Chapter 82: How Did You Get In?

Shen Sinian felt a deep ache for her, and seeing her in this state filled him with both sorrow and guilt. Ever since Shen Yi had gone to war, so much had happened: first, the assassin's attack on the Meng family's young lady had left Shen Nanyuan wounded, and now, just as her injuries had healed, another calamity befell her in the palace. He could not fathom who was behind it or why they sought to harm Shen Nanyuan—whether their intent was truly murderous, or if there were other motives at play. The sense of helplessness weighed heavily upon him.

Before Shen Yi left for the battlefield, he had entrusted Shen Nanyuan's care to him, and Shen Sinian had promised with utmost sincerity. Yet, one incident after another had left him heartsick and remorseful. He clenched his jaw, his slender fingers balling tightly, but when he looked up at Shen Nanyuan, his expression remained unchanged, as calm as ever.

"Elder brother will definitely catch the person who wants to harm you."

Though he did not voice it, Shen Nanyuan knew he must be feeling guilty, so she lifted her face to him with a bright, playful smile, blinking mischievously. "I know. I’ve never worried about it. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll catch them."

Shen Sinian reached out and gently patted her head, a slight smile finally curving his lips. "Only now do you realize how capable I am?"

"Not at all," Shen Nanyuan replied, her gaze earnest. "I’ve always known."

His hand paused midair, a sudden warmth rushing through his heart. Though she often teased and sparred with him, no matter what happened, she had always trusted him most. This thought eased, if only a little, the overwhelming guilt that had flooded his heart.

He suddenly changed the subject, speaking lightly, "Even if you say such things, you still have to drink your medicine later. I’ll make sure you finish it."

Her smile froze instantly. She had nearly forgotten about the medicine—she wanted to curse him.

Soon, the imperial physician arrived with a bowl of pitch-black medicine. The two of them stood before her, watching as she drank it in one gulp, her little face scrunched up in discomfort. The bitter taste assaulted her senses, lingering long after, but fortunately, the palace maid had prepared candied fruit, and after eating a few, the bitterness faded.

Shen Sinian stretched and stood, visibly weary. "I’ll go rest in the side hall for a while. Tomorrow morning, I’ll take you out of the palace. If anything happens, have the maid come find me."

"Alright," Shen Nanyuan waved her hand, her heart aching at the dark circles under his eyes. "Go get some rest."

Shen Sinian had watched over her the entire night, never truly resting. Tomorrow, once he sent her home, he would begin investigating the culprit behind the scenes, leaving him with no time to recover. Shen Nanyuan lay on the bed, eyes closed, but after a moment, she opened them again, gazing at the unfamiliar surroundings and sighing softly.

She still remembered vividly the feeling of near death and despair in the water; even now, recalling it made breathing difficult. Closing her eyes, she saw nothing but endless water engulfing her, chilling her heart to its core. In the past, reading stories of people dying silently in the palace had left her unmoved, but now, having experienced it herself, she realized how terrifying it was.

Looking at the palace now, it seemed nothing more than a cage trapping countless souls. One moment you might be safe, but the next, someone could destroy you. Some might never leave this place, not even in death.

She had always feared the palace, and now that fear had grown into terror. If she could, she would never return here for the rest of her life.

Turning onto her side, she gazed at the lavish, ornate room. Shen Sinian had left one candle burning before he departed, casting a dim, dreamy glow through the chamber. Drowsiness gradually washed over her, and she finally closed her eyes. She did not know how much time had passed before a sudden chill crept over her—a sensation of being watched, so intense it raised goosebumps across her skin. Shocked, she opened her eyes and found herself staring into a pair of dark, lustrous eyes.

He stood at her bedside against the light, shrouded in shadow, his face indistinct.

Startled, she sat up abruptly, about to cry out, when he leaned in and covered her mouth with his hand, his voice low and deep.

"Miss, it’s me."

The familiar, cool tone calmed her. Shen Nanyuan stared, and in the faint light, recognized Xiao Yan’s familiar, refined features. The anxiety in her heart dissipated at once.

They were very close, so close she could see his distinct eyelashes, and those ink-dark eyes, deep as a secluded pool, made her pause and look away, reaching up to lightly tap his hand until he let go. Suddenly remembering something, she spoke hurriedly.

"How did you get in here? The palace isn’t somewhere you can just walk into—if the guards catch you, they might mistake you for an assassin!"

Her eyes shone with worry and concern, and seeing her unharmed, Xiao Yan finally relaxed after the tension that had gripped him since hearing of the incident.

But anger still simmered within him.

Overwhelmed by fear, Xiao Yan pressed his lips tightly together, gazing at her intently. The emotions swirling in his eyes were as ominous as storm clouds, unsettling to behold.

Shen Nanyuan felt a little intimidated. She waved her hand before his eyes. "What are you thinking about? Are you listening to me?"

"What exactly happened?" he suddenly asked, his voice taut. "Why did you fall into the pond?"

Qingrui had been crying, and together with Jin Zhu, they had been anxiously circling, helpless. They could not enter the palace, only wait in Shaohua Courtyard. He couldn’t bear it and had the prime minister secretly bring him in.

He was only at ease when he finally saw her.

Shen Nanyuan considered for a moment. "It’s complicated. Let’s wait for my brother—see what he says in the end."

It was a long story, and she was still full of worry and doubt, unable to settle her mind. Xiao Yan’s expression remained steady as he met her gaze.

"I was worried about you, so I came on my own."

Shen Nanyuan looked shocked. "You came by yourself?"

The palace was guarded so tightly not even a fly could escape. He managed to get in?

This truly astonished her. She looked him over, the confusion in her eyes undiminished. "No one discovered you?"

"Perhaps you still think of me as the weakling I once was. Since I’ve been training with the young master, I can move in and out of any place without being noticed."