If there was someone who might have instigated King Xia Jie to issue this decree, other than Queen Qi, Shen Qingfeng couldn't think of anyone else.
If she wanted Xia Chuli to preside over the sacrifice, it was obvious that she wanted to make Xia Chuli make a fool of himself during the sacrifice. For such a large - scale sacrifice, if Xia Chuli made any mistakes, the consequences would be unimaginable. He might even lose his position as the crown prince, and that was exactly Queen Qi's goal.
Queen Qi had two sons, namely Prince Cheng Xia Yanhe and Prince Yu Xia Yonglin. Xia Yanhe was a bit older, only one year younger than Xia Chuli. He was sixteen this year, but he was dissolute and treacherous. According to the rumors outside, he was a promiscuous man who was interested in both men and women. It was said that there was even a brothel exclusive to him in the Prince Cheng's Mansion.
As for Prince Yu, he was stupid, reckless and impulsive. He was one year younger than Xia Yanhe, only fifteen this year. Although he was young, he often acted on impulse, and Queen Qi had to clean up his messes many times. If it weren't for Queen Qi's constant protection, he would have been in prison many times.
Actually, if one had to choose an heir from King Xia Jie's three sons, Xia Chuli was undoubtedly the most promising one. But unfortunately, Xia Chuli was the son of Princess Liuli. As a princess sent for a marriage alliance from the Western Rong State, Xia Chuli had half of the Western Rong blood in his veins, and he was also the legitimate son. Although many ministers, including Shen Shiqiu, followed the ancestral teachings of the Li Xia Kingdom and supported Xia Chuli, in fact, King Xia Jie was reluctant to let him inherit the throne.
Princess Liuli died early. After Queen Qi ascended to the position of queen, she had whispered in King Xia Jie's ear for so many years. King Xia Jie's intention to depose the crown prince was obvious. He just didn't want to announce it directly because of the face of the noble families. If Xia Chuli made a mistake during the sacrifice this time, wouldn't King Xia Jie have a reason to depose the crown prince?
Anyway, Shen Qingfeng couldn't let Xia Chuli be deposed. After all, if he wanted to protect the Shen family, he could only let Xia Chuli succeed to the throne. Because King Xia Jie's intention to suppress the Shen family was very obvious, and Xia Yanhe and Xia Yonglin were on the same side as King Xia Jie. Moreover, if these two useless people became the kings of Li Xia, most of the common people in the world would suffer.
Speaking of which, the reason why Xia Chuli wanted to get rid of the Shen family after he succeeded to the throne was all because of Shen Qingfeng. The affair between Xia Chuli and Shen Qingfeng had been widely spread, which had a negative impact on the newly - ascended monarch. This was also the reason why Xia Chuli only gave Shen Qingfeng a palace but not the title of a concubine. After he ascended the throne, because of his torture of Shen Qingfeng, Shen Shiqiu and a group of senior officials picked on Xia Chuli's faults. At that time, Xia Chuli had already developed a blood - thirsty and cruel appearance. Killing the Shen family might just be a warning to others.
In this life, if he married Lu Yan, would it mean that the Shen family would be safe in Xia Chuli's eyes?
Xia Chuli was not well - received by the people in the Shen Mansion, but everyone dared not speak out their dissatisfaction. Shen Qingfeng knew that his father and elder brother didn't want him to have any more relations with Xia Chuli, so he directly took Xia Chuli into his bedroom without making a big deal out of it. He only asked A Man to deliver meals.
Yu Shuang was arranged in a deeper courtyard, taken care of by the doctor and Uncle Zhong alone. Even many servants in the Shen family didn't know about it, so there was no need to worry about Xia Chuli running into her.
"I want to eat this mung bean cake." Xia Chuli sat at the table and pointed to the mung bean cake in front of Shen Qingfeng.
Shen Qingfeng picked up the mung bean cake with chopsticks. He originally wanted to put it directly into Xia Chuli's bowl, but unexpectedly, Xia Chuli opened his mouth directly and took the mung bean cake into his mouth along with the chopsticks.
Shen Qingfeng was stunned. He retracted the chopsticks blankly and placed them in front of himself without moving them again.
"A Li, the sacrifice on the Three Saint Mountains is not a small matter. How are you preparing for it now?" Shen Qingfeng asked.
Xia Chuli kept chewing in his mouth and said vaguely, "I've never done such things before, so whenever I don't understand something, I ask Big Brother Shen."
