For Cui Jinbai to join the investigation of illegal mining in the Black Water territory at this time must be an opportunity given by Xiao Huayong.

Without Xiao Huayong’s cover, he couldn’t have left the capital to chase Mao Prefecture for the rescue.

Moreover, Bu Shulin was only five months pregnant, with five months until delivery, plus the month of postpartum recovery – half a year in total.

No matter how long the illegal mining investigation took, afterward someone from the court would need to supervise the mining operations. This wasn’t a matter of days or even months. Shen Xihe believed Xiao Huayong could certainly arrange for Cui Jinbai to become that supervisor.

Staying in the distant Black Water territory, far from imperial oversight, would make it easy to ensure Bu Shulin’s peaceful delivery.

It was a blessing both for Cui Jinbai and Bu Shulin.

Using both carrot and stick wasn’t inappropriate.

Shen Xihe raised her eyebrows: “The Black Water territory matter… such a coincidence?”

Understanding Shen Xihe’s thoughts, Xiao Huayong didn’t conceal: “I had suspicions about this matter for several years, only recently concluding. However, I still don’t know the reasons behind it.”

“What kind of mine?” Shen Xihe pressed.

By dynasty law, all mines belonged to the court, with only the court having mining rights. Private mining was equivalent to stealing from the state – punishable by the execution of nine generations of family.

Xiao Huayong’s measured lips parted: “Gold!”

A gold mine meant gold and silver. Hoarding large amounts of precious metals wasn’t something ordinary people dared to do. Whether it was local officials’ greed or involvement of the royal family or worse – the Black Water territory’s complex situation with several governor’s offices balancing each other, plus numerous foreign tribes – the waters ran deep.

“Beichen’s wishes must not end here.” Shen Xihe’s obsidian-like eyes gazed clearly at Xiao Huayong with subtle penetrating power.

“What has Youyou figured out?” Xiao Huayong asked as if already knowing, smiling teasingly as he leaned closer to Shen Xihe.

Shen Xihe looked away toward the azure sky: “You obtained the gyrfalcon from pursuing it in the Black Water region. Beichen has long had plans for the Black Water territory… no, for the entire Northeast.”

Sending Cui Jinbai there now, ostensibly investigating illegal mining, was laying the groundwork for taking control of the Northeast.

The Northeast was originally under Xiao Changfeng’s father’s control. Later, the old Prince Xun faked his death to train the Divine Brave Army for His Majesty, and Northeast military power was split among three protectorate offices.

These three people were all His Majesty’s confidants. Over the years, only the An family had tried to marry their daughter into the Eastern Palace but were frustrated by Shen Xihe and demoted, seemingly breaking the balance.

“Only Youyou understands me so well,” Xiao Huayong admitted with a smile. “But my confidence to freely move against the Northeast today comes from Youyou creating that opening, leveraging the An family. I’m benefiting from Youyou’s efforts.”

“You were quite angry with me when I dealt with the An family!” Shen Xihe rarely brought up old accounts.

She referred to when she agreed to let An Zhengyi enter the Eastern Palace and requested His Majesty’s marriage decree, making Xiao Huayong storm off in anger.

Xiao Huayong showed no embarrassment, instead arguing righteously: “How could I know Youyou’s backup plan? After all, Youyou rarely kept me in mind, making me not dare hope Youyou would take such pains for me. I was also too sensitive, couldn’t bear hearing certain things, thus losing my composure.”

Listen to these words – first complaining she didn’t care enough about him to reassure him. Then saying it was because he cared too much for her that his usually calm and wise self momentarily lost composure and rationality.

Shen Xihe couldn’t be bothered to argue these points. With Bu Shulin’s danger turned to safety, her heart was somewhat relieved.

Seeing her relaxed expression and good mood, Xiao Huayong said: “I’ve gone to such lengths for Youyou, won’t Youyou give me some reward?”

Gone to such lengths?

Shen Xihe looked completely puzzled.

She knew Xiao Huayong was paving the way for her, even this test of Bu Shulin was arranged to make her look good. In the past, Shen Xihe would have thought Xiao Huayong was seeking credit, but now she didn’t think so – he wouldn’t seek credit for this.

So he must mean something else. Since she always felt she could never catch up to Xiao Huayong’s thoughts regarding romance, she chose not to speak rashly.

“By my usual standards, the Hereditary Prince wouldn’t pass so easily, much less would I facilitate opportunities for her to be lovey-dovey with a beloved general. This is all out of consideration for Youyou.” Xiao Huayong spoke softly.

Shen Xihe choked, wanting to refute but unable to. Not refuting wasn’t good either – this fellow’s eyes were bright as a thief’s, and readily agreeing might mean promising him who knows what!

The Crown Prince, so distinguished and meticulous in official matters, became utterly shameless when not discussing business, especially when seeking praise – usually directing his schemes toward bedroom matters.

Just thinking of his past misdeeds, Shen Xihe couldn’t give in.

“It’s fine if Youyou won’t acknowledge it, it’s just my one-sided feelings after all…” Instantly reading Shen Xihe’s thoughts, Xiao Huayong retreated to advance, starting to brew tea. “Youyou needn’t feel guilty, I do it all willingly. Even if my heart feels lonely, I won’t harbor resentment…”

Shen Xihe stared intently at this two-faced man before her. His mouth said no resentment, but the grievance in his tone and eyes was almost tangible.

If Shen Xihe wasn’t directly involved and saw Xiao Huayong like this, she’d truly think the woman sitting opposite him, making him show such an expression, was a heartless villainous woman!

Shen Xihe: …

He was acting again!

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Shen Xihe revealed a gentle, graceful smile: “Beichen has worked hard. Beichen protected Alin for me, so in gratitude, I’ll handle Min River for you. I’ll take action in this battle, sparing Beichen from harming close kin and bearing that burden.”

Xiao Huayong was stunned, not expecting Shen Xihe to counter him this way.

Harming close kin? His relationship with His Majesty and Xiao Changyan was life-or-death enmity, but Shen Xihe put it so righteously he couldn’t refute it.

Just as he was trying to win people’s hearts regarding Bu Shulin and Cui Jinbai, yet insisted on connecting it to Shen Xihe.

He instantly withdrew his smile: “Is Youyou truly planning to take action personally?”

“Truly.” Shen Xihe nodded, expression calm, showing no trace of jest.

Xiao Huayong pondered briefly: “Very well, I’ll wait and see Youyou’s performance, being a well-behaved Crown Prince.”

The Min River operation was extremely important – the slightest mistake would bring endless trouble.

Though Xiao Huayong had planned much, achieving such a grand situation making His Majesty and Xiao Changyan commit all their forces was due to Shen Xihe having Shen Yun’an fly in as bait.

Bu Shulin alone couldn’t achieve such an effect. Xiao Huayong deeply trusted Shen Xihe’s ability and methods, not worrying despite the matter’s importance.

He now let go completely, entrusting everything to Shen Xihe’s management.