Chapter 599: Gratitude for the Crown Princess's Mercy
Shen Xihe smoothly and effortlessly obtained the palace authority, leaving those who received the news slightly stunned.
Noble Consort Rong had held the palace authority for over twenty years, with deeply entrenched influence. Since Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong were betrothed, many had speculated that a fierce battle between the two was inevitable. However, events took an unexpected turn—Noble Consort Rong lost her authority after just one confrontation.
Yet, upon reflection, it made sense. To frame the Crown Princess, Noble Consort Rong had bribed monks and even ordered her Female Historian to seduce temple monks, engaging in lewd acts within Buddhist grounds—a grave moral failing.
Moreover, for her own selfish gains, she delayed the capture of the assassin who attempted to kill Your Majesty, allowing the culprit to escape—an unforgivable crime. The Youning Emperor, out of consideration for Prince Xin and Prince Lie, refrained from demoting her completely or confining her to the cold palace, already showing leniency. Thus, the punishment did not seem overly harsh.
Though furious, the Youning Emperor had no choice but to end the turmoil. The assassin had been searched for once without success, and continuing the search would make it difficult to justify to Xu Qing. The Female Historian who had "sacrificed herself" beside Noble Consort Rong became the target of the Emperor's wrath and was sentenced to death.
The monk from Xiangguo Temple had already died, and the Youning Emperor granted Xu Qing a favor by entrusting him with handling the temple's affairs.
The only consolation for the Youning Emperor was that the bizarre incident during the incense offering now had a plausible explanation: it was a heavenly warning of someone plotting against His Majesty. Had the prayer incense not malfunctioned, causing the Emperor to toss and turn sleeplessly, the assassin might have succeeded.
This rationale was far more credible than rumors of heaven daring not accept the Emperor's worship and was more convincing to the common people.
However, as this explanation spread, news of Rong Zhaoyi being sent back to the palace overnight for her mistakes could not be concealed. Everyone claimed Rong Zhaoyi had sent someone to assassinate the Emperor but failed.
Xiao Changying escorted Rong Zhaoyi back to the palace overnight and personally witnessed her confinement in Hanzhang Hall. Facing his weeping mother, Xiao Changying felt conflicted. He rushed back to Xiangguo Temple under the starlight, arriving at dawn. For reasons unknown, he impulsively dashed to the courtyard where Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong resided but stood outside, unable to take another step.
Biyu, arriving for her shift, spotted him and reported to Shen Xihe. Shen Xihe was dressing, while the fully attired Xiao Huayong stood beside her, applying a Hua Dian to her forehead. Before Shen Xihe could speak, he instructed, "Invite Prince Lie in. Have the kitchen send more morning meals and summon Prince Xin as well."
Shen Xihe, who had been calmly lowering her eyelids, looked up at him. "What are you doing?"
At such a time, they should not provoke the brothers Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changying. Jing Wang, suspicious of her over Pei Zhan's death, was already watching closely, while Zhao Wang hoped everyone would unite against the Eastern Palace so he could stand by and profit.
"Since you showed mercy, we should inform them," Xiao Huayong said, using two fingers to steady Shen Xihe's head as he examined her closely. "Don't raise your forehead—I might mess up the design."
Shen Xihe glanced at him but still lowered her eyes. "Just apply it casually."
Hua Dian was a fashionable practice, and Shen Xihe did not wish to appear eccentric. She usually adhered pearls or casually dotted two points. Only when ceremonial attire was too elaborate to be casual would she choose more luxurious adornments to complement it.Since marrying Xiao Huayong, he had always enjoyed dressing her up. Every day, he would paint an exquisite Hua Dian on her forehead, his favorite being a delicate little Eucommia Leaf, occasionally dotted with one or two pearls.
"My joy as your husband should not be taken lightly," Xiao Huayong half-knelt, level with Shen Xihe, his gentle eyes fixed intently on her brow as he painted each stroke with great care.
Shen Xihe allowed him to fuss over her. When they went out, Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changying were both present. Xiao Changqing acted as if nothing had happened, greeting Xiao Huayong and his wife with natural composure. Xiao Changying, however, stood rigid and wooden, mechanically following his elder brother's every move.
"Fifth Brother, Ninth Brother, please be seated." After taking his seat, Xiao Huayong gestured to the side.
"Thank you, Crown Prince." Xiao Changqing complied gracefully, with Xiao Changying closely following him.
The group ate their morning meal in silence until Xiao Changqing finally spoke: "What instructions does the Crown Prince have for us?"
"No instructions," Xiao Huayong replied, turning his gaze to Xiao Changying with an inquiring look. "I merely heard that Ninth Brother had been lingering outside the courtyard early this morning and assumed he had something to say to me."
All eyes turned to Xiao Changying, who stammered and hesitated, unable to form any words.
Xiao Changqing remained silent.
Shen Xihe gave a slight smile. "If Prince Lie wishes to question me about the matter concerning Rong Zhaoyi, feel free to ask."
"I..." Xiao Changying began, but still couldn't find the right words.
"Crown Princess," Xiao Changqing interjected to rescue his brother, "the struggle for palace authority was a matter of my mother's skills falling short. The authority over the Imperial Harem rightfully belongs to the Crown Princess, as dictated by propriety and law. My mother relinquishing her authority to enjoy her remaining years in peace is what my brother and I truly desire. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess need not worry—I am not one to be unreasonable."
Xiao Changqing's subtle declaration made it clear that they bore no resentment over the recent contention between Shen Xihe and Rong Zhaoyi.
In fact, for Xiao Changqing, Rong Guifei losing her palace authority and being placed under house arrest was a blessing in disguise. It meant she would no longer be at the forefront of His Majesty's affairs, sparing both brothers further dilemmas.
"Fifth Brother is wise enough to understand that if I had truly sent someone to assassinate His Majesty, Rong Zhaoyi's fate would have been far worse." With the matter laid bare, Xiao Huayong spoke bluntly.
Had the assassin been sent by Xiao Huayong, it wouldn't have been a case of Rong Qiu stumbling upon the "assassin" and allowing their escape—rather, Rong Qiu would have been implicated as the assassin's accomplice! The entire Rong family would have been entangled, unable to defend themselves despite their numbers.
Xiao Changqing smiled elegantly. "Then why didn't the Crown Prince actually send someone to assassinate His Majesty?"
"Do you think I feared exposing too much?" Xiao Huayong chuckled lightly. "Does that align with my way of doing things?"
Xiao Changqing raised an eyebrow, forced to admit that Xiao Huayong's methods were both domineering and ruthless. He wasn't unaware of how much would be exposed or lost if he had sent the assassin himself, but he wouldn't have cared or hesitated.
Yet Xiao Huayong hadn't done so, opting for a milder approach. Xiao Changqing turned his gaze to Shen Xihe.
"The Crown Princess believed that her grudge with Rong Zhaoyi was settled with Rong Qiu's death alone, and that I need not break ties with you." If Rong Guifei had truly been convicted of plotting against His Majesty, it would have been a capital offense. Xiao Changqing would never have been as understanding as he was now—the debt of a mother's death would inevitably demand vengeance.
Xiao Changqing understood: Xiao Huayong was making it clear to the brothers that Shen Xihe had intentionally spared Rong Zhaoyi's life.How absurd? Mother was defeated and demoted to Zhaoyi, placed under house arrest, yet they still had to rely on Shen Xihe's mercy.
(End of Chapter)
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