With a light, faint smile, Shen Xihe said no more. Xiao Huayong was not one to act lightly, but once he did, it was always a spectacle to behold.
Her vision was obscured by the dense rain, everything appearing as if veiled in a thin mist, somewhat blurred. "Who knows when this rain will stop? Using such methods cannot ensure the people of Dengzhou are fed. Once these wealthy households find themselves stretched thin, they will resort to this beginning of plunder, losing their humanity for the sake of survival and warmth. That will be the true catastrophe."
Shen Xihe did not agree with Xiao Changyan's approach. However, she had not been present that day and did not know if the situation had truly reached a point where such a desperate measure was unavoidable, so she refrained from judging his actions as right or wrong.
This method was indeed the fastest way to obtain grain and provide relief to the victims. Otherwise, negotiating with the local wealthy households could drag on indefinitely, and there was no telling how exorbitant their demands might be, given their obsession with wealth.
"What we can think of, he naturally can as well. Since he chose this method, whatever price he must pay, he will have to bear it himself," Xiao Huayong said leisurely.
"Beichen, this is indeed the best opportunity to suppress Jing Wang, but we cannot allow Dengzhou to fall into such chaos. Tyrannical methods are not a lasting solution. Besides inciting resentment and unleashing the hidden malice in people's hearts, they only sacrifice the vulnerable—the elderly, the young, and women who cannot protect themselves."
Shen Xihe turned her head to look at Xiao Huayong. "We are waiting here for Prince Xin. Once he arrives, we must accompany him into Wendeng County. At that time, you, as the Crown Prince, will be the perfect excuse for Xiao Changyan to shift all responsibility onto you. If a riot breaks out and casualties occur, you will be the one to bear the blame."
"Xiao Ba has been too comfortable in Annan City for too long, always dreaming of easy outcomes," Xiao Huayong chuckled coldly. "I am the frail and sickly Crown Prince. My duty here is merely to serve as a mascot. For him to expect me to clean up his mess—does he even deserve that?"
Shen Xihe also knew that if he wanted to evade responsibility, he had hundreds of ways to do so. "So you truly won't intervene?"
"Of course—" The words "won't intervene" lingered on the tip of his tongue. Xiao Huayong's dark, bright eyes shifted. "Youyou is kind-hearted and cannot bear to see the people suffer even a little. If Youyou wants me to intervene, it's not difficult..."
As he spoke, his affectionate gaze swept over Shen Xihe from head to toe, the implication unmistakably clear.
Shen Xihe was no longer the ignorant young girl she once was. After being married to Xiao Huayong for over half a year, a single glance from him was enough for her to understand his eagerness to tease her. She was not about to indulge him.
Even on ordinary days, when he sought intimacy, she found it hard to resist. If she were to give in to him now, she would surely be devoured whole.
Letting out a long sigh, Shen Xihe glanced at Xiao Huayong, whose eyes were shining with anticipation, and without a word, she walked away.
If he wouldn't intervene, she would!
Watching Shen Xihe's light yet steady footsteps as she departed, Xiao Huayong showed a disappointed expression, then somewhat awkwardly touched the bridge of his nose and silently followed.
In truth, Shen Xihe was not skilled at dealing with people, so she had no intention of seeking conversations to understand the situation. Moreover, her current identity was merely that of an ordinary merchant's wife searching for relatives, so it was not appropriate for her to show concern for the people's welfare.Holding an umbrella and wearing oiled boots, she stepped onto the bluestone slabs where accumulated water flowed. Walking and observing along the way without lingering for long, she realized that what the common people lacked and needed could be seen with one's own eyes—no need to inquire.
Xiao Huayong followed behind Shen Xihe with some helplessness, not disturbing her as they circled several streets before returning to their lodgings. The ginger tea he had ordered before leaving was already prepared. Xiao Huayong poured a bowl and handed it to her: "To ward off the chill."
Seeing her accept the ginger tea, Xiao Huayong went to fetch a basin of hot water, adding some cold-dispelling herbs. He brought it before her, placed it at her feet, and bent down to reach for her feet. Shen Xihe instinctively shifted backward, realizing his intention, and stammered, "I... I can do it myself."
She and Xiao Huayong were husband and wife, having shared intimate moments in the past. Sometimes, when Xiao Huayong was being shamelessly persistent, they had even bathed together. However, he had never washed her feet before, nor had she ever attended to his feet. For some reason, this act felt peculiar to her—an indescribable strangeness.
Xiao Huayong did not comply with her refusal. He firmly lifted her feet, removing her shoes and socks. Although their oiled boots were of high quality, the road was deeply flooded, and the rain showed no sign of stopping. Shen Xihe's toes were somewhat damp.
Her feet were exceptionally petite, not even spanning the length of his palm. They were as white and delicate as jade carvings, with plump, pink toes. Xiao Huayong found himself entranced by the sight. If not for Shen Xihe's slight struggle, he might not have snapped out of his daze.
Pretending nonchalance, he placed Shen Xihe's feet into the basin and said, "There's no need for you to worry about this matter. I will handle it properly and ensure that those without the strength to truss a chicken remain unaffected."
A wave of warmth surged from her soles, and Shen Xihe felt a chill dissipate along her spine. Her hands, which had not been stiff with cold, suddenly grew warmer. The comfort made her narrow her eyes slightly in enjoyment, and in her relaxation, she forgot that Xiao Huayong was holding her ankles. "They lack everything—food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Medicine is especially critical. With this damp cold, who knows how many have caught chills? They are gathered together, making it even harder to contain. How do you plan to resolve this?"
Catching a chill was already easily contagious, but under the current circumstances, it was impossible to isolate them individually.
"Place those who have caught chills in one area and those who haven't in another. It won't be much trouble," Xiao Huayong replied softly, massaging the acupoints on her feet as he kept his head lowered. "Whatever is lacking, we'll transport it."
"Transport? We traveled light to get here. Many roads are too dangerous even for riding horses," she argued, let alone transporting goods.
"If we can't transport by land, we'll do it by water," Xiao Huayong lifted his head slightly, smiling calmly at her. "If we can't by water, then by air."
"By air?" Shen Xihe was taken aback.
She recalled during the autumn hunt when Haidongqing had delivered supplies to them on the mountain. But where could so many Haidongqing come from? Although Xiao Huayong had tamed many eagles, not all were like Haidongqing, capable of carrying people aloft."If I were to procure a flock of eagles to transport grain and medicinal supplies, His Majesty would immediately rally his three armies tomorrow, branding me with accusations of sorcery and heresy, and ordering my forces slaughtered without mercy." Xiao Huayong couldn't help but laugh. "I've already charted the route. Just rest assured—I will definitely deliver the provisions you had Qi Pei and the others gather to Dengzhou. I'll ensure Yourou's sincere devotion to the people does not go to waste."
After a pause, Xiao Huayong's eyes deepened with intensity: "But as for the credit and reputation rightfully yours—no one shall dare snatch it away."
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