Chapter Forty-Four: None of This Is Human Doing

Shen Nanyuan thought that Xiao Yan's words about watching her take her medicine were just empty talk. After all, he was hardly someone with such leisure to spare, and he needed to go to Shen Sinian to learn martial arts, which meant he missed one of her scheduled doses. But when she saw Xiao Yan rushing back, she found herself speechless.

He really did heed her brother’s instructions.

Shen Nanyuan stared at the bowl of pitch-black medicine placed before her, her face wrinkling as she raised her eyes; those dark, watery eyes could soften anyone’s heart.

"All of it?"

Xiao Yan nodded calmly. "All of it."

Not only was he standing before her, but Qing Ruo was as well, watching her closely, showing no hint of leniency.

"We’ve prepared candied fruit for you. Once you finish your medicine, you can eat as much as you like."

Shen Nanyuan muttered, "I know, I’ll drink it now."

With both of them there, she had no choice but to comply.

She picked up the bowl and drank it all in one go. Qing Ruo hurriedly pressed a piece of candied fruit to her lips, watching as she ate it, then asked, "Do you feel any better, miss?"

"It’s alright," Shen Nanyuan replied, grabbing a few more pieces and stuffing them in her mouth, her cheeks bulging. "How much longer must I keep drinking this?"

"You’ll stop once you’re well," Qing Ruo answered, taking the empty bowl and walking out. The bitterness in Shen Nanyuan’s mouth faded, her brow relaxing as she turned to Xiao Yan, "Are you still going to my brother’s?"

"Yes," he nodded, "I’ll go once I see you’ve finished your medicine."

Shen Nanyuan waved her hand. "Then go quickly."

She added, "I’ve finished, and learning martial arts is important."

Xiao Yan hesitated, his dark eyes fixed upon her, words swirling at the tip of his tongue, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent. He bent slightly, his voice low, "Then I shall take my leave."

Watching his figure disappear, Shen Nanyuan grabbed a handful of candied fruit and stuffed it into her mouth.

Why did the bitterness keep coming back in waves, just fading and now returning again? Candied fruit truly was a marvel. No wonder Xiao Yan liked it so much—the packets she had bought before had all disappeared into his hands.

——

During her convalescence at the Duke of Zhenguo’s manor, both Gao Xueluo and Meng Chuyue came to visit her. In truth, she had recovered almost completely by the second day of her fever, but she continued taking medicine for two or three days more.

Every time she drank the medicine, Xiao Yan would stand before her, ensuring she finished every last drop before turning to his own affairs.

A few days before the imperial hunt, Shen Nanyuan learned something from Shen Sinian.

It was said that Jun Ci originally intended to propose marriage to the Lin family, but for reasons unknown, the matter was shelved, and rumors had it this caused some tension between the Lin and Jun families.

Her engagement to Jun Ci had only recently been dissolved, and now he was about to propose to another family. Though nothing was settled yet, it was enough to infuriate Shen Sinian.

"It’s only been a few months, and now he’s turning to marry another girl. What will the people of the capital think of you? I wish I could go to Jun Mansion and give Jun Ci a beating."

But that was merely a wish; he couldn’t act on it.

Relations between the Duke of Zhenguo’s family and the Jun family had long been strained, but the facade had to be maintained.

Shen Sinian had no choice but to swallow his frustration.

This news was unexpected for them, but not for Shen Nanyuan—it was entirely within her expectations.

She had long guessed that Jun Ci would not wait any longer; before year’s end, he would surely bring Lin Yan into Jun Mansion. She didn’t know what had caused the temporary delay, but it was only a matter of time before Jun Ci married Lin Yan.

She replied calmly, "Brother, there’s no need to be angry about this. The people will only say the Jun family’s young master found someone new. If they talk, it’ll be about them, not us. We’ve long had nothing to do with him; this is irrelevant to us."

"I know, but it still makes me furious," Shen Sinian said. "The Jun family’s actions are truly disgraceful."

Shen Nanyuan agreed.

She had thought so when reading about Jun Ci and his father—they truly weren’t decent men.

But now that she had broken off the engagement early, Shen Sinian wouldn’t witness their future misconduct.

If she guessed correctly, the good news between the Jun and Lin families would soon arrive. In any case, proper relations had to be maintained, as they’d meet at court. An invitation would surely be sent to the Duke of Zhenguo’s manor—whether Jun Ci would have the nerve to do so remained to be seen.

It was Jun Ci who would be placed in a difficult position.

Given Shen Sinian’s temperament, if an invitation arrived, he’d at least mock Jun Ci, or at worst, beat him.

It was only fitting, given the circumstances.

Though perhaps not entirely proper, Shen Nanyuan couldn’t help but want to see Jun Ci beaten.

She smiled gently, picked up her teacup to wet her throat, and heard Shen Sinian’s voice again.

"By the way, the imperial hunt is in a few days. You promised the Second Prince you would attend. What are you planning to do?"

"Brother," Shen Nanyuan blinked, her expression sly, "I did promise, but suddenly falling ill is not my fault, is it? And I’ve only just recovered from a fever. If I catch another chill, that’s understandable."

In any case, she had no intention of attending the imperial hunt.

She had no idea what the Second Prince was plotting, but attending would only play into his hands.

He was destined to become a future antagonist opposing Xiao Yan—who would want any connection with him?

Shen Sinian nodded. "That’s for the best."

But what Shen Nanyuan didn’t expect was that, on the day of the imperial hunt, the Second Prince came personally to the Duke of Zhenguo’s manor, catching her completely off guard.

Even Shen Yi and Shen Sinian were unprepared.

The Second Prince’s smile was gentle. "I heard Miss Shen caught a chill recently. I wanted to visit, but there was never a suitable opportunity. Today I happened to be passing by, so I thought I’d pay my respects."

Shen Nanyuan forced a smile. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Her illness had passed, and now he came to visit?

He must be here for nothing.

She and Shen Sinian exchanged glances, biting back their frustration, their impression of the Second Prince sinking even lower.

She had no choice but to attend the imperial hunt.

With things as they were, Qing Ruo and Jin Zhu hurried to prepare her things, while the Second Prince and Shen Yi went to the main hall. Shen Nanyuan and Shen Sinian stood in Shaohua Courtyard, grinding their teeth.

"How infuriating."

Shen Sinian replied, "Who isn’t?"

He sighed, turning to gently pat his sister’s shoulder. "But he is royalty."

Shen Nanyuan understood well.

She nodded, looking to Shen Sinian. "Brother, I’ll be counting on you."

At the imperial hunt, avoiding the Second Prince would be nearly impossible. She frowned with distaste and continued, "When the time comes, I’ll need you to help me. Brother, I’m going to cling to you!"