HomeAfter I Bloom Hundred Flowers DieChapter 599: They Should Thank the Crown Princess for Her Mercy

Chapter 599: They Should Thank the Crown Princess for Her Mercy

As matters naturally progressed, Shen Xihe effortlessly obtained control of the palace, surprising many who heard the news.

Noble Consort Rong had held palace power for over twenty years, with deep-rooted influence. Since Shen Xihe’s arranged marriage to Xiao Huayong, many had anticipated a fierce battle between the two, yet surprisingly, Noble Consort Rong lost her palace authority in a single confrontation.

Thinking it through, it made sense. Noble Consort Rong had compromised her virtue by bribing monks and having her female historian seduce a temple monk, committing improper acts on sacred ground, all to frame the Crown Princess.

For her selfish interests, she had delayed the capture of His Majesty’s would-be assassin, allowing their escape – an unforgivable offense. His Majesty had already shown mercy by not completely stripping her rank or confining her to the Cold Palace out of consideration for Prince Xin and Prince Lie. The punishment seemed almost lenient.

Though Emperor Youning was internally furious, he had to end this turmoil. The assassin hadn’t been found after one thorough search, and continuing would be difficult to explain to Xu Qing. The female historian who had “offered herself” from Noble Consort Rong’s household became the target of imperial anger and was sentenced to death.

The temple monk was already dead, and Emperor Youning did Xu Qing a favor by letting him handle the temple affairs.

The only comfort for Emperor Youning was that the strange incense incident now had a reasonable explanation – it was heaven’s warning of the assassination attempt. If the prayer incense hadn’t gone awry, keeping His Majesty awake, the attempt might have succeeded.

This explanation was more convincing than rumors about heaven refusing His Majesty’s worship and more persuasive to the common people.

However, as this explanation spread, along with news that Consort Rong Zhao had been sent back to the palace overnight for her crimes, people began saying she had failed in an assassination attempt against His Majesty.

Xiao Changying escorted Consort Rong Zhao back to the palace at night, personally witnessing her confinement in Hanchang Palace. Facing his weeping mother, he felt conflicted. He rushed back to Xiangguo Temple under the stars, and as dawn broke, he found himself inexplicably outside the courtyard where Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong resided, unable to step forward.

It was Biyu on duty who spotted him and reported to Shen Xihe. She was at her toilette, with the fully dressed Xiao Huayong standing beside her, applying a flower mark to her brow. Before Shen Xihe could speak, he ordered: “Invite Prince Lie in, tell the kitchen to send more breakfast, and invite Prince Xin as well.”

Shen Xihe, calm-faced with lowered eyes, lifted her gaze at his words: “What are you planning?”

This wasn’t the time to provoke the brothers Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changying. Prince Jing already suspected her of Pei Zhan’s death and watched her like a hawk, while Prince Zhao hoped everyone would target the Eastern Palace so he could benefit as a bystander.

“Since you showed mercy, let’s tell them,” Xiao Huayong steadied Shen Xihe’s head with two fingers, examining it carefully. “Don’t raise your forehead, or I might draw it crooked.”

Shen Xihe glanced at him but lowered her eyes: “Just draw it casually.”

Flower marks were fashionable, and Shen Xihe didn’t want to appear unconventional. She usually applied pearls or simple dots, only choosing more elaborate decorations when formal attire required it.

Since marrying Xiao Huayong, he enjoyed doing her makeup, insisting on drawing beautiful flower marks daily, particularly favoring a delicate osmanthus leaf pattern, occasionally adding one or two pearls.

“Your husband’s pleasure cannot be casual,” Xiao Huayong crouched to be level with Shen Xihe, his gentle eyes focused intently on her brow as he drew with great care.

Shen Xihe let him fuss over her. When they went out, both Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changying were present. Xiao Changqing greeted the couple naturally, as if nothing had happened, while Xiao Changying stood stiffly, mechanically following his brother’s movements.

“Fifth Brother, Ninth Brother, please sit,” Xiao Huayong gestured after taking his seat.

“Thank you, Crown Prince,” Xiao Changqing complied smoothly, with Xiao Changying following closely.

They ate breakfast in silence until Xiao Changqing spoke: “What instructions does the Crown Prince have?”

“No instructions. I heard Ninth Brother lingering outside the courtyard early this morning and thought he might have something to say to his elder brother,” Xiao Huayong looked questioningly at Xiao Changying.

All eyes turned to Xiao Changying, who stammered without producing words.

Xiao Changqing remained silent.

Shen Xihe smiled slightly: “If Prince Lie wishes to ask about Consort Rong Zhao’s matter, please do.”

“I…” Xiao Changying began but still couldn’t find the words.

“Crown Princess, in the struggle for palace power, Mother was simply outmaneuvered. The inner palace authority should rightfully belong to the Crown Princess, according to protocol,” Xiao Changqing rescued his brother. “Mother relinquishing palace power to live out her years in peace is what my brother and I wish for. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess need not worry – I am not unreasonable.”

Xiao Changqing tactfully expressed that they wouldn’t harbor resentment over this contest between Shen Xihe and Consort Rong Zhao.

For Xiao Changqing, Noble Consort Rong losing power and being confined was beneficial – she would no longer rush to His Majesty’s defense and put her sons in difficult positions.

“Fifth Brother is clever and should understand that if I had truly sent someone to assassinate His Majesty, Consort Rong Zhao’s fate would be different,” Xiao Huayong spoke bluntly since they were being open.

If the assassin had been sent by Xiao Huayong, then Rong Qiu wouldn’t have just “encountered” the assassin, allowing their escape – Rong Qiu would have been the assassin’s accomplice! The entire Rong family would have been implicated, with no way to defend themselves.

Xiao Changqing smiled elegantly: “Then why didn’t the Crown Prince send someone to assassinate His Majesty?”

“You think I feared exposing too much?” Xiao Huayong laughed lightly. “Do you think this is my style?”

Xiao Changqing raised an eyebrow, having to admit that Xiao Huayong’s actions were typically domineering and ruthless. He knew that if the assassin had been sent by him, he wouldn’t have hesitated despite the exposure and losses it would cause.

Yet Xiao Huayong had used gentler methods. Xiao Changqing turned his gaze to Shen Xihe.

“The Crown Princess felt that in her grudge with Consort Rong Zhao, Rong Qiu’s death was sufficient. I didn’t need to burn bridges with you,” Xiao Huayong explained. If Noble Consort Rong had truly been found guilty of attempting to assassinate His Majesty, it would have been a capital offense, and Xiao Changqing wouldn’t be so understanding now – the death of a mother would demand vengeance.

Xiao Changqing understood – Xiao Huayong was letting the brothers know that Shen Xihe had intentionally spared Consort Rong Zhao’s life.

How absurd – their mother had fallen to the rank of Consort and was confined, yet they had to be grateful for Shen Xihe’s mercy.

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