Chapter 148: You Won't Be Upset, Will You?

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Shen Nanyuan frowned as she looked at her. “Miaofu, why is your face so red?”

“...” A faint flicker passed through Wu Miaofu’s eyes before she answered softly, “Perhaps the wind reddened it. It’s rather cold outside.”

“If it was cold, why did you stay out there so long?”

Madam Shen continued, “What if you catch a chill?”

“I’m fine, Aunt,” Wu Miaofu said, nestling against her. “I’m not that delicate. I hardly ever fell ill while growing up.”

As though afraid Madam Shen might say more, she added, “It must be nearly midnight. The fireworks should be starting soon.”

The instant she finished speaking, a sudden roar rang out. In the distant sky, magnificent fireworks burst open, illuminating the entire night. Clusters of radiant color blossomed overhead, dazzling and splendid.

Their brilliance lit up Shen Nanyuan’s face.

The view here was indeed clearer than the one from the Duke Zhenguo Estate. With nothing to obstruct it, they could see the fireworks blooming above the brightly lit capital, as though it were a painting—brilliant enough to make one’s heart tremble.

Shen Nanyuan lifted her chin slightly. It was almost as if she could hear the exclamations of wonder rising from the countless homes below. Her clear eyes reflected the fireworks, and suddenly she remembered watching them with Xiao Yan the year before.

“Will you stay up and watch the fireworks with me at this time next year, my lady?”

At the time, his eyes had been dark and lustrous, his voice deep.

Yet the next year he had spoken of had already arrived, and he was no longer in the capital.

By now, he should have retired for the night.

—

“Congratulations, Your Highness! We have reclaimed another city!”

A deafening cheer rose from among the army, seeming to pierce the heavens. In the darkness, it stirred the blood and heartened the troops.

Xiao Yan sat astride his horse, a sharp sword gleaming coldly in his hand. Drop after drop of blood fell to the ground, splattering the dust. His eyes were black as a deep pool, like an unfathomable abyss, their cold, keen light striking fear into the heart. His expression was indifferent, his bearing noble and imposing. Several drops of blood stained his face, already drying into a dark red, while his armor was spattered with vivid crimson. His entire presence seemed to look down upon the world, filling the soldiers below with surging excitement.

It was as though, by following him, they could never lose a battle or fail to conquer an enemy.

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And in truth, that was exactly how things had been.

After following him into battle, they had reclaimed numerous cities within only a few short months, forcing the Sangluo army into one retreat after another.

On every battlefield, he charged ahead even faster than the soldiers.

They had initially thought he was merely a prince—one who had only just returned to the palace—and wondered how capable he could possibly be. Now, however, they were thoroughly convinced by him, and could not help feeling a measure of admiration.

The ground was strewn with corpses, blood gathering into little streams. The heavy stench of blood filled every corner.

Under the moonlight, the place resembled hell itself.

But after months of warfare, they had grown accustomed to such scenes.

After returning to the camp and washing away the dirt and blood, Xiao Yan stepped out of the main tent and saw Shen Sinian approaching.

“Today is the New Year. Have the cooks prepare something better to reward the soldiers.”

Shen Sinian bowed his head. “Yes, Your Highness.”

Bonfires burned throughout the camp, their dim flames illuminating the entire encampment. Xiao Yan raised his eyes, his gaze settling in the direction of the capital. His expression was dark and unreadable.

After giving instructions to the cooks, Shen Sinian returned and saw Xiao Yan standing beneath the night sky, chin slightly raised as he gazed into the distance. Clad in black, he could not conceal his extraordinary bearing or the oppressive presence surrounding him.

During these months of campaigning abroad, Shen Sinian had clearly sensed the gradual transformation in Xiao Yan’s aura. The regal majesty and pressure he had always kept hidden without revealing the slightest trace were now unmistakable whenever one stood before him.

Shen Sinian stopped beside him and followed his gaze, somewhat puzzled. “What are you looking at?”

“...” Xiao Yan’s voice was quiet, yet unusually resonant. “The capital.”

It was already midnight.

She was probably watching the fireworks.

Last year, he had promised that he would watch them with her this year. In the end, he had broken his word once again.

He could not help recalling that moment beneath the brilliant fireworks filling the sky—the two of them seated upon the rooftop, and the breathtaking glance he had caught when he turned to look at her. It had been etched into his heart, impossible ever to erase.

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“The capital is so far away,” Shen Sinian said.

He found a place and sat down casually before continuing, “When I went just now, the cooks had only prepared half the meal. It will probably be some time before we can eat. Sit down and rest for a while.”

Xiao Yan nodded, then sat opposite him.

“This is the first year I haven’t spent the New Year at the Duke Zhenguo Estate,” Shen Sinian said with a smile. “It feels strange. I can’t quite put it into words.”

A guard brought them hot tea. Shen Sinian poured himself a cup and drank it before continuing, “Come to think of it, our whole family has rarely celebrated the New Year together. My father spends most of the year fighting on the frontier. He has only been home for the New Year once or twice, and whenever he returned, he would stay for no more than a month or two before setting out to battle again.”

Xiao Yan lowered his eyes. “The Duke Zhenguo Estate has contributed greatly to the court. The peace and prosperity the people enjoy today are all thanks to General Shen.”

“My father has fought on the battlefield all these years simply to defend our territory and protect the people.” Shen Sinian smiled. “If you made him sit idle, he would be the one who couldn’t bear it.”

“But of all these years, the happiest was still last New Year.”

A trace of gentleness appeared on his face. “My little sister seemed like an entirely different person after she finally saw things clearly.”

At his words, Xiao Yan raised his head and looked over.

“She became much more cheerful. Though she is always scolding me, I’m actually quite happy about it. Before, her heart was completely occupied by Jun Ci. Whenever I saw her, every other sentence was about him, and it was impossible to have a proper conversation with her. But she’s different now, and that makes me very happy.”

After speaking, he glanced at Xiao Yan’s expression. “...I mentioned Jun Ci. You’re not upset, are you?”

“No.” Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, concealing the displeasure in his gaze and the discomfort in his heart. “I’m not that petty. Go on.”

“That’s good.” Shen Sinian breathed a sigh of relief.

He lowered his eyes, as though sinking into his memories. “My little sister was dearly doted on from the time she was young. Everyone in the Duke Zhenguo Estate spoiled her beyond measure. Because of my father, even the Emperor took particular notice of her and sent her many birthday gifts every year. People throughout the capital all said that Yanyan had been blessed with a good fate. Sometimes, even I felt a little envious of her.”

“Though she was deeply cherished, she never once became arrogant or abused that favor.”

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