Chapter 127: How Long Have You Been Waiting?

"Is there something you wanted to say to me, or why else would you send Miaofu away?"

Shen Jinyu hung his head, hesitating, unsure of how to phrase it. He couldn't very well be completely honest and tell his sister that he simply didn't like their cousin and therefore didn't want to go with her or spend too much time in her company. He would certainly be scolded for that.

He racked his brain. "I truly felt that Cousin must be exhausted, so I wanted her to get some rest early."

"Do I not know you by now?" Shen Nanyuan frowned. "Speak!"

"..." Shen Jinyu sighed, bowing his head in resignation, ready to face the lecture. "I don't really like our cousin."

"You don't like Miaofu? Why?" Shen Nanyuan was puzzled. Shen Jinyu and Wu Miaofu rarely had any contact; how could he have developed a dislike for her?

"It’s just… even though she looks timid and even submissive on the surface, I feel like she’s the type of person who thinks a lot behind that facade," Shen Jinyu continued. "I used to go out of the manor often and have met all sorts of people. The more someone acts like that, the more they keep hidden deep inside."

Shen Nanyuan found this amusing and lifted an eyebrow. "I never would have guessed you were capable of such observations."

"Of course I am. When I used to run wild, I saw all kinds of people. You should trust me on this, Sister."

"But I don't think Miaofu is that kind of person." Shen Nanyuan paused, then added, "Though, she was indeed a bit too clingy today, and some of the things she said struck me as quite strange. On top of that, there are certain things I cannot discuss in front of her, so I have to be very careful with my words, which is rather tiring."

Shen Jinyu smiled. "Then let’s just go by ourselves tonight, Sister."

"Very well."

Seeing that she wasn't going to lecture him, Shen Jinyu relaxed. He had grown another year older, and his features had matured, giving him an exceptionally handsome appearance.

Shen Nanyuan smiled and asked, "Jinyu, you're growing up now. Is there any young lady who has caught your eye?"

"None at all, Sister. I still want to enjoy my freedom for a few more years; I have no desire to settle down and start a family so soon." He clicked his tongue. "At my age, I should just be having fun. If I don't, there will be far too many things to worry about once I get older."

That was true enough. Shen Nanyuan nodded. "That is indeed the case, as long as you don't cause trouble or do anything wicked."

Shen Jinyu lifted his chin. "Of course, Sister. I haven't caused you any trouble in a long time. I’ve been very well-behaved lately; everyone who sees me says I’ve changed. I reckon that in a little while, my reputation in the capital will change, and I’ll no longer be known as a wastrel."

He was getting quite full of himself. Shen Nanyuan sighed with a smile. "Then I shall have to listen more closely to what the people of the capital are saying about you."

The candles in the room flickered, and outside, the sky had long since turned completely dark. It seemed the Emperor’s illness was indeed severe, as neither Shen Yi nor Shen Sinian had returned yet. It was fortunate that they had brought the imperial physicians along, or things might have been much worse.

"Let’s go," Shen Jinyu said, adding a quick reminder, "Sister, put on your cloak. It’s cold outside."

Shen Nanyuan nodded and followed him toward the persimmon tree. Although she hadn't been here in over a year, last year’s events felt as vivid as if they had happened yesterday. Especially upon seeing the tree, all the memories came flooding back. She carefully navigated around the stones by the stream, terrified of slipping and landing on her backside just like she had last year. That fall had truly left her dazed.

As she was walking carefully, she suddenly heard Shen Jinyu’s voice, filled with surprise. "There seems to be someone under the tree."

"We aren't the first ones here after all," he said, sounding clearly annoyed. "We should have come earlier. Since someone is here, I’ll be too embarrassed to pick them all."

Judging by his tone… had he really intended to pick every single persimmon?

Shen Nanyuan was speechless. "You cannot be so domineering. If no one were here, would you really have picked them all? If you took them all, what would others eat?"

"I didn't plan on taking all of them; I was going to leave five or six for others."

Shen Nanyuan: "..."

She lifted her eyes to look under the persimmon tree, and suddenly, the silhouette seemed familiar. She thought for a moment, and her pupils widened.

"Xiao Yan?!"

"Huh? Xiao Yan?" Shen Jinyu trembled at the mere mention of the name. The way he used to bully Xiao Yan was still fresh in his memory. Who could have imagined back then that the person under his whip was the current Third Prince? He was grateful that Shen Nanyuan had brought Xiao Yan to the Shaohua Courtyard back then; if he had remained under his control, Xiao Yan would certainly not have had an easy life. Now that he had returned to the imperial palace, he might even be seeking revenge.

Fortunately, Shen Nanyuan had intervened. Watching the figure in the distance, he grew timid. Having been walking in front, he slowed his pace and began to follow cautiously behind Shen Nanyuan.

Shen Nanyuan didn't notice Shen Jinyu; she ran happily toward the persimmon tree. Xiao Yan’s eyes were dark as he stepped forward to meet her.

He spoke in a low, slightly stern voice: "Why are you running? Have you forgotten how you fell last year?"

"I remember," Shen Nanyuan said, her eyes bright and sparkling like stars in the night sky. "Why are you here?"

"I guessed you would come here, so I came."

She was surprised. "How long have you been waiting?"

"Not long. I just arrived." Xiao Yan reached out and naturally took hold of her wrist, leading her forward. "Watch your step."

He wore a black robe, his gaze steady and his pace composed, looking like a completely different person from the decisive Third Prince of the daytime. With a jade crown on his head and dark auspicious cloud patterns embroidered on his collar and sleeves, he stood tall and carried an air of nobility.

Shen Jinyu pursed his lips, not daring to say a word. He only marveled in his heart that returning to the palace really did make a difference; his presence had become far more formidable.

"Do you want to eat one?" Xiao Yan asked as they reached the tree. "I will pick one for you."

"I do, and please pick one for Jinyu as well."

As soon as she finished speaking, Shen Jinyu shivered and waved his hands frantically. "No need, no need! I’ll pick one myself later, no need to trouble Your Highness."

He was terrified. After he spoke, Xiao Yan’s cool, detached gaze drifted over to him, making Shen Jinyu feel as if his entire body had stiffened.

"It is no trouble," Xiao Yan said coldly. "It is a simple matter."