HomeAfter I Bloom Hundred Flowers DieChapter 688: An Unexpected Visitor

Chapter 688: An Unexpected Visitor

Xiao Huayong disliked Shen Xihe’s compromising with anyone, even for cooperation.

Shen Xihe’s thoughts aligned with what Xiao Huayong expressed. Xiao Changmin wouldn’t give up until he got to the bottom of things. Even if he was rebuffed by Noble Consort Su this time, to avoid exposing Noble Consort Su’s alliance with her, she couldn’t take action to let Xiao Changmin know she was aware of this matter.

Then Xiao Changmin would continue seeking others, and who knew whom he’d approach next? Letting Noble Consort Su help meant she could get the benefits Xiao Changmin promised while concealing their connection with her, and keep the situation under their control.

“Yes, I’ll send word to Noble Consort Su now.”

Having taken control of palace management and released many palace maids, she had a firm grip on the inner palace, making communication with Noble Consort Su much easier than before.

“How do you plan to resolve this?” After handing the message to Zhenzhu, Shen Xihe turned to ask Xiao Huayong.

“The best solution is to have Heir Bu take a wife,” Xiao Huayong lowered his gaze, fingers brushing the leaves of a nearby bonsai.

Shen Xihe wasn’t sure she heard correctly: “Hmm?”

Looking up, Xiao Huayong’s gaze was steady: “Take a wife, arrange someone to marry Heir Bu, concealing Heir Bu’s identity, and perhaps even negotiate to let Heir Bu safely give birth.”

Xiao Huayong had always opposed keeping the child in Bu Shulin’s womb – the risk was too great. But Cui Jinbai had served him loyally as his confidant, and now in this state, Xiao Huayong had to prepare for the worst. Perhaps this was Cui Jinbai’s only offspring, so he began thinking of the most stable way to reduce risks.

Additionally, Xiao Huayong could see Shen Xihe’s sympathy for Bu Shulin and her unborn child, maintaining a trace of mercy. Since this was so, he had to expend more effort.

“Alin is the heir of the Prince of South Shu. This person’s status can’t be too low – His Majesty wouldn’t agree, nor too high – His Majesty also wouldn’t agree. How can we find someone willing to cover for Alin with absolutely no possibility of betrayal?” Shen Xihe went through eligible young ladies in the capital in her mind but found no suitable candidates.

Since they would help conceal the truth, when Bu Shulin gave birth, she would also have to act alone, and afterward treat the child as her own. The other party couldn’t be kept in the dark.

Which daughter from a great family could do this?

“Finding someone isn’t difficult,” Xiao Huayong already had someone in mind.

Shen Xihe asked: “Who?”

“She could be considered my cousin,” Xiao Huayong didn’t hide it from Shen Xihe.

The Xiao imperial clan was vast, especially since over the years there had been weak emperors but no tyrants who massacred their siblings, allowing the Xiao family to flourish generation after generation. This cousin Xiao Huayong mentioned was a distant cousin beyond five generations, from the lineage of the Founding Emperor’s elder brother. Three of their ancestors had served as Xiao clan leaders and Directors of the Imperial Clan Court.

But now only a lone daughter and young brother remained. Though they had the Xiao name and clan support, they lived only slightly better than common people.

“Why have I never seen her?” By rights, female relatives of the imperial clan should appear during festivals and celebrations.

“She lost her father three years ago and has been in mourning. She’s a lady outwardly gentle but inwardly strong. As her mourning period ends, the clan has begun arranging her marriage,” Xiao Huayong explained briefly, “As long as Heir Bu is willing to take in her young brother to raise together, she will surely be deeply grateful.”

The candidate was good and easy to control with this leverage, but Shen Xihe frowned slightly: “Beichen, this concerns a lady’s entire life, we should be clear about everything.”

Marrying Bu Shulin meant living as a widow from the wedding day until death – wasn’t that also cruel?

“Besides widowhood, she’ll become the mistress of the South Shu Prince’s mansion, her ‘child’ will be the future Prince of South Shu, she’ll have endless wealth and glory, her word will be law in the mansion, both Heir Bu and the Prince will treat her with great respect, and even her young brother can receive the best education – which great scholar couldn’t they invite? Even the Imperial Academy would be accessible. Heir Bu would pave his way to success, plus earn the Cui clan’s gratitude.” Xiao Huayong felt this was an incredible opportunity – only a fool would refuse.

“When the child is born, will it be sent to the Cui family or stay with the South Shu Prince’s mansion?” Shen Xihe suddenly thought of another matter.

If something happened to Cui Jinbai, this wouldn’t just be his only offspring, but likely Bu Shulin’s only child as well.

“Stay with the Bu family. The South Shu Prince’s mansion needs an heir, and the Cui clan won’t end their line,” Xiao Huayong had thought it through. “Even if Zhihe had to choose, he would decide the same.”

Sending the child to the Cui family would require explaining the birth mother, creating another mess. As long as the child lived, regardless of name or surname, it was still the parents’ flesh and blood, continuing their lineage. Xiao Huayong felt there was no need to be rigid about this.

Shen Xihe also thought this was good: “No matter how good you think this path is, we must ask the lady’s thoughts. I don’t want her to marry Alin under duress or just to escape her current predicament. She might not harbor resentment now, but who knows what she might do after time passes.”

Though Shen Xihe trusted Xiao Huayong’s ability to control someone easily, it would still require extra attention.

“Youyou needn’t worry about this,” Xiao Huayong’s smile held deep meaning.

It was just a matter of a few years. In a few years, the realm would change hands – even if she felt discontent and revealed everything, what could she do? It would only be seeking death.

Shen Xihe didn’t know that at this moment, Xiao Huayong had grown weary of Emperor Youning’s reign and begun truly plotting to seize the throne.

Since Xiao Huayong had his plans, Shen Xihe didn’t interfere further, letting him proceed while she inquired daily about Cui Jinbai’s condition.

The next day, Shen Xihe received a special visitor.

The lady wore her hair in double loops, with flowing ribbons complementing her jade-green jacket and skirt. Her three-layered gauze sleeves showed nobility while maintaining elegance. Her steps were silent, graceful, and enchanting.

“This humble one greets Your Highness,” the beauty curtsied gracefully, her manner humble.

Shen Xihe reached out to help her up: “Lady Xiao is too formal.”

Xiao Wenxi, daughter of Princess Imperial Ruyang, had divorced her husband Wei after he was implicated in the Rouge Case. His Majesty had decreed that their two children take the Xiao surname.

Xiao Huayong had once impersonated her brother Xiao Fuxing.

Counting the days, three years had passed since the Rouge Case, and Xiao Wenxi had just completed her mourning period.

“I’ve come boldly today to seek the Crown Princess’s audience because there is a marriage matter for which I hope to gain your support,” Xiao Wenxi was not at all distant, exchanging pleasantries briefly before getting straight to the point.

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