Chapter Ninety-Three: A Sense That Something Momentous Is About to Happen

Xiao Yan rarely nodded in agreement and smiled, saying, “Alright.” Shen Nanyuan, caught between them, could only think, “...” These two now spoke as if she wasn’t even there, their relationship clearly quite close.

But it truly was a good day, so she chose not to dampen the mood. Instead, she simply reminded them, “Don’t drink too much. If I find out you’re drunk, I’ll come and take your wine away myself.”

“Understood, understood,” Shen Sinian replied, sounding perfunctory. He had been busy recently, and after returning home still had to instruct Xiao Yan in martial arts, so he hadn’t been out drinking in quite some time. Now, his eyes gleamed in anticipation. “I have something to attend to outside the residence. I’ll ask the servants to prepare the wine. When I return tonight, we won’t rest until we’re drunk—”

His words were abruptly cut off. With a sidelong glance at Shen Nanyuan’s expression, he cleared his throat and amended, “I’m off. I’ll send someone for you when I’m back.”

Watching his departing figure, Shen Nanyuan narrowed her eyes slightly and turned her gaze to Xiao Yan. Though she said nothing, the pressure was palpable. Xiao Yan quickly assured her, “Don’t worry, my lady.”

Only then did Shen Nanyuan realize that she was now the one admonishing the protagonist. Seeing him stand there, head lowered and obedient, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and secret pride.

Later that night, Shen Sinian returned thoroughly drunk, while Xiao Yan had sensibly drunk little—though there was a faint scent of wine about him, he remained quite sober. Disdainfully glancing at her elder brother, Shen Nanyuan helped him onto the bed, then left the rest to the servants and took Xiao Yan back to the Hall of Blossoming Years.

For Shen Sinian, drinking was a rare way to unwind. So young, already holding the post of Commandant, with the powerful Duke Protector’s Mansion behind him, countless eyes scrutinized his every move. He represented the Duke’s family and could not afford the slightest error. Under such pressure, daily life must inevitably be tense and stifling—so perhaps drinking was his only means of relaxation.

Now, with the Duke Protector’s Mansion’s fate poised to change, perhaps he would succeed Shen Yi and become the general who protected the people.

—

There was still one day left before Shen Nanyuan’s birthday when Shen Yi, leading his troops day and night without rest, finally returned victorious on the eve of her birthday.

The city gates were already surrounded by throngs of people, packed so tightly there was no space left. Each time the army returned to the capital, His Majesty would personally greet Shen Yi at the gates. But this time, he had not come himself, sending only ministers and the Second Prince. Shen Nanyuan found this rather odd.

It had been some time since she’d seen the Second Prince, and for some reason, she sensed an air of confidence about him, as if everything was firmly in his grasp. Especially the way he looked at her—different from before, his gaze was so deep it made her uneasy.

She shifted behind Shen Sinian to avoid his eyes, then looked down from the city wall. Soon, she saw Shen Yi leading his formidable troops toward them. The banners fluttered in the air, an unstoppable force. The cheers of the people rose and fell, stirring Shen Nanyuan’s heart with excitement.

“The general is truly the god of war of our dynasty. He has protected us for years, making other nations tremble and daring not invade. Having the general is our country’s greatest fortune.”

Shen Nanyuan stood dutifully at Shen Sinian’s side, listening as the ministers sincerely praised Shen Yi—she could only agree.

The court was stable today, the people living in peace—all thanks to Shen Yi and his soldiers who risked their lives. Shen Nanyuan had heard from Shen Sinian of the many dangers Shen Yi had survived, his body covered in scars from charging into battle.

Not to mention the soldiers who always fought with death in mind.

Fortunately, every time they returned victorious, His Majesty would reward the soldiers generously, offering some comfort to their families.

Shen Yi shook his head and said in a low voice, “It’s not just me. There are millions of brave soldiers behind me. Without them, I am nothing.”

The Second Prince smiled, “Father has already prepared an imperial edict, ready to reward the troops when you return.”

“Very well.” A faint smile appeared on Shen Yi’s face. His gaze shifted, searching for someone, and soon he spotted Shen Nanyuan and Shen Sinian at the back. His eyes instantly softened, “Yuan’er, Sinian.”

Hearing him, Shen Nanyuan’s nose stung with emotion. Surrounded by ministers, she did not step forward, only whispered, “Father.”

The ministers, knowing his deep affection for his daughter, smiled and turned as well. Shen Yi was about to go over when the Second Prince’s voice rang out.

“General, His Majesty requests your presence at the palace.”

Shen Yi paused, then nodded slightly, “Very well.”

For some reason, unease crept into Shen Nanyuan’s heart.

The mansion was abuzz with activity—not only because of Shen Yi’s triumphant return, but also because tomorrow was Shen Nanyuan’s birthday. Though there would be no grand celebration, preparations had begun early in the day.

Xiao Yan watched Shen Nanyuan return, his eyes now dark and profound.

He had already prepared to return to the palace, and would be leaving the day after tomorrow.

“Xiao Yan,” Shen Nanyuan sat on a stone bench, inexplicably anxious. “Why do I feel as if something big is about to happen?”

The weight was so heavy it was hard to breathe.

Xiao Yan’s gaze sharpened for a moment, but his tone remained calm, “My lady, you’re overthinking it. The general has returned to the capital—what great event could happen now?”

That was true. With Shen Yi back, those who schemed would have to be much more careful.

Shen Nanyuan sipped her tea, but the anxiety in her heart would not abate.

As if to confirm her fears, Shen Yi entered the palace in the afternoon and did not return even by nightfall. The old Madam Shen looked at the table full of dishes growing cold, sighed, and waved her hand, “Let’s eat. Yi’er hasn’t returned yet—have the kitchens set aside a meal for him when he does.”

Shen Nanyuan edged closer to Shen Sinian and asked softly, “Brother, do you know why His Majesty summoned father to the palace?”

“How would I know?” he replied. “If I did, you wouldn’t have to wait—I’d have told you to eat long ago.”

Usually, when Shen Yi returned triumphant, the emperor would allow him to dine with his family first and enter the palace the following day. This change in routine unsettled even Madam Shen.

The table fell into a somber silence, the only one still cheerful was Shen Jinyu.

With a hint of nervousness and delight, he said, “Sister, I’ve been very good lately, haven’t I? Father will finally change his opinion of me and praise me, don’t you think?”

“Of course,” Shen Nanyuan replied. “He’s praised you many times in his letters. I’m sure he’ll see you’ve changed and are not the same as before.”