Both Xiao Changqin and Xiao Changying were stunned by Xiao Huayong’s shamelessness.

Could Xiao Changqin refuse?

Of course not!

It wasn’t that he had no way to resolve this crisis – the key was that Xiao Huayong held evidence against him! If he wanted to find another solution, he’d first need Xiao Huayong to show mercy.

If he left now, Xiao Huayong would expose his leak of the Astronomical Bureau’s rain prediction. With this real evidence, even if the proof of inciting civil unrest was fabricated by Xiao Huayong, as long as he couldn’t prove someone else framed him – even if the evidence couldn’t prove his guilt – with no other suspect, His Majesty’s wrath would fall solely on him!

This charge, willing or not, he’d have to bear it!

“How do you want me to inform His Majesty?” Xiao Changqin asked gravely.

“Palace maids locked deep within, accumulated yin energy, hence drought ravages,” Xiao Huayong gave him seventeen characters.

Not just Xiao Changqin but even Xiao Changying suddenly raised his head.

So…

So, all of Xiao Huayong’s elaborate scheming was to help Shen Xihe cleanse the palace harem!

All three were quite shocked, though Shen Xihe’s emotional waves were the gentlest, as this wasn’t the first time Xiao Huayong had gone to such lengths for her, both fulfilling her needs and desires while protecting her thoroughly and completely.

Xiao Changqin couldn’t help but think of himself. When he married Gu Qingchi, he was still young with unformed wings, yet he had exhausted every means to plan and do good for her. But she neither needed nor valued it, neither refusing nor rejoicing, treating all his dedication as dispensable.

It seemed that as a husband, whether he was good or not made no difference to her at all.

However, he also couldn’t reach Xiao Huayong’s level – he now realized such deep affection existed in this world.

Xiao Huayong must have known what kind of woman Shen Xihe was, her intelligence and capabilities, and Shen Xihe’s purpose in choosing him as her husband was crystal clear. Yet such a wise Xiao Huayong still took such risks, letting Shen Xihe grasp great power, completely unconcerned that one day, he might become a stepping stone for the Shen family to usurp the throne, becoming a historical sinner of the Xiao imperial family!

Xiao Changying’s mind went blank. He had considered his feelings for Shen Xihe deeply, silently protecting her. At this moment he understood that Shen Xihe’s choice of Xiao Huayong might not have been merely for legitimate status and Eastern Palace benefits.

Only Xiao Huayong could care for her so unreservedly, unrestrained by others, not needing to compromise for others.

He couldn’t do it – he still had his birth mother and siblings. Even if he could use all his strength to protect her, he couldn’t abandon everything for her. But Xiao Huayong could, and at this moment Xiao Changying believed it.

Xiao Changqin came to his senses and, noticing his brother’s emotions sighed almost inaudibly. He stood and said to Xiao Huayong, “I understand Your Highness’s meaning and won’t disturb you further.”

With that, he led Xiao Changying away.

Walking out the main door, Xiao Changying couldn’t help but look back deeply before catching up with his brother: “Brother, we’re not his equal.”

By “we,” he meant his feelings for Shen Xihe and Xiao Changqin’s for Gu Qingchi – both had considered their feelings deep and meaningful, but compared to Xiao Huayong, they felt ashamed.

Xiao Changqin acknowledged this point, smiling bitterly: “Perhaps… this is why she and I were fated to meet but not to be…”

After a long silence, Xiao Changqin added obscurely: “But I did my best.”

He truly had given his all, giving everything he could give. Unable to match Xiao Huayong’s level, perhaps it was because he couldn’t match Xiao Huayong’s capabilities – ultimately, he wasn’t worthy of her.

Seeing his elder brother’s painful melancholy, Xiao Changying felt heartache and somewhat regretted bringing it up. He changed the subject: “Brother, could the Crown Prince be setting a trap? Could this date be false?”

After all, Xiao Huayong had personally said nothing was absolute, and the Astronomical Bureau had made mistakes before. Xiao Changying remained worried.

Xiao Changqin shook his head slightly: “It’s likely true. If the Crown Prince had known about this earlier, he wouldn’t have used it just here – there were many better opportunities to exploit it. It must be information the Crown Princess received. The Crown Princess wants control of palace affairs and to cleanse the harem – this is the quickest and most effective method, and she doesn’t want to miss this golden opportunity.

If this opportunity passes, with the harem’s deep-rooted complexities, trying to clean them out one by one would not only be difficult but would also earn her a reputation for being narrow-minded and bloodthirsty.

If I’m not mistaken, it was the Crown Princess who insisted on this course, and the Crown Prince, unwilling to let her take risks, hastily pushed me forward instead.”

This explained why the Dengzhou matter was so rushed, catching him and everyone off guard – it didn’t seem pre-planned.

Not to be arrogant, but even if looking for someone to take the fall, Xiao Huayong wouldn’t easily choose him. With more time, Second Brother would have been the best choice or at least Third Brother.

He didn’t think Xiao Huayong feared him, but when choosing, everyone picked the easiest target.

“If that’s the case, there’s still risk. Let me…”

Xiao Changqin raised his hand to interrupt Xiao Changying’s words, his heart slightly warmed: “If even the Crown Princess dares take such a risk, it must mean the probability of rain on that day is extremely high. Am I not equal to a lady? Moreover… there are still benefits to be gained from this…”

As the brothers gradually walked away, Shen Xihe’s gaze fell on Xiao Huayong, her emotions complex.

“Is Youyou moved by me?” Xiao Huayong took her hand, using slight force to seat her on his lap.

Even as husband and wife, Shen Xihe disliked such intimacy during the day, especially such disregard for etiquette. She struggled slightly, but Xiao Huayong forcefully held on, righteously saying: “I’m asking for credit and reward here.”

Unable to break free, as if truly satisfying his credit request, Shen Xihe stiffly allowed his embrace.

Feeling her stiffness and discomfort, Xiao Huayong released her with some regret: “I’ve made you uncomfortable. I’m not comparing you to those frivolous women, nor do I mean to demean you – I just want to be more uninhibited with you.”

“I know, it’s not because of you, it’s me…” Years of ingrained upbringing and etiquette couldn’t be broken in a day – it was truly difficult. She could only take his hand proactively, looking at him sincerely, “Thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for? We’re husband and wife, what need is there for thanks? Protecting you from worry, solving your difficulties – this is as it should be.” Xiao Huayong grasped her hand in return.

“No, I’m not thanking you for protecting me.” Shen Xihe’s bright eyes penetrated with tiny waves of light, shallow and glistening as if flowing into one’s heart, “I’m thanking you… for letting me feel what it’s like to be cherished in someone’s palm.”

I feel cherished in your palm.

Xiao Huayong’s heart skipped a beat, his throat moving as he suppressed certain emotions: “Haven’t your father and brother done the same?”

“Father and brother are cautious with me. If my actions might harm myself, even the slightest or smallest possibility, father and brother would guard strictly against it, not allowing me to do so…”

But you’re different – you support me, and fulfill me, while still protecting me.

This must be what it feels like to be cherished in someone’s palm.