Suddenly, the sweet wine went down no further. Marquis Qing’an seemed to have realized something.
No wonder that boy allowed Su Jin to call him “Little Shen.” Could it be… he had taken a liking to the Su family daughter during the investigations?!
The young lady of the Su family was beautiful, yes—but also a frail little thing! Didn’t he see how tattered Master Su’s clothes were? And yet he dared to get involved! That humble posture—he might even end up giving his father’s inheritance to Miss Su.
The marquis was furious. He hadn’t expected the boy, now a general, to be so shallow, judging solely by appearances!
Shen Yu looked at Su Yihan simply because he noticed the playful glint in her eyes.
Watching the scene—was it entertaining?
Across the distance, they exchanged silent words:
“Very.”
Su Yihan’s brows curved lightly; of course, it was enjoyable. The whole performance had been amusing.
Yet it was also somewhat troubling. Shen Yu wasn’t moved by the beauty—he was a devoted husband type. If he ever had a woman he truly liked, she would probably command his obedience. Even if someone tried to scheme against him or the empress dowager, she wouldn’t be able to influence him.
After that, things proceeded smoothly. Su Yihan didn’t stay long; staying too long made her dizzy. Midway through, she left.
As one of the women of the household, her presence or absence caused little disturbance. She went as she pleased.
Tao Chun followed behind her, curious: “Miss, aren’t you taking Doctor Song with you?”
“He probably ate his fill, stashed some snacks in his sleeve, and found a comfortable spot to bask in the sun and rest. He has his own ways to return,” Su Yihan said, knowing Song Jian well.
“Pfft.” Tao Chun seemed to imagine the scene: “True enough.”
That old man was cunning and clever—no one could catch him.
The palace scenery was exquisite: red walls and tiles, and in October, the hibiscus trees were in full bloom.
Su Yihan walked along the cobblestone path by the hibiscus, her beauty surpassing the flowers.
The young ladies gradually rose from their seats and strolled together.
Beside Shen Xinyao was another lady. Tao Chun whispered to Su Yihan, giving a low-voiced introduction:
“The lady next to Miss Shen is Miss Han Ruishuang, the third daughter of Minister Han’s household. Compared to Han Ruichu, she is much gentler. But her biological mother was only a concubine, so she held little status in the Han family.”
Han Ruishuang was patient and tolerant, never quarrelsome. Even if she suffered small injustices, she would remain silent. Eventually, the other sisters grew bored of bothering her.
After Han Ruichu was humiliated and died, and Madam Han fell ill, Ruishuang’s mother gained authority. Graceful and composed, Ruishuang’s status rose.
Even Shen Xinyao could now walk alongside her.
Shen Xinyao, however, disliked Su Yihan’s aloof and superior air. She snorted and deliberately isolated Su Yihan, gathering her friends to put on a show before her.
“Ruishuang, today His Majesty mentioned your name in front of Brother Shen Yu! If you can marry him in the future, we’ll see each other often!”
“Xinyao…” Han Ruishuang shyly pushed her friend. She was willing to play along.
Su Yihan had long developed immunity to such childish games and ignored them completely.
After performing for a while without a reaction from Su Yihan, Shen Xinyao became angry. She stomped in front of Su Yihan:
“Su Yihan, how dare you ignore me! Do you treat me like air?!”
“…”
Tao Chun was speechless: “Miss Shen, what is my lady to do?”
Should she scold her?
“I…” Shen Xinyao was flustered: “Ignoring me is disdain! My brother is the Great General of the Northwest, and you dare disregard me!”
That day at Zhuyan Tower, you humiliated me!
Su Yihan smiled faintly:
“Miss Shen, did you forget to buy walnuts at Jiangdian’s shop?”
“Su Yihan!” Shen Xinyao flushed red with anger. “I’m not crazy!”
“Hmm, not crazy,” Su Yihan replied with a faint smile. “I just recommended it—the walnuts at Jiangdian’s are very tasty.”
“Jiangdian’s shop… is yours? And you recommend it so wholeheartedly!” Shen Xinyao’s words were gradually led astray by Su Yihan.
Su Yihan nodded, slightly surprised: “Miss Shen is indeed clever. Jiangdian’s shop is one of my maternal grandfather’s businesses.”
“…”
Shen Xinyao was so vexed she became silent.
Han Ruishuang stepped forward and bowed: “Ruishuang greets Miss Su.”
Su Yihan nodded slightly.
Compared to the striking beauty of Shen Xinyao, Han Ruishuang’s appearance was modest. Her light-colored attire was simple, with minimal hair ornaments, subtle and restrained.
Her gentle smile, however, was pleasant to see.
“Why do you acknowledge her but ignore me?!” Shen Xinyao stood with hands on hips, glaring.
The brief sisterly bond between Shen Xinyao and Han Ruishuang was instantly broken.
Immature indeed—what seemed like arrogant behavior was really just a spoiled young lady. In any case, it wasn’t her fault. And somehow… it was a bit endearing.
Being pretty had its advantages. Shen Xinyao, a year younger than Su Yihan and still unmarried, had a youthful face with a slightly aggressive, yet cute and fierce expression.
“Then I won’t bother with you! So what?” Su Yihan teased, a mischievous smile curling her lips.
“Then I… then I…” Shen Xinyao’s eyes brimmed with tears.
What to do? Su Yihan was the daughter of the commander—she couldn’t compete…
Yet, she looked so embarrassed.
Qi Jue waved his fan, laughing as he approached:
“Alright, Yihan, what’s the fun in teasing a child?”
“Lord Qi.”
Shen Xinyao frowned: “Qi Jue, I’m not a child!”
Qi Jue tapped her nose lightly with the fan’s tip:
“Xinyao, why don’t you go aside?”
Her brother Shen Yu had already been challenged by Su Yihan countless times. What could she, a little girl, do?
“Very amusing,” Su Yihan said, a smirk forming.
The Shen siblings were entertaining when interacting.
“Pfft.” Qi Jue laughed and plucked a hibiscus flower: “A delicate flower paired with a beauty.”
“Beauty, don’t bother with the child,” Qi Jue coaxed. Shen Xinyao was still Shen Yu’s younger half-sister; naturally, he had to protect her a bit.
Su Yihan reached for the flower but missed; it was snatched from the air.
Shen Yu’s movements were swift. He took the hibiscus from Qi Jue, turning in a swirl, his flowing black hair lifted by the wind—dashing and heroic.
“Hey, Shen Yu, why are you stealing the lady’s flower?!” Qi Jue stomped in protest.
Shen Yu raised a brow: “Am I not more handsome than Miss Su?”
Shen Yu indeed was strikingly handsome—not effeminate, but elegant and heroic. His tall frame, sharp brows, and bright eyes were captivating.
“…Alright, alright. The general is the handsomest,” Qi Jue replied perfunctorily.
Shen Xinyao cheered joyfully:
“Brother Shen Yu!”
Her big brother came to back her up!