Chapter: You Are My Obsession
Shen Xihe couldn't help but be moved. He was always so meticulous, considering every aspect with thorough care.
"From arranging your return to attend your elder brother's wedding, everything has been part of my plan. Naturally, I cannot let Father-in-law or you suffer any losses because of this." Xiao Huayong held Shen Xihe's hand, smiling as he spoke. "The situation has developed to this point—it is no longer an ordinary matter but a contest between me and His Majesty."
Initially, they had simply wanted Shen Xihe to witness Shen Yungan's wedding with her own eyes. Testing whether the Northwest had rebellious intentions was merely incidental. Yet step by step, they found themselves in an ever-changing situation, forced to take drastic measures to bring it to a conclusion.
Shen Xihe looked down at their touching fingertips and clasped his hand in return. "I heard that the Turks are embroiled in internal strife. Although they temporarily reconciled because of Father, they may not easily launch a surprise attack."
"The Turks will certainly send troops." Xiao Huayong's lips curved upward, his eyes gathering a silvery radiance, brimming with confident and resolute brilliance.
"Your Highness, what tricks have you played this time?" Shen Xihe asked curiously.
Xiao Huayong chuckled, his entire being seeming to emit a dazzling light. "I did nothing. By coming here, naturally, someone will help me achieve my wish."
"Who?"
"Old Fourth."
Xiao Changtai. Shen Xihe was somewhat surprised.
"Xiao Changtai hates me to the core. While I was in the capital, it was difficult for him to act. Now that I've come to the Northwest, how could he let such a golden opportunity slip?" Xiao Huayong raised an eyebrow. "Back when he was at the imperial mausoleum, I gave him a small picture book depicting how Munuha met a miserable end."
"He had once collaborated with Munuha and likely possesses some token of Munuha. All he needs to do is present both to the Turkic royal court. How could the Turkic Khan swallow such an insult? Even if the Turkic Khan could endure it, Xiao Changtai would find a way to make it unbearable for him."
Xiao Changtai wants to strike at me. Given his current capabilities and the numerous major losses he has suffered at my hands, he would never dare act recklessly. Yet he cannot bear to let this opportunity pass. The best method is to exploit the "news" of Shen Yueshan's death, incite war, throw the entire Northwest royal city into chaos, and strike at me amid the disorder.
Not only can he conceal himself, but he also maximizes his chances of escaping unscathed, making the Crown Prince's death shrouded in mystery.
Once the Crown Prince is dead, the ambitions of various factions in the capital can be appropriately revealed. In the struggle for the Crown Prince's position, each will undoubtedly showcase their unique skills. Hidden in the shadows, he can watch from the sidelines and fish in troubled waters.
As someone expelled from the clan by the Youning Emperor, it is naturally impossible for him to ascend the throne again. However, their youngest brother is still babbling as an infant. As long as the imperial court lacks a clear successor, by controlling this young brother, he can still become the true wielder of power behind the scenes.
"He truly refuses to give up." Shen Xihe couldn't help but sigh.
Someone like Xiao Changtai possesses a vitality as tenacious as green grass. As long as there is the slightest opportunity, he will exhaust all means, sparing no effort to advance toward his goal until his last breath.
He will never rest until he achieves his aim—in this regard, he bears a striking resemblance to His Majesty.
"One must not develop an obsession. Once obsessed with a person or thing, it is easy to become bewitched and find it difficult to extricate oneself. For Old Fourth, the throne is his obsession." Xiao Huayong spoke, his eyelids slightly lowered, his gaze deeply fixed on Shen Xihe. "And you—you are my obsession.""Your Highness speaks most unreasonably." Shen Xihe met his gaze. "I am already your wife. You have obtained me, so how can I still be an obsession?"
Xiao Huayong pressed his lips together in a faint smile before fixing his intense gaze upon her: "Youyou, have I truly obtained you?"
What he wanted had never been merely a person, a physical form, but also her heart.
"Sincerity can move metal and stone. Your Highness must continue your efforts." This time, Shen Xihe neither avoided his gaze nor offered persuasion, instead encouraging him with a teasing tone.
Xiao Huayong was indeed greatly encouraged. He embraced Shen Xihe, resting his forehead against hers as he gently inhaled the fragrance from her hair. The couple remained affectionately close for quite some time.
The next day, Pei Zhan and his men indeed rushed post-haste, arriving at the royal capital covered in dust. No one went to greet them, nor had they sent advance notice. Before reaching the royal capital, they had received news of the Northwest King's passing, which prompted their nonstop journey through the night.
Though nearly fifty, Pei Zhan appeared somewhat older than both Shen Yueshan and the Youning Emperor. Nevertheless, he stood tall and robust, his steps vigorous and forceful. Upon reaching the main hall, he first offered incense and performed the customary rites before requesting to bid farewell to Shen Yueshan.
Whether out of genuine sentiment or to verify with his own eyes that the person lying in the coffin was indeed Shen Yueshan, Shen Xihe and the others had no reason to refuse his request. The coffin lid had remained unsealed; by sliding open the upper section, one could see Shen Yueshan lying peacefully inside.
Clearly, Pei Zhan's expression grew complex at the sight of Shen Yueshan quietly resting in the coffin. Among these veteran generals existed too many entanglements—admiration, past rivalries, or lamentation over such a hasty departure for a legendary war god. In short, no one could precisely decipher Pei Zhan's emotions.
After offering incense, Pei Zhan naturally stood alongside Xiao Changfeng. The prince's residence continued its funeral preparations with orderly efficiency.
That very night, Shen Xihe drugged the tea she handed to Shen Yungan. Midway through the vigil, Shen Yungan grew dizzy and ultimately collapsed to the ground. Zhenzhu immediately stepped forward to check his pulse, delivering her diagnosis: "The Prince Heir is exhausted and requires proper rest."
As Shen Xihe's personal maid skilled in medical arts and recognized by many in the Northwest, no one doubted Zhenzhu's assessment. Shen Yungan's immense physical and mental exertion since Shen Yueshan's body was returned had been evident to all.
Shen Xihe promptly arranged for Shen Yungan to be assisted back to his room to rest, while she remained to keep vigil.
To everyone's utter astonishment, an hour later, a servant from Shen Yungan's courtyard came rushing in: "Crown Princess! Crown Princess! The Prince Heir... the Prince Heir has vanished!"
Shen Xihe abruptly stood up, nearly losing her balance from the sudden movement, but Xiao Huayong swiftly steadied her.
"Explain clearly! What do you mean the Prince Heir has vanished?" Shen Xihe demanded.
"This humble one does not know! The Prince Heir was clearly escorted back to his room to rest. We guards remained outside his chamber—no one entered, and there was not the slightest disturbance. It was only when General Mo Yuan, following your instructions, brought some tranquilizing incense for the Prince Heir that this humble one permitted him entry. That was when we discovered the Prince Heir was not in his room!"
Upon hearing this, everyone abandoned all other concerns and rushed en masse to Shen Yungan's quarters. The mysterious disappearance of the esteemed Northwest Prince Heir within his own home was a terrifying matter, and all were eager to uncover the truth.As it happened, Sang Yin was on duty today. Since everyone had followed Shen Xihe away, he proceeded according to the prior arrangement and had Sui Axi administer acupuncture to Shen Yueshan. Soon enough, Shen Yueshan regained consciousness, though he was somewhat weak from having consumed no water for two days.
They quickly left the mourning hall, having placed a prepared corpse into the coffin.
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