Chapter 488: As You Wish
So close that Shen Xihe could detect faint traces of Duojialuo incense amidst the medicinal scent clinging to him, she glanced at him twice before closing her eyes to rest, neither avoiding nor speaking.
Seeing this, Xiao Huayong couldn't resist leaning in to swiftly peck her soft lips. Meeting her abruptly opened eyes, he chuckled mischievously as he withdrew, leaning against the carriage shaft with a gaze brimming with tender satisfaction, watching her with leisurely amusement.
"If the mountain won't come to me, I'll go to the mountain," Xiao Huayong declared cheerfully. "As husband and wife, we needn't quibble over who yields to whom."
He simply took it as her having kissed him.
Though initially annoyed, Shen Xihe observed his demeanor and felt he was always making concessions for her. Yet expecting her to transform into the proactive type he desired would be truly forcing the impossible.
After a moment's hesitation, she actively reached out to hold his hand. Xiao Huayong froze briefly before his eyes seemed to ripple with warmth. When Shen Xihe tried to withdraw her hand, he wouldn't permit her retreat, immediately clasping it firmly.
Pressing further, he interlaced his fingers with hers, raising their joined hands with uncontainable delight, beaming as if having obtained a priceless treasure.
Shen Xihe had to exert effort to lower his hand, finding it slightly more comfortable when not visibly displayed.
She didn't press further, and Xiao Huayong understood she had mustered immense courage to take this step beyond her customary etiquette, repeatedly breaking her own behavioral rules for his sake.
He proactively explained, "Just now, I discussed with Father-in-law about taking you to the northwest next month."
In May, Shen Yungan and Xue Jinqiao would wed, and Xiao Huayong had promised last year to bring Shen Xihe to the northwest for the ceremony.
"You truly intend to do this?" Shen Xihe had never seriously considered it feasible.
As the Crown Princess now, leaving the capital was no simple matter. Newly married, she had numerous responsibilities. Bound by her status, certain interactions couldn't be as willful as before her marriage—such as receiving noblewomen. Fortunately, the Eastern Palace was impeccably managed, requiring no concern from her.
She was preparing to take charge of the Imperial Harem, but departing in May meant it was unsuitable to commence now.
"I don't wish for you to start laboring immediately after marrying me either," Xiao Huayong said, as if reading her thoughts, gently squeezing her fingertips. "After all, we're the younger generation. Rather than forcibly seizing power, it's better to show courtesy before force, granting her full face before striking with justification. This way, you can first observe from the sidelines and relax for a period."
Palace authority would inevitably fall to Shen Xihe eventually, but Noble Consort Rong had managed the Imperial Harem for over a decade. Openly clashing with her immediately upon entry could establish authority by making an example, but it might unite the harem against Shen Xihe as a common foe.
His Majesty had long ceased favoring the harem, so imperial favor no longer represented conflicting interests for them. Over the years, the imperial consorts had lived quite freely. His Majesty likely preferred this harmonious state to avoid harem troubles, despite external doubts about his health preventing visits. Having palace authority under Shen Xihe would mean living under a junior's rule, constantly reminded of their concubine status—a thorn in their sides. If Noble Consort Rong stirred trouble, many would become her pawns, relentlessly targeting Shen Xihe."As long as the methods are ruthless enough and the consequences for those who dare to challenge are dire enough, there is no one who cannot be intimidated." Shen Xihe had no intention of engaging in prolonged battles with the women of Youning Emperor's harem. She planned to use no more than three harsh strikes to teach them obedience.
She must secure control over the Imperial Harem, for only by dominating the harem could she extend her influence over the entire palace.
Xiao Huayong clasped her hand, pressing the back of it against his cheek: "But I want you to spend more time with me."
Shen Xihe looked down at him. He tilted his head, resting against her hand as he gazed back at her: "This way, you can both accompany me more and attend my elder brother's wedding, while also earning a virtuous reputation. A perfect solution, why not rejoice in it?"
"Virtuous reputation?" Shen Xihe chuckled softly. She had never cared about such things. "In the court, you've always been passive. No one aligns with you because they all know you... If I appear more formidable and aggressive, it might make them reconsider their stance."
The people Xiao Huayong had placed were still struggling in lower-level positions across various ministries. Shen Xihe believed these were learned scholars, carefully selected by Xiao Huayong. If they could endure this period of obscurity, they would likely achieve great things—this was a long-term strategy.
But the political landscape changes in the blink of an eye. For these individuals to become independent forces, establish firm footing in the court, and wield substantial power and status would take at least eight years, possibly over a decade. Who could predict what unforeseen events might occur during such a lengthy period?
Her hope was for herself to operate in the open while Xiao Huayong remained in the shadows. As the daughter of the Northwest King, her marriage into the Eastern Palace despite knowing the Crown Prince's health issues made her ambitions clear to all. If she acted more aggressively and recruited followers—so long as she didn't exceed the Eastern Palace's proper boundaries—no one could criticize her.
Xiao Huayong could simply play the role of a infatuated "weakling," leaving all confrontations to her. This would also serve to protect him.
"Youyou, I know you possess great capability and wisdom." Xiao Huayong suddenly turned serious. "I am a man. As a man, even if circumstances compel it, even if such an approach would be greatly beneficial, I cannot allow you to become my shield."
Seeing Shen Xihe about to explain, Xiao Huayong pressed two fingers against her soft, pink lips: "Not even in pretense."
This wasn't about male pride—it was simply that once conflicts of interest arose, all attacks, both open and covert, would be directed at her.
Actually, this had been her initial plan from the moment she decided to marry into the Eastern Palace. She intended to maintain a strong front, charging forward against all obstacles, even if it meant leaping across bottomless chasms alone.
Xiao Huayong had disrupted her entire strategy. He wasn't what she had expected—he genuinely cared for her.
She hadn't abandoned this plan not because she felt no emotion toward Xiao Huayong, but because she believed they could complement each other with her in the open and him in the shadows. This way, whenever matters involved the Eastern Palace in the future, His Majesty would focus his attention on her.
His refusal didn't prompt Shen Xihe to argue with him as she usually would, meticulously explaining all the pros and cons. She was beginning to sense from him that sometimes advantages and disadvantages might not be the most important considerations. The feelings of the person you share your days with and devote yourself to might outweigh mere calculations of gain and loss.
This realization frightened Shen Xihe. It didn't align with her usual rational, clear-headed self who always prioritized benefits.
Though part of her resisted this thought, when she met his gentle yet stubborn dark eyes, Shen Xihe found herself unable to voice her objections.After locking eyes with him for a long moment, Shen Xihe ultimately conceded: "As you wish."
(End of Chapter)
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