Chapter 153: Just a Guess

She paused, as if she were waiting to see what Shen Nanyuan would say.

Qingrui was anxious, but given her lowly status, she had no voice before Consort Zhuang.

Consort Zhuang was cornering her.

If she said she wanted it, the Consort would surely take her to see the Emperor immediately to discuss the wedding date, hoping to finalize everything before General Shen Yi returned.

Because Xiao Yan had achieved military merit, they were desperate to cling to the influence of the Duke Zhen’s Mansion.

Silence filled the room. Shen Nanyuan tightened her grip on her lap.

After a moment, Shen Nanyuan said, "Your Ladyship, it would be best to wait until my father returns before discussing such matters."

"Why the shyness, County Princess?" Consort Zhuang said. "I am merely chatting with you."

"Unless..." Her eyes narrowed, appearing cold, a hint of frost in her expression, "you do not wish to marry?"

A wave of oppression washed over Shen Nanyuan. "…That is not it."

"Then that makes things easy." Consort Zhuang’s expression softened. "In that case, why wait for another day? Let us go see the Emperor today and set the date. When General Shen returns in triumph, it will be a double blessing."

Just as she thought.

Shen Nanyuan’s suspicions were confirmed. Now that she understood the Consort's motive, she felt a little more at ease.

Consort Zhuang was in such a hurry simply because she wanted to secure the matter before Shen Yi returned, ensuring that no matter what happened in the future, they would have the Duke Zhen’s Mansion backing them.

So, in her heart, she was still afraid of Shen Yi.

Shen Nanyuan lifted her eyes slightly, her voice soft but steady. "I naturally wish to marry into the palace, but if this matter is decided without consulting my father, he will surely not let it go when he returns."

"Your Ladyship may not know, but although my father appears mild-mannered, he actually has a fierce temper. If a decision is made behind his back, this marriage might not happen at all. What he hates most is having things kept from him."

Since Consort Zhuang didn’t know Shen Yi, she laid it on thick.

"He already dislikes the idea of me marrying so young. If he becomes angry, he might just call off the marriage entirely."

Consort Zhuang paused, a sharp, piercing gaze falling upon Shen Nanyuan. It was unclear whether she believed her or not. "The decree was issued by the Emperor himself. Could General Shen possibly defy an imperial order?"

"I dare to say, Your Ladyship, that when my father and brother return in triumph, the Emperor will be overjoyed. Perhaps at that moment, the Emperor would agree to whatever they ask."

"..." Consort Zhuang did not speak, but Shen Nanyuan could see her hesitation.

She continued, "In that case, even if I wished to marry the Second Prince, I would have no way to do so. It is better to wait for my father’s return so I can discuss it with him properly. That is the best approach."

"In fact, even if you hadn't summoned me to the palace today, I had intended to speak with him. The Second Prince is refined and talented; he is my best choice."

*Ugh.*

She would need to rinse her mouth thoroughly when she got back.

Who didn't know how to spout nonsense?

Suddenly, she met Consort Zhuang’s gloomy gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, but she lowered her head calmly.

"From what you say, you are very fond of Yu’er?" Consort Zhuang asked. "Then why do I always feel as if you are intentionally avoiding him?"

She narrowed her eyes, the coldness like a blade piercing Shen Nanyuan. "You aren't lying to me, are you?"

"I would not dare," Shen Nanyuan said, her face showing a hint of panic. "I only feel that since we are not yet wed, I fear causing gossip, so I dare not be too intimate with His Highness."

Consort Zhuang: "..."

She seemed weary, or perhaps lost in thought. She remained silent for so long that even the palace maid who had gone to the Imperial Kitchen returned before she finally spoke. "Very well."

Consort Zhuang glanced sideways. "Go, tell the Second Prince to escort the County Princess out of the palace."

"Yes, Your Ladyship."

Shen Nanyuan’s heart finally settled.

When talking to humans, speak like a human; when talking to ghosts, speak like a ghost. Who couldn't do that?

Before long, Gu Shengyu hurried over. He glanced at Consort Zhuang before saying, "Let’s go, County Princess."

Shen Nanyuan stood up. "I take my leave, Your Ladyship."

The Second Prince must have known about this; perhaps he was the one who prompted Consort Zhuang to do it.

The more Shen Nanyuan saw of him, the more annoyed she felt. She quickened her pace. When she reached the palace gate and saw the carriage waiting, she felt as if she had finally been freed, a faint smile appearing on her face.

Come to think of it, she hadn't seen the Second Prince in a long time.

He had been very busy lately, which suited her perfectly; it meant he had no time to come looking for her.

Shen Nanyuan stopped before the carriage and lowered her gaze. "Your Highness, you may stop here."

"Very well," Gu Shengyu said, his gaze resting gently on her. "I have been very busy lately. Once General Shen returns to the capital, I will visit the Duke Zhen’s Mansion."

Shen Nanyuan nodded. After bowing, she boarded the carriage. Only when the carriage had exited the palace did she let out a long sigh of relief.

She turned to look at Qingrui and, seeing her still looking tense, laughed. "Scared?"

"A little," Qingrui said, still shaken. "Consort Zhuang is quite frightening."

Especially that way she had of being seemingly indifferent while her words carried such crushing weight; it was enough to make one feel suffocated.

She had previously longed for the palace, always thinking how lucky it would be to see it. But after visiting today, while she was indeed struck by its grandeur, she also felt a lingering fear of the people within.

These people were certainly not simple.

Looking at it this way, the Duke Zhen’s Mansion was the best place after all.

Upon returning, the Eldest Mistress and the Old Madam learned why Consort Zhuang had summoned her. Both could not help but sigh. Beside them, Wu Miaofu gripped her hands tightly, her eyes darkening.

—

"We return to the capital tomorrow. Your Highness fought beautifully in this campaign. Not only did you reclaim the city, but you left the Sangluo people’s vitality severely damaged. The Emperor will surely be pleased."

Xiao Yan stood by the campfire. The flickering flames illuminated his face, highlighting his sharp, angular features. His usually cold expression had relaxed significantly.

"We cannot let our guard down on the return journey."

Shen Sinian paused. "Is Your Highness worried that... someone might try to interfere?"

Xiao Yan, dressed in black, his gaze sharpening, said, "I am only guessing. There may be those who do not wish for me to return to the capital safely."