Chapter 138: Are You Angry?

Shen Nanyuan shook her hands and glanced at the two people standing on either side of her. "Do sit down, both of you. You aren't actually going to send someone to fetch a physician, are you?"

Shen Sinian and Shen Jinyu sat down sheepishly. Watching her pick up the carving knife again, their brows remained knitted with concern. "You're still going to carve?"

"I'll be more careful this time," Shen Nanyuan replied. "Besides, Jinyu said it's perfectly normal to cut yourself when you're just starting out."

"...Fine, then."

Seemingly feeling a bit embarrassed by his earlier fuss, Shen Sinian fell silent, though he kept his eyes fixed on Shen Nanyuan’s hands as she held the knife, looking quite tense.

At first, it didn't bother her. But as time wore on, Shen Nanyuan became increasingly uncomfortable. She pursed her lips, took a deep breath, and then lifted her gaze, offering a faint, mocking smile. "Big Brother, if you truly have nothing better to do, why don't you run a few laps around the courtyard? You seem quite idle."

Shen Sinian: "...I think not."

He silently withdrew his gaze and picked up some other tools to fidget with, out of boredom.

Time passed quickly, and soon lunch was over. Shen Nanyuan sat lazily in her chair and issued an order to leave. "You’ve finished your meal, so it’s time to head back. I need to rest."

Shen Sinian was equally lethargic. "Let us sit for a while longer. Besides, your courtyard is so large—can it not accommodate the few of us?"

Shen Jinyu showed no intention of leaving either. Wu Miaofu paused for a moment, then, showing keen social awareness, stood up and lowered her head slightly. "Then I shall return to rest first. I will come to visit you again, Cousin, when there is time."

Even after she had walked some distance away, she could still hear the voices behind her.

"My courtyard is large, but it truly cannot accommodate you."

Shen Sinian: "I’m not leaving." He even pulled Shen Jinyu along. "We’re just going to stay here and bother you."

As Wu Miaofu stepped out of Shaohua Courtyard, her eyes darkened slightly. She said softly, "Let’s go sit with Aunt for a while."

Madam Shen had doted on her since she was a child. Even though they hadn't met for years, every time her birthday arrived, Madam Shen would prepare gifts in advance and send them to Yunzhou. Others would look on with envy when they heard the gifts came from the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion in the capital. When she was younger, she had only been delighted by the gifts.

As she grew older, however, she began to see more. She saw how people in Yunzhou admired her family because of their connection to the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion, and she enjoyed the conveniences that came with it. It seemed that it was around that time her father decided to send her to the capital, hoping Madam Shen would help her find a good husband.

There were many who liked her back in Yunzhou, but they were all from humble families. She had never been interested in them, yet she never outright rejected them either; she craved the feeling of being the center of attention. That was why, upon arriving in the capital and seeing Shen Nanyuan, who shone even brighter than herself, she felt a sense of unease.

On the journey here, she had been nervous and anxious, fearing that Madam Shen might not like her. Fortunately, she had been treated well.

She had to hold onto Madam Shen as her pillar of support.

***

Shen Nanyuan gazed at her reflection in the bronze mirror with a troubled expression, sighing as Qingrui inserted a hairpin into her hair.

Usually, letters written by Shen Yi were delivered by palace eunuchs after the Emperor had read them. Unexpectedly, this time, the Second Prince had delivered it himself.

"It is done, Miss. Let us head over," Qingrui said.

Shen Nanyuan stood up reluctantly. After Qingrui helped her put on her cloak, she followed her slowly toward the main hall.

Gu Shengyu was sitting in the seat of honor, speaking calmly with Shen Sinian. When he saw Shen Nanyuan approaching, a smile finally appeared on his face.

"..." Shen Nanyuan curtsied slightly, lowering her head. "Your Highness."

"Rise and sit," Gu Shengyu said with a smile. "This should have been delivered by a eunuch, but I happened to be free and thought it had been a long time since I last saw you, County Princess, so I brought it myself."

His gaze rested lightly on Shen Nanyuan, making her feel entirely uncomfortable. She spoke softly, "I have troubled Your Highness with this trip."

"It is no trouble. I came because I wished to see you."

Shen Nanyuan lowered her head, frowning in silence.

Gu Shengyu looked up at Shen Sinian. "Madam Shen must be very worried about General Shen and anxious to read this letter. Captain Shen, you should take it to her."

"..."

*Please, no.*

A wave of irritation surged through Shen Nanyuan.

Shen Sinian glanced at her with a hint of worry, but as a subordinate, he could only bow slightly and say in a low voice, "As you command, Your Highness."

The main hall fell into sudden silence. Gu Shengyu stood up and walked toward Shen Nanyuan. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed her quietly stepping back, her head lowered. The words died on his lips, and his brows knit together in frustration.

"Why do I always get the feeling that you are avoiding me, County Princess?"

His voice turned cold. "Although we are not yet married, our engagement was bestowed by the Emperor himself. If you have any other thoughts, it would be best to forget them soon. You are destined to be my wife."

Shen Nanyuan’s hands tightened, but her voice remained unnaturally calm. "Your Highness, as you said, we are not yet married, and we must naturally observe the proprieties. If others were to see us and spread rumors, I do not know how they would slander me in the capital. If Your Highness truly cares for me, you will certainly understand."

"Who in the capital would dare to slander you!"

"Everyone in the capital could slander me," Shen Nanyuan continued. "Public opinion is a fearful thing. Since Your Highness is a ruler, you should understand this truth better than anyone."

Gu Shengyu felt a surge of frustration caught in his throat. He clenched his hands behind his back, then slowly relaxed them. A multitude of emotions flickered in his eyes, but eventually, they softened.

"You are right, County Princess. I have been too impatient."

Shen Nanyuan lowered her head. "Your Highness is wise and magnanimous."

The atmosphere, however, remained chillingly cold.

Gu Shengyu had never been defied like this before, and the indignation in his heart was still difficult to suppress. He knew that if he stayed any longer, his relationship with Shen Nanyuan might become even more strained, which would not be to his advantage.

"Since that is the case," he said, "I shall return to the palace. I will come to see you another time. There is no need for you to see me out."

Shen Nanyuan curtsied with her head bowed. "I respectfully send you off, Your Highness."

Only when his silhouette disappeared from her sight did she finally exhale, her tight nerves suddenly relaxing.

She knew that the Second Prince still hoped to win over the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion, which was why he wouldn't say anything too harsh or blame her. That was the only reason she had dared to be so bold.

Qingrui asked with a hint of concern, "Was His Highness angry?"

"Even if he is angry, he will have to swallow it," Shen Nanyuan said, narrowing her eyes slightly.