Chapter Forty-One: Nature Is Also My Sister

What a pity, true retirement must wait a little longer. Once she returned Xiao Yan to the palace, with her current status, she could do as she pleased. Shen Nanyuan felt a secret delight in her heart.

But the next day, when she saw Shen Sinian arrive before her, clad in black brocade, she was stunned.

She tilted her head, forcing a dry smile. "Big brother?"

"You went boating and didn't invite me!" Shen Sinian lightly tapped Shen Nanyuan's head. "If Xiao Yan hadn’t told me yesterday, I wouldn’t have known. You call for your brother when you need something, but leave me behind when you go out for fun! Truly, you are my good little sister."

Shen Nanyuan, bewildered, glanced at Xiao Yan. Seeing his calm demeanor, entirely untroubled, she awkwardly searched for an excuse. "Chu Yue and I are both girls—I thought you wouldn’t want to come."

"What does it matter if you’re girls? You’re both my sisters, and besides, isn’t Xiao Yan here as well?" Shen Sinian shrugged it off. He paused and continued, "I feel more at ease watching over you."

After the incident with the Second Prince, he was indeed a little worried, afraid she might encounter him again and be unable to fend him off.

See, that Second Prince is nothing but trouble!

With things as they were, Shen Nanyuan couldn’t protest further. She brought Qing Rui and Xiao Yan, while Shen Sinian had only one attendant by his side. Together, they waited for Meng Chu Yue.

Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Shen Sinian, then quietly edged over to Xiao Yan, lowering her voice, "What happened?"

Xiao Yan’s eyes were fathomless, and inexplicably seemed a bit aggrieved. He mimicked Shen Nanyuan’s tone, leaning closer and whispering near her ear, "I let it slip accidentally."

Shen Nanyuan was speechless.

Wasn’t he always cautious in his actions?

Just then, Shen Sinian’s voice drifted over lazily, "Yuan Yuan, your brother has the sharpest ears, especially for anything others don’t want me to hear—I hear it most clearly."

Shen Nanyuan immediately forced a laugh. "We weren’t saying anything, just that it’s my first time boating, so I’m a little excited and happy."

Shen Sinian smiled ambiguously, uttered an "oh," and turned his head away.

Shen Nanyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

She looked at her group of hangers-on, pinched the bridge of her nose in silent frustration.

Well, the party had truly grown in numbers now. With the hangers-on, they made four; Meng Chu Yue brought a maid, making five people watching the two of them. Who would dare do anything under such scrutiny?

Shen Nanyuan felt this meeting between them had been wasted.

Yet Meng Chu Yue seemed genuinely happy to see them, likely because she hadn’t seen Xiao Yan in a long time. Even with so many people around, Meng Chu Yue was cheerful, her cheeks tinged with a gentle blush.

The weather had been splendid for days—bright sunshine and clear skies. The light spilled onto the crystalline water, reflecting shimmering waves across the lake. Shen Nanyuan alighted from the carriage and walked to the lakeshore, her mood previously gloomy, but upon seeing the verdant mountains and clear waters before her, her spirits lifted.

Several boats were moored at the shore, and the boatman waved with a smile.

"Are you young ladies and gentlemen here to go boating?"

Shen Sinian nodded. "Yes, we are."

The small boat could seat at most four people, so Qing Rui and the others waited on the shore. Shen Sinian boarded first, standing at the bow and extending his hand to Shen Nanyuan.

"Careful, the boat rocks a bit. Take it slow," he said.

Though Shen Nanyuan had never boarded a boat here, she had taken sightseeing boats during her travels before entering the story. This seemed much the same, only smaller. She took a large step, steadying herself with Shen Sinian’s hand as she boarded.

Inside, seats flanked a wooden table; Shen Nanyuan stooped into the cabin and sat down.

She had thought this outing would be in vain for Xiao Yan and Meng Chu Yue to meet, but unexpectedly, since the boat only seated four, it was a heaven-sent opportunity!

She glanced around at the surroundings, a faint smile curling her lips.

Shen Sinian, seeing Shen Nanyuan settled, turned and extended his hand to Meng Chu Yue, his face adorned with a gentle, refined smile. "Miss Meng, forgive me for the intrusion."

Meng Chu Yue’s heart thudded; she could barely conceal the blush spreading across her cheeks. She quickly ducked her head, placing her hand softly in Shen Sinian’s palm.

A warm, dry sensation passed between their joined hands; she pressed her crimson lips tightly, her breath catching.

"Careful," Shen Sinian said quietly, his gaze gentle.

The boat rocked on the water, unsteady, yet the hand holding hers was remarkably firm. She stepped aboard, murmuring, "Thank you, Brother Shen."

"No need to thank me. You’re friends with Yuan Yuan, so naturally you’re my sister as well," Shen Sinian replied.

"Go on inside," he urged.

The word "sister" cooled Meng Chu Yue’s heart instantly. Her lips twisted dryly as she bowed her head and entered the cabin.

Shen Nanyuan blinked at her, looking utterly innocent.

"Chu Yue, it’s my first time on a boat, and I’m a bit scared. I want my big brother beside me—that way I’ll feel safer," she said.

Meng Chu Yue nodded, seating herself opposite Shen Nanyuan. "It’s nothing, really. You might be a little afraid the first time."

Shen Nanyuan smiled. "I’ll adapt soon enough."

Just then, Xiao Yan and Shen Sinian entered. Before Shen Nanyuan could speak, Xiao Yan strode straight over and seated himself beside her, while Shen Sinian took the remaining seat.

The atmosphere felt oddly tense.

Shen Nanyuan glanced in surprise at Xiao Yan, then at Meng Chu Yue opposite, her eyes filled with confusion.

But Meng Chu Yue seemed oblivious, keeping her gaze lowered and silent.

Shen Nanyuan was even more puzzled.

This was nothing like she had imagined.

Once they were settled, the boat began to move gently. The boatman stood at the bow, paddling and smiling, "It’s perfect weather for boating today. There’s a Watchtower on the far bank, not far—climb up and you’ll see the whole landscape. Would you like to go, young ladies and gentlemen?"

Shen Sinian, intrigued, nodded. "Let’s have a look then."

"Alright!" the boatman replied enthusiastically.

Though the weather was lovely, the wind was rather strong, blowing into the cabin and making Shen Nanyuan clutch her cloak tighter. She worriedly asked Meng Chu Yue, "You’ve only just recovered—does this wind bother you?"

"I’m fine," Meng Chu Yue answered softly. "I’ve been well for some time; it’s just my father doesn’t want me to go out."

"You talk about others, but look at yourself," Shen Sinian frowned. "You didn’t even wear a thicker cloak."

Shen Nanyuan glanced down at herself, muttering, "The weather’s so nice today—a thick cloak would be too warm."