Chapter 157: You Actually Disdain Me

Since arriving here, she had only traveled within the capital and its outskirts, having never ventured anywhere else; thus, she harbored a deep yearning for vast, expansive lands.

On the final sheet of paper, there were a few hidden lines: "Perhaps some unfavorable news will reach the capital, but do not worry; we will be fine."

Shen Nanyuan’s gaze tightened instantly. Even though he told her not to worry, how could she not be anxious after reading such words? What kind of bad news could possibly reach the capital? While filled with doubt and deep concern, she soon realized why Shen Sinian had written that at the end.

"The Third Prince and Sinian are likely to encounter an ambush on their way back," Shen Yi said, his voice flat and devoid of any apparent worry. "But it is of no consequence."

"Why?" Shen Furen asked, her face full of anxiety. "This is no small matter!"

"Since I can foresee it, the Third Prince and Sinian surely can as well," Shen Yi continued leisurely. "Especially the Third Prince; he is certainly aware that there are those who do not wish for their safe return."

"As for who it might be, you should all be able to guess."

Shen Nanyuan pursed her lips. It was Gu Shengyu who did not want Xiao Yan to return to the capital. Having won the war and achieved such military merit, Xiao Yan had become a significant threat to him.

"I tell you this only so you will not worry. They will return as scheduled. Therefore, if any news arrives, do not be alarmed. This will also reassure the common people who might hear of it later; if they see that our Duke of Zhen’s Mansion remains unmoved, they will naturally feel at ease."

Recalling the words Shen Sinian had written on that final page, Shen Nanyuan felt a sense of relief. Indeed, news of the Third Prince’s ambush later spread throughout the capital, but the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion remained completely calm. Despite the fact that the eldest son of the Shen family was also with him, there was no sign of activity from the mansion, and gradually, the rumors died down.

Xiao Yan and his company returned to the capital half a month after Shen Yi’s return. As the army reached the city walls, Xiao Yan sat atop his horse, his eyes sharp and bright as cold stars. They landed directly on the Second Prince standing before the city gate, and a faint, cold mockery curled at the corner of his mouth.

Having not seen Xiao Yan for a long time, Shen Nanyuan felt a sudden, profound sense of unfamiliarity. Whether it was from being accustomed to life and death on the battlefield or from commanding tens of thousands of soldiers, a cold, sharp, and awe-inspiring aura now enveloped him. It was chilling and overbearing, especially as he sat on his horse with a commanding presence that looked down upon the world.

A complex, indescribable feeling rose in Shen Nanyuan’s heart. He felt like a stranger, yet at the same time, her heart palpitated violently. Standing beside her, Meng Chuyue looked at the vast army below and could not help but step forward, her gaze fixed intently on Shen Sinian.

"Congratulations on your triumphant return, Third Brother," Gu Shengyu said with a smile. "It has been several months, and you seem to have changed quite a bit."

"You, Imperial Brother, remain much the same." Xiao Yan’s gaze was cool and detached as it fell upon him, carrying an indifferent pressure. "However, I did narrowly lose my life on the road back this time."

"I have heard of this," Gu Shengyu replied, his face flawless. "I was deeply worried, but fortunately, you are safe. Let us head into the palace to see Father Emperor." He then turned his gaze to Shen Sinian. "Captain Shen, please return to the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion to rest for a moment before entering the palace. Father Emperor has prepared a banquet to celebrate your and General Shen’s victory."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Shen Nanyuan turned and grabbed Meng Chuyue’s wrist. "Come, let’s go down."

Meng Chuyue paused, a look of joy on her face. "Alright."

She followed Shen Nanyuan down from the city wall. Not far away, Shen Sinian stood waiting, and as the others drifted away, Shen Nanyuan beamed.

"Big Brother!"

At the crisp sound, Shen Sinian raised his head. The dark intensity in his eyes instantly melted into a gentle glow, and his lips curved into a soft smile, just as it had been before he left for the campaign. "Yuanyuan."

Shen Nanyuan opened her arms to rush toward him, but she stopped halfway. Seeing that Shen Sinian looked a bit dusty, she shook her head hesitantly. "Big Brother, you should hurry back to the mansion to freshen up."

Shen Sinian was stunned. "You’re actually repulsed by me! This makes me so sad!" He waved his hand. "Come here!"

Shen Nanyuan’s expression shifted, and she skillfully changed the subject with a smile. "Big Brother, let’s head back to the mansion quickly. The Emperor is holding a banquet tonight, and we have to enter the palace; time is tight. Isn't that right, Chuyue?"

Meng Chuyue, caught off guard, nodded blankly. "Yes."

Shen Sinian withdrew his hand and let out a soft hum, his demeanor devoid of the sharp hostility he had shown to others earlier, appearing almost boyish now. "Fine."

Meng Chuyue lowered her head and said gently, "Yuanyuan, Brother Shen, I shall return to the Prime Minister’s residence first."

"Alright," Shen Nanyuan said with a smile. "See you at the palace tonight."

Upon returning to the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion, Shen Sinian first visited the Old Madam and Shen Furen, offering them comfort as they wiped their tears before going to bathe and change. Only then did he head to Shaohua Courtyard.

"Has anything happened while I was away from the capital?" He asked, clearly inquiring about the Second Prince’s movements.

Shen Nanyuan shook her head. "No." She thought for a moment and added, "However, the Fifth Prince of the Houlan Kingdom has arrived in the capital recently and is currently staying in the palace."

"The Fifth Prince of the Houlan Kingdom?" Shen Sinian frowned. "Why is he here?"

Shen Nanyuan shook her head. Usually, she relied on Shen Yi and Shen Sinian for such news, and since their departure, her sources had dried up. Yet, the name "Houlan Kingdom" filled her with unease. In the original story, the Eldest Princess was sent to the Houlan Kingdom for a political marriage and eventually died there. Perhaps this Fifth Prince had come specifically for that purpose.

She was unsure if the future would continue to unfold according to what she knew, and since her memory of certain plot points was becoming hazy, she decided to treat it as unknown and let Shen Sinian investigate. But a marriage alliance between two nations was a major affair; as a county princess, there was nothing she could do to stop it.

She wondered what would happen tonight. At the banquet, the Emperor was in high spirits. The way he looked at Xiao Yan in particular caused the ministers sitting below to exchange glances, the implications clear to all.