Xue Heng’s eyes cleared as if the heavy stone weighing in his heart had been pierced through, allowing a beam of light to enter and gradually illuminate his thoughts.

Indeed, he should carry her memories to see the mountains, rivers, and seasonal beauty she had often spoken of. When they met in the afterlife, he would have stories to share with her.

Suddenly enlightened, Xue Heng bowed deeply to Prince Xiao Huayong: “Your Highness’s guidance is like enlightening nectar poured over my head.”

“Now is an opportune time,” Prince Xiao Huayong naturally turned to the main topic. “Since Minister Xue already has thoughts of leaving, why not take this chance to resign from office? You could still save Xue Kui’s life.”

“Why does Your Highness wish to save Xue Kui?” Xue Heng was puzzled.

Having served as an official for many years and risen to Grand Secretary, his strategic wisdom was extraordinary. Prince Xiao Huayong came to save Xue Kui’s life, yet Xue Kui was hardly worth using – the Prince should have no interest in him.

“Someone doesn’t wish for his death. To me, this person is worth more than ten thousand li of mountains and rivers. Whatever she desires, I will exhaust all my power to fulfill.” Prince Xiao Huayong’s lips curved in a gentle, lingering smile like blooming flowers, making the world seem brighter at that moment.

Countless stars seemed scattered in his eyes, their tenderness and brilliance almost too dazzling to look at directly, lest one drown in their depths.

Xue Heng had shared deep love with his wife in their youth. She had died of depression after losing their only son. He understood profound emotion. At his age, even without experiencing it himself, he had seen enough to recognize the Crown Prince’s tender expression as one of deep-rooted love.

At this moment, who else could make the Crown Prince’s voice unconsciously soften at mere mention?

This person must be Shen Xihe, who was connected to Xue Kui. Shen Xihe didn’t want Xue Kui dead, likely to avoid disrupting the Seventh Lady’s marriage. Now it would resolve everything permanently – even persuading him to desire life, ensuring Seventh Lady’s marriage to the Northwestern Prince could proceed as planned.

“Your Highness, you possess the wisdom of mountains and universe within. If you become ruler, it would be the people’s fortune,” Xue Heng knew he shouldn’t say this, but couldn’t help adding, “A ruler too heavy with emotion will be burdened by it.”

“Minister Xue is mistaken,” Prince Xiao Huayong disagreed. “A ruler without emotion, or with shallow emotions, cannot possess deep benevolence. I was originally as detached as water – right and wrong, good and evil, justice and wickedness were all the same to me. My heart changed because of her. Her heart holds righteousness, her eyes see the common people. My heart follows her, follows what she follows.”

It was because of meeting Shen Xihe that he wanted to become someone she would admire and respect, leading him to change his detached nature.

After hearing this, Xue Heng spoke no more, only sincerely saying: “This humble official wishes Your Highness and Noble Lady united in heart, accompanied by lasting affection.”

These eight characters – united in heart, accompanied by lasting affection – carved themselves into Prince Xiao Huayong’s heart. He felt no words in the world could move him more deeply: “For Minister Xue’s blessed words today, I will surely look after the Xue clan in the future.”

Xue Heng, who thought he had already understood how much Prince Xiao Huayong valued Shen Xihe, was shocked by these words.

In the Crown Prince’s heart, the Noble Lady’s worth truly exceeded ten thousand li of mountains and rivers. Just for words of blessing that pleased him, he would extend mercy to the entire Xue clan.

After Prince Xiao Huayong left the Xue residence, Xue Heng went to see His Majesty. None knew what the master and subject discussed, but despite the joint pressure from Prince Xin Xiao Changqin and Prince Jing Xiao Changyan, Emperor Youning did not execute Xue Kui.

Xue Kui was neither mastermind nor accomplice – he had only accepted bribes with ill intent. This crime could be considered either major or minor, depending on the emperor’s attitude. Emperor Youning merely stripped Xue Kui of his position.

When court officials expressed dissatisfaction and prepared to memorialize the throne, Xue Heng claimed illness and couldn’t attend morning court. Two days later, he resigned due to severe illness. The court officials then understood why His Majesty had spared Xue Kui’s life and dared not memorialize further – a Grand Secretary’s position traded for Xue Kui’s life.

“Is Youyou pleased?” In the Eastern Palace, Prince Xiao Huayong awaited Shen Xihe, his expression gentle as the March sun.

“Your Highness…” Shen Xihe was lost for words. She had merely mentioned not wanting Xue Kui dead, yet Prince Xiao Huayong had managed the situation so skillfully to spare his life.

Xue Heng actually couldn’t have lasted much longer, but His Majesty didn’t know this. His Majesty had thought Xue Heng would resign normally after Xue Jinqiao and Shen Yun’an’s wedding. There were too many variables, especially with Xue Kui’s downfall weakening the Xue family’s influence – His Majesty couldn’t push too hard.

How could it compare to Xue Heng vacating his position now? Sparing Xue Kui’s life brought His Majesty all benefit and no harm.

“Youyou, I remember every word, every character you say to me. So in the future, speak fewer words that pain my heart. Even if they’re truly your thoughts, don’t voice them.” Prince Xiao Huayong seized the chance to curry favor, then affected a cough and said, “Though I’m weak, I can fulfill your every need.”

Shen Xihe originally moved and feeling complex emotions, found his behavior both amusing and exasperating.

Suddenly he reached out his hand. Shen Xihe instinctively wanted to dodge but somehow restrained herself. His fingertip gently landed on her hair, brushing away a fallen flower petal: “Youyou, I don’t want you merely moved – I want your heart to stir.”

She was moved, but her heart remained still.

At this moment, Shen Xihe felt Prince Xiao Huayong was wasting his heartfelt devotion to someone like her.

“Your Highness, I will be a good wife.” This was the greatest promise she could give him now.

Once she had told him she would be an adequate wife, but now she would not limit herself to adequacy – she would be a good wife.

Prince Xiao Huayong’s heart trembled. Just this soft-spoken promise made him feel as satisfied as if drinking honey, his heart overflowing with sweetness. He couldn’t control himself and pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly.

Shen Xihe’s body stiffened, then gradually softened. Since age seven, this was the first time she had so gently nestled against a man’s chest – in childhood, she had only done so with her father and brothers.

She seemed to hear his heart in his chest, drumming by her ear.

Though he cherished her fragrance and beauty in his arms, he only quietly kissed her hair before releasing her. He could feel her forcing herself to adjust – this was too unfamiliar for her and would frighten her.

He had the patience to let her gradually grow accustomed to him.

“Tomorrow, His Majesty will decree Censor Tao to replace the Grand Secretary,” Prince Xiao Huayong told Shen Xihe another piece of good news.

“His Majesty has already decided?” Shen Xihe wondered if things were proceeding too smoothly.

“Censor Tao rendered great service in investigating and verifying Xue Kui’s case,” Prince Xiao Huayong smiled.