Chapter 513: Cherished Heart, Treasured as a Rarity
Xiao Huayong had always exhibited a strong possessiveness when it came to matters concerning her, something Shen Xihe had long noticed. Yet he always maintained propriety, never crossing her boundaries—his possessiveness manifested only in daily life. Shen Xihe thus regarded it as natural tolerance between spouses. Just like now, when he demanded she never give leftovers to others, she didn’t find it unreasonable.
Shen Xihe was methodical in her actions and rarely had surplus items. Today’s waste was entirely Xiao Huayong’s doing.
“Alright,” she agreed readily and without hesitation.
This left Xiao Huayong somewhat disconcerted. After a moment’s thought, he asked, “Do you have any demands of me, Youyou?”
It seemed it had always been him making requests of her, while she never asked anything of him—a dynamic that made him uneasy.
A faint smile bloomed in Shen Xihe’s eyes as she looked up at him. “If I say it, will you comply?”
“Of cour—” He nearly answered impulsively but, catching the teasing glint in her eyes, remembered how she disliked his constant flirtatiousness. Heaven knew it wasn’t intentional—he simply couldn’t help himself, a habit he truly couldn’t break.
Swallowing his words, he replied with a grin, “Naturally, I’ll consider it case by case.”
What a clever evasion, Shen Xihe thought, both amused and exasperated.
Thanks to his persistence over these trivial matters, she went to wash her hands and rinse her mouth. By the time she returned, Xiao Huayong had finished his meal. Earlier, he had been solely focused on watching her eat, neglecting his own hunger. It was precisely such gestures that made her accept his habit of taking her used dishes without question.
Between husband and wife, he had truly achieved a state of unwavering trust and intimacy, as if they were one. Since that was the case, she ought to adjust herself to respond in kind—giving him all he sought, within her capacity to provide.
“Rest early. I’d like to take a stroll,” Shen Xihe said. Having slept soundly through the day, she felt no drowsiness now.
“I’m taking you stargazing,” Xiao Huayong declared. His reason for letting her rest during the day was precisely to accompany her under the stars at night.
The night sky here was densely studded with stars, like silver dust scattered over black silk. Raising her head, she saw a glittering tapestry of constellations—a sight unseen in the capital. But for Shen Xihe, who grew up in the Northwest, such scenery was familiar. Especially since she couldn’t engage in boisterous activities, she had cultivated a love for tranquility from childhood. Listening to rain, stargazing, and tending flowers became vivid strokes in the canvas of her youth.
Yet, seeing Xiao Huayong’s enthusiasm and feeling wide awake herself, she replied, “How could I refuse Your Highness’s invitation?”
Xiao Huayong flashed a bright smile. Mounting a horse, he reached out to Shen Xihe. After a brief hesitation, she placed her hand in his. It was her first time sharing a ride with someone, an intimacy that brought her back against his firm chest. The broad, warm contact made her feel profoundly secure.
“I know you grew up in the Northwest,” Xiao Huayong said as the horse galloped uphill. “No matter how breathtaking its night skies, over a decade would have let you witness every variation. But watching alone is different from watching together.”
They finally halted atop a hill. The night was serene and brilliant, the stars so close they seemed within reach, hovering just before them.Beautiful scenery always has the power to lift one's spirits at any time, and Shen Xihe was no exception. She had gazed upon countless night skies, but never before had she been so close to the stars—so close that she couldn't resist reaching out her hand. A chill brushed her fingertips, and only then did she come to her senses, laughing softly at her own whimsy.
Just as she was about to lower her hand, Xiao Huayong suddenly reached out and grasped her fingers, pressing her palm firmly against his chest. "These stars are elusive and intangible," he said softly. "Even if you could grasp them, they would be of no use."
Lowering his head, he pressed her hand even more firmly against his heart. "But this heart lies within your palm—eternal and unchanging."
The night was silent, the mountain breeze cool; the starry river shimmered, enveloping the world in its radiance.
Only the two of them were here, their figures leaning against each other in the moonlight, their hair intertwining in the cool breeze.
Xiao Huayong had spoken many sweet words to her before, and Shen Xihe had always dismissed them with a light laugh. But in this moment, whether it was the enchantment of the hazy night or the glow of the brilliant stars, she felt a warmth flowing from her palm pressed against his chest, coursing up her arm and straight into her own heart.
Though they had interacted before, she had never seen how he behaved in front of others. After their marriage, during several discussions held in the Eastern Palace, he had always sat upright and dignified—a gentleman of grace and authority.
It turned out he had never been so boyishly playful in front of others, nor had he ever displayed the imposing demeanor of the Crown Prince in her presence.
Only now did she realize he was not a frivolous or reckless man by nature. It was just that his true self was laid bare before her without reservation. He was the one who would spend his life with her—perhaps he could pretend for a while, but not forever. Thus, from beginning to end, he had always revealed his most genuine side to her.
With these thoughts in mind, for the first time, she did not find Xiao Huayong's words unsettling. Instead, she curled her fingers slightly, gently pressing her fingertips against his chest, and smiled softly. "Mm, this heart—I accept it."
Never having expected a response, Xiao Huayong was so stunned with joy that he froze in place. It took him a moment to regain his senses, and then the corners of his mouth stretched into a grin so wide it nearly reached his ears. He pressed her hand even more firmly, as if trying to embed it into his flesh so she could truly touch his heart. "Since you've accepted it, you must treat it well."
"Fortunate to have your heart, I shall treasure it as a rare gem; if it can endure, we shall grow old together," Shen Xihe replied, meeting his gaze without evasion.
They had been married for only a short time, yet he had already done so much for her. His sincerity was something Shen Xihe had never denied even before their marriage, and she still believed in it now. As for how long this genuine affection would last—they would take it step by step.
"From dark hair to white-haired old age—Youyou, I will remember these words," Xiao Huayong said, pulling Shen Xihe tightly into his embrace. Gazing at the starry sky ahead, he felt as if everything within his sight was bathed in brilliant light, and his joy was so overwhelming he nearly howled at the heavens.
She had made him a promise to grow old together. Though in this promise, her affection for him outweighed her trust, it was still progress. He was quietly occupying her heart, and one day, he would fill every corner of her thoughts and gaze.
They stayed up very late that night, sitting side by side under the stars, speaking freely of everything in their hearts.They did not discuss political affairs, nor did they deliberately talk of romance and beauty. There was no fixed topic—they simply chatted about whatever came to mind. Both being widely knowledgeable individuals, no matter the subject, they could each express their views, allowing their hearts to quietly draw a little closer.
Afterward, Xiao Huayong did not linger too long. They soon arrived in Liangzhou. When they reached the northwesternmost territory of Liangzhou, Shen Xihe spotted Shen Yueshan in a small village, chasing after children—his tall, burly figure standing out like a bear.
(End of Chapter)
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