They could afford to disregard Xiao Changmin and Xiao Changtian, but they could not ignore the Crown Princess, whom even His Majesty could not gain any advantage over.
Upon hearing this, the advisor hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. After a long pause, he steeled himself and said, "Your subordinate has something to say, but I am unsure if I should speak of it."
"Only the two of us are here. I regard you as my most trusted confidant, so you may speak freely," Xiao Changyan said with a gentle expression.
"Your Highness, earlier you mentioned not knowing why Prince Xin leaked the Imperial Observatory's predicted rainfall date. Now, I have a thought on the matter." Under Xiao Changyan's inquiring gaze, the advisor took a deep breath and continued, "Prince Xin first leaked the Imperial Observatory's predicted rainfall date, inciting civil unrest. Then, he brought up the historical event of the Grand Emperor's Amnesty of the Imperial Harem for Rain, using it to kneel and plead with His Majesty to grant a grand amnesty to the Imperial Harem. In doing so, he effectively handed the power of the Imperial Harem directly into the Crown Princess's hands."
"I believe all of this was deliberately orchestrated by Prince Xin to assist the Crown Princess."
Xiao Changyan was momentarily stunned. The theory was plausible, yet he instinctively shook his head. "Fifth Brother has always been deeply devoted to Fifth Sister-in-Law. How could he possibly have an affair with the Crown Princess?"
Xiao Changyan, Xiao Changqing, and Gu Qingzhi had grown up together. Aside from the Crown Prince, all the princes had been raised in close proximity. Although he had left for Annam five years ago, even before that, Fifth Brother's feelings for Lady Gu had been unmistakably clear.
Moreover...
Xiao Changyan recalled Xiao Changgeng's praise of Shen Xihe and his own limited impressions of her. In this world, there were many women who, like brothel prostitutes, would flaunt themselves for wealth and status, disregarding all sense of propriety and shame.
But Shen Xihe was a woman of such noble character, whose every movement was graceful and composed. Xiao Changyan prided himself on his ability to judge character—she would not stoop to immoral acts to achieve her goals. Even if the outcome determined the survival of the entire Shen clan, she would face defeat with her back straight and her dignity intact.
"Your Highness, Lady Gu is no longer with us. When a person is gone, their influence fades. Besides, how many people in this world possess such unwavering devotion? Prince Xin is a man of great ambition—how could he allow himself to be trapped by sentiment?" the advisor disagreed. "Moreover... I am not necessarily suggesting that the Crown Princess and Prince Xin are involved in an illicit affair. Perhaps they have already reached an agreement to join forces against you first, and then compete among themselves later based on their own abilities."
Xiao Changyan's eyes darkened. The idea of joining forces first and then competing later was undeniably a strong possibility.
Perhaps this time, involving Xiao Huayong was merely a diversion, while the real plan was for Prince Xin and the Crown Princess to join forces and eliminate him!
"Your Highness, they are advancing with formidable force. We cannot afford to sit back and wait for defeat," the advisor urged anxiously.
"I came here with only a hundred Shadow Guards. Now, Fifth Brother and the Crown Princess's people are undoubtedly everywhere. If we summon more reinforcements, we will only be walking into a trap," Xiao Changyan replied, now leaning toward the idea that Shen Xihe might indeed be collaborating with Xiao Changqing to target him. "Our only option is to defend proactively and avoid reckless moves."
Reacting to their schemes as they come, the situation is extremely unfavorable for him. If he acts rashly, he could easily fall into a trap set by Xiao Changqing.
The advisor was deeply worried but acknowledged that Xiao Changyan's strategy was the most prudent. "Is the Prince of Yan... innocent?""It cannot yet be determined," Xiao Changyan shook his head. "Look, even His Majesty remains unaware of the Twelfth Prince's disappearance. I only leaked the news to those secretly watching, and as soon as the Twelfth Prince vanished, the Strange Stone appeared in Wendeng County, demanding the Crown Prince's presence to secure the area. This is no coincidence."
The question remained whether Xiao Changqing had long intended to come to Dengzhou to challenge him or if he was here for Xiao Changgeng.
The advisor felt disappointed. He had initially hoped to use Xiao Changgeng, but now they couldn't afford to let their guard down.
"Your Highness, the Strange Stone descended right under our noses, yet we've found no trace of evidence. I fear Prince Xin has long harbored intentions to eliminate you. Wendeng County may not be as safe as it appears on the surface. Your Highness should make preparations early," the advisor couldn't resist warning.
Xiao Changyan understood his advisor still advocated striking first, preferably by setting traps along the route before Xiao Changqing's arrival.
"The men I sent last time never returned. He delivered their heads to me as a warning, making it clear he knows my every move." Xiao Changyan lowered his gaze with a darkened expression. "We must remain calm at this moment."
Xiao Changqing was deliberately provoking him!
Meanwhile, Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong pressed onward through the rain, drawing closer to Wendeng County. The rainfall intensified as they approached, flooding farmland and burying mountain villages under mudslides. The towns bustled with activity, filled with refugees rescued from disaster-stricken villages.
These commoners had truly lost everything—some even their loved ones. Their faces etched with sorrow and spirits broken, they stared blankly at the torrential sky with hollow, hopeless eyes.
Perhaps due to the severity of the disaster, all local eateries had been requisitioned. No one knew how Xiao Changyan had persuaded the local wealthy families, but many had voluntarily initiated relief efforts.
Shen Xihe's party found lodging in a residential home. Standing by the second-floor window, she watched people pushing large bathtubs through the rain toward refugee shelters. She knew they contained cold-dispelling medicine.
Xiao Huayong stood beside her, noticing the admiration in her eyes. "Youyou, are you curious how Little Eight convinced these wealthy families to willingly part with their fortunes?"
Shen Xihe nodded. She was indeed curious how Xiao Changyan had achieved this. Given the severe disaster, having one or two public-spirited families willing to donate money, food, medicine, and clothing would be remarkable. But from what she observed, every household seemed to be contributing generously—truly unexpected.
Xiao Huayong emitted a short, derisive snort. "Little Eight had his men pose as refugees to incite them to loot two wealthy families. Then, when all the rich households grew fearful, he stepped forward to reason with them and appeal to their emotions."
Though Xiao Huayong spoke vaguely, Shen Xihe understood perfectly. Ordinary wealthy families maintained guards, and no matter how desperate these refugees were, they wouldn't recklessly attack. Moreover, with imperial princes present, they still trusted the court and hoped for imperial provisions—making such actions even less likely. But since Xiao Changyang couldn't produce resources to pacify and settle these people, he had to play both villain and hero.
Rather than live in fear of being plundered—possibly with lives lost—it was better to donate voluntarily and gain a good reputation.Hearing the disdain in Xiao Huayong's tone toward Xiao Changyan's actions, Shen Xihe tilted her head and cast him a sidelong glance with a half-smile. "We're about to enter Wendeng County. I've heard Jing Wang has taken no further actions along this journey, focusing entirely on the disaster victims. Are you throwing a fit because your scheme fell through?"
Though aware she was deliberately provoking him, Xiao Huayong still couldn't suppress his irritation. "Just wait. There'll be no shortage of drama for you to witness."
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