthy list of betrothal gifts, Shen Xihe knelt nearby, examining the two geese. Zhenzhu, thinking she was fond of them, remarked, "These geese bear no arrow wounds. I wonder how His Highness managed to capture them."How else could it be captured? It must have been Haidongqing forcing it to surrender without a fight.
Shen Xihe was also quite pleased: "So plump and fat. One shall be roasted, the other made into soup."
Zhenzhu: …
First update of ten thousand words, another ten thousand this afternoon. I’ll try to make it early.
I looked up some information—in ancient times, betrothal gifts included live wild geese, which definitely couldn’t be released. So, what happened to them in the end? I also asked some friends who study these things, and most said they were eaten, hahahaha. The princess is just not being subtle about it.
(End of Chapter)
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