Chapter 527: Perhaps We Can Collaborate with the Fifth Prince Once
Geng Liangcheng's caution was within Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe's expectations. Regarding how Shen Yueshan was injured to such an extent by Xiao Juesong, it was a scheme personally arranged by Xiao Huayong. Geng Liangcheng would find no flaws here.
Xiao Huayong couldn't show himself for the time being. His double was still evading the men sent by His Majesty to track him. According to His Majesty's intelligence, he shouldn't have entered the northwest yet. However, given the uproar over Shen Yueshan's grave condition, he ought to be rushing here.
At night, after being repeatedly urged by Shen Yungan to return to her room and rest, Shen Xihe finally went back with a sorrowful expression. As soon as she entered, she caught the distinctive scent unique to Xiao Huayong—a blend of Duojialuo and Eucommia Leaf, a fragrance only she knew how to prepare.
"All of you, withdraw," Shen Xihe dismissed everyone.
The moment the door closed, a warm body pressed against her from behind, enveloping her in an embrace. He tilted his head and gently nuzzled hers. Xiao Huayong said, "Don't worry. Father-in-law's injuries are within our estimates."
Xie Yunhuai had been closely associated with Shen Xihe in the capital, and it wasn't convenient for him to appear now to avoid suspicion. But before taking action, while they might not have known every detail of Shen Yueshan's condition, it largely remained within their control.
Shen Xihe couldn't help but relax her body and lean against Xiao Huayong. She had never doubted Xie Yunhuai, but she still needed reassurance. Xiao Huayong's words undoubtedly provided that.
Sensing Shen Xihe's exhaustion, Xiao Huayong felt a pang of heartache. He bent down, lifted her horizontally, and placed her on her bed. "Do you have any Tranquilizing Incense?"
"Yes..."
As Shen Xihe tried to get up to fetch it, Xiao Huayong pressed her shoulder down. "Tell me where it is. I'll get it."
Her bright eyes gazed at him, tinged with a faint smile. "My dressing table..."
Shen Xihe told him the exact location. Xiao Huayong found it, brought it over, lit it in the incense burner, then returned to sit on the edge of the bed, holding her hand. "Rest early. I'll stay with you."
Shen Xihe had already washed up simply before entering the room, originally intending to sleep. Though tired, she wasn't very drowsy. She glanced down at Xiao Huayong's hand holding hers, lost in thought for a moment before saying, "Geng Liangcheng won't act lightly. I'm worried he might harm Brother."
To achieve his goal, with Shen Yueshan out of the way, the obstacle now became Shen Yungan.
Shen Xihe wanted to explain the whole situation to Shen Yungan so he could be prepared, but Shen Yungan had been guarding Shen Yueshan constantly. Several uncles, also concerned, took turns keeping him company, leaving Shen Xihe no opportunity to speak even a word or two with him alone.
"I'll keep an eye on Brother. With me here, leave it to me," Xiao Huayong said, his gaze tender and pitying as he locked eyes with her. His hand, casting fragmented shadows, caressed her cheek, gently smoothing her disheveled hair. "Tomorrow, I'll give him a reassurance too."
Amid the faint fragrance of the Tranquilizing Incense, Shen Xihe's eyelids had grown heavy, but his words suddenly dispelled her drowsiness. "What are you planning?"
"Father-in-law is renowned for his divine bravery. Others only know his reputation, but Geng Liangcheng and his men have witnessed his capabilities firsthand. Even with all the city's doctors and military physicians at a loss beforehand, and my arrangements in Liangzhou flawless—with neither he nor Xiao Changfeng finding any loopholes..."Xiao Huayong patiently explained to Shen Xihe: "Observing his words and actions today, there wasn't the slightest mistake. His caution might exceed our expectations. Since that's the case, we might as well resolve the doubts in his heart.
Tomorrow night, I'll send someone to infiltrate the Geng residence and abduct him, then disguise myself as Jiachen Crown Prince to meet with him."
Xiao Huayong laid out his entire plan to Shen Xihe: "First, to let him know that since Jiachen Crown Prince can abduct him silently from his own residence, harming Father-in-law to this extent wouldn't be difficult. Second, by posing as Jiachen Crown Prince to cooperate with him, I'll have him hand Brother over to me for handling, thus ensuring Brother's safety."
"The Geng residence is heavily guarded, and he's a battle-hardened old general renowned for his bravery in combat. His vigilance surpasses even that of wandering warriors with greater martial skills - the slightest movement would alert him." How could abducting him unnoticed from the Geng residence be easy?
"That's precisely why I came to see you today." Xiao Huayong smiled slightly. "You needn't worry about other matters. The guards at the Geng residence can't stop my people. I've spent these past two days mapping their patrol schedules - avoiding them isn't difficult. The challenge lies in approaching Geng Liangcheng without him detecting us."
As their eyes met, Shen Xihe understood Xiao Huayong's meaning with just one glance: "I have some benzoin here, specially developed by me for those young men who've just experienced battle and bloodshed on the battlefield. Smelling it ensures sound sleep until dawn."
The battlefield is an extremely terrifying place. Many people suffer from insomnia afterward, unable to sleep even when exhausted to the extreme, or waking instantly from fitful slumber. When Shen Xihe studied perfume blending, she was determined to develop this particular fragrance.
After succeeding, it was mainly used in the military. However, due to mass production and free provision, she used relatively common herbs and fragrant spices. Though the efficacy was moderate, it gradually provided therapeutic effects for these inexperienced young men.
There was also a version blended with precious herbs, which she had only tested on herself and a few maids - even Shen Yueshan hadn't used it. This incense was more refined, with a different scent from the military version, so even if Geng Liangcheng smelled it, he wouldn't suspect anything.
After obtaining the Fairy Ribbon, Shen Xihe further improved it. The Fairy Ribbon is an extraordinary substance for perfume blending - it seems to purify all fragrant spices. When supplemented with Fairy Ribbon, each fragrance retains its original character while its efficacy multiplies several times.
She had brought some with her, originally intended for dealing with troublesome people, but now it happened to be perfect for Xiao Huayong's use.
As for how to light it in Geng Liangcheng's bedroom and how to ensure he inhales it - since Xiao Huayong was confident, Shen Xihe wouldn't interfere.
"Give it to me tomorrow. For now, listen to me and close your eyes to rest." When Shen Xihe tried to get up again to fetch it, Xiao Huayong firmly pressed her down once more. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers, "If you don't rest now, I can't guarantee I won't do something else to tire you out..."
Before Xiao Huayong finished speaking, Shen Xihe immediately closed her eyes.
This made Xiao Huayong chuckle softly.
With the tranquilizing incense present and without Xiao Huayong chatting with her, Shen Xihe quickly fell asleep. Xiao Huayong waited until she was sound asleep before lying down beside her in his clothes.
But he didn't sleep, thinking about the current situation - not drawing Your Majesty into this would truly waste such a heaven-sent opportunity.Perhaps I could collaborate with Fifth Prince once; he would certainly be delighted to dig a pit for Your Majesty.
Tomorrow: three updates. The day after: a small burst of updates. After that, more frequent updates to meet my monthly total. I will update diligently in July. On July 11th, a major burst of updates to repay debts. How many updates can be released at once remains uncertain, but it will definitely be a major burst.
(End of Chapter)
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