Chapter 522: I Want You to Treat Me Better
Xiao Huayong didn't press further, feeling a faint sense of envy in his heart. He had never seen such mutual affection and harmony among noble families.
Within deep mansions, schemes and calculations were common; for the sake of profit, one could even strike down their closest kin.
"Youyou, let us have only one son and one daughter in the future," Xiao Huayong suddenly said.
Shen Xihe stiffened instantly—who would openly discuss such matters so boldly?
She had no idea how to respond to such a statement.
Lost in his own thoughts, Xiao Huayong didn't notice Shen Xihe's discomfort and continued, "The mutual affection and care between you, your father, and your brother truly make me envious. I, too, wish for such harmony."
"I believe the reason the Shen family is like this is partly due to Father-in-law's guidance and dedication, and partly because you and your brother have no conflicts of interest."
Just like his father and Your Majesty—weren't they once close and loving? Yet, in the face of power, such familial bonds ultimately proved fragile. If Your Majesty had been born a woman, would his father have suffered such a bone-corroding bloodbath?
The melancholy in Xiao Huayong's eyes made Shen Xihe set aside her discomfort about having children. She knew he was thinking of his own background and took his hand. "Beichen, I don't agree with that. I believe whether our children will be harmonious in the future depends on how their parents guide them."
Though Shen Yueshan doted on her, he was extremely strict with Shen Yungan. Yet, Shen Yueshan never neglected him. Every time he was strict, he would explain the reason to Shen Yungan. Beyond training, Shen Yueshan often argued with Shen Yungan like a child, ensuring that Shen Yungan respected and revered him while remaining close enough.
Shen Yueshan was skilled at raising children, which was why Shen Xihe and Shen Yungan remained as close as siblings.
"It seems Father-in-law is quite adept at raising children," Xiao Huayong said with a smile.
Shen Xihe didn't want to continue discussing children and was about to change the subject when Moyu entered and handed a letter to her.
She opened it in front of Xiao Huayong—it was a letter from Xie Yunhuai. "Doctor Qi is also in Liangzhou."
The smile instantly vanished from Xiao Huayong's face. "How did his letter reach you?"
"Doctor Qi and I have always corresponded," Shen Xihe replied openly. "After hearing about my disappearance, he sent the letter back to Princess Manor, and the manor forwarded it here. Judging by the timing, he should have arrived in Liangzhou."
Upon hearing that "she" had gone missing at the relay station, Xie Yunhuai sent a carrier pigeon back to Princess Manor, informing them that he would come to Liangzhou to search and providing an address there.
"I'll write back to him now. This is a good opportunity to ask Doctor Qi if he has any solutions regarding Father's condition. If he does, we won't need to trouble Divine Doctor Linghu, and we can save some time." As Shen Xihe spoke, she looked up and saw Xiao Huayong pursing his lips, his displeasure written plainly on his face.
She handed the letter to him. "You write the reply."
Xiao Huayong refused to take it, his expression full of jealousy.
Shen Xihe sighed. "There is nothing between Doctor Qi and me. Our correspondence is solely because I asked him to search for a cure for the unique poison in your system. Doctor Qi has openly admitted that he has no improper thoughts about me."
For a moment, Xiao Huayong nearly blurted out that he would rather remain poisoned than have them correspond.In the end, he swallowed his words. He didn’t understand why his heart had become so narrow-minded, unable to bear seeing her close with others, especially men—even though he knew her relationship with Xie Yunhuai was entirely pure.
Seeing Xiao Huayong’s face still taut, Shen Xihe added, “To me, Doctor Qi is no different from Worldly Son Bu.”
Both were her closest friends.
“I know,” Xiao Huayong replied in a muffled voice.
“But you still hold a grudge,” Shen Xihe said bluntly.
Xiao Huayong flusteredly averted his gaze, avoiding her eyes. “I… I know I shouldn’t mind, shouldn’t hold a grudge, but I can’t control myself…”
He disliked this inability to restrain himself.
He didn’t understand why his possessiveness had grown so intense that even he found it astonishing.
“Doctor Qi and I only contact each other when necessary. Sometimes he sends a letter once a month, sometimes once every few months, and the letters only discuss the progress of finding the antidote,” Shen Xihe said earnestly. “I’ve never been one to enjoy socializing much. Even with those I consider close friends, it’s usually them who seek me out. Beichen, I don’t have many friends, but I do have a few. Yet, you are my only husband.
Doctor Qi has helped me greatly, and now I have a request of him. I cannot simply discard this bond.
If it bothers you, I will refrain from forming friendships with other men in the future.”
This was the furthest Shen Xihe could compromise. There was nothing between her and Xie Yunhuai—they supported each other as confidants and never contacted each other frequently in private. The few letters exchanged each year were solely due to the Unique Poison in Xiao Huayong’s body.
Once this matter was resolved, unless absolutely necessary, at most she would remember to send generous gifts during festivals, keep an eye out for rare medicinal herbs or related items, and present them as tokens of gratitude.
Shen Xihe could not bring herself to abandon a friend she had made before her marriage, just to appease Xiao Huayong’s feelings.
But if he truly minded her interactions with other men, she would simply refrain from forming friendships with them in the future.
Xiao Huayong strode forward and held Shen Xihe tightly. “I’m sorry, Youyou. It’s my fault. I will change.”
Shen Xihe wasn’t angry, nor did she blame Xiao Huayong. Softly, she said, “Beichen, we are husband and wife. In marriage, one shouldn’t always be the one to yield. If something displeases you, speak up. If I can accommodate you, I will do my best. If I cannot, I will tell you plainly.
I am a person bound by rules and propriety. Someone like me may seem dull in many ways, but I am also deeply mindful of etiquette.
In my interactions with others, regardless of gender, I always maintain proper boundaries. I only hope you can trust me.”
“I trust you,” he said. He had never doubted Shen Xihe’s sense of propriety. Her upbringing would never allow her to be fickle-hearted or act against moral principles. “I… I just want to be the most important person in your heart. If you… treat me a little better, I might not mind these things…”
Xiao Huayong could effortlessly utter all sorts of charming words, yet this one sentence made him feel almost too embarrassed to speak.
Treat him better?
Shen Xihe was puzzled. “Haven’t I treated you well enough?”
In her own reflection, she believed she had treated him quite well. Was there somewhere she had fallen short?
“You have,” Xiao Huayong quickly assured her. “But I am greedy. I want you to treat me even better.”Shen Xihe thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "I've taken note. I will try my best to treat you better."
Just these words immediately made Xiao Huayong cast Xie Yunhuai from his thoughts.
He wasn't truly troubled by Xie Yunhuai—he merely wished to receive comfort from her.
Good night, see you tomorrow.
(End of Chapter)
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