Shen Xihe suddenly looked at Noble Consort Su. Though her eyes were light, showing no sharp glint, they made others unable to meet her gaze. Noble Consort Su slightly lowered her eyes.

The first step was forcing Bu Shulin to enter the water to save Xiao Changhong, after which she would need to change clothes. Had Xiao Changmin already stationed people to watch Bu Shulin change?

Shen Xihe quickly dismissed this possibility. Bu Shulin was a martial artist with superior skills and keener senses than ordinary people. If anyone was hiding where she changed clothes, she could easily expose them and leave, ultimately embarrassing Xiao Changmin.

Xiao Changmin must have realized this too. Exposing her while changing clothes wasn’t feasible either – with Bu Shulin’s martial prowess, she would likely sense anyone approaching and quickly conceal herself. Who could strip her clothes without proof?

They must have another plan, but after Xiao Huayong’s reminder today, Shen Xihe knew Bu Shulin wasn’t helpless prey. She had also warned Bu Shulin to be careful today, so Bu Shulin should be able to counter their moves.

Shen Xihe’s gaze left Noble Consort Su. She felt this matter wasn’t simple, not just about Xiao Changmin wanting to expose Bu Shulin’s identity. Noble Consort Su’s reluctance to reveal her testing method surely indicated other motives.

Her gaze swept over State Consort Song and Xiao Changhong thoughtfully.

“Strange, where’s Prince Bu?” someone in the crowd suddenly questioned.

By now Xiao Changhong had changed clothes, been examined by imperial physicians, and waited for Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe’s arrival – at least half an hour had passed. Bu Shulin should have changed clothes long ago, yet was nowhere to be seen.

“My oversight – I was so worried about Fourteenth Brother that I called all the physicians here. I hope Prince Bu hasn’t fallen ill,” Xiao Changmin said theatrically.

His words made Shen Xihe realize something – Xiao Changmin had used Xiao Changhong’s fall to lure them here, leaving an opening around Bu Shulin.

When he felt the time was right and Xiao Changhong was settled, someone would mention Bu Shulin, allowing him to naturally lead people to search for her.

Sure enough, Xiao Changmin said to the two imperial physicians: “Prince Bu was arranged to change clothes in Wancui Garden’s side room. Please come with me to check on him.”

Wancui Garden was where Xiao Changhong fell in. Arranging for Bu Shulin to change clothes at the nearest location made sense, yet they had brought Xiao Changhong here, separated by a courtyard – a half cup of tea’s walk away.

Shen Xihe processed this information, smiled faintly, and took Xiao Huayong’s hand: “Your Highness, let’s go see too.”

Since Xiao Changmin wanted to make it big, she would add fuel to his fire. Hopefully, he could extinguish it.

“Alright,” Xiao Huayong smiled at Shen Xihe.

Bu Shulin’s friendship with the Crown Princess wasn’t secret. Since Xiao Changmin suggested Prince Bu might be injured or had an accident while saving someone, it was natural for Shen Xihe to check on her.

Most people didn’t sense anything amiss, but some sharper minds like Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changyan sensed Xiao Changmin was setting a trap for Bu Shulin.

Their gazes fell simultaneously on the composed Shen Xihe. Xiao Changyan raised an eyebrow, thinking Xiao Changmin would regret this; Xiao Changqing’s lowered eyes flashed with mockery – Xiao Changmin was truly bold.

Led by servants, Shen Xihe supported Xiao Huayong as they walked unhurriedly toward Wancui Garden’s side room. Many followed, not to watch the show but because the Crown Prince and Princess were going – they had to accompany them.

Strangely, no one was outside the side room. Everyone felt something was wrong, but Xiao Changmin remained composed, turning to bow to everyone: “Today is my wedding day, and the household is quite busy. Please forgive any oversights.”

Everyone immediately responded politely, their doubts dispelled.

Those from noble houses had experienced weddings – being overwhelmed was indeed common.

Xiao Changmin stepped forward, gently knocking on the closed door: “Prince Bu, I’ve brought physicians. Are you injured or cold?”

No response from inside.

Xiao Changmin pushed the door – it was bolted from inside, proving someone was there. He raised his voice: “Prince Bu, are you alright?”

After several unanswered calls, Xiao Changmin grew urgent: “Prince Bu, pardon my rudeness.”

He kicked open the door, releasing a strong fragrance. The sensitive Shen Xihe involuntarily stepped back – the scent was too strong, making her uncomfortable when it entered her nostrils.

This instinctive reaction caught Xiao Changying and Xiao Changyan’s attention. Xiao Changyan was puzzled, but Xiao Changying seemed to understand something.

They were about the same distance away. What they smelled was a strange fragrance, far from overwhelming. Neither Xiao Huayong standing with Shen Xihe nor Xiao Changmin and the physicians in front of her even furrowed their brows, meaning the room’s scent was acceptable to ordinary people, yet Shen Xihe couldn’t tolerate it.

When Shen Xihe entered the capital, he followed her. Her skilled martial artist maids hadn’t detected him, but Shen Xihe, who knew no martial arts, had noticed.

After she entered the capital, when he snuck into the Shen residence, she discovered him and pretended ignorance while drugging him…

Past events surfaced in his mind. Previously mysteries and puzzling questions seemed to find answers for Xiao Changying at this moment.

He unconsciously raised his arm to sniff but detected no special scent.

By now, Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong had followed Xiao Changmin inside. Xiao Changmin’s angry shout came from within: “You… you…”

Shen Xihe entered last. The screen had been pushed aside, revealing scattered male and female clothing around the bed, the bare-chested Prince Bu, and a disheveled woman holding blankets whom the Prince protected behind him.

One glance told Shen Xihe the person on the bed wasn’t Bu Shulin but the body double she had sent. She immediately commanded: “Everyone out.”

Then coldly told the two on the bed: “Get dressed.”

Everyone followed Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong outside.

The door reopened less than half a quarter hour later, but instead of the body double, out walked a fully dressed Bu Shulin, with loose-haired Xiao Wenxi beside her.

Seeing Xiao Wenxi, Xiao Changmin’s eyes flashed with surprise and confusion, but he quickly concealed it.

“Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince, Crown Princess…” Bu Shulin bowed.

Xiao Wenxi followed head lowered in greeting.