Shen Xihe could only say this much, as saying more would be annoying. As for whether he could take it to heart and let go of his resentment, that would be up to Qi Pei himself.

Whether he would do good or evil in the future depended entirely on his own choices.

Walking out the door, a cold wind swept toward them, and Shen Xihe paused, turning her head slightly: “Qi Pei, what kind of person is your elder brother?”

“Though my brother is a merchant, he is righteous. In business dealings, he values honesty above all. Every year he also donates to the Orphanage and Poor Relief House, and whenever he passes by Taoist or Buddhist temples, he always leaves money for incense.” In Qi Pei’s heart, his brother was the most upright person.

In the faint daylight, Shen Xihe let a gentle smile bloom: “When you feel uncertain, why not think about what kind of person your brother hopes you will become.”

After speaking, Shen Xihe stepped over the threshold, departing with the cold wind.

Through the latticed window, Qi Pei’s gaze followed her, watching as winter plum petals danced and snowflakes scattered. Her elegant, otherworldly profile was as gentle as spring light, and her words deeply etched themselves in his mind.

What kind of person did his brother hope he would become?

His contemplative eyes gradually lost focus on the snowy scene as he recalled his brother’s earnest teachings from years past.

“Our Pei, in the future you must be strong and righteous. Brother doesn’t ask that you become rich and powerful, doesn’t ask that you stand out above others, only asks that you live without shame in your heart.”

His eyes stung as glistening tears fell, landing on the back of his hand, causing Qi Pei to once again break down in uncontrollable sobs.

From far away, Shen Xihe heard Qi Pei’s no longer suppressed crying and finally showed a satisfied smile. It was good that he could have a thorough cry.

Leaving the courtyard where Qi Pei was staying, Shen Xihe saw Hong Yu running over urgently: “Princess, Mo Yuan has returned.”

Shen Xihe hurried to the main hall and saw Mo Yuan, travel-worn and somewhat disheveled: “How is Father?”

“Princess, this time we were fortunate that His Highness arrived in time…” Mo Yuan wasn’t deliberately speaking well of Xiao Huayong, but rather truthfully telling Shen Xihe everything he knew and saw.

None of them had expected that the Turks would dare to sneak in regardless of the risk of war between the two countries, lying in ambush for several days in the wind and snow, determined to assassinate the Prince at any cost.

After hearing everything, Shen Xihe felt very grateful to Xiao Huayong: “Where is the Crown Prince?”

“The Crown Prince’s divine steed was much faster than ours, he probably returned to the palace early this morning or last night,” Mo Yuan answered.

“Was he injured?” Shen Xihe asked again.

“He was not.” He even stayed overnight at an inn in town with the Prince and had some wine.

Only then did Shen Xihe feel relieved: “Quickly go wash up and rest well with the others. You’ve all had a difficult journey.”

“It is our duty, Princess should not speak so.” Mo Yuan clasped his hands and bowed. “This subject takes his leave.”

Shen Xihe turned to ask Zhenzhu: “Zhenzhu, how do you think I should thank the Crown Prince?”

Though Zhenzhu was recovering from injury, it didn’t prevent her movement, so she still accompanied Shen Xihe daily. After thinking, she said: “Since the Crown Prince saved the Prince, the Prince will certainly thank him. Princess need only show token gratitude.”

Shen Xihe thought about it and agreed. If she prepared something too valuable, Xiao Huayong might not accept it. After some consideration, Shen Xihe said: “Tomorrow I’ll go to the Eastern Palace to visit the Crown Prince.”

She would make some food for Xiao Huayong. However, given the cold weather, she certainly couldn’t prepare it at home and bring it over. She would have to cook at the Eastern Palace. The Eastern Palace didn’t lack ingredients – she would bring a jar of her special sauce and dig out a pot of wine that she had fermented together with Shen Yun’an.

While Shen Xihe was pondering how to go to the Eastern Palace to thank Xiao Huayong, at that moment in the Eastern Palace, after the Imperial Physician finished checking Xiao Huayong’s pulse, he could only sigh heavily: “Your Highness, you must not recklessly use your internal energy again. If my master learned of this, this humble servant would surely be scolded terribly.”

The reason the Imperial Physician became Xiao Huayong’s man was because in his youth he had secretly studied under Ling Hu Zheng’s father. He was sent secretly by his father, and no one in court knew. With this connection to Ling Hu Zheng, the Imperial Physician could only stand on Xiao Huayong’s side.

“I am fine,” Xiao Huayong withdrew his wrist. “Just tell His Majesty that I have recovered.”

“Yes.” The Imperial Physician lowered his head in acknowledgment.

After he withdrew, Xiao Huayong said to Tian Yuan: “Tomorrow Yaoyao will surely come to visit me. Remember to tell her I nearly injured my meridians.”

Tian Yuan: …

“Your Highness, didn’t you say good deeds should be done without seeking recognition?” Tian Yuan didn’t understand. Wasn’t the matter of the snow lotus more important than this?

“The snow lotus matter needs the right timing. Used properly, I can capture the beauty’s heart.” Xiao Huayong glanced at Tian Yuan. “If used now, apart from earning some extra gratitude from her, what use would it serve?”

He wasn’t trying to be an unknown hero. When he gave something, he expected something in return. Though he wouldn’t complain or regret if he couldn’t get what he wanted, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try.

Even if Shen Xihe had no emotions or desires, he would pull her into the mortal realm to sink into passion with him.

“But you said… you wouldn’t deceive the Princess in the future.” Tian Yuan had to get things clear. He didn’t want the Princess to settle accounts later and have the unscrupulous Crown Prince push him out as a scapegoat to appease her anger and then punish him!

Being a scapegoat wasn’t impossible – it was normal for subordinates to take the blame for their masters. But if he had to die, he wanted to die with understanding!

“When did I deceive Yaoyao?” Xiao Huayong gave Tian Yuan a questioning look. “Didn’t I strain my internal energy? Didn’t I almost injure my meridians?”

Tian Yuan thought about it and nodded: “Yes.”

Giving Tian Yuan a sideways glance, Xiao Huayong said: “You’re getting more and more stupid. I think you’ve been too comfortable for too long. Perhaps you should switch places with Di Fang…”

“Your Highness!” Before Xiao Huayong could finish, Tian Yuan fell to his knees with a thud. “This servant cannot leave Your Highness…”

Xiao Huayong raised his hand to rub his forehead, saying impatiently: “Withdraw. I haven’t had my beloved pillow for several days.”

Tian Yuan didn’t dare delay for a moment and quickly withdrew. Xiao Huayong lay down on the couch with his eyes closed, enjoying the familiar scent.

Tian Yuan, turning to close the door, saw this and didn’t know how to describe his feelings.

It was just a pillow. When the Princess married into the Eastern Palace and shared his bed in the future, how could the Crown Prince bear to leave the bed?

When Shen Xihe entered the palace to see Xiao Huayong, his complexion had less color than usual, and his eyes showed some fatigue: “Your Highness… are you alright?”

Though Mo Yuan had said Xiao Huayong wasn’t injured, he had already been poisoned, and he had used martial arts again. Could the poison have flared up?

“I…”

“Princess, the poison in His Highness’s body is fierce, he cannot easily use martial arts. This time he nearly injured his meridians,” Tian Yuan quickly interjected, his face full of worry. “Please, Princess, counsel His Highness more. His Highness listens most to the Princess’s words.”

“Too talkative. Withdraw.” Xiao Huayong lightly rebuked.

“Yes.” Tian Yuan withdrew pitifully.

He was truly pitiful, absolutely not pretending!