Something crashed hard into Xiao Wenxi’s heart, shattering then reforming.

She felt both bewildered and stunned.

Finally, in the dim light, there came a sigh of understanding and release.

She seemed to have realized something, her eyes growing clearer: “I came today to ask the Crown Princess to arrange a marriage for me. I wish to marry the Heir of Bu.”

Shen Xihe suddenly looked up, staring intently at Xiao Wenxi.

Xiao Wenxi gracefully sat down again: “I have long known that the Heir of Bu is female.”

The light in Shen Xihe’s eyes grew even deeper.

“I’ve known for a very long time since I was ten years old. The Heir of Bu once saved me, and in the cave, thinking I was unconscious, she let her guard down, removed her clothes, and loosened her hair,” Xiao Wenxi briefly mentioned the past.

Xiao Wenxi had been semi-conscious. When she was ten, Bu Shulin was already a young maiden, her body beginning to differ from a child’s. Xiao Wenxi had kept this secret in her heart because Bu Shulin had saved her.

“Yesterday, the Crown Prince went to see my mother, asking her to arrange a marriage for her niece to the Heir of Bu.” Xiao Wenxi had overheard it; neither Xiao Huayong nor the Princess Imperial had tried to hide it from her, as there was no need to be particularly secretive about such matters. “Though I don’t know what happened, I know nothing escapes the Crown Prince’s notice. The Crown Prince must know the Heir of Bu is female.

Knowing this, yet seeking my mother to find a wife for the Heir of Bu, and specifically an orphaned, helpless wife – there must be an urgent matter requiring marriage as a cover for the Heir of Bu.

Your Highness, trust me, there is no one more suitable than me in this world.”

“Why not tell your mother? Why not ask Beichen directly?” Shen Xihe asked.

“My mother still has a mother’s loving heart. Though she doesn’t know the Heir of Bu is female, she knows the heir’s difficult position and wouldn’t want me to marry such a person. As for the Crown Prince… he wouldn’t agree. My mother and brother are the Crown Prince’s people, and he has always been kind to his own, never deceiving my mother and brother.”

“Since you know Beichen wouldn’t agree, you should know I would never oppose his wishes, even if you tell me of your admiration for him. I’m not so narrow-minded as to dismiss you for that,” Shen Xihe exposed Xiao Wenxi’s thoughts.

Xiao Wenxi smiled bitterly: “Yes, I was petty-minded, wrongly judging Your Highness’s character. I dare not deny I also took a gamble, hoping Your Highness would hastily approve this marriage upon learning of my admiration for the Crown Prince, causing discord between you and him…”

If Shen Xihe had been someone intolerant, upon hearing of her admiration for Xiao Huayong followed by her request to marry Bu Shulin, she would have eagerly granted it. Then Xiao Huayong would feel guilty toward her mother and brother, and see Shen Xihe’s true nature.

That had been her original scheme, but now she felt ashamed of such thoughts. She still proposed marriage to Bu Shulin because it was her best option.

“Your Highness, I beg forgiveness for my earlier schemes.” Xiao Wenxi placed her hands together, pressing them to her forehead as she bowed deeply, performing a grand courtesy.

Since the Empress’s time, such grand courtesies had been abolished for women, showing Xiao Wenxi’s sincerity.

Rising, Xiao Wenxi met Shen Xihe’s gaze with clear eyes: “I owe the Heir of Bu my life and should repay that debt. I’ve completed my mourning period, and my mother has begun seeking marriage arrangements. I no longer harbor foolish hopes, yet find it difficult to develop feelings for other men. As the Crown Prince once said, marrying me to another good man would be unfair to him.

Today’s marriage proposal comes after careful consideration.

I dare not promise to stay at the Prince of Shunan’s manor forever, nor guarantee I won’t meet someone who moves my heart in the future, but I can promise Your Highness that I will always prioritize the greater good. I won’t betray the Heir of Bu’s life-saving grace nor Your Highness’s kindness in granting this today.

Though my cousin is resilient, she is strong-willed and quite cunning.

I dare not question Your Highness and the Crown Prince’s ability to manage subordinates, but I must boldly remind you that some things are impossible to guard against completely.”

Shen Xihe had to admit Xiao Wenxi’s words convinced her, but she remained unmoved: “Husband and wife are one. What I desire and do, Beichen never opposes, and what he desires and does, I support with all my strength.”

If Xiao Huayong disagreed, she wouldn’t agree either, nor would she try to convince him even if she thought it was an excellent choice.

Xiao Wenxi quietly looked at Shen Xihe for a moment before bowing deeply again: “Your Highness speaks the truth. In this world, only Your Highness can stand as the Crown Prince’s equal.”

Never had a woman impressed her so, but today’s conversation with Shen Xihe had won her over: “I will personally request this of the Crown Prince.”

“You may go. What you ask, I grant,” Xiao Huayong’s deep voice sounded from outside.

Both women turned to see Xiao Huayong striding in, and they stood up.

“Beichen…”

As Shen Xihe began to persuade him, Xiao Huayong squeezed her hand and turned to Xiao Wenxi: “I will speak with your mother and brother.”

“I thank Your Highness.” Xiao Wenxi performed a proper gratitude bow, glancing deeply at Xiao Huayong once before quickly lowering her gaze and backing away, soon leaving the Eastern Palace.

“Why did you agree?” Shen Xihe asked, puzzled.

“She truly wishes to marry, and as she said, she is the best choice.” With the Princess Imperial and Xiao Fuhing present, Xiao Wenxi wouldn’t betray them. She had just said she would prioritize the greater good, trusting they would treat her fairly even in rewarding merit.

“How will you explain to the Princess Imperial?” The Princess Imperial had sworn allegiance by giving Xiao Huayong the palace’s secret tunnel maps – she was someone who could never betray him again, someone of great merit.

“I’ll tell her the truth.” Xiao Huayong smiled slightly. “She’s observed three years of mourning and can’t delay any longer. If Aunt doesn’t arrange a marriage, His Majesty will soon inquire. She can’t escape marriage, and marrying the Heir of Bu will give her a few years of freedom. If she meets someone good in the future, one fake death will let her roam freely.”

Shen Xihe thought for a moment before saying: “I leave it to you.”

She trusted Xiao Huayong’s judgment and knew he wouldn’t force the Princess Imperial. Since he was confident he could convince her, she wouldn’t interfere further.

Xiao Huayong wrapped both hands around Shen Xihe’s, playing with her soft fingers before gazing at her tenderly, his face full of joy: “I just learned how much Youyou trusts me.”

He had heard every word she had said to Xiao Wenxi earlier.

Marrying Shen Xihe had always been his fortune, but today that fortune was like water in a pot, boiling over, making his heart bubble with happiness.