They could dismiss Xiao Changmin and Xiao Changzhen, but they couldn’t ignore the Crown Princess who even His Majesty couldn’t handle.

The advisor, hearing this, hesitated before finally steeling himself: “I have something to say, though I’m unsure if I should.”

“Only the two of us are here. I consider you my confidant—speak freely.” Xiao Yangbian’s expression was gentle.

“Your Highness, you just mentioned not understanding why the Prince of Xin leaked the Imperial Astronomer’s rain prediction. I now have a theory.” Under Xiao Yangbian’s inquiring gaze, the advisor took a deep breath and continued, “The Prince of Xin first leaked the prediction, inciting unrest, then brought up Emperor Taizong’s pardoning of the imperial harem for rain prayers, using this to kneel and request His Majesty to pardon the harem—effectively handing power over the inner palace to the Crown Princess.

I believe everything was the Prince of Xin’s deliberate doing, to assist the Crown Princess.”

Xiao Yangbian was momentarily stunned. Though the theory made sense, he instinctively shook his head: “Fifth Brother’s devotion to Fifth Sister-in-law is absolute—how could he be involved with the Crown Princess?”

Xiao Yangbian had grown up with Xiao Changqin and Gu Qingzhi. Except for the Crown Prince, all the princes had grown up together. Though he’d gone to Annam five years ago, before that, Fifth Brother’s feelings for Lady Gu had been obvious.

Furthermore…

Xiao Yangbian recalled Xiao Changgeng’s praise of Shen Xihe and his limited impressions of her. Many women in the world would act like courtesans, disregarding honor and shame for wealth and glory.

But someone as noble as Shen Xihe, whose every movement was elegant and composed—Xiao Yangbian prided himself on his ability to judge character—wouldn’t do anything immoral to achieve her goals. Even if victory or defeat concerned the entire Shen family’s survival, she would lose with her spine straight.

“Your Highness, Lady Gu is gone—when people leave, feelings cool. Besides, how many truly unbreakable bonds exist in this world? The Prince of Xin is destined for greatness—how could he be constrained by emotions?” The advisor disagreed. “Moreover… I don’t necessarily think the Crown Princess and Prince of Xin are romantically involved. Perhaps they’ve already reached an agreement—first, unite against Your Highness, then later compete based on their abilities.”

Xiao Yangbian’s gaze deepened. First, unite then compete on merit—this possibility seemed quite high.

Perhaps this time, Xiao Changqin involving Xiao Huayong was just a facade, while he and the Crown Princess intended to eliminate him!

“Your Highness, they’re coming forcefully—we can’t just wait for death,” the advisor said urgently.

“I came here with only a hundred shadow guards. The Prince of Xin and the Crown Princess’s people must be everywhere by now. Sending for more people would only trap us.” Xiao Yangbian now leaned toward believing Shen Xihe might truly be allied with Xiao Changqin to deal with him. “We can only defend rather than attack—we mustn’t act rashly.”

React to each move—the situation was extremely unfavorable. If he acted rashly, he might step right into Xiao Changqin’s trap.

The advisor was worried but knew Xiao Yangbian’s strategy was the best option: “Is the Prince of Yan… innocent?”

“Can’t conclude yet.” Xiao Yangbian shook his head. “See, even His Majesty doesn’t know about Twelfth Brother’s disappearance. I only leaked it to those watching secretly. Just as Twelfth Brother disappeared, the strange stone appeared in Wendeng County, requiring the Crown Prince to come to guard it—this can’t be a coincidence.”

He just didn’t know if Xiao Changqin had planned to come to Dengzhou to compete with him, or if he came for Xiao Changgeng.

The advisor was somewhat disappointed—they’d thought they could use Xiao Changgeng, but now they couldn’t let their guard down.

“Your Highness, the strange stone appeared right under our noses, yet we can’t find any traces. I worry the Prince of Xin already harbors killing intent toward Your Highness. Wendeng County may not be as safe as it appears—Your Highness should plan,” the advisor couldn’t help warning.

Xiao Yangbian heard that the advisor still advocated striking first, preferably making some moves along the way before Xiao Changqin arrived.

“The people we arranged last time never returned. He sent their heads to me as a show of force, telling me he knows my every move.” Xiao Yangbian’s brows furrowed. “We must stay calm now.”

Xiao Changqin was trying to provoke him!

Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong traveled through the rain, hurrying toward Wendeng County. The closer they got, the heavier the rain became. Passed fields were submerged, and many mountain villages were buried by landslides. The towns were bustling, filled with rescued villagers from disaster areas.

These people had truly lost everything, some even losing family members. They were dejected, spirits low, looking up at the pouring rain with blank, hollow, desperate eyes.

Perhaps because the disaster situation was so severe, the town’s restaurants had been requisitioned. Somehow Xiao Yangbian had motivated local wealthy households—surprisingly many were actively providing disaster relief.

Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong found lodging in a house. Standing by a second-floor window, Shen Xihe watched someone pushing a large bathtub through the rain toward where disaster victims were being received, knowing it contained medicine to ward off the cold.

Xiao Huayong stood beside her, catching the approval in her eyes: “Is Youyou curious how Little Eight got these wealthy households to willingly spend their fortune?”

Shen Xihe nodded. She was indeed curious about how Xiao Yangbian managed it. Given the severe disaster, having one or two wealthy households selflessly willing to donate money, food, medicine, and clothing would be good enough. But it seemed every household was generous—truly unexpected.

Letting out a short snort, Xiao Huayong said somewhat sarcastically: “Little Eight had his people pretend to be disaster victims, inciting them to loot two wealthy households. Then, when all the wealthy households feared for themselves, he stepped forward with reason and emotion.”

Xiao Huayong spoke indirectly, but Shen Xihe understood. Ordinary wealthy households had guards—no matter how desperate, these people wouldn’t easily dare to charge in. With a prince present, they still believed in the court, hoping for government aid, and wouldn’t do such things. But since Xiao Yangbian couldn’t provide resources to comfort and settle these people, he had to play both good and bad cop.

Better to voluntarily give than live in fear of being looted and possibly killed—plus they gained a good reputation.

Hearing Xiao Huayong’s disdain for Xiao Yangbian’s actions, Shen Xihe turned with a meaningful smile: “We’re about to enter Wendeng County. I hear the Prince of Jing hasn’t made any moves along the way, focusing solely on disaster victims. Are you frustrated that your schemes failed?”

Though knowing she was deliberately provoking him, Xiao Huayong still couldn’t help getting angry: “Just wait—there won’t be a shortage of entertainment for you to watch.”