When Shen Xihe sent Mo Yuan back, she had instructed him to disguise the assassination attempt. Originally, this could have been seamless, but Gu Qingshu had overheard and informed Xiao Changqing. That hidden path was something she, having grown up in the Northwest, shouldn’t possibly have known about.

“Youyou, are you alright?” Xiao Huayong held Shen Xihe’s hand, asking softly.

Shen Xihe looked at him, her gaze calm as she studied him for a moment before shaking her head gently. “Let’s follow them.”

Since Xiao Huayong was taking Xiao Changqing before Emperor Youning, they would need to determine right from wrong. As involved parties, they naturally had to attend.

Before they even reached Emperor Youning, he had already learned the basics from his eunuchs. This was no small matter—Prince Xin barging into Shen Xihe’s quarters like a madman. If not handled properly, rumors of two dragons fighting over a pearl would spread, and it wouldn’t be as pleasant as the saying suggested.

“Prince Xin, how do you explain yourself?” Emperor Youning questioned directly.

Now calmer, Xiao Changqing ignored the emperor’s gaze and turned to Shen Xihe. His deep gaze was full of suspicion, inquiry, and confusion, but he only looked briefly before Xiao Huayong subtly stepped forward to block his view.

“Prince Xin.” Emperor Youning’s tone carried a warning.

Lowering his eyes, Xiao Changqing’s expression returned to its usual composed state. He spoke evenly: “I simply realized Princess Zhaoning bears many similarities to my late wife. I acted impulsively and disturbed the Princess. I ask for her forgiveness.”

Xiao Huayong turned sharply, his unmasked gaze carrying a sharp, cold light as he stared at Xiao Changqing.

Xiao Changqing appeared not to notice, keeping his head lowered in silence.

Emperor Youning’s gaze moved between his two sons, whose superficial calm barely masked their hostility, before settling on Shen Xihe, his expression softening: “Zhaoning, Prince Xin has disturbed you. How would you have us handle this?”

Though not a major incident, it wouldn’t be appropriate for the emperor to dismiss it entirely.

There was no need to pursue such matters too far. Not because Shen Xihe was being magnanimous, but because if she truly wanted to move against Xiao Changqing, she wouldn’t focus on such a minor incident: “Prince Xin didn’t harm me. However, I’ve heard of Prince Xin’s wife’s grace. I wonder in what way do I resemble her?”

Emperor Youning’s gaze followed Shen Xihe’s to Xiao Changqing. This time, Xiao Changqing didn’t look at Shen Xihe, only saying softly: “The Princess doesn’t understand that when one misses someone desperately, they become obsessed. Even without similarities, they see resemblance everywhere.”

Shen Xihe didn’t argue but nodded slightly: “Prince Xin’s devotion runs deep. Let’s consider this matter settled. However, if the Prince is lovesick, I advise him to practice self-cultivation in seclusion. To prevent today’s events from recurring—if next time I react in fear and show disrespect or harm to the Prince, Your Majesty must testify that I acted in self-defense.”

Once was enough; there wouldn’t be a second time.

Emperor Youning smiled: “I will testify for you. If Prince Xin behaves inappropriately again, you may protect yourself. I won’t blame you.”

Shen Xihe curtsied gracefully: “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Emperor Youning symbolically rebuked Xiao Changqing and ordered him to apologize to Shen Xihe, thus concluding the matter. Xiao Huayong remained silent throughout and quietly accompanied Shen Xihe as they left the emperor’s residence. Due to their urgent departure schedule, Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe parted ways at the entrance.

Over the next two days’ journey, Xiao Huayong still came early each morning to share breakfast with her. Nothing had changed—he remained himself, never failing to tease her, his attitude unchanged from before. He never mentioned that day’s events, contrary to what Shen Xihe had expected.

Two days later, they arrived at Linyou Palace. Under Xiao Huayong’s arrangements, Shen Xihe stayed in a small courtyard adjacent to the Crown Prince’s quarters. Though tiny with only three rooms, she was the only lady with a private courtyard.

Despite Linyou Palace’s vast grounds, it wasn’t possible to give everyone their courtyard. Both officials’ wives and the officials themselves shared quarters with others. Even Princesses Anling and Pingling shared a courtyard.

Nevertheless, everyone wore smiles, as the place was pleasantly cool without being cold. The ladies could gather to play ball, swing on swings, and play hide-and-seek without worrying about breaking into sweat. The officials also felt more clear-headed.

“Why haven’t you asked me about that day’s events, Your Highness?” Shen Xihe watched as Xiao Huayong stood up to stretch after finishing his official duties.

“Which day’s events?” Xiao Huayong’s lips carried a knowing smile.

“Your Highness is pretending not to know,” Shen Xihe exposed him.

“No, I have no right to ask,” Xiao Huayong corrected. “We are only betrothed. I can help solve your troubles, but I can’t interfere in your private matters. You and Fifth Brother don’t have a romantic relationship, so what right do I have to question you?”

He hoped that neither their betrothal nor their future marriage would become her constraint.

Though he desperately wanted to know, he respected her more.

Although he was serious, his words generous, and his understanding evident, Shen Xihe somehow heard an undertone of unspoken grievance and restraint. Was she judging a gentleman’s heart with a petty person’s mindset?

Meeting his understanding and gentle eyes, Shen Xihe felt her suspicion of his tactical retreat was excessive.

“Xiao Changtai successfully left the capital,” she said. She brought this up because Mo Yuan and Mo Yu had returned. They had pursued along the river, attempting several interceptions, but Xiao Changtai had prepared escape routes in advance, so they had failed.

“Mm.” Xiao Huayong responded. Though he had been outmaneuvered by Xiao Changqing this time, he didn’t care much about success or failure, but before Shen Xihe, he still felt some loss of face.

“Your Highness needn’t mind,” Shen Xihe comforted, noticing Xiao Huayong’s mood. “Anyone would have been deceived by Prince Xin. Prince Xin knew of a hidden path out of the capital…”

“Youyou knew about it,” Xiao Huayong said.

“Yes, I knew and knew early enough to send Mo Yuan and Mo Yu to intercept. However, Xiao Changtai was cunning. He must have feared Prince Xin would leave some contingency, so he didn’t fully follow Prince Xin’s arrangements and chose his escape strategy early.” Xiao Changtai’s intelligence and methods were not inferior, otherwise he couldn’t have caused such turmoil.

“It’s a pity he escaped.”

Though this time returning to the capital with Ye Wantang, he had suffered heavy losses.

“These people, he never wanted them anyway,” Xiao Huayong sneered. This was Xiao Changtai’s usual tactic.