Shen Qingfeng said, "Has Big Brother taught you the procedure?"
Xia Chuli nodded and said, "Big Brother Shen is very dedicated to this matter. He basically taught me step by step."
Shen Qingfeng nodded. Presumably, Shen Yu had also guessed King Xia Jie's intention. No wonder although it was a day off these days, Shen Yu was always away from home. Most likely, he was busy with this matter.
Shen Qingfeng figured out the key point and was going to discuss this matter with Shen Yu in detail. After all, everyone had their own expertise. Telling Shen Yu his speculation, Shen Yu would be able to help Xia Chuli more.
"A Li, listen to me. This matter may not be that simple. The king won't let you preside over the sacrifice for no reason. Moreover, this matter is of great importance, and you don't have any experience. Do you understand what I mean?" Shen Qingfeng stared at Xia Chuli fixedly and said softly, "So you must be extremely careful during this sacrifice. Don't make any mistakes in any link. I will discuss this matter with my elder brother again and ask him to help you more."
Xia Chuli nodded and said, "I understand. But Qingfeng, Father has never paid so much attention to me for a long time. He usually doesn't even want me to handle any affairs. So I will definitely do it well. Don't worry."
Shen Qingfeng looked at him, lowered his eyes with a heavy heart, and picked up another piece of mung bean cake for Xia Chuli.
Xia Chuli was very happy. He ate it with a smile and said, "Qingfeng, you've already asked your elder brother to help me. Why don't you come back to the Eastern Palace?"
Shen Qingfeng was stunned. His hand froze in mid - air. He stared fixedly at Xia Chuli without making any movement.
A look of hurt flashed across Xia Chuli's eyes. He looked at Shen Qingfeng and lowered his head dejectedly. He said, "I see, Qingfeng. Are you still angry with me? Are you not coming back?"
Shen Qingfeng retracted his hand. Neither of them said a word. The air seemed to suddenly freeze, and you could hear a pin drop.
"I... I've already been betrothed to the Marquis of Dingbei. I can't implicate you anymore." Shen Qingfeng thought for a while and used a compromising way to comfort Xia Chuli. He said, "It's not good if you get involved with me again..."
"What's not good?" Xia Chuli said loudly, "We've always been together, and we've been together for so many years. What's not good about it?"
"A Li, you're the crown prince, and I'm a courtier. We can't be like this anymore." Shen Qingfeng gritted his teeth. Since he had made up his mind, it was better to lay his cards on the table with Xia Chuli.
"Can't be like what?!" Xia Chuli rarely got angry. He suddenly stood up and walked straight towards Shen Qingfeng. He grabbed Shen Qingfeng's wrist and said sharply, "Qingfeng, what's wrong with you recently? Why haven't you returned to the Eastern Palace for so long and always kept a distance from me?"
"A Li, let go of me. You're hurting me!"
"Qingfeng, I need an explanation. Tell me!"
"A Li, calm down. Think it over!" Shen Qingfeng struggled.
"What else do I need to calm down for! Qingfeng, what's wrong with you! Why have you changed!" Xia Chuli roared.
Shen Qingfeng got angry and roared, "Do you still want to be the king of Li Xia!"
Suddenly, both of their movements stopped.
Xia Chuli stood in front of Shen Qingfeng. He stared down at Shen Qingfeng. A complex look flashed across his eyes. Then, he suddenly squatted down and knelt on the ground, hugging Shen Qingfeng's waist.
"I'm sorry, Qingfeng. I shouldn't have shouted at you..." Xia Chuli's voice was muffled. He hugged Shen Qingfeng's waist and said tremblingly, "I haven't slept for two days. I'm not in my right mind. I'm sorry..."
Shen Qingfeng was completely weak. He almost slumped on the stool. He let Xia Chuli hug him, but he didn't even have the strength to lift his hand.
"Qingfeng, Qingfeng... I know you want me to succeed to the throne, but I won't allow you to leave me just because of this matter." Xia Chuli's voice was sonorous and firm. "I know you've been wronged because of the betrothal, but I'll help you. Who says taking a male wife is a stain? After I succeed to the throne, no one will dare to talk nonsense. No one will dare."
Shen Qingfeng looked at the trembling Xia Chuli in his arms, feeling mixed emotions in his heart.
Xia Chuli, you said the same thing back then...
But where is the person who said he would marry me now?
Shen Qingfeng didn't have the energy to argue with him anymore. He slowly raised his head, looked at the dark dome, and closed his eyes helplessly and sadly.