Chapter 500: Leaving the Capital to Search for Father
Shen Xihe's words drifted into Xiao Huayong's eyes like sparks, causing his deep, abyssal gaze to bloom like fireworks, instantly igniting into a sea of flames. The wave of heat that washed over them felt as though it could devour a person whole.
Shen Xihe was all too familiar with his burning, almost predatory gaze. She averted her eyes, about to say something to divert Xiao Huayong's attention, but he preemptively took her hands.
Contrary to her expectations of any untoward behavior, he simply held her hands, gently gathering her fingertips into his palms, enveloping them completely. Then, he murmured softly, "Youyou, it was my oversight earlier. I failed to consider your feelings, only wanting you to accept my goodwill without pondering whether it was what you truly needed."
His sincere, whispered apology made Shen Xihe somewhat uncomfortable. "I too was at fault. Between husband and wife, we must bear with each other. Occasional disagreements are natural—after all, we are two individuals with our own thoughts and concerns. I won’t dwell on our earlier dispute, and you needn’t either. If we disagree in the future, we can always argue it out."
Whoever persuades the other should be followed; if neither convinces the other, then let it be as it was this time.
Solutions will always outnumber difficulties. As long as one is willing to compromise and seek alternatives, a resolution will eventually be found.
The last trace of unease in Xiao Huayong's heart dissipated. His tender eyes, laden with layers of affection, gazed deeply at Shen Xihe.
He said nothing more, but in that moment, his gaze made Shen Xihe feel as though she was his entire world.
Shen Xihe couldn’t help but smile, about to speak, when an incongruous sound interrupted: "Gurgle…"
Xiao Huayong: …
The amorous atmosphere shattered instantly. Shen Xihe burst into laughter. "Let’s go make wontons."
Xiao Huayong loved wontons, eating them seven or eight times a month. Shen Xihe always reserved some filling when preparing them. The kitchen was well-staffed, with dedicated hands for kneading dough, so Shen Xihe only needed to wrap them, drop them into the pot, and boil them—a quick process.
A steaming bowl of noodles was placed before Xiao Huayong, his face beaming with joy. Jiuzhang, somewhat plump, peered resentfully from behind the door, half his body visible as he watched Xiao Huayong preparing to eat just outside the kitchen.
Assigned to the Eastern Palace since the Crown Prince was five, Jiuzhang had been with him the longest. Over more than a decade, he had presented countless delicacies to the Crown Prince, yet he had never seen him smile so radiantly, like a galaxy of stars.
What was even more infuriating was how the Crown Prince, who had been grinning ear-to-ear at the Crown Princess moments before, caught sight of him and his expression shifted faster than the weather, instantly turning to sheer disgust. Yet, when he turned back to the Crown Princess, his smile was once again bright and dazzling.
Jiuzhang: …
Tianyuan helped himself to some of Jiuzhang’s wontons in the kitchen, then walked over belching. Following Jiuzhang’s gaze, he patted his shoulder with the air of an experienced elder and sauntered off cheerfully.
The Crown Princess had already placated the Crown Prince, leaving nothing more for him to do. He could return to sleep. He had a feeling that tomorrow would be another day for sleeping in—for with the spring ambiance so vibrant, the masters were bound to cherish the warmth of their hibiscus-curtained bed, lamenting only the brevity of the spring night.The next day, Shen Xihe went to see the Youning Emperor again, once more requesting permission to go to Liangzhou to search for Shen Yueshan. The Youning Emperor did not outright refuse, only saying he needed time to think it over.
By the third day when Shen Xihe went again, the Youning Emperor seemed to have yielded to her repeated pleas and granted her request: "I will send an escort to accompany you to Liangzhou. Return to the palace and prepare your luggage. You will depart tomorrow."
Overjoyed, Shen Xihe agreed and returned to the Eastern Palace.
"His Majesty is sending an escort to monitor you under the guise of protection," Xiao Huayong said, pulling Shen Xihe before the map he had drawn. It covered an entire wall, meticulously detailed, refined through Xiao Huayong's personal experiences, with the rough areas representing places he had yet to explore.
"From the capital northwest, first to Qizhou, then to Lanzhou, followed by Shanzhou, and finally to Liangzhou," Xiao Huayong pointed along the map with his specially crafted, slender ruler. "Qizhou is very close to the capital, and the entire route follows official roads with regular courier stations. His Majesty would have no opportunity to act there. From Qizhou to Lanzhou, the route shifts from land to water along the vast Wei River. Given that you have fallen into water before, if His Majesty intends harm, this would be the place."
If an attempt were made on the Wei River, it would indicate lethal intent. However, with Shen Yueshan's whereabouts unknown, the Youning Emperor might not necessarily seek Shen Xihe's life.
Yet, it could not be ruled out that the Youning Emperor had other means to ensure Shen Xihe's survival if she encountered danger on the boat.
Xiao Huayong told her this to keep her vigilant.
Shen Xihe nodded slightly, indicating her understanding.
"The distance from Lanzhou to Shanzhou is short, only a three-day journey. His Majesty likely would not have a chance to act there. If he hasn't made a move on the Wei River, then he will surely target you between Lanzhou and Liangzhou."
This was the location Xiao Huayong was most certain about. Shen Yueshan had disappeared in Liangzhou, and despite extensive searches, even with his familiarity with the Liangzhou region, it would be impossible for him to leave without a trace.
The Youning Emperor leaned toward the belief that Shen Yueshan was hiding in Liangzhou. If Shen Xihe were attacked too far from Liangzhou, news might not reach Shen Yueshan—either intercepted or Shen Xihe might already be safe.
Only if Shen Xihe were endangered near Shen Yueshan would he panic and reveal himself.
"I agree with your assessment," Shen Xihe nodded.
Xiao Huayong smiled faintly, set down the long ruler, and turned to her solemnly. "Given our special status, many are watching this matter. It's possible others might seize the opportunity to cause trouble. Although Xiao Changtai has suffered significant losses, he hates me to the core and may very well get involved this time…"
This was the real reason Xiao Huayong opposed Shen Xihe risking herself—too many people wanted them dead, lurking in the shadows, with Xiao Changtai being just one of them.
"Once we leave the capital, I will switch with the person you arranged in Qizhou," Shen Xihe reassured him.
"I will soon request His Majesty to allow me to accompany you. He will certainly refuse. After you depart, I will sneak out of the palace. His Majesty will suspect treachery, and I will draw away his men." Xiao Huayong grasped Shen Xihe's hand. "Additionally, I have arranged a group disguised as followers of Xiao Juesong. They will follow closely, showing intent to abduct you, thereby diverting His Majesty's forces. If others make any moves, they will muddy the waters. Just be aware of this; there's no need to coordinate with them specifically."
After nodding, Shen Xihe asked, "What about the Jiachen Crown Prince…"
"He passed away last month," Xiao Huayong replied.Xiao Juesong had long been terminally ill, and it was no small feat for him to survive past the New Year. Before his death, he sent a message to Xiao Huayong and indeed left his few remaining followers to Xiao Huayong.
(End of Chapter)
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