Chapter 79: A Gesture of Sincerity Is Not Entirely Useless

When Xiao Yan returned to the palace and the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence was safe and sound—when there was nothing left that concerned her—she would discuss with Shen Yi about leaving for somewhere far from the capital. Shen Yi cherished her so deeply, he would surely agree to such a request. Then, feigning illness, she could claim she needed to recuperate in a quiet place, away from the capital’s endless turmoil. After that, there would be nothing more to involve her; she could finally live as she pleased.

Moreover, she still held the title of Princess Yong’an. No matter where she went, she had nothing to fear.

With these thoughts, she began to look forward to the days ahead. A life of freedom—perhaps, one day, she might open her eyes and find herself back in her original world.

For now, she only wished all matters could come to a swift conclusion. She hoped that the plot involving her in the original novel would quickly pass as well. She was but a fifth-ranking female character; she had no desire to participate in the main storyline of the hero and heroine.

Alas, reality is never as smooth as one imagines. Shen Nanyuan sat frowning, allowing Qingrui to comb her hair, lips pressed tightly together with a trace of irritation.

Her wounds had barely healed when the Second Prince received word and Consort Zhuang sent a eunuch to summon her into the palace—to admire the flowers together in the Imperial Garden.

Just the thought of meeting the Second Prince filled her with a stifling discomfort, as if she had swallowed a fly—an unbearable feeling that lodged itself in her chest.

Thankfully, this time Shen Sinian was not on duty and could accompany her to the palace, which brought Shen Nanyuan some comfort.

When she stepped into the courtyard, she immediately spotted Xiao Yan standing with Shen Sinian, seemingly deep in conversation. The moment he noticed her from the corner of his eye, he turned and bowed slightly, “Miss.”

As always, he was obedient, meek, and respectful.

“Let’s go, brother,” Shen Nanyuan said.

Neither of them noticed that, as they turned to leave, a fleeting glint of hostility flickered deep within Xiao Yan’s eyes—dark and unsettling.

——

Consort Zhuang sat upright in the pavilion of the Imperial Garden. Upon seeing Shen Sinian, her expression soured slightly.

“What brings Captain Shen here?”

“Replying to Your Highness,” Shen Sinian answered, “Yuanyuan has been spoiled since childhood. I feared she might inadvertently offend Your Highness and felt uneasy, so I accompanied her to the palace.”

“Princess Yong’an has visited before. I found her both intelligent and gentle, gracious and decorous—not at all as you suggested, Captain Shen. You are overly cautious.”

Consort Zhuang’s gaze swept over Shen Sinian with a touch of coldness, clearly displeased. Yet, considering he was the son of the Duke of Zhenguo and had become a captain at such a young age, destined for great achievements, she said nothing further. “Be seated.”

Gu Shengyu pursed his lips, his gaze falling on Shen Nanyuan’s downcast face, a frown creasing his brow.

They had not expected Shen Sinian to accompany her today. Recalling how Shen Sinian always obstructed his attempts to approach Shen Nanyuan in the past, Gu Shengyu’s gaze deepened as he looked at Shen Sinian.

“Princess Yong’an, you have been recuperating for quite some time. You must be well by now, yes?” he asked softly. “You have stayed within the Duke’s residence for so long; it’s good for you to come out for some fresh air. The flowers in the Imperial Garden are all in bloom, so my mother invited you to the palace to admire them.”

“Yes, thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Majesty,” Shen Nanyuan replied, her expression unchanged, though her heart grew heavy.

She had indeed not left the residence for days. Since the Second Prince knew, did that mean he had people secretly watching her?

At the thought, a cold sweat broke out on her back. A sense of unease spread through her chest, and she lowered her eyes to conceal her impatience, her hands unconsciously tightening.

Consort Zhuang said, “Last time, I mentioned that Princess Yong’an should visit the palace more often. There are several princesses of similar age here. Such company would only strengthen the bond between the royal family and the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence. Now that His Majesty values the General so highly, and the General has reclaimed several cities for our dynasty, he would be greatly pleased to see the royal family and the Duke’s household in such close harmony.”

She reached for the glass cup before her, her jade-like fingers tinged with vermilion, and asked, “What does Captain Shen think?”

A subtle pressure filled the air. Shen Nanyuan instinctively glanced at Shen Sinian, only to see him remain composed and unyielding. “Your Highness, in my opinion, no matter how much His Majesty favors the Duke’s household, we are but subjects and dare not overstep our bounds. I know Your Highness means well, but subjects are always subjects. For the Duke’s residence to enjoy such favor from the royal family is already the highest of honors.”

“Captain Shen, you are too modest,” Consort Zhuang replied. “The peace our dynasty enjoys is thanks in large part to the General’s merits. When His Majesty granted the title Princess Yong’an, it was for this very reason. His Majesty has always wished for closer ties between the royal family and the Duke’s household.”

Shen Nanyuan listened to their exchange with lowered eyes, sighing quietly. How fortunate that Shen Sinian had come today; otherwise, she would have had no choice but to accept everything Consort Zhuang said in silence.

Who knew when she could finally return home?

Moreover, they claimed to have invited her to admire the flowers, yet here they sat—without a single blossom in sight. This was hardly flower-viewing; their ulterior motives were all but written on their faces.

At that moment, she heard a gentle voice. “Princess.”

Shen Nanyuan turned to see Gu Shengyu smiling lightly. “Come, walk with me and enjoy the flowers.”

Shen Sinian was about to speak, but Consort Zhuang interjected, “Go ahead, the palace has matters to discuss with Captain Shen.”

With nothing more to be said, Shen Nanyuan glanced at Shen Sinian, rose slowly, gave a polite curtsy, and followed Gu Shengyu out of the pavilion, heading deeper into the Imperial Garden.

The weather was glorious, the sunshine warm and gentle—a perfect day to bask in the sun, yet here she was, trapped in the palace, feeling utterly vexed.

The Imperial Garden was indeed filled with blooming flowers, their vibrant hues blending into waves of fragrance. Gu Shengyu walked ahead and asked, “I sent medicinal salves to the Duke’s residence. Have you been using them?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” she replied, “I have.”

He sent them over every few days, and they were indeed top-quality. She would be a fool not to use them.

A look of satisfaction appeared on Gu Shengyu’s face. “I am glad my efforts were not in vain.”

They soon reached a pond in the Imperial Garden, its surface dotted with water lilies, schools of golden carp weaving through the water. Shen Nanyuan gazed down at the pond, clicking her tongue inwardly.

The carp here were neither as beautiful nor as large as those in her own courtyard.

So it seemed that not everything in the palace was the best after all.