Chapter Fifty-Three: It Will Never Happen Again

Shen Yi gently touched her head and nodded with determination, replying in a deep voice, “Alright.”

He glanced at Shen Sinian. “Take good care of your sister.”

Having given his promise, he said nothing more, turning away to walk before the army. He mounted his horse with practiced ease.

Behind him, the common folk called out in unison, urging him to return safely and to win a resounding victory. Their voices thundered, deafening and magnificent, for Shen Yi was the hero who safeguarded their peace.

The army gradually vanished from sight. Shen Sinian lowered his eyes. “Shall we go back?”

Shen Nanyuan sniffled and was about to follow him when she suddenly sensed a gaze upon her. Puzzled, she turned slightly and met the eyes of the Second Prince.

He made no attempt to hide his scrutiny, offering her a faint smile.

There were many people between them, and it seemed others noticed the prince’s gaze, for they too turned their heads to look.

The Second Prince remained unabashed.

Shen Nanyuan quickly lowered her eyes and withdrew her gaze, hastening to Shen Sinian’s side, her brows furrowed tightly.

A sense of foreboding crept into her heart.

This Second Prince would not be easily fooled.

—

On the second day after Shen Yi’s departure, Shen Nanyuan went to Pure Breeze Pavilion to visit Shen Jinyu.

This time, she brought Xiao Yan along with her.

Shen Jinyu was naturally delighted to see her, but when he caught sight of Xiao Yan following behind, his smile stiffened.

He stole a cautious glance at his sister, realizing she was probably not here just to see him.

Xiao Yan bowed respectfully. “Young Master.”

As he lifted his gaze, his dark eyes swept over Shen Jinyu with a hint of coldness and malice, making Shen Jinyu shiver involuntarily and furrow his brow in silent contemplation.

Just a few months ago, Xiao Yan had been a struggling servant by his side; now, suddenly, he carried himself with such authority, leaving Shen Jinyu feeling inexplicably uneasy.

He sat down beside Shen Nanyuan. “Sister, in three days I’ll finally be able to leave this courtyard.”

“I know,” Shen Nanyuan replied calmly. “Afterwards, you will accompany me to personally visit those you injured. Whatever you did, whatever you said, and the manner in which you behaved—I will write to Father and tell him everything truthfully.”

She deliberately continued in front of Xiao Yan, “Father neglected your upbringing, which led to your arrogant and unruly nature, causing many mistakes. Before, neither Father nor I knew; now that we do, we won’t let you run unchecked.”

Shen Jinyu hung his head weakly. “I understand.”

Shen Nanyuan was now far more severe than before, a stark contrast to the days when she would laugh and chat with him. He knew she was still upset and timidly looked up. “Sister, after some time, could we go to Moonlight Restaurant together? I’ve dined there often and know what’s delicious and what’s not…”

Shen Nanyuan clicked her tongue, frowning in displeasure. “Did I finish speaking?”

Xiao Yan lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on her slightly cold expression.

It was rare to see her like this—so different from her usual self—that he was startled. Even Shen Jinyu, typically so unruly, was subdued by her presence, and Xiao Yan’s eyes grew ever deeper.

Shen Jinyu shrank back. “…Sister, please continue.”

“…,” Shen Nanyuan paused before speaking again. “Do you still recognize the person standing beside me?”

Xiao Yan lowered his gaze, meeting Shen Jinyu’s eyes. Shen Jinyu forced a dry smile. “I do.”

He had worked at Shen Jinyu’s side for years, suffering countless beatings—how could he forget? Looking back, his actions had indeed been excessive.

Whenever Shen Jinyu was upset or angry, he would vent his frustrations on Xiao Yan. After only three months confined in Pure Breeze Pavilion, Shen Jinyu already felt the days drag on endlessly. Xiao Yan, who had served him for so long, would have found life unbearable without his sister’s intervention. If not for her, he would never have seen the light of day.

Shen Nanyuan turned to look at him, her gaze steady. After a moment, she spoke softly, “I thought you might have forgotten.”

“…,” Shen Jinyu’s lips moved. Despite his guilt toward Xiao Yan, he couldn’t bring himself to offer a proper apology. He replied awkwardly, “I remember.”

Seeing the scene, Xiao Yan realized why Shen Nanyuan had brought him to the Pavilion today.

“Do I need to say it?” she prompted.

Shen Jinyu: “…”

He coughed lightly, but the words would not come, no matter how hard he tried. Aside from Shen Yi, he had never apologized to anyone—let alone a servant. In his mind, servants were always inferior; to apologize to one was unthinkable.

Yet Shen Nanyuan was right there.

He had always feared her. Now, he wanted to be close to her, but dreaded her anger and the possibility she’d report his misdeeds to Shen Yi, or ignore him altogether.

She used to visit often, but since she’d become angry, her visits dwindled, and these days felt endless.

Though his confinement was nearly finished, Shen Jinyu still dared not defy her.

He clenched his teeth, and under her gaze, forced out a few words through gritted teeth. “My treatment of you before… was wrong. I hope you’ll forgive me. It won’t happen again.”

Though awkward, Shen Nanyuan was already satisfied.

She glanced at Shen Jinyu, sighing inwardly.

Your sister is saving your life.

Xiao Yan bowed. “I am humbled. I’ve already forgotten all about it.”

Nonsense.

Shen Nanyuan discreetly rolled her eyes.

Could he forget?

These grudges were surely bottled up inside him; outwardly, he seemed fine, but inwardly, he probably wished to tear Shen Jinyu apart.

Shen Nanyuan said, “I’ll write to Father in detail. Don’t forget where you need to go in a few days.”

“Yes, Sister,” Shen Jinyu replied, dispirited.

At this, she rose to leave, pausing to turn back. “Since you know what’s good and what’s not, we’ll go to Moonlight Restaurant another day.”

Shen Jinyu was taken aback, then broke into a smile.

“Alright!”

Xiao Yan walked with Shen Nanyuan on the way back to the Pavilion. The courtyard was quiet, and his voice was gentle.

“Miss, you did it on purpose today? You brought me so the young master would apologize?”

“Mm,” the person walking ahead answered softly.

Xiao Yan asked, “Why? I’m just a servant, and the young master…”

Shen Nanyuan cut him off. “Servants are people too. Here, there is no hierarchy of status. If Jinyu has done wrong, he cannot always hide behind Father and the Duke’s estate.”