Xiao Huayong's face was dark and somber, his profound pupils resembling bottomless abysses, as if something capable of annihilating heaven and earth surged within them.
Shen Xihe had never been one to fear easily. With a cold expression, she met his gaze squarely, refusing to yield an inch.
The two remained locked in a stalemate for a moment before Xiao Huayong ultimately conceded, explaining in a low voice, "I was merely preparing for the worst. The current situation in Dengzhou is clear to both of us. If the flood is not controlled, tens of thousands of Dengzhou's commoners will suffer countless casualties. Even if they manage to escape disaster, they will be left with nothing."
"The flood must be controlled, and I also agree with the methods proposed by my grandfather and Zhong Gong. Do not evade the issue—my objection is to you taking charge of this matter personally," Shen Xihe stared at him intently. "Once you step forward, all our previous efforts will be rendered futile."
She had expended immense effort to make everyone believe that Xiao Huayong was merely a puppet in her hands—that all strategies related to the Eastern Palace originated from her, effectively shielding Xiao Huayong from deeper scrutiny. If he were to assert himself forcefully now, everything would be exposed.
"It is not that I wish to force my way or deliberately disrupt your plans, but this matter is one for which only I can bear the responsibility," Xiao Huayong explained gently.
This was no ordinary affair. Shen Xihe, as the Crown Princess, could not formally participate. If this matter reached Your Majesty's ears, he would undoubtedly reject it. Xiao Huayong intended to act first and report later, but given the gravity of the situation, once he ordered the conscription of laborers to dig canals and channels, his intentions would inevitably be exposed.
With Xiao Changyan and Xiao Changqing both in Dengzhou, and the Prefect of Dengzhou being Xiao Changmin's future relative by marriage, even with extraordinary abilities, he could not conceal the news from the court and Your Majesty. By then, Your Majesty would vehemently condemn and obstruct the effort.
To gain the trust of the commoners and mobilize Dengzhou's officials and the stationed military forces under imperial pressure, only he, as the Crown Prince, carried sufficient authority. If he did not withstand Your Majesty's objections, even if these people believed in the method, they would not dare to act rashly. Digging canals for diversion was not a task for one or two individuals—it required the concerted efforts of thousands.
Without the ability to mobilize people, they could only wait for the flood to strike, which was no different from awaiting death.
"I understand all of this," Shen Xihe pressed his wrist, her luminous eyes fixed on him with determination. "If you trust me, leave this matter entirely to me afterward. I assure you, I can withstand Your Majesty's pressure and keep you concealed. Perhaps... abandoning this approach and reinforcing the belief that I am the true master of the Eastern Palace will further convince Jing Wang and Your Majesty."
Xiao Huayong opened his mouth but ultimately only let out a helpless sigh, the corners of his lips twitching slightly.
At this moment, he did not know how to describe his feelings. To be so thoroughly protected by someone one day—that sensation, incomprehensible to those who had never experienced it, stirred emotions within him like a warm, gentle stream enveloping his heart, making it feel like petals floating on a clear brook, comfortable and at ease.
Yet, while moved and softened, he also felt a sense of helplessness. His wife was exceptionally intelligent, and between them, there was no longer anyone who could always charge ahead. On the rare occasions when he wished to exhaust all means to plan for her, she would firmly refuse, and he could not persuade her. Between them, once she made up her mind, it was inevitably he who had to yield.Feeling both warmth and helplessness, he could only cast aside these tangled thoughts and simply let her have her way.
Long before Shen Xihe persuaded Xiao Huayong, a complete plan had already formed in her mind. The day after they returned from the coastal area, Shen Xihe had Xiao Huayong feign a cold, taking to his bed. She immediately sent Mo Yuan to urgently bring Sui Axi over.
Sui Axi wasn’t summoned to treat Xiao Huayong’s illness but to perform acupuncture or prescribe medicine that would make Xiao Huayong appear as if he truly had symptoms of a severe cold.
Not long after Sui Axi arrived, news spread that Xiao Huayong had contracted a serious cold. Xiao Changqing naturally came to fulfill his duty and visit, while Xiao Changyan not only visited but also brought his advisor along.
“I’ve heard that the Crown Prince is gravely ill. My advisor has some knowledge of medicine and is more skilled than the average doctor. I beg Your Highness to permit him to take your pulse,” Xiao Changyan said with earnest words.
In truth, they not only wanted to confirm whether Xiao Huayong was genuinely ill with a cold but also whether he was truly nearing the end of his life.
Xiao Huayong had made thorough preparations. The poison in his system created a false pulse indicating physical weakness—a rare toxin that, unless intentionally identified as poisoning, would lead anyone diagnosing by pulse alone to conclude he was fated to die young.
“Two heads are better than one. I have already summoned a physician and medication has been prescribed, but I would like to see if the doctor by Prince Jing’s side has any additional insights,” Shen Xihe replied.
It seemed that aside from the day he returned to the capital and paid a visit to the Eastern Palace to probe the death of his uncle, Shen Xihe had stood quietly by Xiao Huayong’s side, embodying the role of a virtuous helpmate. Since then, however, she had shown no hesitation, as if she were taking charge for Xiao Huayong at every turn.
Xiao Changyan furrowed his sharp brows slightly. Before he could speak, Xiao Huayong habitually cooperated with Shen Xihe, extending his hand. Xiao Changyan felt a surge of frustration—he had never seen any man so submissive to his wife.
Although there was no brotherly affection between Xiao Huayong and him, they were still half-brothers, and Xiao Huayong was the Crown Prince, superior in status. Such obedience to Shen Xihe made Xiao Changyan feel an inexplicable loss of face.
He nodded to his advisor and took a step back, preferring not to witness the scene.
The moment Xiao Changyan’s advisor took Xiao Huayong’s pulse, his eyebrows shot up and his eyes widened. He held his breath, examining more carefully, and the more he probed, the more he struggled to contain his shock.
“What is this demeanor?” Shen Xihe asked displeased. “Has the Crown Prince’s condition reached a critical stage?”
Though not critically ill, it wasn’t far from it.
The thought crossed the advisor’s mind. He steadied himself and replied tremblingly, “This humble one was discourteous. The Crown Prince’s cold is severe and requires bed rest…”
Xiao Changyan glanced at his stammering advisor and covered for him: “Since the Crown Prince is seriously ill, I dare not trouble Your Highness further with the relief efforts. Perhaps…”
“Prince Jing, you are currently bearing the weight of your offenses. Even if the Crown Prince can no longer exert himself, is Prince Xin not here to handle the relief efforts?” Shen Xihe interrupted him.She truly wanted to say outright that she was still there for him, but while her feelings could be openly displayed, they couldn't be spoken aloud. No matter how obvious her behavior might be, there would be no concrete evidence. Yet if she were to voice it, it would become a handle against her.
In any case, shifting the blame onto Xiao Changqing would serve the same purpose. Xiao Changqing had long since seen through the true nature of their marital facade.
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