Chapter 600: Beichen, Let's Have a Child
Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changying were truly rendered speechless by Xiao Huayong's shamelessness.
While it was indeed their mother who initiated the conflict, they had accepted their defeat without bearing grudges—a testament to their magnanimity and reasonableness. How many others could have resisted seeking revenge under such circumstances?
Yet Xiao Huayong actually had the audacity to demand their gratitude.
Shen Xihe's gaze swept over Xiao Huayong. She had initially thought his remark about making Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changying remember this favor was merely a joke—uncharacteristic of him—but never expected him to actually voice it seriously.
Not only were the Xiao brothers taken aback, even she found it somewhat hard to describe her feelings.
However, in front of outsiders, no matter how unreasonable Xiao Huayong's logic was, Shen Xihe naturally stood by him: "I did indeed show restraint toward Rong Zhaoyi. Neither Prince Xin nor Prince Lie are easily deceived. Let me be frank: the reason I didn't push for mutual destruction was, first, because Prince Xin is not an easy opponent to deal with. To take Rong Zhaoyi's life, one would first have to eliminate Prince Xin."
Xiao Changying's expression shifted.
Xiao Changqing, however, remained smiling as usual, taking this as Shen Xihe's praise and recognition of his capabilities.
"Second, after the Northwest incident, His Majesty became wary of both the Eastern Palace and me. Since this matter involved me and I stood to benefit the most, I didn't want to escalate it to the point of completely severing ties with His Majesty.
Third, expanding the scheme would involve more people and introduce greater unpredictability, inevitably leading to casualties. Neither I nor Beichen should sacrifice our people here."
The third point was Shen Xihe's greatest concern. An assassination attempt against the Youning Emperor might not succeed, and launching such a major operation only to fail while losing carefully trained subordinates would pain her deeply. Noble Consort Rong's life wasn't worth such losses.
"Therefore, I cannot rightfully claim a favor from Your Highnesses for showing restraint toward Rong Zhaoyi." After delivering these measured words, Shen Xihe shifted her tone, "However, haven't I resolved the greatest concern for Prince Xin and Prince Lie?"
Xiao Changqing was taken aback.
He truly had no rebuttal for this statement. If asked who his greatest obstacle and concern was, it would undoubtedly be his mother.
The debt of birth and upbringing couldn't be severed so easily—wouldn't that make him an ungrateful wretch?
Yet he struggled to come to terms with his mother's actions. As long as she remained in a high position, devoted to His Majesty, she would continue creating dilemmas for him. Now, though she remained alive and privileged, confined to Hanzhang Hall was actually the best possible outcome for Xiao Changqing.
If Xiao Huayong's words felt like unreasonable sophistry that left a bad taste, Shen Xihe's statement undoubtedly resonated deeply with him. Restraint could take many forms—sparing a life didn't necessarily mean preserving current honor and wealth.
Xiao Changqing's eyes flickered, recalling how Shu Fei had interceded with His Majesty during his mother's punishment, enabling her current safe retirement. Moreover, Shen Xihe hadn't pursued the matter further, demonstrating perfect judgment in her approach.
Any looser, and his mother might have continued interfering with him; any tighter, and she would have been left utterly destitute.
"The Crown Princess possesses remarkable insight and skill," Xiao Changqing sighed in admiration. "I am indebted to Your Highness for your restraint. How might this humble prince be of service to you?"
"The Crown Princess has me by her side. She has no need for Fifth Brother's services," Xiao Huayong interjected before Shen Xihe could respond, his tone light yet firm. "Just remember the Crown Princess's kindness."Xiao Changqing's gaze, tinged with inquiry, fell upon Xiao Huayong. Xiao Huayong met his gaze calmly, and after a moment, Xiao Changqing withdrew his eyes: "This humble prince will remember Crown Princess's kindness in offering assistance. The hour grows late, and we must soon depart, so I shall take my leave."
Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong did not stop him. Xiao Changying followed Xiao Changqing out, though he glanced back once before leaving, yet did not linger, striding away with Xiao Changqing.
"Why did you say those words to Prince Xin and the Prince of Lie?" Shen Xihe was puzzled.
In truth, she had never intended for these two to feel any gratitude toward her. She hadn't actually done them any favors—everything had been measured from the standpoint of her own interests. How Xiao Changqing and his brother felt about it didn't concern her. Even if they held a grudge because of it, it mattered little; it would merely mean confronting each other with weapons in the shadows.
Xiao Huayong held Shen Xihe's hand, simply holding it as he gazed at her tenderly and quietly, offering no explanation.
Shen Xihe waited for a long while but received no answer from him, so she could only ponder it herself. Xiao Huayong certainly wasn't afraid of Xiao Changqing and his brother bearing a grudge—there was nothing in this world that he feared.
Recalling how Xiao Huayong had said earlier that with him by her side, she had no need for Xiao Changqing, then when would she need Xiao Changqing? Unless it was...
"Beichen." Shen Xihe instinctively tightened her grip on his hand. "Have I ever told you that I dislike thinking too far ahead? Life is unpredictable; this lifetime may last several more decades, or it may end tomorrow.
I never plan too far into the future, not because I am overly cautious, but because I believe that even a journey of a thousand miles must be taken step by step, steadily and surely, to reach a good end."
Xiao Huayong was worried that something might happen to him, so he was paving the way for her. Even his deliberate sophistry earlier was meant to highlight her later understanding. Someone as intelligent as him would surely have thought of using Noble Consort Rong's current situation to appeal to Xiao Changqing's interests—why hadn't he?
"I have never concerned myself with the length of life. Before meeting you, living was a matter of indifference to me." Xiao Huayong lifted Shen Xihe's hand and pressed it against his cheek, slowly closing his eyes. "I never feared life, aging, or sickness. Before meeting you, pain and illness had long since numbed me.
But now I care, and I fear. In my heart, I have never given up, and I have always believed I can overcome this trial. Yet whenever I see you, alongside the joy, I cannot help but feel terror born of love—I cannot help but prepare for danger in times of peace.
The self-control I took pride in has become fragile because of you. I can't help but think: if I were truly gone, what could I do for you? What could I leave for you? How could I minimize my regrets?"
Shen Xihe's heart suddenly ached, as if stuffed with cotton—warm and soft, yet unbearably stifling. "Beichen..."
He was so confident and powerful, the Crown Prince without a care in the world. This was the first time Shen Xihe had felt such intense unease from him.
He had spoken countless sweet and pleasing words to her, but these words stirred her heart the most.
The quick-witted Shen Xihe found herself, for a moment, at a loss for what to say to him.
"Do not think of me too highly." Xiao Huayong opened his eyes, his dark pupils fixed on her. "I, knowing full well that my life hangs in the balance, still cannot bear to let you go; knowing that my future is uncertain, I still sought to stir your heart..."
He gave a self-mocking smile. "When it comes down to it, I am nothing but a selfish and ordinary man."He really shouldn't have provoked her feelings. At least not before the Unique Poison in his body was cured. Even if she would inevitably have to marry before that day came, he should have let her heart remain calm as still water. That way, she wouldn't grieve when he left.
But he couldn't help it. His heart had a will of its own.
"Beichen, let's have a child."
(End of Chapter)
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