Chapter Thirty-Five: Still, Listen to the Young Lady

“No, I won’t.” Shen Nanwan’s voice was calm. “Only by doing this will he learn his lesson and remember my words more deeply. When his confinement ends and he sees Aunt Meng again—no matter what she says, whether she speaks ill of me or claims I don’t care for his life—he will recall what I said today instead of blindly believing her.”

This way, he would not be incited or manipulated by Aunt Meng’s words into being wary or resentful of her again, nor would he revert to his former arrogant, untouchable self.

But she was right, after all. Although Shen Jinyu had changed somewhat, he still sometimes feigned obedience in front of her, deliberately saying what he knew she wished to hear.

After dealing with this mother and son, Shen Nanwan suddenly realized that the young man in her own courtyard was much better. Well-behaved and obedient, every day he went to Shen Sinian’s courtyard to learn martial arts at the appointed time, then returned to Shaohua Courtyard, living a simple routine with no other intention except training. At least, Xiao Yan understood the kindness she showed him.

Unlike Aunt Meng.

Shen Nanwan pinched her brow and sighed. Seeing that the day was still young, she suddenly changed direction.

“Let’s go see Xiao Yan.”

—

“All right, rest for a while,” Shen Sinian sat on a stone chair and poured himself a cup of tea. “Come sit down, so when you return Nanwan won’t accuse me of mistreating her people by denying you a break and some water.”

He was obviously teasing, but Xiao Yan could not bear to hear anyone speak ill of her. He walked over and said with a calm tone, “Miss is not that sort of person.”

“Why, your tone makes it sound as if I’m sowing discord.”

“I didn’t mean that.”

Shen Sinian drained his tea and laughed. “Of course I know you didn’t. You don’t need to be so cautious with me.”

He sighed. “Ever since I started teaching you, I finish my rounds and return to the manor, rarely leaving anymore. I’ve almost forgotten the taste of wine. Tomorrow, I’ll have someone buy some; let’s drink together.”

“Tomorrow we’ll rest for a day. One can’t train without ever stopping.”

Xiao Yan was momentarily taken aback. He shook his head. “I am but a servant; how could I drink with you, young master?”

“I don’t care about such formalities,” Shen Sinian replied carelessly. “I used to drink with my Imperial Guards all the time. Just think of it as unwinding; tomorrow you’ll see how relaxing wine can be.”

His hearing was excellent; as he finished speaking, he caught the sound of footsteps outside the courtyard. He made a gesture for silence, a faint smile playing at his lips. “Nanwan is coming.”

Xiao Yan looked up, and sure enough, soon a lively figure entered his line of sight. She wore a water-blue dress, spirited and graceful, and her eyes held a bright, dazzling light that made one’s heart tremble.

“Brother,” she called, smiling as she approached. Her voice was clear and sweet, and the delicate fragrance unique to her lingered in Xiao Yan’s breath, causing his heart to beat faster.

“You two are resting?”

“Yes, I didn’t want you to see and accuse me of mistreating your people.”

Shen Nanwan snorted softly, “I’m not that kind of person.”

Hearing this, Shen Sinian chuckled and stroked his chin, intrigued. “When I said the same to Xiao Yan, he too insisted you weren’t that sort of person. Truly, those in your courtyard speak much like you.”

Only then did her gaze fall on Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan found himself caring even about this, a faint irritation gathering in his heart. He lowered his eyes, concealing the gloom in his gaze, and spoke softly, “Why has Miss come here?”

Shen Nanwan seated herself beside Shen Sinian. “I was bored, so I thought I’d come see how your training is going.”

She asked, “What were you talking about just now?”

“Young master said—”

Shen Sinian quickly interrupted, smiling awkwardly. “We were talking about the upcoming royal hunt, which lasts three days. Palace concubines and noble ladies can attend. I was just asking if you planned to go.”

Shen Nanwan: “…”

It sounded exhausting.

She shook her head. “I don’t want to go. Just say I’m unwell…”

In previous years, Shen Nanwan always attended the royal hunt, because Jun Ci, as a court official, was required to be there. She went every year just to see him.

This year, her absence was expected by Shen Sinian; he nodded, “Then Xiao Yan and I will go together.”

Caught off guard by hearing his own name, Xiao Yan: “…”

Shen Nanwan glanced at her brother. Hearing that Xiao Yan would accompany him, she felt a faint worry rise in her heart.

Though the original novel had the protagonist discover his true identity at the end of the following year and begin plotting a return to the palace and his revenge, a year from now, she worried that by attending the royal hunt, he might learn the truth sooner.

After all, some events involving Meng Chuyue had already happened ahead of schedule.

He still harbored resentment toward the Shen family; if he learned his identity this early, the Shen family would be dancing on the edge of life and death.

“Xiao Yan shouldn’t go,” Shen Nanwan coughed lightly. “His injuries may look healed, but he still needs to recuperate. If anything happens, I only have this one bodyguard.”

Shen Sinian patted Xiao Yan’s shoulder. “A real man doesn’t care about a few wounds. Xiao Yan isn’t bothered by these minor injuries.”

“But new wounds aggravated by old ailments—”

“Only by moving more will he recover faster. Staying in Shaohua Courtyard all day will only slow his healing.”

Shen Nanwan: “…”

She never realized how good her brother was at talking people into things!

She frowned, “Then ask Xiao Yan if he wants to go. If he does, I have nothing to say.”

“Xiao Yan, what do you think? Will you go?”

With both of them arguing over an issue concerning him, Xiao Yan calmly sipped his tea, meeting the pressure from Shen Sinian and Shen Nanwan’s gazes, and replied mildly, “I’d rather listen to Miss and continue recuperating.”

Shen Nanwan’s small, frowning face instantly bloomed into a smile.

She tilted her chin triumphantly and looked at her brother’s impassive expression with delight. “Brother, you think everyone has your iron body and never needs rest? Besides, I suspect your insistence on taking Xiao Yan is just to have him keep you company.”

Shen Sinian disliked such lively gatherings and had no real interest in hunting, but as a court official, he had to attend. That’s why he wanted Xiao Yan to accompany him. Unlike the other servants, Xiao Yan could converse with him about martial arts, helping ease his boredom.