Shen Xihe’s words were like sparks falling into Xiao Huayong’s eyes. His deep ocean-like eyes blazed like fireworks, like a sea of flames igniting instantly, the approaching heat wave seeming as if it would devour everything.

Shen Xihe was too familiar with this burning, almost predatory gaze of his. She avoided his eyes and was about to say something to divert his attention when Xiao Huayong took her hand first.

He didn’t make any of the impulsive moves she had expected. Instead, he held both her hands, gently gathering her fingertips into his palms, enveloping her hands, before saying softly: “Youyou, I was inconsiderate before. I didn’t think about your feelings. I only wanted you to accept my goodwill, without deeply considering whether this was what you needed.”

His gentle voice and sincere apology made Shen Xihe feel somewhat uncomfortable: “I was also at fault. Between husband and wife, we should be understanding of each other. Occasional disagreements are no great matter – we are, after all, two different people with our thoughts and concerns. This is normal. I won’t dwell on our earlier dispute, and Your Highness needn’t worry about it. If we disagree again in the future, we can still debate.”

Whoever could convince the other would be listened to, and if neither could convince the other, they would handle it as they had this time.

There were always more solutions than problems. As long as one was willing to compromise and think of alternatives, there would always be a way forward.

The last trace of unease in Xiao Huayong’s heart dissipated. His tender eyes, filled with layers of love, gazed deeply at Shen Xihe.

He didn’t say anything more, but that gaze made Shen Xihe feel that at that moment, she was Xiao Huayong’s entire world.

Shen Xihe couldn’t help but smile, about to speak when a discordant sound interrupted: “Gurgle…”

Xiao Huayong: …

The romantic atmosphere instantly dispersed, and Shen Xihe couldn’t help but laugh: “Let’s go make wontons.”

Xiao Huayong loved wontons, eating them seven or eight times a month. Every time Shen Xihe prepared the filling, she would save some. The kitchen had many staff, with people specifically assigned to make the dough, so Shen Xihe just had to wrap them, put them in the pot, and they would cook quickly.

A steaming bowl of noodles was placed before Xiao Huayong, making him beam with joy. The somewhat plump Jiuzhang rather dolefully peered around the door, half his body visible as he watched Xiao Huayong eating just outside the kitchen.

He had been assigned to the Eastern Palace since His Highness was five years old, being among the earliest to serve him. In over ten years, he had presented countless delicacies to His Highness but had never seen him smile so brilliantly as the stars.

Even more outrageous was how the Crown Prince had been smiling so widely at the Crown Princess one moment, then upon catching a glimpse of him, changed his expression faster than the weather, showing only deep disgust, only to turn back to the Crown Princess with another radiant smile.

Jiuzhang: …

Tianyuan, having satisfied himself with some of Jiuzhang’s wontons in the kitchen, walked past while patting his full stomach. Following Jiuzhang’s gaze, he patted his shoulder with the air of someone who understood and cheerfully walked away.

The Crown Princess had already placated His Highness, so there was nothing left for him to do. He could go back to sleep, and he had a feeling tomorrow would be another day he could sleep in, because the warm spring atmosphere meant the masters would surely spend a day of tender moments behind the lotus curtains, only lamenting the shortness of spring nights.

The next day, Shen Xihe went to see Emperor Youning again, once more requesting his permission to go to Liangzhou to search for Shen Yueshan. Emperor Youning didn’t refuse outright, only saying he would think about it.

When Shen Xihe went again on the third day, Emperor Youning seemed to yield to her repeated pleas: “We will send people to escort you to Liangzhou. Return to the palace to prepare your luggage, and you’ll set out tomorrow.”

Shen Xihe was overjoyed and agreed, to return to the Eastern Palace.

“His Majesty’s escorts are there to monitor you,” Xiao Huayong pulled Shen Xihe to the map he had drawn. It was a wall-sized map, very detailed, perfected by Xiao Huayong based on his personal experiences, with rough areas indicating places he hadn’t yet explored.

“From the capital westward to the northwest, first to Qizhou, then to Lanzhou, followed by Shanzhou, and finally to Liangzhou.” Xiao Huayong traced the map with his specially made ruler, which was very long and thin. “Qizhou is very close to the capital, and the entire route follows official roads with posting stations at regular intervals. His Majesty would have no opportunity to act there. From Qizhou to Lanzhou, the route changes from land to water, along the vast Wei River. Given your previous incident of falling into the water, if His Majesty harbors killing intent, he would choose this location.”

Taking action on the Wei River would indicate murderous intent, but with Shen Yueshan’s whereabouts unknown, Emperor Youning might not necessarily try to kill Shen Xihe.

However, they couldn’t rule out that Emperor Youning might have other methods to ensure Shen Xihe would survive any “accidents” on the boat.

Xiao Huayong told her these things to keep her alert.

Shen Xihe nodded slightly, indicating she understood.

“The distance from Lanzhou to Shanzhou is quite short, only a three-day journey. His Majesty likely won’t have an opportunity to act there. If he hasn’t made his move at the Wei River, then he will certainly act against you between Lanzhou and Liangzhou.”

This was also the location Xiao Huayong was most certain about because Shen Yueshan had disappeared in Liangzhou. Despite the intense search, even though Shen Yueshan knew the Liangzhou area very well, it would have been impossible to leave Liangzhou without leaving any trace.

Emperor Youning leaned toward believing that Shen Yueshan was hiding in Liangzhou. If Shen Xihe had been attacked too far from Liangzhou, the news might not have reached Shen Yueshan’s ears before being intercepted, or Shen Xihe might have already escaped to safety.

Only by putting Shen Xihe in danger close to where Shen Yueshan was could they make him panic and reveal himself.

“My thoughts align with yours,” Shen Xihe nodded.

Xiao Huayong smiled, putting down the long ruler and turning to speak gravely: “Given our special status, there are many watching this situation. Some might try to fish in troubled waters. Although Xiao Changtai has suffered greatly, his hatred for me runs bone-deep, and he might well participate in this…”

This was why Xiao Huayong had been reluctant to let Shen Xihe risk herself – too many people wanted to take their lives, and these people were hiding in the shadows. Xiao Changtai was just one of them.

“Once we leave the capital, I’ll switch with your people in Qizhou,” Shen Xihe reassured him.

“I’ll go request His Majesty to let me accompany you, which he will certainly refuse. After you leave, I’ll slip out of the palace. His Majesty will surely suspect I’m up to something, and I’ll draw away his men,” Xiao Huayong held Shen Xihe’s hand. “Additionally, I’ve arranged a group of people to pose as Xiao Juersong’s men, following along and showing intentions to kidnap you, to keep His Majesty’s people occupied. If others make any moves, they’ll muddy the waters. Just be aware of this – you don’t need to especially coordinate with them.”

After nodding, Shen Xihe asked: “Crown Prince Jiachen…”

“He passed away last month,” Xiao Huayong said.

Xiao Juersong had long been critically ill, and it was already remarkable that he had managed to survive past the New Year. Before his death, he had sent a message to Xiao Huayong, and indeed left his few remaining men to him.