Something crashed violently into Xiao Wenxi's heart, shattered, then pieced itself back together.
It was bewildering, yet profoundly stirring.
Finally, it dissolved into a sigh of relief and resignation within the dim light.
She seemed to have reached some clarity, her gaze growing brighter: "I come today to ask the Crown Princess to arrange a marriage proposal on my behalf. I am willing to wed Worldly Son Bu."
Shen Xihe abruptly looked up, fixing her intense gaze on Xiao Wenxi.
Xiao Wenxi, however, gracefully resumed her seat: "I have long known that Worldly Son Bu is a woman."
The light in Shen Xihe's eyes deepened.
"I knew very early on—when I was just ten years old. Worldly Son Bu once saved me. We were in a cave together; she thought I was unconscious and let her guard down, removing her outer garments and loosening her hair." Xiao Wenxi briefly recounted the past.
In truth, Xiao Wenxi had been semi-conscious at the time. When she was ten, Bu Shulin was already a budding young woman, her figure beginning to differ from that of a child. Xiao Wenxi had kept this secret buried in her heart all these years, out of gratitude for Bu Shulin's rescue.
"Yesterday, the Crown Prince visited my mother and asked her to find a spouse for his cousin, to marry Worldly Son Bu." Xiao Wenxi had overheard this—neither Xiao Huayong nor the Eldest Princess had bothered to conceal it from her, as there was no particular need for secrecy in such matters. "Though I do not know what has transpired, I am aware that nothing escapes the Crown Prince's notice. He must know that Worldly Son Bu is a woman."
"If he knows she is a woman yet still seeks a wife for her—and one who is orphaned and without support—it must be due to some urgent crisis requiring marriage as a cover."
"Crown Princess, trust me—there is no one in this world more suitable for this role than I."
"Why didn't you tell your mother? Or personally seek out Beichen?" Shen Xihe asked.
"My mother, out of love for her daughter, would never consent—even if she didn't know Bu Shulin is a woman, she is aware of her precarious position. She would not bear to let me marry such a man. As for the Crown Prince... he would not agree either. My mother and brother are both loyal to the Crown Prince, and he has always shown kindness to his own people. He would never deceive them."
"Since you know Beichen would not agree, you should realize that I would never oppose him. Even if you confessed your affection for him, I would not be so narrow-minded as to dismiss you because of it." Shen Xihe exposed Xiao Wenxi's hidden motive.
Xiao Wenxi smiled bitterly: "Yes, it was petty of me to presume Your Highness's intentions." I dare not deny it—I was also driven by a stubborn hope that if you knew of my admiration for the Crown Prince, you might hastily agree to this marriage, causing discord between you and him..."
If Shen Xihe were an intolerant person, upon hearing of her affection for Xiao Huayong and then her request to marry Bu Shulin, she would eagerly grant it. Then Xiao Huayong would feel guilty toward her mother and brother and see Shen Xihe's true nature.
That had been her initial petty scheme, but now she felt ashamed of such thoughts. Still, she insisted on marrying Bu Shulin because it remained her best option.
"Your Highness, I apologize for my earlier scheming." Xiao Wenxi placed her hands together, pressed her forehead to the back of her hands, and bowed deeply in a formal gesture of respect.
Since the era of the Empress Regnant, such grand gestures had been abolished for women. It demonstrated the sincerity of Xiao Wenxi's remorse.Rising to her full height, Xiao Wenxi met Shen Xihe's gaze with clear eyes: "I owe Worldly Son Bu my life and should repay this debt. Moreover, I have completed my mourning period, and my mother has begun seeking marriage prospects for me. Though I no longer entertain foolish hopes, I find it difficult to develop feelings for other men. As the Crown Prince once said, marrying me off to another worthy gentleman would be unfair to him.
This marriage proposal comes after careful consideration.
I dare not guarantee I can remain in the Shu Southern Royal Manor forever, nor promise I will never meet someone who stirs my heart again. But I can assure Your Highness that henceforth I will prioritize the greater good, and will never betray Worldly Son Bu's life-saving grace nor Your Highness's magnanimity today.
Though my cousin is resilient, she has strong opinions and considerable cunning.
I would not presume to question Your Highness and the Crown Prince's ability to govern subordinates, yet I must venture to remind you:
Some things are impossible to guard against completely." Shen Xihe had to admit Xiao Wenxi's words were persuasive, yet they didn't sway her: "Husband and wife are one. Never does Beichen oppose my desires and actions, just as I devote myself entirely to supporting his."
If Xiao Huayong disagreed, she would not consent either, nor would she try to persuade him merely because this seemed an excellent choice.
Xiao Wenxi quietly observed Shen Xihe for a moment before offering another deep bow: "Your Highness speaks truth. In this world, only you are worthy to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Crown Prince."
Never before had any woman impressed her, but today's conversation left Xiao Wenxi genuinely admiring Shen Xihe: "I shall personally petition the Crown Prince."
"You may withdraw. Your request is granted." Xiao Huayong's mellow voice sounded from the doorway.
Both women turned to see him striding in, and they rose together.
"Beichen..."
As Shen Xihe moved to dissuade him, Xiao Huayong squeezed her hand and turned to Xiao Wenxi: "I will speak with your mother and elder brother myself."
"Your humble servant thanks Your Highness." Xiao Wenxi performed a formal bow of gratitude. Lifting her gaze, she briefly but intensely met Xiao Huayong's eyes before quickly looking down and retreating, soon departing the Eastern Palace.
"Why did you agree?" Shen Xihe asked, perplexed.
"She genuinely wishes to marry, and as she said, she is also the optimal choice." With the Eldest Princess and Xiao Fuxing in the picture, Xiao Wenxi would never betray them. She had also pledged to prioritize the greater good, trusting they would reward merit fairly without shortchanging her.
"How will you explain this to the Eldest Princess?" The Eldest Princess had proven her loyalty by providing Xiao Huayong with secret palace passage maps, making her an irrevocably committed ally who had rendered great service.
"With the truth." Xiao Huayong smiled faintly. "Her three-year mourning period has ended. We cannot delay further. If her mother doesn't arrange a marriage soon, His Majesty will intervene. Marriage is inevitable for her. Wedding Worldly Son Bu will grant her several carefree years. Should she later meet a true match, a feigned death would set her free to roam the world."
Shen Xihe pondered this before conceding: "As you wish."
She trusted Xiao Huayong's judgment—he wouldn't force the Eldest Princess's hand. Since he felt confident about persuading her, Shen Xihe saw no need to interfere.
Xiao Huayong enveloped Shen Xihe's hands in his, playing with her slender fingers before gazing at her tenderly, his face radiant: "I've only just discovered how deeply Youyou trusts me."
He had overheard every word she said to Xiao Wenxi.Being able to marry Shen Xihe had always been his fortune, but today, this fortune felt like water boiling in a pot, bubbling so fiercely that his heart couldn't help but bubble along with it.
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