Chapter 501: Being Followed
Xiao Juesong held a deep grudge against the Youning Emperor and wanted the world to know how despicably the emperor had obtained his throne.
He only wished for Xiao Huayong to tear off the Youning Emperor’s hypocritical mask.
His painstaking efforts under resentment were merely self-consolation. Meeting Xiao Huayong made him feel he had encountered an opportunity. These people were meticulously cultivated by Xiao Juesong, who valued quality over quantity. If they scattered now and were exposed, it would reveal the news of Xiao Juesong’s death. Xiao Huayong found Xiao Juesong’s identity highly useful, so he simply took over these people and assigned them to various locations.
Shen Xihe also shared her plans with Xiao Huayong. After the couple reached an agreement, Shen Xihe went to pack her belongings, while Xiao Huayong sought out the Youning Emperor to request permission to escort Shen Xihe, only to be harshly rebuked and denied.
Xiao Huayong also pretended to kneel for a long time in the Hall of Bright Governance until he fainted, but even that did not soften the Youning Emperor’s heart. Even the Empress Dowager, who had always indulged Xiao Huayong, rushed over but did not support him, instead persuading him to drop the matter. Xiao Huayong no longer insisted on accompanying Shen Xihe on her journey.
Early the next morning, Shen Xihe encountered the escort guards at the palace gate, all assigned by the Youning Emperor. To her surprise, she saw a familiar face. Meeting Bu Shulin’s radiant smile, Shen Xihe shot her a heavy, scrutinizing glance.
Only after leaving the capital and arriving at the first relay station did Shen Xihe summon her: “Who allowed you to come along?”
“Naturally, His Majesty permitted it,” Bu Shulin replied, crossing her legs.
“Don’t beat around the bush with me,” Shen Xihe scolded in a low voice. “You know full well how dangerous this journey is. Even if you were unaware of the risks, Cui Shaoqing must have known and surely informed you. Why are you here stirring up trouble?”
“It’s precisely because I know the dangers that I came to protect you. I may not be as clever as you, but in terms of martial arts, there are only a handful in the capital who can rival me.” Bu Shulin walked to the table, reached out to pick through the pastries, and without caring whether her hands were clean, popped one she liked into her mouth.
Shen Xihe could not bother with her bad habits at the moment: “Have you no sense? Why do you think His Majesty so readily agreed to let you accompany us?”
Chewing the pastry, Bu Shulin seemed entirely unconcerned: “His Majesty would be happiest to kill several birds with one stone.”
Eliminating both her and Shen Xihe—though His Majesty certainly would not take Shen Xihe’s life, he would not hesitate to take Bu Shulin’s. Especially since Bu Shulin had volunteered to come. If anything happened to her along the way, the Prince of Shunan would have no grounds to protest.
“If His Majesty wants to deal with me and you at the same time, he’ll be constrained,” Bu Shulin said casually, sitting down and continuing to munch on the pastries.
“His Majesty could choose to only take your life,” Shen Xihe said, her obsidian-like eyes darkening.
“Would you stand by and let His Majesty eliminate me?” Bu Shulin leaned forward, squinting as if teasing, but her gaze was one of trust.
On an emotional level, Bu Shulin had come to divert the emperor’s attention. The Youning Emperor would be torn between targeting Shen Xihe to lure out Shen Yueshan and targeting Bu Shulin to seize control of Shunan—each option had its pros and cons.
However, it was clear that killing Bu Shulin and taking over the Shunan Army was the best strategy. It was difficult to act against Bu Shulin in the capital, where there were too many eyes and the Youning Emperor’s protection was insufficient. Unless Bu Tuohai could be eliminated simultaneously, the emperor would inevitably face backlash.Now that Bu Shulin has left the capital, if she dies outside, it wouldn't be on the Emperor's orders. As long as the explanation is plausible, there would be no need to appease Bu Tuohai. This is a rare opportunity to test Shen Yueshan, and there will be plenty of time for that. Although he is curious about the mystery behind Shen Yueshan's disappearance, he also understands that this matter cannot shake the foundations of the state. Comparing the two, it is naturally better to seize the opportunity and kill Bu Shulin.
Logically, Shen Xihe would not allow His Majesty to target Shu Nan. Once the Emperor gains control of Shu Nan, he will launch a war against Tibet. At that time, Shen Yueshan would have no choice but to passively assist the court. Once His Majesty pacifies Tibet, the northwest would be in peril.
"Don't do this again in the future," Shen Xihe said softly.
She knew that Bu Shulin was risking herself, using her own body to shield Shen Xihe from the Youning Emperor's malice. This gesture of friendship was sincere and profound.
Bu Shulin carried the responsibility for Shu Nan in her heart. She had even refused to reveal her identity to Cui Jinbai, fearing that their relationship would change and her identity would be exposed. Yet, at this moment, she unhesitatingly stepped forward for Shen Xihe, driven by absolute trust that Shen Xihe could protect her.
"I'm also tired of being in the capital. I suspect Cui Shitou has started to doubt my identity," Bu Shulin said with some frustration.
"Hmm?" Shen Xihe wasn't actually surprised. Cui Jinbai had been lingering at the Bu residence, and the two of them spent day and night together. Even if they didn't share a bed, certain clues would inevitably surface. Not to mention distant matters, just the monthly cycle of a woman was a major vulnerability.
"I don't know where his suspicions started, but lately he's been fond of getting handsy with me," Bu Shulin said, a faint anger surfacing on her face as if recalling something. "This is a good time for me to avoid him."
You can run, but you can't hide. Cui Jinbai had been solving cases with divine insight at the Dali Temple for years. Once he grew suspicious, he would never let it go easily. It seemed Bu Shulin's identity wouldn't remain hidden from him for long.
Giving Bu Shulin a look that said "you're on your own," Shen Xihe pulled her aside and explained the detailed plan.
"Huh? You mean it's not just His Majesty who poses a threat to you?" Bu Shulin raised her eyebrows high.
"Of course not. It depends on whether they make a move," Shen Xihe replied with a slight smile.
Bu Shulin crouched and began to sneak away, but Shen Xihe turned and gazed at her coldly: "It's too late to back out now.""
Pouting, Bu Shulin patted her chest: "I'm a loyal friend! I'd take a blade for my friends any day!"
"Hurry back now," Shen Xihe dismissed her.
Bu Shulin took two steps, then turned back and scooped up all the pastries she liked from the table.
Shen Xihe: ...
"Bring me more tomorrow," Bu Shulin said, shaking a translucent flower cake she had picked up, munching as she walked away.
With Bu Shulin's company along the journey, Shen Xihe found it much more enjoyable. When she had the chance to cook, she would personally prepare something for Bu Shulin, though not often, as she was in a hurry to find her father.
They passed through Qizhou without incident. At the relay station, Shen Xihe switched with the people sent by Xiao Huayong. Early the next morning, she boarded a boat with the main party, including Zhenzhu and others brought by Shen Xihe, while Shen Xihe herself, accompanied by Moyu for covert protection, took the land route to Liangzhou.
Over the past year, Shen Xihe had never neglected her horsemanship. Riding swiftly with Moyu all day, though uncomfortable, she could endure it."Master, His Highness has left the palace, and no news has yet come from the Wei River." Moyu accompanied Shen Xihe as they settled in the inn and reported to Shen Xihe, "However, this servant feels that ever since we left Qizhou, someone has been following us."
Good night.
(End of Chapter)
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