Shen Xihe remained silent for a long time, standing motionless before Mo Yuan, her calm gaze resting upon him.
The young soldier who had experienced battlefields and bloodshed inexplicably felt an overwhelming pressure that made it hard to breathe.
"My lady, be careful not to catch a chill." At that moment, Zhenzhu came down with a cloak and draped it over Shen Xihe.
Shen Xihe glanced at Zhenzhu, allowing her to adjust the cloak before tugging at it herself. "Mo Yuan, understand clearly who your master will be from now on."
Without giving Mo Yuan time to respond, Shen Xihe strode forward, heading purposefully toward a cliff. "Moyu, bring Huang Zhongsi and the other two here. Biyu, fetch the navy blue scented sachet from the third compartment of my carriage."
Zhenzhu and Mo Yuan stood rooted in place, exchanging a glance that revealed the gravity in each other's eyes.
Shen Xihe had not scolded them, pointed anything out, or shown even a hint of displeasure, yet they could distinctly sense her dissatisfaction.
At this moment, the lady was exceptionally sharp and inscrutable, her emotions completely concealed.
Standing at the edge of the cliff, Shen Xihe took a few stones from Hongyu and tossed them down intermittently. Though she appeared casual, she was actually gauging the depth below. After throwing several stones, she remarked, "Not deep enough. A fall wouldn't be fatal."
"Shall this servant find another location?" Moyu, clad in tight black narrow-sleeved attire, immediately inquired.
"No need. This will do perfectly." Shen Xihe stepped aside, and Moyu promptly pushed the three forward.
"My lady, have mercy!" The two young eunuchs were terrified, their faces pale.
Huang Degui was also afraid but stiffened his neck defiantly. "My lady, this is a defiance of Imperial Authority! This servant was assigned by His Majesty as an escort!"
"Biyu." Shen Xihe extended her hand, and Biyu immediately handed her the scented sachet. Shen Xihe tossed it to Moyu. "Push him down."
Moyu stuffed the sachet into Huang Degui's pocket, securing it under his belt to ensure it wouldn't fall out during the plunge, then unhesitatingly shoved him over the edge.
"Ahhhhh—" A sharp scream sent a flock of birds scattering in alarm.
The two young eunuchs nearly fainted from fear, but Shen Xihe did not leave immediately. She stood at the cliff's edge, lifting her head to gaze at the mountain flowers across the way as if admiring the scenery.
After about a quarter of an hour, Huang Degui's terrified screams echoed from below once more, soon drowned out by the roars of bears and tigers. The two young eunuchs were so frightened they lost control of their bladders.
Not only them, but even Zhenzhu and the others stared wide-eyed. Only Moyu remained expressionless.
It was then they understood what Shen Xihe meant by "perfect." She hadn't intended to kill him by the fall but to use the scent to attract wild beasts, ensuring Huang Degui would be torn apart and devoured.
Shen Xihe's expression remained placid, as if nothing had happened. She turned her gaze to the two trembling young eunuchs. "How did Huang Zhongsi meet his demise?"
The two eunuchs stared blankly, instinctively shrinking their necks. After a moment, one of them snapped to his senses. "Reporting to my lady, the... the father-in-law fell from his horse and off the cliff while escorting my lady back... then encountered fierce beasts and perished..."
He stammered through the words, then knelt helplessly and anxiously on the spot, his frail body trembling uncontrollably.
"Very good." Shen Xihe raised an eyebrow in satisfaction. "Your name."
"Ah?" The eunuch who had just breathed a sigh of relief quickly understood. "This... this servant is Zhu Sheng... an Inner Servant Bureau Attendant..."After stating their origins, they suddenly realized they had spoken too much and their voices weakened.
Shen Xihe revealed a faint smile: "You're clever. I'll leave your companion to you."
After speaking, she had them untied and taken away.
"County Princess, these two..." Hongyu expressed some concern.
"If they all die, that would truly be contempt of Imperial Authority." Shen Xihe lowered her gaze, her long lashes casting shadows like fine gauze. "It's better they live. I'm not afraid they'll change their testimony - everything requires evidence."
The reason she didn't kill them directly was because corpses are difficult to dispose of and always leave evidence. Moreover, it wouldn't be sufficient warning to the other two. They needed to see clearly and learn fear, so they wouldn't dare provoke her easily.
"Tsk tsk tsk... Zhaoning County Princess killing the Emperor's eunuchs - what a big handle you've given." A clear voice came from the woods on the hillside behind them.
Moyu and others quickly moved to shield Shen Xihe.
Moments later, an agile figure flew out from the woods, landing gracefully before them.
The newcomer wore a sapphire blue cloth changyu robe, with a tall and slender build half a head taller than Shen Xihe, possessing excellent features.
Their face was androgynous, with long eyebrows paired with sharp black eyes, a straight nose bridge above full lips. Though dressed ordinarily, they stood erect, radiating an aura of vigor and freedom.
"Who are you?" Mo Yuan's gaze turned sharp, already contemplating killing intent.
"Step back." Shen Xihe calmly ordered Mo Yuan, then walked directly toward the newcomer without fear, stopping right before them. In a voice only they could hear, she said, "The Shunan Prince Heir is actually female - what a big handle you've given."
This dynasty had two non-imperial princes: the Northwest King and the Prince of Shunan.
Two lions guarding the borders, each commanding a hundred thousand troops. When the previous emperor was alive, he favored concubines over his wife and indulged in beauty, yet the kingdom remained stable precisely because even at his most absurd, he never wronged these two.
Bu Shulin stared sharply at Shen Xihe, a faint smile curling her lips: "Is this how Zhaoning County Princess insults people?"
Not admitting it?
Shen Xihe leaned closer to Bu Shulin and gently inhaled: "Tuberose Maiden Fragrance..."
Bu Shulin's expression changed slightly.
Shen Xihe had already gracefully stepped back, putting distance between them. Her exceptionally captivating eyes scanned the surroundings: "In these remote mountains and wild forests, I don't wish to investigate why the Heir appears here. Let's pretend we never met."
Her nose was particularly sensitive. When Bu Shulin had flown over earlier, the wind carried a faint scent of tuberose fragrance. Tuberose fragrance is a spice primarily blended from tuberose, suitable for scented baths, leaving only a very subtle residue on the body.
This fragrance is delicate and sweet - something no man would use.
It was only now that she realized the only son of the Prince of Shunan was actually female.
If the Youning Emperor discovered this, the Bu family wouldn't be far from extermination.
Bu Shulin's hand pressed against the sword she carried, but Moyu had instantly moved in front of Shen Xihe.
Shen Xihe glanced back calmly: "Heir, the Northwest Royal Manor and Shu Southern Royal Manor will never become enemies."
Neither Shen Yueshan nor Bu Tuohai had ambitions to usurp the throne. In their hearts, the security of the Northwest and Shunan surpassed everything.
In her memories, Shen Yueshan had always admired Bu Tuohai, though the two manors couldn't associate for fear of arousing the Emperor's suspicion.
Bu Shulin released her hand and solemnly cupped her fist toward Shen Xihe: "County Princess, today I shall repay you with a favor in return."After uttering a few incoherent words, Bu Shulin vanished from everyone's sight with several swift leaps.
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