Chapter 523: Separate Actions
In the end, the reply to Xie Yunhuai was still drafted by Xiao Huayong. When Shen Yueshan returned that night, Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong informed him of the matters they had discussed during the day. Shen Yueshan did not object.
Xiao Huayong then began making arrangements. The first thing he did was send a letter to the capital, addressed to Prince Xin's Residence.
Xiao Changqing soon received an anonymous letter containing evidence of Rong Ce's crimes.
The fact that this evidence had not been submitted directly to the Emperor meant the sender had no intention of using it against Rong Ce. The envelope contained no written message, indicating the sender wasn't seeking benefits through blackmail. Since it was neither an attempt to harm nor threaten, it could only be a warning.
Rong Ce's crimes weren't serious—more like common corrupt practices most officials couldn't completely avoid. Even if reported, the punishment wouldn't be severe, but if someone were to push the matter behind the scenes, he would no longer be able to remain in Liangzhou.
Liangzhou...
Just these two words made him realize this letter was likely from the Crown Prince.
Just like previous times when the Crown Prince had restrained him—each instance involving leverage—whether it was his bombing of the imperial mausoleum or his substitution of death row inmates, the Crown Prince's methods seemed consistent yet varied in their justifications for controlling people, truly chilling.
There were few in this world who could easily obtain evidence of crimes committed by high officials, and even fewer who possessed such evidence without malicious intent.
Rather than a warning, this was more like a bribe from the Crown Prince. It appeared His Highness indeed intended to take major action in Liangzhou—or perhaps throughout the northwest—and wanted him to stay out of it.
Xiao Changqing turned and returned to his study, where he wrote a letter to Rong Ce in Liangzhou.
With Xiao Changqing handled, Xiao Huayong proceeded with his arrangements more boldly and smoothly.
Xie Yunhuai arrived at their lodging the next day. After more than a year apart, the gentleman still carried the noble bearing of clear winds and bright moonlight.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Crown Princess." Xie Yunhuai bowed in greeting.
"Doctor Qi, you're too formal." Xiao Huayong reached out to support Xie Yunhuai's arm. "We've asked you to come here this time, and must trouble you for your assistance."
"As a friend of Her Highness the Crown Princess, it is only natural to help each other. Your Highness is too polite." Xie Yunhuai responded with neither humility nor arrogance.
Xiao Huayong glanced at him: "The Crown Princess and I are husband and wife. Even if it's help between close friends, thanks should still be given. Let me express gratitude on Youyou's behalf—saying 'we'll trouble you' is not excessive."
Xiao Huayong was asserting his territorial rights. Xie Yunhuai chuckled inwardly. He had indeed felt attracted to Shen Xihe before, but currently harbored no covetous thoughts, and therefore felt no resentment. Not wishing to engage in verbal sparring with Xiao Huayong that might put the Crown Princess in an awkward position, he said: "This humble subject dare not accept Your Highness's thanks, nor do I know if I can actually assist Your Highnesses."
"Doctor Qi, your mere presence here already warrants this gratitude," Shen Xihe interjected. "However, there's no need for such formality between Doctor Qi and us as a married couple. Let's go inside and explain to Doctor Qi what this is actually about."
For security reasons, although Xiao Huayong had replied to Xie Yunhuai, he had Xie Yunhuai go to one of his own locations first, then be escorted here by his people. The specific reason for summoning him hadn't been detailed.
After they entered, Shen Xihe brewed some Eucommia Leaf tea she carried with her. Once seated, Xiao Huayong explained their situation in detail. Since Shen Xihe trusted Xie Yunhuai so much, Xiao Huayong saw no reason to hide anything.Moreover, even if Xie Yunhuai were to develop disloyal thoughts, he could make Xie Yunhuai understand the devastating price he would pay for betraying him and harming those he loved.
After hearing this, Xie Yunhuai pondered for a moment: "I do have a method, but it requires A Xi's assistance. Also..."
"Doctor Qi, speak freely." Shen Xihe noticed his hesitation.
Xie Yunhuai furrowed his brows slightly, looked up with a serious expression, and said: "To achieve a convincing deception, the Northwest King will inevitably have to endure some hardship."
No one could perfectly mimic a terminally ill person through acupuncture or medication while remaining completely unharmed.
"Could you elaborate?" Shen Xihe asked with a grave expression.
"The Prince has some hidden injuries in his body that can actually be healed. However, the treatment is akin to resetting a broken bone—it must first be rebroken," Xie Yunhuai explained. "I can take this opportunity to treat some of the Prince's internal organ injuries. First, I will use potent medicine to temporarily damage the organs, then proceed with recuperation. This way, we can create a convincing illusion. With A Xi's acupuncture, we can deceive any number of doctors."
"The Prince must refrain from wielding swords for six months and focus on proper recuperation. I will remain in the Northwest to monitor the Prince's condition closely until he fully recovers."
"That is an excellent plan," Xiao Huayong agreed wholeheartedly. "It also allows Father-in-law to rest properly, and in the eyes of others, it would appear entirely reasonable."
They had publicly claimed that Shen Yueshan had endured great torment to escape. To gain Geng Liangcheng's trust, Xiao Huayong began laying out the plan. It was crucial that their schemes against Geng Liangcheng did not expose their elaborate preparations, lest it arouse the Emperor's suspicion and lead him to believe they were colluding with Xiao Juesong. Otherwise, how could they have orchestrated such an intricate plan?
If Shen Yueshan needed to recuperate for over half a year, it could be portrayed as genuine suffering under Xiao Juesong's persecution. After escaping, he would have detected Geng Liangcheng's disloyalty and decided to turn the situation to his advantage.
"I will discuss this with Father," Shen Xihe said, confident that Shen Yueshan would not object.
Xie Yunhuai had long mentioned the possibility of treating Shen Yueshan's hidden injuries, but Shen Yueshan had refused upon hearing that it required at least half a year of rest and abstaining from martial activities. As the Northwest King responsible for guarding the frontier, he could not prioritize personal matters over the greater good. If the Tibetans or Turks caused trouble during that period, he would feel obligated to take to the battlefield, which would only worsen his injuries.
Now, with the plan out in the open, whether it involved the Tibetans or the Turks, Xiao Huayong would be keeping a close watch, ensuring Shen Yueshan had sufficient time to recover.
As expected, Shen Yueshan did not refuse. They each began their respective tasks. Sui Axi was originally meant to stay with Xiao Huayong to continue treating his eyes. Although Xiao Huayong had regained his ability to distinguish colors, the poison in his body remained a significant threat.
Xiao Huayong had long expressed his intention to seek her out, so Shen Xihe directly took Sui Axi with her, following Zhenzhu and the others.
The next day, they all left the village but went their separate ways. Xiao Huayong went to arrange the details of the entire plan. Shen Yueshan began taking medicine prescribed by Xie Yunhuai to bring out all his hidden injuries. Shen Xihe went to Liangzhou to find Zhenzhu and the others.
Xiao Changfeng had handled the matter thoroughly. Xiao Huayong left no evidence behind, and none of the men he brought out survived. Even if the Emperor was furious, he could only reassign personnel to him. Knowing that the one abducted was a decoy, Xiao Changfeng was firmly convinced that Shen Xihe was safe.He brought Shen Xihe's maid and subordinates all the way to Liangzhou. After two days of inquiries here without uncovering anything suspicious, just as he was preparing to venture deeper into the northwest, Shen Xihe herself appeared.
(End of Chapter)
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