"Youyou, we are walking the path of imperial power." Xiao Huayong suddenly turned solemn with Shen Xihe, demonstrating his seriousness and determination. "This path permits no turning back, nor any pauses or detours along the way. Every person accompanying us must be tempered through countless trials.
I know you pity the unborn child in Worldly Son Bu's womb. But have you considered, Youyou, if I am not by your side when you give birth—would they show you mercy because of the child in your womb? Would they delay the battlefield until after your delivery?"
No, they would not.
Currently, her pregnancy remains undisclosed, and Bu Shulin's situation has drawn everyone's attention, so no one is targeting her at this moment. Once her pregnancy becomes public knowledge, these people would spare no effort to eliminate her before she gives birth—preferably ensuring both mother and child perish. Even if she dodges open attacks and hidden schemes, the most opportune moment for them to strike would be during her delivery. Would they show any soft-heartedness?
"This is different..." Shen Xihe argued. "They are enemies, while A Lin is our ally."
"No, Youyou, Worldly Son Bu is not an ally." Xiao Huayong corrected. "She is a subordinate!"
From the moment Shen Xihe married into the Eastern Palace, everything changed. Bu Shulin and Shen Xihe were no longer simply close friends from the inner chambers, but rather ruler and subject. A ruler should cherish their subjects, yet must not be hindered by them, lest it compromise wise judgment.
He wished to delay until Shen Xihe safely delivered their child, but whether they could postpone until that moment was something even he couldn't predict. If he were absent, Bu Shulin would bear the responsibility of guarding a territory and, when necessary, leading troops north for her. This involved command over tens of thousands of soldiers—a crucial step determining whether she and her unborn child could succeed in their future endeavors!
Xiao Huayong would not show soft-heartedness at such a time. He had fully disclosed what lay ahead on their path, and Bu Shulin had been given the choice to accept it or not. Since Bu Shulin chose to walk this road, survival would depend solely on fate.
Shen Xihe felt her heart tighten. The young Crown Prince before her, steadfast as deep waters and towering mountains, revealed in this moment the iron will and resolute determination of an emperor.
She took a deep breath, suppressing the resistance she disliked within herself. She knew he was right—the path had been chosen by Bu Shulin herself, and it was the only one available. They could indeed use personal affection to offer Bu Shulin more protection, but doing so would inevitably lead Xiao Huayong to refrain from entrusting her with significant responsibilities.
He would not place her safety in Bu Shulin's hands, because Bu Shulin would not deserve his trust.
For the first time, Xiao Huayong saw something resembling evasion in Shen Xihe's expression. He sighed, drew her into his embrace, carefully holding her, and said with some self-reproach, "Youyou, your heart... has grown softer."
When she first arrived in the capital, how cold and rational had she been? Weighing pros and cons in all matters, disregarding personal ties. That was the mark of a qualified imperial ruler. Now, whether due to the bond formed with Bu Shulin or her recent transition into motherhood, her sharp edges had noticeably dulled.
If he could always protect her by her side, standing behind her, such tenderness would add warmth and vitality to her, and he would naturally rejoice in it. But at present, he disliked this softness—he would rather she remain that cold, resolute person."Men are not grass and trees... Even raising a civet cat can foster affection, let alone a close friend with whom one shares heartfelt exchanges?" Shen Xihe's gaze passed through the window lattice, settling on Duanming leaping and pouncing at butterflies in the courtyard.
She had also discovered that she was beginning to develop human warmth. Since it had emerged, she didn't know how to measure whether it was advantageous or detrimental, but she didn't reject it.
"Little Nine has pursued them, Little Eight has dispatched Little Twelve, and I have also sent people to follow. We have done all we can." Xiao Huayong took Shen Xihe's hand, slowly but firmly enveloping it. "Now we await the outcome."
For now, all they could do was wait for the result.
Shen Xihe could only hope that Bu Shulin and the unborn child would both return safely to Shunan.
"Your Highness, Worldly Son Bu has safely left the capital." At this moment, Tianyuan's report came through.
This provided some slight comfort to Shen Xihe's anxious heart.
Having returned to the Bu residence, Worldly Son Bu prepared to mount his horse. He personally escorted Xiao Wenxi back to the Grand Princess's manor. Using Xiao Wenxi's recently confirmed pregnancy as justification, even His Majesty could not order Xiao Wenxi to depart together with Bu Shulin.
If Xiao Wenxi were to accompany them, she would likely face grave dangers. Once Bu Shulin truly returned to the Shu Southern Royal Manor, it would be perfectly justified to bring the properly settled Xiao Wenxi back later, especially since they were still in the mourning period. Even His Majesty could not prevent a daughter-in-law from accompanying them in observing filial mourning.
As for whether the child Xiao Wenxi would eventually bear would be sent to the capital as a hostage, that would have to wait until after birth to determine based on gender.
Before leaving the capital, they were safe. No one would dare take action within the capital's boundaries, as it would undoubtedly frame His Majesty and tarnish his reputation.
In truth, if Xiao Huayong hadn't tested Bu Shulin, he could have arranged an assassination in the capital using Xiao Juesong's people. This would not only prevent His Majesty from obtaining evidence but also deepen his apprehension and guide public opinion. Consequently, His Majesty would not only dare not intercept Bu Shulin but would even have to dispatch additional guards to escort them to quell public discourse. If Xiao Huayong wished, by adding fuel to the fire, His Majesty would certainly have to send Embroidered Uniform Envoys for protection.
Thus, if His Majesty insisted on assassination, he would have to sacrifice the Embroidered Uniform Envoys—either they would die in battle or be charged with failure to protect. If Bu Shulin died, these escorts would also have to be buried with her to pacify the Shunan army.
This was the broad path Xiao Huayong could have provided Bu Shulin. Xiao Huayong had asked Bu Shulin, and the choice was hers to make.
By choosing this path, Bu Shulin would return safely to Shunan but would never again receive Xiao Huayong's重用. Their personal ties would be exhausted today. In the future, whether Xiao Huayong ascended the throne or Shen Xihe held power, they would deal with Shunan strictly by the book. The gradual reduction of Shunan's authority would be inevitable.
Bu Shulin's sense of responsibility compelled her, even while pregnant, to choose the second path—to become someone Xiao Huayong could employ and reuse.
After leaving the capital, Worldly Son Bu's party encountered an ambush. Standing before the sand table, Xiao Huayong faced a wall covered by an enormous map. Over the years, his travels across every inch of the land had yielded the greatest benefit in these maps.
Every location was drawn by his own hand. Even while standing in the Eastern Palace, he could survey every inch of the realm. He could anticipate where His Majesty's men might set up ambushes and where others seeking to intervene would most likely lay in wait.Upon leaving the capital, they encountered an ambush—one that had been deliberately positioned just ahead of His Majesty’s men. The distance was carefully calculated: by the time His Majesty’s forces received the news and rushed to fish in troubled waters, the seemingly fierce battle had already concluded, and Worldly Son Bu had long vanished without a trace.
“Your Highness, all eight decoys have dispersed,” Tianyuan reported, presenting the intelligence from the field. “His Majesty’s men have also split up to intercept them.”
In the flickering lamplight, Xiao Huayong’s lips curved with a breathtaking gleam. “First expose our presence in Liangzhou, then reveal ourselves in Lizhou. Lure their forces into the western circuit of Shannan.”
There, the rebellious ministers of the former Crown Prince—whom His Majesty had long yearned to capture—awaited them.
OpenNovel