Chapter 538: Youyou, I Have Come
"Your Highness, we cannot get through." Tianyuan carefully shielded Xiao Huayong amidst the crowd as they attempted to approach the Northwest King's residence, but it was impossible to push through the throng.
Xiao Huayong had no choice but to retreat, finding a secluded spot some distance away to gaze at the brightly lit Northwest King's mansion. "Let us wait a moment."
Though the common people crowded together, they seemed to have automatically formed a barrier line, not crossing that boundary. The guards of the Northwest King's residence remained standing on the stone steps, not descending.
After about a quarter of an hour, the mansion gates opened, and out stepped Geng Liangcheng. A white sash was already tied around his waist, his eyes red-rimmed with profound grief visible in their depths. "Everyone, the Northwest King has fallen victim to assassins and has just left us..."
Though the people had already understood from hearing the long horn, Geng Liangcheng's words still left them momentarily stunned, their faces blank and eyes vacant. They barely registered his subsequent lengthy speech, as one thought echoed in their minds: The Northwest King is dead. The sky has fallen over the northwest. Their sky has collapsed.
"Please return to your homes. The sun still rises and sets, and life must go on. This is what the Northwest King would have wished for us. If you remain here, you will only hinder us from properly arranging His Highness's funeral affairs."
"General Geng, who assassinated the Northwest King? We demand justice for His Highness!"
"Yes, we demand justice for the Northwest King!"
"Justice for the Northwest King!"
...
A wave of righteous indignation swept through the crowd, growing into unified chants that soon became as loud and powerful as an army's battle cry.
"Everyone, everyone, everyone—" Geng Liangcheng raised his voice after several calls, finally quieting the crowd. "We currently lack evidence to determine who harmed the Northwest King and dare not make rash judgments. However, we will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure the perpetrators face justice. Please disperse now."
"When... when will the Northwest King be laid to rest..." An elderly man at the front choked out between sobs, "We... we wish to see His Highness on his final journey..."
Before the old man could finish, he broke down weeping. Others could no longer contain their emotions—some wailed openly, while others bit back sounds but couldn't stop tears from streaming down their faces, even when tilting their heads upward.
"The Northwest King will be buried seven days from now..." Geng Liangcheng's words came out strained. "If you wish to pay respects, simply light a lantern in your homes. The Northwest King always cherished his people like his own children and would not want you to go through great troubles for his sake."
The people looked at one another, tears welling in their eyes, nodding silently before turning to leave. What they would do next, no one could tell.
Only after the crowd had completely dispersed from the Northwest King's residence did Xiao Huayong slowly approach. Geng Liangcheng, who had been about to reenter the mansion, paused upon seeing an exceptionally dignified and handsome young man striding toward him. "Might I ask your name, sir?"
Geng Liangcheng had never met Xiao Huayong before. In truth, many officials stationed outside the capital had never laid eyes on this Crown Prince who had spent twelve years secluded in a Taoist temple.
"The Crown Prince is here! Open the gates and prepare to receive him!" Tianyuan declared sternly.
Geng Liangcheng's brow twitched, but he quickly bowed in salute. "This general pays respects to..."Before he could finish, Xiao Huayong strode up the steps, sweeping past him like a gust of wind, his sleeves billowing as he entered the manor in large strides, heading directly toward the main hall.
Shen Yueshan had been declared beyond recovery. Xiao Changfeng was also present, having brought physicians to confirm Shen Yueshan's passing. Unable to leave under these circumstances, he could only offer his assistance in a personal capacity. Shen Xihe stood at the entrance of the main hall, silent and vacant-eyed, gazing fixedly at a distant point.
Shen Yungan was assisting the servants in bathing Shen Yueshan and changing him into clean burial garments...
Xiao Changfeng was the first to notice Xiao Huayong's hurried approach. He immediately stepped forward, clasped his fists, and bowed in salute: "Your humble servant pays respects to the Crown Prince."
His gesture prompted a wave of kneeling and bowing from everyone present.
Xiao Huayong paid them no mind, rushing urgently toward Shen Xihe: "Youyou..."
Shen Xihe slowly turned to face him. As she looked at him, tears began to roll down her cheeks.
This was no longer an act. Earlier, while standing there, she had contemplated how her father was approaching his twilight years, realizing this day would inevitably come. Human life was so fragile—when that day truly arrived, how unbearable it would be for her.
Some thoughts, seldom pondered in ordinary times, once touched upon, would inevitably lead to deeper reflection. And dwelling on them too long would pull one into emotional turmoil.
Xiao Huayong opened his arms, and Shen Xihe leaned into his embrace, burying her face against his shoulder. Two hot tears soaked through his robes, burning his shoulders: "You still have me, you still have me..."
He didn't understand why Shen Xihe was so grief-stricken, as her sorrow seemed genuine rather than feigned. Thus, he didn't know how to comfort her beyond whispering reassurances of his presence.
Shen Xihe didn't speak either, but she quickly regained her composure. Though she had been contemplating distant possibilities earlier and felt distressed by those thoughts, she hadn't actually intended to weep.
It was precisely at that moment Xiao Huayong appeared. His soft call made her feel utterly vulnerable, and tears had fallen beyond her control.
Xiao Huayong encircled Shen Xihe with his arms, one hand gripping her sleeve as he held her tightly. The sight of the couple in such a state moved onlookers with pity.
"Your Highness..." Tianyuan whispered a reminder, noticing Xiao Changfeng still kneeling and others bowing respectfully.
Only then did Xiao Huayong glance over and say indifferently, "Rise."
Having spoken, he showed no further interest in them, instead supporting Shen Xihe as they entered the inner hall. He found a seat and let her lean against his shoulder. Half an hour later, the coffin was carried into the main hall. Shen Yungan had already donned mourning attire.
Shen Xihe stood, and with Zhenzhu's assistance, she too put on hemp mourning garments. Shen Yueshan lay pallid in the coffin as the generals came forward one by one to pay their final respects. Finally, the coffin lid was closed—though not yet sealed—as the vigil was to follow.
"The Prince was like a brother to us. It is only fitting that we join the heir and the Crown Princess in keeping vigil for him these seven days," Geng Liangcheng spoke first.
None of the other generals objected. But Shen Yungan responded, "That would be inappropriate. The army cannot be left unattended, and the Northwest cannot be without leadership. With Father's passing, various forces will surely grow restless—especially the Turks. We must strengthen our defenses. Many of our commanders are still inexperienced; they need steady guidance. I thank my uncles for your kindness on Father's behalf. He would never wish his passing to cause disarray in the Northwest or allow enemies to exploit any vulnerability..."Shen Yungan's voice was hoarse, as if he had matured in an instant. Though kneeling, his back remained straight, his gaze firm and his words clear and logical: "My sister and I will keep vigil. For the matters in the northwest these coming days, we must trouble our uncles to take charge."
(End of Chapter)
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