Having spent more time together, Shen Xihe gradually discovered Xiao Huayong’s habits. He was a complex person in his interactions with her – mostly gentle, glib, and contrary. Only when discussing serious matters did he become dignified, wise, and profound.

How could one person have so many faces and temperaments?

Shen Xihe could never quite understand, but since he didn’t hide himself from her, she was willing to try to understand him more deeply.

As three drum beats fell, the dragon boats leaped forward like flying light chasing lightning, with cheers rising and falling from both banks. Shen Xihe’s attention was drawn to the scene.

Wind instruments played loudly as shouts surged like waves. Following the rhythmic drumbeats from the dragon boat prows, work songs intertwined with the sound of oars striking water. The excitement here was infectious – all eyes followed intently, afraid to miss even the slightest bit of spectacle.

The dragon boats chased each other across the water’s surface, neck and neck. The shore was filled with supporters, shouting themselves hoarse. Some noble families had even specially organized robust old women to cheer and encourage.

This prosperous and peaceful scene flowing into Shen Xihe’s eyes made her wonder – without Gu Zhao’s compromise, what would the capital look like now?

Swords were drawn and arrows nocked, rulers and ministers in opposition.

Her gaze swept across every face beaming with joy – this was probably the outcome he had wanted to achieve.

While Shen Xihe was lost in thought, suddenly a tidal wave of cheering swept down from the relay station – someone had reached the finish line first. It was Bu Shulin’s dragon boat team. Many young ladies and youths jumped up cheering. Shen Xihe also stood but did not join their revelry – rather, taking advantage of everyone’s focused attention on the race, she walked along the passageway toward Xiao Huayong.

Seeing her approach, Xiao Huayong instinctively moved to rise and greet her, but his petty mood made him force himself to sit back down, deliberately not looking at Shen Xihe.

Shen Xihe held back her laughter and stepped forward with a slight curtsy: “Your Highness.”

Pinching the hem of his wide sleeves, Xiao Huayong forced himself to remain calm, nodding while staring ahead, watching Shen Xihe from the corner of his eye, feigning restraint: “Mm.”

“On this Dragon Boat Festival, seeing Your Highness not wearing the five-colored threads, I happened to weave one for Your Highness. Please don’t despise it,” Shen Xihe took out the five-colored threads in her hand.

Xiao Huayong couldn’t maintain his expression any longer, his lips immediately spreading into a smile, his eyes suddenly turning to look at her as he strode down from his seat: “Youyou, you specially wove five-colored threads for me?”

Tianyuan, Zhenzhu, and Biyu all lowered their heads, sharing the same thought: Your Highness, you could have at least held out a bit longer.

Hold out for what? If he acted too proud and truly angered Youyou, who else could he ask for five-colored threads?

“Yes, specially woven for Your Highness.” Shen Xihe lowered her head and slightly raised his hand. Xiao Huayong cooperatively lifted it higher, and Shen Xihe personally tied it around his wrist. “May Your Highness have smooth sailing in all matters, be free from illness and disaster, and enjoy long life and good health.”

The five-colored threads woven from silk threads shone brilliantly and smoothly in the sunlight, in all colors of the rainbow, complementing Xiao Huayong’s unstoppable smile, adding a touch of radiance to his sickly pale face.

The Crown Prince’s seat was flanked by Emperor Youning on one side and the Prince on the other. His every move could naturally draw others’ attention, especially when someone as significant as Shen Xihe approached – they couldn’t help but notice.

Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong were already betrothed, and current customs were quite open. Similar displays between engaged couples, openly exchanging gifts and frequently meeting in public, were common occurrences.

Shen Xihe did not attempt to hide, tying the five-colored threads on Xiao Huayong in full view of everyone. People had noticed the Crown Prince’s sour expression all day and had been speculating about what had happened.

Those who knew of Xiao Huayong’s inscrutability, such as Xiao Changqin and Xiao Changgeng, suspected he was putting on an act.

How could someone with such deep schemes allow his emotions to leak out? Even the greatest anger could be met with calm indifference, showing no trace of joy or anger. They all speculated about what Xiao Huayong might be plotting.

Now seeing Shen Xihe tie a five-colored thread for him, turning his storm into bright sunshine, they all felt somewhat uncomfortable.

The Twelfth Prince Xiao Changgeng was purely envious, immediately lowering his gaze to watch the dragon boat race.

The Ninth Prince, King Lie Xiao Changying, was dejected, his eyes somewhat vacant.

The Fifth Prince, King Xin Xiao Changqin, unconsciously touched his wrist, its emptiness reminding him of past sorrows.

The Third Prince, King Dai, turned to look at his princess consort Li Yanyan, who was enthusiastically focused only on the dragon boat race, his eyes full of loneliness.

The Second Prince, King Zhao Xiao Changmin, however, turned his gaze to Shen Xihe, who sat properly on the other side, her attention similarly drawn to Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong, unconsciously clenching his fist.

While the princes showed various expressions, Emperor Youning cast an inscrutable look at Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong.

Their marriage was personally arranged by him, and the meaning behind this marriage was, for him, to use Shen Xihe as a hostage to control Shen Yueshan.

To reduce the risk of Shen Xihe disrupting the situation, marrying her to the short-lived Xiao Huayong was undoubtedly the best choice.

The poison in Xiao Huayong’s body was almost incurable – he knew this better than anyone.

But Xiao Huayong knowingly chose to marry Shen Xihe despite his short life, and Shen Xihe agreed to marry knowing his fate wouldn’t be long – this made him unable to fathom their reasons.

Xiao Huayong’s eyes were full of Shen Xihe – he could see his son’s genuine feelings, but Shen Xihe showed no such intense emotions.

Yet Shen Xihe insisted on marrying Xiao Huayong, and Shen Yueshan even agreed – this had always puzzled him.

Given how much Shen Yueshan doted on Shen Xihe, why would he allow her to marry someone who wouldn’t live long? He couldn’t help but suspect there might be hope for the poison in the Crown Prince’s body.

Whatever these people thought in their hearts couldn’t affect Xiao Huayong’s joy. This was his happiest moment in life, and he was too lazy to engage in their scheming. If not for the various sounds around reminding him of his current environment, he would have truly wanted to embrace Shen Xihe, hold her tight, and feel her softness and fragrance.

“What fragrance is Youyou wearing?” Xiao Huayong couldn’t help his fascination, leaning closer to take a deep breath. The cool scent was particularly refreshing in this hot weather.

Shen Xihe took an imperceptible step back, away from this libertine, curtsied, and turned to leave.

As his beauty departed, Xiao Huayong was momentarily stunned, initially not realizing what had annoyed her. He quickly realized that while he had simply wanted to ask about her fragrance, she had associated it with his past behavior, thus becoming annoyed that he was teasing her again, especially in public – how could she not be upset?

Finally understanding the drawbacks of his past habit of taking verbal liberties, Xiao Huayong particularly wanted to chase after her and explain, but not only would pursuing her now be inappropriate, but even if he caught up, she certainly wouldn’t believe he had meant no impropriety just now.