CHAPTER 699: CHAPTER 285: YE QICHI’S "SELFLESS DEDICATION" (PART 5)

Xiao Hezhen looked at Wu Xufan’s expression, still a bit surprised.

She had always felt that Wu Xufan probably really disliked Yuan Wenkang.

How could he be proactive in caring about his injuries?

No matter what sort of feelings Wu Xufan had for her, now that they were married, and with Wu Xufan knowing about her favorable feelings towards Yuan Wenkang, how could he be so indifferent?!

Suddenly, out of the blue, she said, "Thank you."

Wu Xufan smiled.

But still felt somewhat disappointed.

At this moment, Xiao Hezhen’s thanks were undoubtedly for him not minding her feelings for Yuan Wenkang.

Could he say that he really wasn’t that magnanimous?!

Seeing Yuan Wenkang injured for Xiao Hezhen’s sake, the tense and fearful expression on Xiao Hezhen’s face, he was truly jealous!

He didn’t even dare to look one extra time; he feared he couldn’t control himself, and might end up making Xiao Hezhen cry.

Now his concern for Yuan Wenkang was only because he feared if Yuan Wenkang truly died, Xiao Hezhen would suffer for a lifetime.

As for Yuan Wenkang’s own life or death, the situation of his injuries, he really had zero interest.

Everything was all for Xiao Hezhen’s sake.

Wu Xufan deliberately ignored her thanks, and said, "The matter of governing the country is not trivial; you will face many difficulties in the future. If you truly do not wish it, I suggest you speak to your Third Brother again tomorrow. Matters of the state are truly not that simple."

"There’s no need to talk about it; I understand my Third Brother’s character very well, if he has made up his mind then I have no choice. Moreover..." Xiao Hezhen looked at Wu Xufan, "I also want to share the burden with Third Brother. After the Emperor passed away, with my Second Brother conspiring treason, Third Brother is now isolated and helpless. If I still don’t help him, it will become even harder for him. I know I might not be good at a lot of things, haven’t experienced much of the world, and am also clueless about court affairs, but I am willing to learn."

Wu Xufan was indeed a bit, surprised Xiao Hezhen would say such words.

He thought, she would be completely against it.

In front of so many people just now, he couldn’t go against Xiao Jinxing’s face.

Privately, he had thought about speaking to Xiao Jinxing to plead on her behalf.

"Before today, I had met with your Third Sister-in-law, and some of her words benefited me greatly," Xiao Hezhen explained, "Third Sister-in-law said, as a Princess, I should carry the righteousness and responsibility for the country and the people. However, before that, I really just thought I was merely a woman, that even as a Princess, I couldn’t take on a great burden. It was Third Sister-in-law’s awe-inspiring presence and her breadth of spirit that greatly influenced me. I thought, if Third Sister-in-law, also a woman, can have such overwhelming presence, why can’t I have it?"

Listening, Wu Xufan could also feel, Xiao Hezhen’s admiration towards Ye Qichi was almost like worship.

"So today when Third Brother mentioned it, although I had my rejections, that was only due to my lack of confidence in myself, but I did not completely refuse. I also want to be like Third Sister-in-law, truly able to hold my own. I want to serve the country and alleviate my brother’s worries." Xiao Hezhen spoke very firmly.

"Princess Consort Chen deserves our admiration indeed," Wu Xufan acknowledged, "Truth be told, your elder brother has really let her down."

"Yes." When it came to this topic, Xiao Hezhen immediately stood on the same front with Wu Xufan.

"She has truly sacrificed a lot for your elder brother. Not to mention, nearly losing her life several times for him, I won’t go into that now. During the recent coup in the court, while Bai Mowan has constantly been by your elder brother’s side, never sleeping or resting, the person who has actually been helping your brother and truly resolving his predicaments is the Princess Consort Chen," Wu Xufan explained, "Knowing that your brother is now desperately seeking talents, she went to persuade Song Yanqing. Although Song Yanqing has not agreed yet, with the Princess Consort’s capabilities, it is surely only a matter of time."

Xiao Hezhen nodded.

Wu Xufan continued, "It’s the same with the proposition for you to govern the country today. It was just suggested by your brother that it was the Princess Consort’s idea. I don’t believe that your brother is trying to deflect conflicts. Instead, I think he’s indirectly acknowledging the Princess Consort’s contribution. Of course, that’s not the main point. What I’m trying to say is, it might indeed be the Princess Consort who proposed the idea of you governing the country. The fact that the Princess Consort thought of you must have involved careful consideration. Moreover, before this, the Princess Consort already had a talk with you in private, ensuring you would willingly accept the role, which was a significant problem solved for your brother."

After saying this,

Wu Xufan sighed, "Knowing that the King Consort might need someone by his side, especially now with the turbulent situation, even the strongest person would become physically and mentally exhausted. Yet, she chose to help him in another way, leaving Bai Mowan the opportunity to stay by his side and seize the chance. Her magnanimity and selflessness... If the King Consort truly disappoints her in the end, he will assuredly face divine retribution!"

"I’ve also spoken to my sister-in-law about this; I told her not to step back. I believe she is the most suitable candidate for the Empress. Yet, she is so generous. She really can do it. As long as my brother is happy, she’s willing to support him with her fearless spirit," Xiao Hezhen expressed helplessness and frustration, "These past days, seeing Bai Mowan by my brother’s side, almost as if she belongs there, it infuriates me. Yet my sister-in-law remains indifferent and still helps my brother so much."

"I reckon your brother will never be able to let go of Bai Mowan in this lifetime," Wu Xufan concluded.

"Why?"

"I’m not sure why. From years of experience being with your brother, Bai Mowan is his Achilles’ heel. He can be hurt, but Bai Mowan cannot. Whether it be himself or someone else, he doesn’t allow any harm to come to her. Sometimes I wonder if your brother’s attachment to Bai Mowan is just fate’s design, that Heaven has decreed he must love her, cherish her, protect her, and he can only resign himself to his fate!" Wu Xufan said helplessly, "Otherwise, I can’t explain why your brother treats Bai Mowan that way. After all, Bai Mowan hasn’t really sacrificed anything for your brother. The warmth during childhood is just passing company in the journey of growing up. The true Princess Consort Chen has ’died’ a thousand times over for him, yet he can turn his back on her so easily."

Xiao Hezhen suddenly realized that Wu Xufan’s words were very rational.

And for the first time, he felt that the man was not so pretentious, not just a spendthrift youth.

It seemed that he had his own depth.

Vastly different from the carefree teenager he remembered.

Is it because of being with his brother, that he has been influenced by proximity?

So, he had undergone such a significant change, too.

"Speaking of which, do you mind if I stay here with you?" Wu Xufan suddenly changed the subject.

After all, Xiao Jinxing’s emotions were something he could analyze, but not change.

It wasn’t worth wasting time over it.

"Hmm?" Xiao Hezhen was momentarily startled, then understood, "I would prefer having someone help me within the court. Alone, it’s simply impossible."

"You mean me staying, instead of Yuan Wenkang?!"