A weak, breathless voice, lacking in vigor and stamina, was tinged with anger yet carried an unexpectedly resounding weight.
Shen Xihe and Xiao Changyan turned to see Xiao Huayong, supported by Tianyuan, striding hurriedly toward them. His brow was furrowed with suppressed fury, and it seemed the effort of his earlier words had left him breathless, triggering a fit of violent coughing: "Cough, cough, cough..."
Behind him followed Xiao Changqing, strolling as leisurely as if in a courtyard, clad in a moon-white robe.
"Your Highness..." Shen Xihe rushed forward anxiously, her movements natural and practiced as she patted his back to ease his breathing, her eyes clouded with worry.
After coughing for a while, Xiao Huayong finally seemed to catch his breath. He forced a weak smile for Shen Xihe and gently patted her hand supporting his arm. "It's nothing."
Having reassured Shen Xihe, he turned his head, his expression instantly turning stern as he faced Xiao Changyan. "Do you admit to encouraging the disaster victims to plunder?"
With the evidence laid bare before him, Xiao Changyan had no choice but to concede. Fortunately, he had acted cautiously. Although he was suspected of bias and shielding the victims, no one had caught him ordering people to incite them to loot.
Xiao Changyan lowered his gaze. "The people of Dengzhou endured months of drought, only to welcome a long-awaited rainfall. Before their joy could fade, the downpour turned into a flood. They suffered the pain of losing their hard-earned harvest, only to be displaced in the blink of an eye. Some even lost their families—a devastating blow. It’s inevitable that some, driven by desperation, acted improperly.
I feared that imposing harsh punishments now would only incite public outrage, leading to chaos and plunging Dengzhou into deeper turmoil. Thus, I had no choice but to adopt a conciliatory approach."
"What a fine 'conciliatory approach,'" Shen Xihe sneered. "Prince Jing pities the common people and sympathizes with the weak—such magnanimity. Yet you exploit the wealthy, using their resources to build your own reputation. Are they not also citizens of Dengzhou, suffering the same calamity? Just because their ancestors accumulated wealth or they themselves worked diligently to build their fortunes, do they deserve to be exploited?
Do you realize, Your Highness, that if this spreads, who would dare engage in commerce or strive for advancement? Wouldn’t everyone live in fear of becoming prey? The consequence of such widespread apprehension would be a populace afraid of wealth. Over time, the nation’s revenue would plummet, and the vision of a prosperous, strong country would become an empty dream.
Do you realize, Your Highness, that this act of yours could make you a criminal in the eyes of the nation!Xiao Changyan abruptly lifted his head, staring at the assertive and aggressive Shen Xihe. His eyes seemed to churn with stormy clouds, but upon closer look, they appeared calm and unruffled.
Xiao Changqing stood with his hands clasped naturally in front of him, his gaze lowered, yet he heard Shen Xihe’s words clearly.
Such a grave accusation.
They all understood that Xiao Changyan’s actions did not warrant such severity, yet they could not deny that his behavior might indeed lead to the outcome Shen Xihe predicted. Though the likelihood was slim, it could not be entirely ruled out.
Xiao Changyan gritted his teeth. "The heavy rain in Dengzhou has not ceased for a moment since the end of last month. All routes in and out of the city are cut off. I cannot stand by and watch the lives of an entire city hang in the balance. Though it was a stopgap measure and admittedly improper, I dare not shirk responsibility for your reproach, sister-in-law. Once the people of Dengzhou survive this disaster, I will personally seek punishment from His Majesty."Shen Xihe's delicate brows arched slightly. Xiao Changyan's unexpected restraint and concession had indeed raised her opinion of him. While openly admitting his fault, he subtly reminded Shen Xihe that only His Majesty had the authority to punish him—she possessed no such right.
Of course, Shen Xihe lacked the authority to discipline a prince. Not even Xiao Huayong held that power, let alone her. Yet she had never intended to formally charge Xiao Changyan. She turned her gaze toward Xiao Huayong.
Xiao Huayong shook his head faintly, but Shen Xihe stubbornly kept her eyes fixed on him.
After a moment's hesitation, Xiao Huayong let out a heavy sigh. "Since Eighth Brother is already under censure, I shall take charge of the Dengzhou disaster relief efforts. Regarding your misconduct, I will submit a memorial to His Majesty for judgment—this should also help placate the populace."
Without giving Xiao Changyan a chance to respond, Xiao Huayong turned to the three petitioners. "Your plight of being robbed by refugees falls under the local government's failure to maintain order. Though Jing Wang subsequently pressured you to contribute generously, his intervention did ultimately resolve your immediate crisis.
Had Jing Wang severely punished the instigating refugees, their pent-up resentment—born of desperation—would have inevitably led to bloodshed.
Your wealth is neither a crime nor justification for oppression. Yet you must understand the peril of 'bearing jade becomes a crime.' After the flood crisis abates, I shall petition His Majesty to grant your households 'Accumulated Virtue' plaques in recognition of your aid to the people.
What say you to this?"
Despite his righteous tone and dignified composure, Shen Xihe could only think of one word: shameless.
Xiao Huayong had masterfully portrayed the image of a noble man torn between his wife's inclinations and fraternal duty—striving to balance both with utmost sincerity.
He stripped Xiao Changyan of his authority as relief commissioner while simultaneously justifying Xiao Changyan's actions before the petitioners, framing coercion as benevolent concern. To appease those forced to drain their resources, he dangled the promise of honor.
He truly monopolized all virtue!
To outsiders, he appeared to satisfy his wife's desire for authority.
To Xiao Changyan, though clearly favoring his wife, he effectively buried the misconduct allegation, ensuring no future repercussions.
To the impoverished citizens of Wendeng County, he was the Crown Prince who championed their cause and bestowed supreme honor—worthy of their tearful gratitude.
"We humble subjects kowtow in gratitude to Your Highness!" The three petitioners prostrated themselves excitedly.
Xiao Huayong weakly raised a hand as if fatigued, then turned to Xiao Changyan. "Does Eighth Brother have any objections?"
Facing his gently smiling imperial brother, Xiao Changyan nearly choked on suppressed fury. Glancing at Shen Xihe's stern, displeased expression, he could only reply through gritted teeth, "This incompetent brother has troubled His Highness. I accept your arrangement."
This constituted tacit acceptance of the Crown Prince's measures.
Witnessing this performance by Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe—coupled with prior assessments—Xiao Changyan became further convinced that Xiao Huayong wasn't disregarding brotherhood nor was he incompetent; he simply habitually indulged Shen Xihe.
The frail Crown Prince would be foolish to seek authority over disaster relief—a notoriously precarious undertaking where missteps bred infamy. Clearly, Shen Xihe desired intervention, and however reluctantly, Xiao Huayong had to indulge her.Xiao Huayong nodded wearily and said, "If there's nothing else, you may withdraw. Eighth Brother, come with me. Tell me in detail about the matter in Dengzhou."
With that, he allowed Tianyuan to support him as they moved toward another area.
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