Chapter Thirty-Four: Anyone Can Say That

Madam Meng sneered as she rose to her feet. “Jinyu is truly pitiful. His father cares nothing for him, and his brother and sister are even more indifferent to his fate. When I see him, I must make sure he sees these people for what they are—not even as good as outsiders.”

Hearing this, Qingrui’s heart surged with indignation. She was about to speak, but Shen Nanyuan gently tugged her sleeve and then replied coolly, “Take care, Madam.”

It seemed Madam Meng was so incensed that even her footsteps thundered as she left.

Only when the sounds faded from the courtyard did Qingrui vent her anger. “Second Madam’s words are truly vexing. Since the young master was confined, you’ve been visiting him the most, often bringing his favorite treats. Now she accuses you of being indifferent to his well-being. I’m angry on your behalf.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Shen Nanyuan answered calmly, as if she hadn’t taken Madam Meng’s words to heart. “But it seems tomorrow we must pay a visit to Clear Breeze Pavilion.”

She pressed her fingers wearily to her brow.

She had thought the most difficult part of guiding Shen Jinyu would be his already formed character, but it turned out the real challenge was Madam Meng.

Such a narrow mind—truly, the difference between her and Lady Shen was vast.

Shen Sinian had grown up at Lady Shen’s side, a stark contrast to Shen Jinyu. It was no wonder that when people spoke of the eldest and second young masters of the Duke Protector’s household, they praised the former and held the latter in disdain.

Still, Shen Jinyu was not beyond hope; he could yet be guided back onto the right path.

The next day, after lunch, Shen Nanyuan made her way to Clear Breeze Pavilion. It happened that Shen Jinyu had just finished eating as well. When he saw her, his face lit up in delight.

“Sister!”

He beamed. “You haven’t come in ages, and big brother doesn’t visit either. I have no one to talk to.”

Shen Nanyuan seated herself at his side unhurriedly. “Nonsense. I was just here a few days ago. How could you say it’s been ages? And big brother came with me, yet you make it sound like it’s been so long?”

“It’s just that I’m so bored alone in here.” Shen Jinyu sighed. “I have over a month left before I can leave. When I do, I’ll go to Bright Moon Restaurant for a proper feast—I’m practically starving.”

“Don’t I often bring you food from there?”

“It’s not the same as eating there,” he replied with a mischievous grin. “I have high standards for my food.”

Shen Nanyuan couldn’t help but laugh. “You and your endless demands.”

She placed before him the pastries Qingrui had bought earlier, his favorites. “Eat up, I bought them from your favorite shop.”

“I knew you spoil me the most, sister!”

Shen Jinyu was overjoyed; at such moments, he seemed genuinely endearing.

He was a born foodie—thinking about it now, it was easy to understand his fury that day in the restaurant when someone else took his private room and he missed his meal. But to strike someone so harshly was still inexcusable.

She watched him wolf down four or five pastries before she finally broached the reason for her visit.

“Madam Meng came to Shaohua Courtyard last night.”

“Really?” Shen Jinyu didn’t even look up. “The servants said father won’t let mother into Clear Breeze Pavilion. She probably couldn’t see me and hurried to see you instead. She wanted to ask how I was doing?”

“Yes, she was rather anxious about you,” Shen Nanyuan’s eyes flickered slightly, “but she was also worried about something else.”

Shen Jinyu looked up, puzzled.

“She wanted me to speak on your behalf before father. She said father dotes on me most, and if I pleaded with him, he might relent and end your confinement early.”

At these words, Shen Jinyu’s eyes immediately brightened—but the light faded just as quickly at what Shen Nanyuan said next.

“I didn’t agree.”

He couldn’t help but press, “Why not, sister? If you speak to father, he’ll surely soften. I’ve been stuck here for a month already. Surely his anger has cooled by now. If you just ask, he’ll agree to let me out of Clear Breeze Pavilion.”

His brows were knit with urgency. “Sister, please help me.”

She had expected this reaction. Her gaze swept lightly over his face, then she said quietly, “Why are you always in such a hurry?”

He paused, pursing his lips as he forced down his agitation, lowering his eyes and not daring to meet her gaze. “I just… I really want to get out of here.”

Shen Nanyuan picked up the teacup from the table in silence. The quiet around them grew thick with tension, making Shen Jinyu increasingly uneasy. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his heart pounding.

“…Sister?”

Sometimes, he truly feared Shen Nanyuan.

“Do you know why I didn’t agree?” Her gaze was fixed on him, reading every nuance of his expression. “Tell me.”

If nothing else, Shen Jinyu was skilled at reading faces. He hesitated, then ventured tentatively, “Is it because I was supposed to be confined for three months, but if I’m released after just one, people will think father goes back on his word? The parents of the one I hurt won’t feel justice has been done, and it will tarnish the reputation of the Duke Protector’s household?”

“That’s certainly a reason. But there’s another: you haven’t realized your own fault.”

Shen Nanyuan’s voice was gentle but firm. “Just now, when I said I didn’t agree, you grew anxious immediately. If you truly felt remorse, you’d quietly serve out your three months’ confinement, then apologize to father when you’re released. But all you’re thinking of is how to get out as soon as possible. You haven’t reflected on what happened at all; you’re only trying to gain favor with me.”

Shen Jinyu’s mouth parted slightly, his face stiffening. He shook his head fiercely. “No, that’s not true. I truly know I was wrong.”

“Anyone can say as much,” Shen Nanyuan replied, her gaze deep and steady. “What matters is making others believe it.”

She stood, her expression turning cold. “Shen Jinyu, let me be clear: if you go on like this, you’ll ruin yourself. I genuinely want the best for you, but if all you care about is playacting for me so you can get by, I won’t waste my time on you.”

“For the next few days, I won’t come. If there’s anything, tell the servants. When you truly understand your mistake, I’ll return.”

For once, Shen Jinyu’s face showed genuine sorrow. He called after her desperately, but Shen Nanyuan ignored him, her figure quickly disappearing into the depths of Clear Breeze Pavilion.

Qingrui glanced back, and only when they had left the pavilion far behind did she speak softly, “Miss, the young master relies on you the most now. Is this not a bit too harsh?”