Chapter 55: Difficult to Speak of

She had always harbored a deep aversion toward Shen Nanyuan, and after learning the truth, her anger would surely be even greater.

When he was in the Qingfeng Pavilion, sometimes, with nothing to do, he would reflect that all he ever heard from his mother were tales of Shen Nanyuan’s faults. Yet, after truly spending such a long time with her, he discovered she was not nearly as wicked as his mother made her out to be.

Shen Nanyuan treated him with genuine kindness, so he instinctively withheld certain words.

Watching Aunt Meng still confused by Shen Yi’s behavior, Shen Jinyu sighed softly. Even his elder sister understood, but his mother remained oblivious. No wonder, ever since he could remember, Shen Yi rarely visited here.

The next day, Shen Nanyuan did not bring Xiao Yan with her; she simply instructed him to follow Shen Sinian for martial training, accompanied by a few guards from the Duke of Zhen’s residence.

She felt it best not to let Xiao Yan meet Shen Jinyu too often for now, lest he recall the injustices he had previously suffered.

Today the weather was bleak, with a gentle, persistent rain falling. When they alighted from the carriage, Qingrui immediately opened an umbrella and hurried to Shen Nanyuan’s side, only relaxing once she was sure not a single drop had touched her mistress.

Though the Liu family was not a noble household, their business had flourished in recent years, so their residence was quite impressive, with two stone sculptures flanking the entrance—though now, they appeared somewhat desolate.

Shen Nanyuan walked alongside Shen Jinyu, carefully stepping over a puddle. She spoke in a quiet tone, “Do you need me to remind you what should and shouldn’t be said?”

“No need, Sister,” Shen Jinyu replied, looking very obedient. “I know what must be done.”

His demeanor was markedly different from the resistance he’d shown days earlier upon hearing he would visit the Liu family. Now, he seemed resigned, which surprised Shen Nanyuan. She raised her brows, “You weren’t like this a few days ago.”

Shen Jinyu smiled, lifting his face. “After I apologized to your servant, I spent a few days reflecting. I realized that sometimes, saying such things isn’t so difficult after all.”

“It’s just that I’d never spoken them before, so it felt hard to admit.”

Shen Nanyuan studied him for a moment, unable to discern whether he was speaking truth or merely placating her. She nodded slightly, following his words. “It’s good you think that way.”

She only hoped it wasn’t simply fear of what she might write to Shen Yi that made him so docile.

The Liu family had not expected their arrival. After Qingrui knocked, a young servant came out and was visibly startled by their presence.

Shen Nanyuan offered a gentle smile. “We are from the Duke of Zhen’s residence, here today especially to see Young Master Liu.”

The moment the servant heard those words, his expression turned anxious and fearful. He quickly opened the door and gestured for them to enter. “Please, come in.”

He also addressed another servant who was approaching, “Go quickly and inform the master and mistress that the eldest miss from the Duke of Zhen’s residence has arrived.”

Previously, it was through Shen Nanyuan’s involvement that the Liu family’s troubles came to Shen Yi’s attention. Madam Liu was deeply grateful to her and, upon hearing of her arrival, rushed forward without concern for propriety to pay her respects.

“Your humble servant greets the eldest miss.”

Master Liu, his hair silver, followed closely and knelt as well. “Greetings, eldest miss.”

Shen Nanyuan hastened forward, helping both to their feet. “We have come today especially to see Young Master Liu,” she said, turning slightly, “together with Jinyu.”

The Liu couple finally noticed Shen Jinyu. The two exchanged a glance, and the atmosphere grew solemn.

Though deeply grateful to Shen Nanyuan, they could not forget that the person before them had sent men to beat their son, nearly killing him. Forgiveness and friendly words were out of reach.

Noticing their troubled expressions, Shen Nanyuan smiled and said, “Let’s go.”

“Very well,” Madam Liu led the way, “Since General Shen visited, we often receive precious medicinal herbs. If not for the general, Yuan’er would not have recovered so swiftly.”

Shen Yi not only sent rare medicines but also arranged for skilled physicians and did much more for the Liu family, striving to make amends.

Shen Nanyuan spoke softly, “These are all things the Duke of Zhen’s residence ought to do.”

They never mentioned Shen Jinyu, nor did they even look at him. Shen Nanyuan expected him to grow angry, to scowl, but when she glanced back, he blinked innocently. “What is it, Sister?”

He showed no sign of anger.

Shen Nanyuan mused that perhaps he truly feared her writing to Shen Yi, and feared that, upon his return, Shen Yi might break his legs.

The room where Young Master Liu stayed was thick with the scent of medicine. His injuries had been far more severe than Shen Jinyu’s, and though he was just about recovered, his face still bore signs of frailty.

Qingrui beckoned, and the servants from the Duke of Zhen’s residence entered the room, placing the gifts they carried on the table in unison.

“These are tokens of our regard, including a thousand-year-old ginseng. It will be good for Young Master Liu’s health.”

In truth, Shen Yi had already sent such gifts more than once, but Shen Nanyuan could not arrive empty-handed, so she had chosen some items from the storeroom.

Young Master Liu’s gaze landed on Shen Jinyu, who stood behind Shen Nanyuan. He involuntarily shrank back and sat up from the bed, speaking in a low voice, “Thank you, eldest miss.”

Shen Nanyuan smiled and glanced at Shen Jinyu. He pressed his lips together and stepped forward. The words he had rehearsed seemed suddenly hard to utter.

Before coming, he had felt bold and confident, certain he could manage, even telling Shen Nanyuan some feigned bravado. Now, his spirits flagged.

“Um…”

Everyone’s eyes were fixed upon him.

“It was my fault. I was arrogant and overbearing, and had you beaten. It was all because of me. If you wish to hit or scold me, I won’t object.” Shen Jinyu lowered his gaze. “It was entirely my wrongdoing. I apologize to you, and it will never happen again.”

The Liu family could scarcely have imagined that the unruly young master of the Duke of Zhen’s residence would ever admit fault.

The group exchanged bewildered glances, unsure how to respond.

Clearly, he had come today solely to apologize.

Shen Jinyu, seeing their silence, glanced at Shen Nanyuan and pressed his lips, feeling a bit uneasy.

He opened his mouth to speak again, but Shen Nanyuan’s gentle voice followed, “In the past, my father neglected Jinyu’s upbringing, which led to his unruly nature and the trouble it caused. Henceforth, we will be diligent in his education. If you have any other requests, please let us know; the Duke of Zhen’s residence will do our best to fulfill them.”

The Liu couple looked to their son, as if leaving the decision in his hands.