Shen Xihe could anticipate all of this, so she knew Xiao Huayong wouldn’t take His Majesty’s life at this time.

Clever as she was, she had a hidden suspicion, yet it was something she could never voice aloud.

“Beichen…” Her mouth opened, but the thousands of words stuck in her throat, ultimately becoming only a whisper of his name.

“Youyou.” Xiao Huayong called to her as well, his gaze as gentle as warm spring sunshine, seemingly also with countless things to say, yet in the end saying nothing, only silently drawing her into his embrace.

Both being exceptionally intelligent people, some things needed no explanation – they understood in their hearts.

After His Majesty’s edict was sent to the Northwest, Xiao Huayong fell ill. Shen Xihe used this as a reason to stay in the Eastern Palace, not stepping out. Of all who came to visit the Eastern Palace, besides the Empress Dowager and His Majesty, almost no one could enter its gates.

The couple closed their doors to visitors, wholly focused on their private life together. These days were warm and peaceful, yet brief…

On the twenty-fifth day of the twenty-third year of Youning’s reign, Shen Yueshan arrived with his son alongside the victorious Prince Li Xiao Changying. His Majesty ordered Prince Xin Xiao Changqing to welcome them at the city gates. From the city gates to the palace gates, commoners lined the streets, throwing flower petals, sachets, and silk – even more festive than a top scholar’s parade.

After all, top scholars appeared every three years, but heroes emerged once a century.

Emperor Youning personally waited at the palace gates to receive them. The ruler and subjects appeared harmonious on the surface, with Emperor Youning not sparing praise or rewards of gold, silver, and jewels, though high positions and rich rewards were nothing new to the Shen father and son.

After paying respects to the emperor, Shen Yueshan and his son received permission to go directly to the Eastern Palace to see Shen Xihe.

Four months pregnant, Shen Xihe’s slightly fuller figure couldn’t be concealed even by the light summer dress. Her black hair was simply styled with a single white jade hairpin, her temples adorned with two ornaments hanging round white jade beads at eyebrow level, making her appear much softer and gentler.

“Father, Brother!” Shen Xihe took two quick steps before remembering her pregnancy at Xiao Huayong’s light cough, almost instinctively rushing to embrace them.

Shen Yueshan and Shen Yun’an stepped forward quickly, each taking one of her hands. Shen Yueshan, who killed enemies without blinking on the battlefield, now showed concern: “About to become a mother, yet still so reckless.”

“Is Youyou well? Any discomfort?” Shen Yun’an asked immediately after.

Shen Xihe was both helpless and amused. She had only walked quickly, not even reaching a run, yet it had frightened her father and brother so much their expressions were tense, staring fixedly at her belly as if she might miscarry at any moment.

“Father, I’m fine, your grandson is also well,” Shen Xihe glanced at Xiao Huayong. “Beichen takes very good care of me.”

Glowing and spirited, her glances full of lightness and subtle smiles – such a Shen Xihe was rare even in the Northwest.

Seeing Xiao Huayong’s influence and the changes in her, Shen Yueshan should have been delighted, but thinking of Xiao Huayong’s current health…

The joy hadn’t even fully risen before being suppressed by surging worry.

“Father, Brother.” Instantly catching the change in the father and son, Xiao Huayong hurried to bow.

How could Shen Yueshan and their son dare accept his bow? They quickly avoided it. Xiao Huayong showing them respect was one thing, but the distinction between ruler and subject was another. Shen Yueshan grasped Xiao Huayong’s arm: “Youyou is fortunate to marry you, and our Shen family is fortunate to have you as a son-in-law.”

This was probably the highest praise and affirmation Shen Yueshan could give Xiao Huayong as a father-in-law.

Before Shen Yueshan went to war, Xiao Huayong had fully disclosed his plans and physical condition. Though Shen Yueshan knew he would soon leave the capital, facing an uncertain future and possible death, perhaps leaving his beloved daughter to be a young widow, he still approved of him this way, making Xiao Huayong very happy.

The Eastern Palace prepared a family feast, with all dishes personally selected by Shen Xihe. If not for Xiao Huayong forbidding her to cook herself, she would likely have prepared dishes for her father and brother to taste.

Three men who wanted to drink freely could only sip lightly under Shen Xihe’s watchful gaze. Xiao Huayong was even ordered to substitute tea for wine. The three men exchanged glances, each giving the others looks both disdainful and sympathetic.

Fathers fear daughters, brothers fear sisters, husbands fear wives.

In that one glance, the three men’s bond mysteriously grew stronger in their shared experience.

The meal was extremely pleasant. Afterward, Xiao Huayong personally brewed tea, Shen Xihe prepared some easily digestible desserts, and the four dismissed the servants, remaining in the fragrant warm chamber.

“In three days is Prince Xun and County Princess Huaiyang’s wedding. These past few days, the Feather Guard Army has been moving unusually in private. By my calculations, His Majesty likely plans to give control of the Feather Guard to Eighth Brother,” Xiao Huayong sat near the charcoal stove, eyes lowered. “There will be an opening here.”

Xiao Huayong turned to look at Shen Yueshan and his son.

Everyone understood what opening he meant. Xiao Changyan had just been punished and couldn’t possibly be given important duties next year unless it was an emergency appointment, which wouldn’t require proper military transfer procedures.

His Majesty would surely notify the Feather Guard’s General in advance to follow orders.

“His Majesty certainly trusts Prince Jing greatly,” Shen Yun’an said, half-mocking.

Xiao Changyan had just made a huge mistake in Minjiang, yet they still dared entrust him with the army.

“Prince Jing’s reputation for valor isn’t undeserved. The Minjiang incident was his carelessness, over-relying on soul-controlling techniques, while we knew in advance – intentional versus unintentional. These might greatly disappoint His Majesty but aren’t enough for His Majesty to completely abandon him,” Shen Xihe glanced at Xiao Huayong, the couple’s eyes meeting with flowing smiles. “Naturally, His Majesty has no choice.”

Those His Majesty could trust with important duties had been pruned one by one by Xiao Huayong over the years. Those remaining either lacked ability or qualification. Xiao Changyan not only had the ability, but most importantly, he hated them enough – at least in dealing with them, Xiao Changyan would show no mercy.

“There’s another reason,” Xiao Huayong laughed lightly, adding, “Though His Majesty is fully prepared, he can’t be certain of success. When Father came to the capital years ago, didn’t the Xiao family affair end in failure?

This time, there might also be unexpected changes. If there are changes…”

Xiao Huayong left the rest unsaid, only leaving a meaningful faint smile.

How could anyone present not understand the unspoken words?

If anything went wrong, after failure, someone would need to take the blame – surely they couldn’t let His Majesty apologize with death?

“This is how royal father and son are,” Shen Yun’an said with a cold laugh.

Shen Xihe looked at Xiao Huayong: “It’s mutual willingness, after all.”