Chapter 21: The Complex Emotions Toward Father
Cold Yichen vaguely sensed that Shen Ningshuang must have long ago meticulously planned everything; even if unforeseen changes arose midway, she surely had countermeasures in place.
What he needed to ponder now was whether he should trust her at all.
“Miss Shen, if I don't act according to your wishes, or even spoil your plans, would you take drastic measures? Is taking my life part of your scheme?”
Shen Ningshuang was momentarily stunned, as if she could not fathom why he would pose such a question.
Did he see her as an unfeeling machine, killing anyone who stood in her way without hesitation?
She felt somewhat helpless. “Your Highness, as I said before, I would never harm you.”
Cold Yichen could not decipher the complexity in her eyes and calmly replied, “I need more reasons to convince myself to trust you.”
For him to say this was already unexpected; Shen Ningshuang naturally would not ask for more.
“I will give Your Highness more reasons, but I need a little time.”
“Very well, I shall wait.”
With that, he rose and stepped down from the carriage without any lingering hesitation.
The carriage stopped at the gate of the Shen residence. Shen Ningshuang remained still, sensing the lingering presence Cold Yichen left behind.
Even she needed something to support herself as she moved forward.
After a moment, just as Shen Ningshuang stepped into the mansion, a servant hurried over. “Fourth Miss, the General is waiting for you in the study.”
A bitter smile touched Shen Ningshuang’s lips. What was meant to come would come.
She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and headed toward the study.
Inside the study, Shen Fengmo held a book with a stern expression. When Shen Ningshuang entered, his expression did not change, nor did he look at her.
“Daughter greets her father.”
Though she performed the formal greeting properly, there was no trace of respect in her demeanor.
Shen Fengmo glanced at her, noting that her appearance was even more displeasing than before.
However, he did not press the matter and instead asked, “Did you go to the palace today?”
“Yes. The Empress held a flower viewing banquet, so I went to take a look.”
“Don’t you usually dislike such occasions? What purpose did you have to specially visit the palace today?”
Shen Ningshuang replied indifferently, “It’s rare for you to ask, Father, but I’m afraid I must disappoint you—I had no purpose, just looked for something new.
However, your second daughter’s painting won the Empress’s continuous praise. I lack such talent.”
Shen Fengmo seemed on the verge of anger but restrained himself and asked, “Did you see the Crown Prince?”
Shen Ningshuang inwardly wanted to laugh. So soon, he was getting to the point?
“Yes, I saw him. Not only that, I heard that the Crown Prince has come up with a brilliant idea to have Shen Wan marry into the Eastern Palace as a legitimate daughter.
Father, you all have truly labored hard. I really don’t understand. The Shen family now holds great power, already a thorn in the Emperor’s side. If you don’t want to rebel, it’s better to act discreetly.
Even though the Crown Prince is heir apparent, whether he will ascend the throne is uncertain. Yet you insist on tying our family to him by marriage at this time. This will only deepen the Emperor’s resentment.
Surely you know these truths. Given your position, breaking off this alliance is not impossible, but you’re so eager to connect with the Eastern Palace. Could it be that the Crown Prince promised you some immense benefit to make you so impatient?”
Hearing this, Shen Fengmo’s anger erupted. He slammed the book down on the table.
“Do you think I need you to lecture me? Is this how you speak to your father?”
“If you don’t want to hear my reasoning, then don’t use your status to oppress me. You can simply avoid me to spare yourself annoyance.
Besides, I’ll make it clear now: I refuse to have Shen Wan adopted under my mother’s name unless I, Shen Ningshuang, die. Otherwise, you can forget it!”
“You!” Shen Fengmo trembled with rage, his hands clenched into fists, knuckles whitening as if trying to condense all his fury into his grasp.
After an unknown interval, the fury seemed to drain from him suddenly. Like a punctured balloon, his presence vanished as he sagged back into his chair.
“You all... have become quite capable.”
His voice was tinged with bitterness, like a lonely wind echoing through a desolate valley, filled with endless sorrow.
Shen Ningshuang’s previously indifferent gaze deepened upon seeing his state.
She was not afraid of Shen Fengmo’s obstinacy. If he truly were a power-hungry man unconcerned with his children’s happiness, she would have no qualms speaking harshly to him.
Yet sometimes, he appeared just as he was now.
She had a feeling he was enduring something, though his manner made her think it was merely an illusion.
Shen Fengmo lowered his head and waved her away. “You may leave.”
Conflicted, she wanted to say more but found herself at a loss for words.
Before departing, she said, “The matter of the men in black is complicated. Please be careful when investigating.”
Stepping out of the study, a faint shadow of gloom settled over her mood.
It was always like this, which was why she was reluctant to speak of her father.
She lightly patted her head, urging herself not to sink into such negative emotions.
In the long days that followed, the entire imperial city seemed caught in the eye of a storm. Shen Fengmo and his men scurried everywhere, fervently investigating the case.
His determination seemed unrelenting until the mystery was fully unraveled. His figure darted through the streets and alleys, stirring the entire capital into endless speculation about the enigmatic case.
Meanwhile, in his own palace, Cold Zhaowen stood tall in the center of the hall, head bowed slightly, voice low as he quietly inquired, “Are all the clues arranged?”
Before him knelt a figure, blending almost seamlessly with the shadows.
“Master, everything has been arranged. The clues have been crafted cleverly. That old fox Shen Fengmo will likely follow the trail soon enough.”
Cold Zhaowen nodded slightly, silent for a moment. Still harboring doubts, after much hesitation, he spoke slowly, “Are you sure about that thing...?”
The man in black answered with absolute certainty, “Master, the thing you seek is definitely known by Miss Shen, possibly even by Shen Fengmo. I have investigated many times over these days. There is no mistake.”
Cold Zhaowen raised his hand slowly, rubbing his temple, gently supporting his forehead.
Could it be that the thing truly lies in Shen Ningshuang’s hands? If so, all this fuss would have been in vain.
That thing, though important, was a hot potato. Being a prince, properly leveraging it was no easy task.
If Shen Ningshuang were behind the plan, the outcome would surely be better. In that case, he only needed to cooperate with her.
He would wait for the right moment to discuss matters with her carefully.
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