HomeAfter I Bloom Hundred Flowers DieChapter 112: A Lifelong Companion

Chapter 112: A Lifelong Companion

Standing atop the city gate tower, the splendor of the capital stretched as far as the eye could see; fireworks clustered together, scattering golden radiance across the entire city.

From the palace gate tower, looking down at the entire capital, lanterns shone brilliantly as people sang and danced, with every household decorated in festive lights and ornaments.

To the northwest, one could see the entire city’s people celebrating jubilantly, candlelight illuminating everything, showing genuine and simple joy.

From the capital’s high buildings, the city lights stretched like an endless dragon, lighting up the imperial city’s night sky. Such prosperity and grandeur made one feel as if heaven and earth lay prostrate beneath their feet, naturally inspiring grand ambitions.

“During the Lantern Festival, it would be even more beautiful,” Xiao Huayong coughed softly. “During the Festival, there will be lantern fairs, with various lantern shops competing. The tallest lantern towers can reach several dozen zhang in height, and once lit, they rotate continuously, illuminating several li around them.”

“Is that so? Then I shall look forward to seeing it next year,” Shen Xihe responded.

“If the Princess doesn’t mind, I would like to accompany you to next year’s Lantern Festival,” Xiao Huayong invited.

“It’s only the ninth month now, with an entire season before the Lantern Festival. Who knows what circumstances we’ll face then? Your Highness thinks far ahead, which is good, but thinking too far often leads to disappointed hopes. One should be practical and focus on the present,” Shen Yunan declined on Shen Xihe’s behalf.

Despite Shen Yunan’s sarcasm, Xiao Huayong maintained his gentle smile and humbly replied, “The Young Master’s words are timely. I appreciate the guidance.”

Like punching a cotton pillow, Shen Yunan snorted coldly and stood on Shen Xihe’s other side, ignoring Xiao Huayong while enthusiastically pointing things out to Shen Xihe.

Naturally, Shen Xihe had to accompany her brother in conversation, but her refined upbringing prevented her from completely ignoring Xiao Huayong. She would include him occasionally, asking about the capital’s customs.

Xiao Huayong responded with a smile, though he wished Shen Xihe would ignore him. Only before the closest family would one be completely uninhibited, showing their true self without formal politeness.

Because they know others won’t mind, they will be infinitely indulgent.

At this moment, as fireworks sparkled brilliantly, he looked down at the faintly smiling young woman, wanting to become the person who would indulge her and give her someone to rely on without hesitation.

He wanted it very much.

Desperately so.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for showing my brother and me the capital’s splendor. The wind is strong up here, and Your Highness shouldn’t catch cold. Shall we leave soon?” Shen Xihe said softly.

Xiao Huayong could see that she maintained her usual elegant self-possession, her expression unchanged, but her unusually clear eyes showed that she was in particularly good spirits tonight.

He just didn’t know if it was because he had brought her here, or because of the other person accompanying them.

Probably the latter.

For a moment, his heart felt somewhat bitter.

“I apologize for not being able to fully satisfy the Princess’s wishes due to my poor hosting,” Xiao Huayong said apologetically.

Shen Xihe replied, “No, I am also frail and susceptible to cold. Another day, if there’s an opportunity, we can view the scenery from the tower together again.”

“Let’s go, let’s go,” Shen Yunan urged, unable to stand this fellow exchanging affected words with his sister.

Xiao Huayong smiled gracefully and followed them down the tower, personally helping Shen Xihe into her carriage.

After the carriage had traveled some distance, Shen Yunan said, “Youyou, wait here for me a moment.”

Having said this, he turned back and, as expected, saw Xiao Huayong still waiting in place. “Your Highness, may I have a word?”

Xiao Huayong followed him to a willow-lined embankment where the lake water sparkled in the night, with Tianyuan keeping watch from a distance.

