Chapter Thirty: Quite Embarrassed

There was a certain sense of accomplishment in her heart.

The man had been thoroughly annoyed by her repeated refusals. He was already displeased by her earlier comment about his lack of discipline over his servants, and upon hearing her rejection yet again, his expression grew even darker.

He was not a man accustomed to being refused so many times.

A servant nearby, noticing his master’s worsening mood, discreetly took out a token, clearly intending to reveal the man’s identity. But at that moment, a slightly urgent voice called out.

“Master Gu, what a coincidence to meet you here.”

The man was momentarily taken aback by the voice; he turned with a frown and saw Jun Ci striding quickly over to stand in front of him. “It’s quite late, Master Gu. Is there something you need?”

Standing behind Xiao Yan, Shen Nanyuan tilted her head and could only see Jun Ci’s back, completely blocking the man from her view.

Judging by his words, these two seemed to know each other.

She wasn’t particularly eager to see Jun Ci, though. Tugging lightly at Xiao Yan’s sleeve, she hinted that now was the perfect time to slip away. But just as she took a step, the two servants’ gazes swept over, cold and oppressive.

Shen Nanyuan froze instantly.

Helplessly, she pinched the bridge of her nose. Standing on tiptoe and still clutching Xiao Yan’s sleeve, she whispered, “You must really learn martial arts well from my brother. Next time we run into people like them, just go up and give them a beating. If there’s any trouble, I’ll take the blame. You just focus on fighting.”

It was too suffocating to always have to act according to their whims.

Xiao Yan’s gaze turned icy and rebellious as he looked over, then nodded heavily.

He remained tense, his arm protectively shielding Shen Nanyuan behind him.

Gu Shengyu’s cold demeanor softened slightly as his gaze swept over Jun Ci, his voice indifferent. “It’s nothing, just out for a walk.”

He narrowed his eyes. “And what brings you here?”

“I had a few drinks with friends and was heading home when I happened to see you, Master Gu,” Jun Ci replied, a hint of puzzlement on his face. “But you—”

“I simply noticed that it was so late and the young lady only had one attendant with her, so I thought to see her home,” Gu Shengyu said, his tone growing faintly displeased. “Didn’t expect to run into you here, Assistant Minister Jun.”

A glimmer flashed in Shen Nanyuan’s eyes.

Assistant Minister Jun.

Only someone from the court would address him so.

And Jun Ci called this man Master Gu… his surname was Gu.

She drew a deep breath, a sudden suspicion forming in her heart.

The earlier urgency in Jun Ci’s bearing had been replaced by his usual composure. He smiled, “Master Gu is indeed kind and considerate, but as it happens, I know this young lady, and her elder brother as well. There’s no need to trouble you; I’ll see her home myself.”

Gu Shengyu gave a noncommittal “Oh? Is that so? I’ve never heard of you being acquainted with any young lady, Assistant Minister Jun. But I must ask: does the lady herself wish for you to escort her?”

The atmosphere instantly fell silent.

Shen Nanyuan understood—he was asking her.

She didn’t like Jun Ci, but if she refused now, this man would surely continue to pester her. There was no better option at hand. She nodded softly, “My brother is at home; it so happens that Master Jun may accompany me to see him.”

Gu Shengyu’s face immediately darkened.

She had refused him repeatedly, yet agreed to Jun Ci. That would surely enrage him. Shen Nanyuan felt a hint of unease.

“Master Gu,” Jun Ci smiled, “it’s late. You should head home.”

“Curfew is about to begin,” Gu Shengyu’s voice was cool, with a faint edge. “Assistant Minister Jun, do mind the time.”

“Naturally.”

Jun Ci turned to her. “This way, miss.”

Shen Nanyuan, still holding onto Xiao Yan’s sleeve, headed for the space between the two servants. Where a moment ago even the slightest movement would earn her a glare, now the men stepped aside, making way without protest.

She glanced back at the man; he was watching her as well, his eyes narrowed, so dark and gloomy that she felt a chill. Goosebumps broke out across her skin and she quickly turned away, not daring to look back again.

As curfew approached, the streets grew quiet; almost no one remained.

Shen Nanyuan walked alongside Jun Ci, Xiao Yan following close behind. She hadn’t intended to speak to Jun Ci, but her questions remained unresolved. They walked a long while, until she finally felt that oppressive gaze lift from her before she spoke.

“That man… is he of the royal family?”

After returning to the palace, Xiao Yan’s name was changed to Gu Shengyan; this man’s surname was also Gu, so perhaps he was Xiao Yan’s imperial brother.

Jun Ci seemed a little surprised at her question; he nodded. “The second prince, Gu Shengyu.”

So it was as she suspected.

Gu Shengyu… Shen Nanyuan frowned, recalling from the original novel that one of the main obstacles to Xiao Yan’s ascension was Gu Shengyu.

After Xiao Yan returned to the palace, Gu Shengyu had constantly worked against him both openly and in secret. Naturally, Xiao Yan would not let such a man off in the end; Gu Shengyu died wretchedly in the struggle for power.

She pressed her lips together. “Did Gu Shengyu recognize who I am? Was tonight intentional?”

Jun Ci had been speculating to himself, but hearing it from her directly, he raised his brows in surprise.

She was the only daughter of the nation’s great general, Shen Yi, who had achieved great military merit and was favored by the emperor. If someone from the royal family allied with the Shen household, their claim to the throne would be more secure.

However, he considered her words. “...I don’t think so.”

He continued calmly, “Did you leave the manor on a whim tonight?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“He hasn’t the reach to place spies in the general’s household, so he wouldn’t know your whereabouts. Besides, judging by his attitude earlier, it didn’t seem like he recognized you.”

Shen Nanyuan pondered for a moment, then nodded. That made sense.

“If you helped me out, will the second prince make things difficult for you?” Shen Nanyuan worried he might misunderstand, so she added, “I’m just concerned you’ll have trouble because of me. We don’t really have any connection, so I’d feel guilty if that happened.”

Jun Ci lowered his gaze and shook his head. “No. His position at court is still unstable; he wouldn’t risk making an enemy of me.”

Shen Nanyuan felt relieved.

The general’s manor was close by. She couldn’t enter through the main gate, so she intended to part ways with Jun Ci here. She stopped and said, “Thank you for tonight. I owe you one. If you ever need help, you can ask me—though I doubt you’ll ever need it.”

She pointed at the general’s manor and continued, “I’m here. You should go back.”

Xiao Yan had seemed out of sorts ever since the encounter. She was eager to get home and comfort the little one.

Jun Ci gave a quiet acknowledgment, then, as he watched her walk away, he suddenly called after her, “From now on, it’s best if you avoid the second prince.”