The disaster in Dengzhou had captured the attention of the entire court and even the common people across the realm. His Majesty, based on the predictions from the Imperial Observatory, had prepared for the worst. A series of decrees were issued, and with the two princes, Xiao Changyan and Xiao Changgeng, personally traveling to Dengzhou and remaining there to share the hardships with the people, a significant calming effect was achieved, and the chaos gradually subsided.
After public resentment had settled, under His Majesty’s direction, whispers began to spread in Dengzhou that the heaven-sent sweet rain might not arrive until August. This plunged the people of Dengzhou and others suffering from the severe drought into despair, yet there was nothing they could do.
Under the court’s continuous relief and disaster mitigation measures, those who could barely scrape by gradually accepted their reality. Instead, they began to hold onto hope, eagerly anticipating the early arrival of the August rains.
Although everyone was concerned about Dengzhou, other important matters could not be neglected because of it—such as the "small court assembly" held once every four years.
The small court assembly was a colloquial term; in reality, it was a summons for regional military governors to the capital to report directly to the emperor. They provided updates on local military affairs and border situations. This dynasty was rare in its equal emphasis on civil and military affairs. Each year, during the New Year, there was a grand court assembly where envoys from all states paid homage. However, since frontier commanders could not easily leave their posts, the small court assembly was held every four years, and not all regions sent representatives at once—instead, they took turns.
Typically, several circuits were summoned together, with the exception of Longyou Circuit and Hebei Circuit. Longyou Circuit covered the entire northwest, while Hebei Circuit encompassed the entire northeast. As a result, these two regions alone had numerous commanders. This year, it happened to be the turn of the various commanders from Hebei Circuit to receive the summons to the capital.
The northwest and northeast, the two vastest territories flanking the empire, shared similarly complex demographics. At one point, the Han population in these areas was outnumbered by other ethnic groups. The difference lay in the fact that the northwest, after decades of rule by the Shen family, had become a unified and solid bloc, turning into a thorn in His Majesty’s side.
In contrast, the northeast had been pacified and unified by Xiao Changfeng’s father, the Old Xun Wang. However, the Old Xun Wang chose to retire at the height of his power, handing over control of the northeast to His Majesty.
The art of rulership lies in maintaining balance.
In Hebei Circuit alone, there were over ten military governor offices and protectorate headquarters. Among them, the most powerful were the Shiwei Military Governor Office, Heishui Military Governor Office, Chanyu Protectorate Headquarters, and Andong Protectorate Headquarters.
This region was arguably the most complex in the entire court, rife with covert schemes and intrigues. As long as these conflicts did not surface openly, His Majesty never intervened to suppress them. Compared to the blood-soaked northeast, His Majesty clearly disliked the northwest, which was growing increasingly prosperous and stable.
The two military governors and two protector-generals did not come to the capital alone; they brought along the most promising younger generation from their families—unmarried sons and daughters of marriageable age. Living far from the court, they naturally sought to forge marital alliances in the capital.
Shen Xihe had arranged their accommodations and was thus fully aware of their personnel details.
"His Majesty intends to betroth the third daughter of Military Governor You’s family to the Ninth Prince," Xiao Huayong mentioned casually upon returning from court that day, noticing Shen Xihe reading a travelogue documenting the customs of Hebei Circuit.
You Ling was the military governor of Shiwei.
The Shiwei Military Governor Office originated from the pacification of the Shiwei tribe, bordering the Khitan. It was said that their ancestors also had Khitan bloodlines. The Shiwei region was a place of diverse ethnic groups, with numerous tribes coexisting. Its people were even more fierce and rugged than those in the northwest. Anyone who could secure and maintain the position of Shiwei military governor was undoubtedly exceptional.
These individuals had only arrived today, and Shen Xihe had not yet met them. She had no particular interest in them.Upon hearing Xiao Huayong's words, she merely nodded lightly in response before continuing to browse through her travelogue.
After washing his hands and face and changing into comfortable casual attire, Xiao Huayong came over and stood behind Shen Xihe. Glancing at the book, he noticed it contained records about the Heishui region and remarked, "If Youyou wishes to learn about Heishui, why not ask me instead?"
It would be far more interesting than reading.
Shen Xihe couldn't help but twitch the corner of her lips. Complying with his suggestion, she closed the book. Shen Xihe knew Xiao Huayong had been to Heishui—after all, that was where he had captured Haidongqing. To tame the eagle, he had stayed in Heishui for several months.
He studied Haidongqing's habits and learned falconry techniques from the locals near Heishui. After three full months of preparation, he finally targeted the eagle. Despite thorough preparations, it still took over twenty days of pursuit to subdue Haidongqing. According to Tianyuan, he had narrowly escaped death multiple times during the process.
"I was merely passing time with random reading," she explained. "These past two days, while settling matters with several protectors and commanders from Hebei Province, I happened upon this travelogue and started browsing." She hadn't intentionally sought to study the customs of the northeast.
Without any specific goal, she had simply picked up a book related to recent encounters and events to occupy her time.
Although she now held Palace authority, being away from the palace significantly reduced her administrative duties. Known for being unapproachable and not being an elder, young ladies from various families dared not—and saw no need—to approach her. Shen Xihe gladly embraced the leisure and immersed herself in reading.
"My misunderstanding, Youyou," Xiao Huayong chuckled softly. "I thought you were eager to learn about the northeast earlier."
"Why would I need to study the northeast?" Shen Xihe asked, then immediately understood. "Preparing for the future... but isn't that thinking too far ahead?"
Xiao Huayong implied that she would eventually rule the realm—whether as Empress or Empress Dowager, one of these would be her destiny. It would be natural for her to care about her future domain, and utilizing spare time now would prevent haste when governing later.
"Not too far at all," Xiao Huayong took a fan from Zhenzhu and gently fanned Shen Xihe. "Youyou should start planning from now so you'll be well-prepared later."
Shen Xihe studied Xiao Huayong for a moment. "Didn't you say you would stay by my side? Once you ascend the throne, these matters will be your responsibility."
She would only concern herself with court affairs if Xiao Huayong were absent or if they became estranged and governed separately. Otherwise, she preferred a life of leisure.
"I will always stay with you," Xiao Huayong fanned with one hand while holding Shen Xihe's hand with the other. His gentle gaze fell upon her unresisting fingertips resting in his palm. "But I wish to share the Dragon Throne with you—Emperor and Empress ruling together. If I ever fall ill or wish to be idle, I'd ask Youyou to review memorials for me..."
In fact, even now, many memorials assigned to Xiao Huayong were brought to Shen Xifor discussion. Often, the comments reflected her ideas.
If Shen Xihe weren't merely the Crown Princess but already the Empress, Xiao Huayong would likely hand her the brush directly to handle them herself.
Shen Xihe's luminous eyes calmly observed Xiao Huayong, who maintained his smiling demeanor.
After a moment, Shen Xihe sighed softly. "Beichen, you truly are a contradictory person."He firmly vowed to stay by her side, promising she would never become a widow,
while simultaneously making every effort to prepare her for a future without him—cultivating her into a capable ruler...
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