It must have been Xiao Changyan who made his move. Xiao Changgeng had likely detected Xiao Changyan’s intentions, which explained the perfect timing of sending his safety message to Xiao Huayong the day before his disappearance – a preemptive hint to Xiao Huayong that he was not in danger.

“Does Prince Jing suspect you have connections with Prince Yan?” Shen Xihe felt such suspicion was natural.

Having been away from the capital for years, his control over affairs there must be limited. Given Xiao Changgeng’s recent smooth progress, it would be hard to believe he had no support.

“Not necessarily me,” Xiao Huayong shook his head slightly.

Xiao Changyan merely suspected Xiao Changgeng had already allied with others, and his friendship with this later-arriving brother might be motivated by espionage. However, with the Pei family declining after Pei Zhan’s death, though Pei Ce was talented, he was still too young to reach such depths.

For a brother who might rely on him, who was capable and knowledgeable about the capital through years of residence there, Xiao Changyan was reluctant to refuse him outright. Thus, he needed to test him harshly. Perhaps…

The test was secondary – more ruthlessly, he wanted to force Xiao Changgeng to break ties with any existing backers, regardless of who they might be, and thereafter serve him completely.

“Will you go?” Shen Xihe couldn’t read Xiao Huayong’s thoughts.

Logically, since they had figured out Xiao Changyan’s intentions and Xiao Changgeng had hinted he could handle things himself, Xiao Huayong shouldn’t go. Yet he seemed unlikely to ignore the situation.

Sure enough, Xiao Huayong said: “Yes, I’ll go meet with Little Eight and see how much he’s learned over these years.”

All roads to Dengzhou were blocked by landslides, and even His Majesty’s official messages were delayed, yet news of Xiao Changgeng’s disappearance last night reached Xiao Huayong this morning. What did this indicate?

It meant Xiao Changyan had detected people around him and deliberately leaked the information, though uncertain of their allegiance.

If Xiao Changyan harbored imperial ambitions, he would be a stumbling block for Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe. Since he had thrown down the gauntlet, how could they not respond?

Moreover, regarding Xiao Changgeng – hearts are made of flesh. Though he had hinted he could handle the situation, no one could predict Xiao Changyan’s actions.

Xiao Changgeng was being groomed as Shen Xihe’s right-hand man by Xiao Huayong. In the future, even without Xiao Huayong, with Xiao Changgeng’s influence, whether Shen Xihe ruled from behind a curtain or held direct power, she would have someone to stand in front of. Whatever she was unwilling to do or shouldn’t be blamed for, Xiao Changgeng could handle.

Therefore, he couldn’t let such a valuable general become disheartened.

“Let me go,” Shen Xihe stopped Xiao Huayong.

Dengzhou was already dangerous, with countless unpredictable accidents. Shen Xihe didn’t want Xiao Huayong to risk danger. Additionally, Official Tao was in Dengzhou, and she could check on her grandfather.

Seeing Xiao Huayong shake his head, Shen Xihe quickly added: “What reason would you have to go to Dengzhou?”

The Crown Prince, known for poor health – wouldn’t this just cause more trouble in Dengzhou?

Even Emperor Youning wouldn’t approve unless Xiao Huayong feigned illness again and left a body double in the Eastern Palace while secretly heading to Dengzhou.

“Tianyuan and I can cover for you, but now that His Majesty watches my every move, it won’t be as easy to use illness as an excuse as before.”

Times had changed; Xiao Huayong’s secret palace departures had become impractical since she took control of palace affairs.

Emperor Youning was currently worried about Dengzhou’s disaster and wary of her and Xiao Changqin. Though his suspicions of Xiao Huayong had subsided, they were still husband and wife, and the Emperor might try to drive a wedge between them, attempting to win over or utilize Xiao Huayong.

Thus, Xiao Huayong would be under increased imperial scrutiny.

“If we can’t go secretly, we’ll go openly,” Xiao Huayong smiled mysteriously. “We’ll go together.”

“Openly?” Shen Xihe studied him intently, sure he had another scheme in mind.

“Yes, and not just us – we’ll bring Sixth Brother too. The more, the merrier,” Xiao Huayong’s eyes sparkled with deeper amusement.

Raising her eyebrows, Shen Xihe didn’t press for details about his plan. The answer would reveal itself soon enough.

Xiao Huayong kept his scheme to himself.

Over the next two days, Shen Xihe directed Biyu and others to pack discreetly. Xiao Huayong acted normally, reporting illness and resting in his chambers, not going out, instead spending time with Shen Xihe playing chess, painting, blending incense, and brewing tea, each day passing most elegantly.

On the third day, Emperor Youning sent Liu Sanzhi to summon the couple to the main hall for court. Many officials were present, their gazes complex upon seeing them.

After the formal greetings, Emperor Youning had a banner brought forth and ordered attendants to unfurl it. The characters appeared to be rubbings from some uneven surface, sixteen characters in total:

“Sun rises in the east, mountains, and rivers remain peaceful;

The North Star, stabilizing the nation in all directions.”

Shen Xihe’s gaze froze as she suddenly looked at Xiao Huayong.

The surface meaning was too obvious – it practically stated directly that if Xiao Huayong went to Dengzhou to stabilize the nation, clear skies would return and peace would prevail!

This was Xiao Huayong’s solution.

“This arrived from Dengzhou this morning. In Huang County, a massive boulder fell from a mountaintop with these words carved into it,” Emperor Youning spoke with unreadable emotion.

Xiao Huayong coughed lightly, then spoke very weakly, supported by Shen Xihe as he bowed with effort to Emperor Youning: “The peace of mountains and rivers comes from Your Majesty’s blessing on all regions. How could my weak body stabilize the nation? In my opinion, someone deliberately carved this to lure me to Dengzhou with ill intent.”

Whether to believe such things depended entirely on the emperor’s interpretation.

Xiao Huayong voiced his thoughts, and indeed this possibility couldn’t be ruled out.

Emperor Youning prided himself on not being a tyrant and wouldn’t move against Xiao Huayong based solely on some mysterious stone. Otherwise, if others followed such examples, wouldn’t the realm fall into chaos?

“We share your thoughts,” Emperor Youning nodded. “However, the people of Dengzhou are currently in dire straits, and this matter has caused quite a stir. The common people, unaware of the full situation, place their hopes on you going to Dengzhou. What do you think?”

After a moment’s silence, Xiao Huayong lowered his head and said: “How dare I refuse if I can help the people in some small way? I am willing to go to Dengzhou to dispel these baseless rumors.”

Emperor Youning nodded, but before he could speak, Shen Xihe stepped forward: “Your Majesty, Dengzhou is fraught with danger, the rains haven’t ceased, and the situation is uncertain. The Crown Prince is weak and shouldn’t endure such a journey. But since it cannot be refused for the people’s sake, I request to accompany His Highness to attend to him personally.”

Emperor Youning didn’t agree immediately, but after pondering for a moment, he consented: “Very well… Prince Xin will escort the Crown Prince and his wife to Dengzhou.”