A moment later, Emperor Wen Hui laughed and said, “All these years, General Shen has been guarding the Northwest. Now that you have defeated the enemy, I am deeply relieved. It is a blessing to have such a general. I will grant your request!”
Shen Xin immediately thanked him. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
After Emperor Wen Hui finished speaking, he walked out of the main hall, leaving everyone behind. Shen Xin’s request just now was unexpected. The first to speak was actually the Marquis of Lin’an, Xie Ding. This person who had been at odds with the Shen family for his entire life obviously did not understand what Shen Xin was trying to do. He mocked, “General Shen, are you afraid of war? Do you want to stay in the capital for half a year to enjoy yourself?”
Not only was Shen Xin not angry, but he even smiled and revealed his white teeth. “Is Marquis Xie envious of me? Sigh, it’s no wonder. After all, Marquis Xie doesn’t have a wife or daughter…”
“You!” Xie Ding’s face was ashen. Shen Xin looked like a big and burly fellow, but in fact, he had a sharp tongue. The death of Princess Yuqing and how his son, Xie Jingxing, treated him like a stranger were Xie Ding’s Achilles’ heel. Shen Xin deliberately poked his sore spot. Xie Ding really wanted to kill Shen Xin with a spear.
Fu Xiuyi looked at Shen Xin, and his expression was quite complicated. The Shen family had exceeded his expectations time and time again. In the past, when Shen Miao was in love with him, although he was annoyed, he thought that he could use the Shen family to his advantage. Later, Shen Miao actually clarified in front of everyone that she had no such intentions, causing Fu Xiuyi to be mocked by Prince Zhou and Prince Jing. Now that Shen Xin proposed to stay in the capital for half a year, it was even more confusing. Fu Xiuyi had a strange feeling that this Shen family, which seemed to be the easiest to control, suddenly became volatile. It seemed that in the future, there would be countless variables, and it would affect the entire situation…
The officials were a little confused by Shen Xin’s unexpected move, but the reward he received today was really enviable. The rest of the people went forward to congratulate him sincerely or insincerely. When Shen Xin told them about the interesting things in the Northwest, he did not notice a dark gaze behind him.
The person stared at Shen Xin like a poisonous snake hiding in the grass, waiting for an opportunity to rush up and bite him to death. The person who was looking at Shen Xin was none other than Prince Yu.
The atmosphere was quite lively. Outside, Shen Qiu blocked Wei Qian in the corridor.
Wei Qian was born with a handsome appearance. He was humble, but compared to Shen Qiu who was energetic and youthful, he looked too weak. Wei Qian asked with a frown, “Deputy General Shen, what brings you here?”
Shen Qiu sized up Wei Qian from head to toe. He had a cheerful and friendly personality. If he had met Wei Qian in the past, he might have made friends with him. However, ever since he heard from Shen Miao that Wei Qian already had someone in his heart, he felt angry. In Shen Qiu’s opinion, his sister was very good. It was only right for Shen Miao to not like someone. How could anyone not like her?
“You’re Wei Qian?” At the thought of this, Shen Qiu’s tone was not very happy.
Wei Qian was stunned. He sensed the hostility of the person and said, “Yes.”
“I’m here not for anything in particular.” Shen Qiu patted Wei Qian’s shoulder and said, “I just wanted to tell you that there was a rumor that my sister is engaged to you. Since it’s a rumor, my Shen family doesn’t take it to heart, and your Wei family shouldn’t take it to heart too.” Shen Qiu took a step back and said in a cold tone, “The husband my sister chose naturally has to be judged by me first!” After saying that, he turned around and strode away without looking at Wei Qian.
Wei Qian was stunned on the spot. Shen Qiu was obviously trying to draw a line between him and the Wei family. However… he did have a sweetheart. No matter how indignant Shen Qiu was for his sister, there was no need to make him sound like a useless fool. The Shen family was too protective of their daughter. Besides, he had no say in this marriage at all. It was entirely arranged by his parents.
Outside the corridor, Gao Yang looked at the stunned Wei Qian and shook his head. “Shen Qiu is just like his father, disregarding everyone. He even dares to offend the Wei family.”
The purple-clothed youth beside him looked impatient, and his tone was displeased. “Are you done watching?”
“Wei Qian is your man.” Gao Yang said, “Aren’t you going to stand up for him?”
“If you want to stand up for him, go ahead.” Xie Jingxing glanced at him.
“I wouldn’t dare.” Gao Yang said as if he was just a spectator of a show, “That girl from the Shen family has so many people protecting her. If I’m not careful, trouble will come knocking on my door. However,” he smiled gently, but his tone was a little gloating, “With Prince Yu present today, I’m afraid things won’t end well. I heard that Prince Yu plans to marry a princess consort. Guess which girl from the Shen family he wants to marry?”
“I guess he can’t marry anyone.” Xie Jingxing raised his eyebrows and looked ahead.
In the garden, a familiar figure jogged forward and said something to the young eunuch before stuffing a sachet into the eunuch’s hand.
That figure was Shen Miao’s maid, Jingzhe.
