Chapter Thirteen: Something Feels Off

Shen Jinyu looked momentarily taken aback. “Sister, are you leaving so soon?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Strictly speaking, I shouldn’t have come in at all. I told the guards I wouldn’t stay long, and they let me through.”

Seeing that Shen Jinyu’s mood had clearly fallen, she paused before continuing, “I’ll come again in a few days. Is there anything you’d like to eat? I can bring it for you.”

“From Bright Moon Restaurant!” Shen Jinyu’s eyes lit up instantly, but the movement tugged at his wound and he grimaced in pain.

“All right,” Shen Nanyuan said, stifling a laugh, “but you must think carefully about what I told you. When I come next, I’ll be asking you some questions. If your answers don’t satisfy me, then you’ll only be able to look at the food, not eat it.”

Watching Shen Jinyu nod vigorously, she finally turned and left, quite satisfied.

She had gone to Qingfeng Pavilion precisely to avoid others, and went late at night, so by the time she returned to Shaohua Courtyard, it was even later. Glancing toward the side room, she saw the lamp had already been extinguished and the room was plunged in darkness—Xiao Yan must have been asleep for some time. Though the distance was considerable, Shen Nanyuan’s footsteps unconsciously softened as she passed by.

As for arranging for Xiao Yan to learn martial arts from Shen Sinian, it had gone as expected, quite straightforwardly. Shen Sinian had agreed readily, though with a hint of teasing in his eyes.

“Why does Yuan’er care so much for this servant?”

Shen Nanyuan answered calmly, “Because he will be the guard of my courtyard and is responsible for my safety. Naturally, he must learn the finest martial arts from you.”

This flattery pleased Shen Sinian immensely, and from his demeanor it seemed he was determined to teach Xiao Yan well.

Shen Jinyu was improving, Xiao Yan’s injuries were gradually healing, and though he remained wary of the people in the Duke’s household, everything was moving in a better direction. No new troubles had arisen, and these past few days had been the most peaceful and pleasant since Shen Nanyuan’s arrival.

But such days are always short-lived.

In the main hall—

Shen Nanyuan stood at Shen Yi’s right, her head lowered demurely. Not far from them sat Jun Ci and his father, the Minister of Revenue.

Shen Yi’s impatience was plain for all to see, but he maintained the basic proprieties, his voice deep and commanding: “May I ask what brings Lord Jun to the Duke’s residence today?”

“Why, naturally, to discuss the marriage between our two families,” the Minister of Revenue replied with a smile, as if utterly oblivious to Shen Yi’s expression. “Yuan’er has already come of age. Let us settle the wedding date today.”

At these words, Shen Nanyuan’s brows knit slightly. She lifted her gaze to Jun Ci.

This was not how it should be.

If the marriage was to be settled, why would Jun Ci accompany them? He should be eager for the engagement to be broken so he could be with his true love.

Shen Yi let out a cold laugh. “There is nothing to discuss. I was just about to petition His Majesty tomorrow to dissolve Yuan’er’s engagement to Jun Ci.”

“You have every right to be angry, General,” the Minister of Revenue said, unruffled. “We have indeed neglected Yuan’er, and her anger is understandable. But the two children grew up together and share a deep bond—her words were spoken in anger, that’s all. Once her temper cools, all will be well. Why not choose an auspicious date now and let the children resolve the rest themselves?”

Throughout, Jun Ci had not said a single word.

Something was off.

Shen Nanyuan studied Jun Ci’s face, and a sudden thought struck her.

Could the Minister of Revenue be threatening Jun Ci with his white moonlight?

Such a despicable act was well within his character. He had always known his son loved another—loved her to the point that he would marry no one else—yet had never spoken of it.

If that was the case, Jun Ci could say nothing; it was up to her to make her position clear.

Waiting for him to finish, Shen Nanyuan lifted her clear eyes and spoke: “Uncle Jun.”

Her voice was sweet and crisp, yet carried a quiet strength. At once, the others turned their attention to her as she smiled gently. “It was not a moment’s anger that led me to my decision.”

The confidence on the Minister of Revenue’s face froze visibly.

Shen Nanyuan noted this, and a trace of irony flickered in her eyes.

He must have thought she still harbored feelings for Jun Ci, that the prospect of settling the wedding date would soften her heart. How wrong he was.

Her smile unchanged, Shen Nanyuan continued, “Surely you know that if I had not pleaded with my father, he would never have suggested breaking the engagement. Since elder brother Jun has no intention, and I have come to my senses as well, joining our lives would only lead to needless tragedy. Let us dissolve the engagement.”

This time, the Minister of Revenue truly began to panic.

He forced a laugh. “How can you be so sure Ci’er feels nothing for you? He is a reserved boy, not one to voice his feelings, but he is sincere in his heart. You—”

To be so shameless as to spin such lies even now.

Shen Nanyuan, growing impatient, cut him off. Her expression turned cool, her words pointed: “Uncle Jun, it’s true you all prefer to keep certain things hidden, but just because I do not speak of them does not mean I am unaware. If you insist, I shall lay bare all the secrets you have kept. Are you certain you wish to proceed?”

At these words, not only the Minister of Revenue, but even Jun Ci’s gloom lifted as he raised his head sharply, eyes fixed on her.

His dark eyes were cold and piercing, an icy aura enveloping Shen Nanyuan entirely.

Shen Yi did not understand her meaning, but seeing the father and son’s expressions, he knew it was no small matter. He narrowed his eyes, his voice deepening. “Yuan’er, speak.”

The Minister of Revenue hurriedly interjected, forcing a laugh. “It’s nothing, just a misunderstanding on Yuan’er’s part. General, why don’t we go to the pavilion for some tea and let the young people talk it over themselves?”

Shen Nanyuan had not stated anything outright, leaving the two of them uneasy.

They did not know what she referred to, nor dared to ask, and certainly did not want the doting Shen Yi to find out. If Shen Nanyuan really meant that matter, and Shen Yi learned Jun Ci loved another, his rage would be boundless.

For now, the only solution was to draw Shen Yi away and let Jun Ci speak with her alone.

Shen Yi glanced back at Shen Nanyuan. Seeing her nod with a smile, he rose and left with the Minister of Revenue.

From the moment she spoke, Jun Ci’s somber gaze had been locked upon her. Shen Nanyuan met his eyes calmly. “Have something you wish to say to me?”