“Your Highness, we are both men, and the way you look at my sister is not ordinary,” Shen Yunan spoke directly. He would depart tomorrow, and given his sensitive position, it would be better not to see Xiao Huayong before leaving. Some things needed to be said clearly now. “I don’t know how much is true and how much is false, but I wish to say something to Your Highness.”

Xiao Huayong: “Please speak, Young Master.”

“Prince Xin sought to arrange a marriage between my sister and Prince Lie, promising that Prince Lie would never take another woman in his lifetime. My sister refused.”

Shen Yunan didn’t know how far Xiao Huayong and his sister could go, nor how genuine Xiao Huayong’s feelings for his sister were. He wasn’t telling Xiao Huayong this to demand the same promise, as his sister didn’t care about such things.

He just wanted Xiao Huayong to know how precious his sister was, and that he should cherish her all the more.

“If one day I am fortunate enough to have Youyou as my wife, I will certainly remain by her side alone for life,” Xiao Huayong bowed solemnly to Shen Yunan.

“Your Highness, I didn’t mean…”

“No need to say more, Young Master,” Xiao Huayong interrupted Shen Yunan’s words. “In this life, I have seen countless splendors, viewed mountains, rivers, sun, and moon, only to meet one person who could move my heart and soul.”

He was not an inexperienced youth with shallow knowledge; nor was he an innocent child unfamiliar with the world; nor was he an ignorant fool with limited understanding.

He had experienced life’s myriad aspects and seen countless faces of beauty before meeting her and choosing her.

He dared not make passionate declarations about the depth of his feelings for her, but he could say with certainty that no one else in this world could move him as she did.

Shen Yunan hadn’t expected Xiao Huayong to be so serious, and for a moment didn’t know what to say. He could only bow in farewell and leave silently.

After Shen Yunan left, Xiao Chanying sought out Shen Xihe. Knowing he would persist until she saw him, she got down from her carriage and entered a private room in a nearby restaurant.

“Regarding today’s events, I was the cause of the trouble and have come to apologize,” Xiao Chanying began somewhat cautiously.

“The matter is resolved, and Zhaoning is unharmed. Your Highness need not worry,” Shen Xihe was very understanding.

This made Xiao Chanying even more uncomfortable, hesitating and not knowing how to continue.

Shen Xihe waited quietly for a while before saying, “If Your Highness has nothing else, Zhaoning will take her leave.”

As Shen Xihe stood to leave, Xiao Chanying grabbed her wrist. Both their gazes fell to his hand, and while Shen Xihe’s fine brows furrowed, he didn’t let go. “Princess, what fault do you find in me?”

Shen Xihe struggled briefly, but couldn’t break free. Giving up the attempt, she spoke coldly: “Your Highness, there are countless beautiful things and people in this world, but not everything beautiful is what everyone desires. Different flowers appeal to different eyes. Your Highness is fine, but simply doesn’t match Zhaoning’s preferences.”

“Who matches your preferences? The Crown Prince?” Xiao Chanying blurted out.

“Who matches Zhaoning’s preferences is no concern of Your Highness,” Shen Xihe’s eyes were cool and distant. “Zhaoning owes Your Highness nothing. Just because Your Highness has developed some feelings for Zhaoning doesn’t mean Zhaoning must be grateful.”

“I didn’t mean that…” Xiao Chanying hurried to explain.

“Your Highness, Zhaoning told you long ago that we were not fated,” Shen Xihe forcefully pulled her wrist free.

As she raised her arm, her sleeve slipped down, revealing faint scars on her hand. Xiao Chanying stared at them blankly: “That day, why did you save me?”

“Why does Your Highness ask this? You and I both know Zhaoning’s intentions clearly,” Shen Xihe felt something was off about Xiao Chanying.

Could it be that knowing she had refused the marriage proposal, his pride was hurt and he was affected by it?

Xiao Chanying’s face paled slightly: “I…”

“Your Highness, this is how the world and its affairs are. There will always be things we desire but cannot obtain. I hope Your Highness can come to terms with this soon,” Shen Xihe gave a slight bow and turned to leave.

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