The next day, Cui Jinbai left the Bu residence. Many people watched him closely—some with curiosity, some for amusement, and others with ulterior motives—all waiting to see his reaction.
Surprisingly, after returning to the Cui residence, Cui Jinbai calmly began recuperating from his injuries. He even brought back some backlogged old case files from the Dali Temple to review at home, fully immersing himself in his work.
Meanwhile, Bu Shulin remained the carefree Worldly Son Bu as always, slacking off during his duties and spending his days with a few frivolous friends, often visiting pleasure houses to listen to tunes. However, he never again set foot in the pleasure house rumored to be where Cui Shaoqing had mistakenly spent a night with a woman.
The past occurrences of Cui Shaoqing chasing after Bu Shulin like a jealous spouse whenever he visited a pleasure house no longer happened. When people deliberately provoked Cui Jinbai with mentions of Bu Shulin, he remained unmoved, as if hearing nothing.
He had returned to being the cold-blooded, taciturn Dali Temple Shaoqing.
"Youyou has actually handled this quite thoroughly for once," Shen Xihe couldn't help but sigh upon hearing the news.
Though she didn't know how Bu Shulin had made the clean break with Cui Jinbai, the fact that Cui Jinbai hadn't become a different person, hadn't fallen into despondency, and seemed completely unaffected as if nothing had happened put Shen Xihe's mind at ease.
She had genuinely worried that with Bu Shulin's temperament, they might have completely fallen out, leaving no possibility for future interactions. Such an outcome would have deeply hurt Cui Jinbai and been self-destructive for Bu Shulin as well.
"They're not children; they'll act with careful consideration," Xiao Huayong didn't understand why Shen Xihe always worried about Bu Shulin and treated him like a child. "Youyou, Worldly Son Bu grew up in the capital. If you find him not particularly clever, it's not because he's truly foolish, but because you're too intelligent."
How many people in this world could keep up with Shen Xihe's sharpness? How many could penetrate her thoughts and foresee her schemes? If Shen Xihe measured Bu Shulin against herself, then naturally Bu Shulin would seem lacking in cleverness. But setting Shen Xihe aside, Bu Shulin was perfectly capable of outwitting others.
Shen Xihe was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this, then suddenly understood and chuckled wryly: "I've been seeing this wrong."
Xiao Huayong gently tapped the tip of her nose and took her hand: "Let's go. There's still a grand spectacle waiting for us today."
Today was the wedding of Xiao Changmin and Yu Sangning. Although Xiao Changmin had been demoted to a commandery prince, he was still older than Xiao Huayong. As his elder brother's wedding, it was only proper to attend, even if just to make an appearance.
The palace had sent Shu Fei and Song Zhaoyi together. Shu Fei represented His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, while Song Zhaoyi accompanied her because the Fourteenth Prince, Xiao Changhong, had insisted on coming, and as his mother, she naturally had to accompany him. All other princes, dukes, and ministers were present in full attendance.
At the Sixteen Princes' Residence, red silks fluttered in the wind, drums and gongs played incessantly, and joyous music rose and fell. Carriages lined up in long queues.
By the time Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe arrived, Shu Fei and others were already there. Given their noble status, Xiao Changmin personally escorted them to the seats of honor for the ceremony.
A prince's wedding naturally couldn't compare to the Eastern Palace taking a consort. Moreover, this was Xiao Changmin's remarriage, constrained by ceremonial regulations, yet it was still grand and magnificent.
The couple sat high above in their elevated seats, with no one daring to approach and disturb them. Only imperial clan relatives and titled ladies were assigned to keep them company, occasionally making small talk to prevent the Eastern Palace couple from sitting in silence. However, they soon realized they were completely unnecessary—the Crown Princess was far too busy to need their companionship.The Crown Prince was constantly demanding—thirsty one moment, craving pastries the next, then roasted meat, followed by fresh fruits...
Each time, His Highness would only take a small taste, and he forbade any servants from approaching. The Crown Princess was kept so busy her hands never rested, especially when someone tried to approach. Before they could even finish a complete sentence, the Crown Prince would complain of some discomfort or inconvenience here and there.
After a few such instances, perceptive guests caught on: the Crown Prince simply disliked anyone disturbing his time with the Crown Princess.
Sure enough, as tactful guests gradually stopped approaching, the Crown Prince’s whims ceased. He showed no further complaints, and together with the Crown Princess, they enjoyed the dance performances, occasionally whispering and sharing laughter with an intimacy that seemed to exclude all others.
Soon, the appointed hour arrived. Xiao Changmin, accompanied by the veiled and splendidly dressed Yu Sangning, began the ceremonial rites.
After the newlyweds were escorted to the bridal chamber and the guests were free to indulge in unrestrained drinking, everything remained calm. By this point, Xiao Huayong could have taken his leave, having fulfilled his social obligations by attending the ceremony.
"Let’s go. If we don’t leave, I suspect they won’t proceed with their plans," Xiao Huayong remarked after sitting a while longer, seeing through Xiao Changmin’s intentions—they were wary of Shen Xihe.
If any incident occurred, Shen Xihe’s status meant that aside from Xiao Huayong himself, no one could override her authority. Should she insist on a thorough investigation, no one could stop her. As for the Crown Prince, his devotion to his wife was beyond doubt—none would expect him to hinder Shen Xihe; at best, they could hope he wouldn’t actively assist her.
Shen Xihe chuckled softly and extended her hand to Xiao Huayong. The couple rose hand-in-hand, preparing to depart, when someone rushed in and whispered urgently to Xiao Changmin, who was toasting with guests. Xiao Changmin’s face paled, and he immediately dashed out.
"Your prediction was off," Shen Xihe remarked with an amused smile.
Xiao Huayong raised an eyebrow and instructed Tianyuan, "Go see what has happened."
The groom’s abrupt departure naturally drew everyone’s attention. Curiosity spread like wildfire, and in the crowded venue, secrets were hard to keep. Soon, the full story became known: the Fourteenth Prince, Xiao Changhong, had accidentally fallen into the water. Fortunately, the Shunan Prince Heir happened to pass by and rescued him in time, averting potential tragedy.
As a prince, where were Xiao Changhong’s birth mother and the attending palace maids and eunuchs?
Exchanging a glance, Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe headed to the rear courtyard together. Xiao Changhong had swallowed some water but, luckily, the princely estate had prepared physicians to ensure the wedding proceeded smoothly. He received immediate treatment and escaped serious harm.
Upon waking, Xiao Changhong burst into loud sobs, and Consort Song clutched him, weeping as well.
Their crying grated on Shen Xihe’s nerves. "Consort Song, how did the Fourteenth Prince end up alone in the water?"
Wiping her tears, Consort Song patted the still-wailing Xiao Changhong and explained, "The Fourteenth Prince had too much to drink and needed to relieve himself. I was accompanying Consort Shu at the time, so I ordered a eunuch to accompany him. I never imagined anything would happen in the princely estate..."
She broke down weeping once more.
Shen Xihe understood: Consort Shu had conspired with Xiao Changmin, using Xiao Changhong as a pawn to test Bu Shulin.Xiao Changhong's fall into the water was no accident, and Bu Shulin had been deliberately lured there. As a prince, if Xiao Changhong were seen by others and rescued, and he revealed that Shulin had witnessed the incident without attempting to save him, she would face an inescapable death penalty.
She had no choice but to enter the water, and once she did, she would need to change her clothes!
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