Some people's eyes cannot deceive. Shen Yingluo's gaze was clear and upright; unless she was an exceptionally skilled pretender, she truly possessed an innate integrity.
"So what?" Shen Xihe said calmly. "I will never have a sisterly bond with her."
It wasn't targeted at Shen Yingluo. Xiao Shi was killed by her—Shen Yingluo didn't know, but how could she herself not know? With such a barrier between them, even if Shen Yingluo remained unaware for life, she could never bring herself to offer her warmth and concern. Otherwise, what kind of person would she be?
Killing someone's birth mother on one hand and feigning sisterly affection on the other—such a thing she could not do.
"Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed with peace." When Shen Yueshan arrived at the Hall of Bright Governance, he not only saw the Youning Emperor but also Prince Xin, his brothers, and the Crown Prince.
"Chong'a, there is no need for such formality." The Youning Emperor personally helped Shen Yueshan to his feet. Shen Yueshan stood a head taller than the already tall emperor. The emperor patted his shoulder and said, "Chong'a, you are as robust as ever. These years in the northwest have been hard on you."
"Loyalty and service to the country are the family precepts of the Shen family. Your Majesty entrusted the northwest to this humble servant, and I have only done my utmost. I dare not claim hardship," Shen Yueshan replied with an unwavering expression.
"With Chong'a in the northwest, it remains secure." The Youning Emperor turned to his sons and said, "The Northwest King and I are sworn brothers. You must treat him as your uncle."
Led by the Crown Prince, they all bowed to Shen Yueshan as juniors: "Uncle."
"I dare not, I dare not." Shen Yueshan hastily returned a military salute. "Your Highnesses are all descendants of dragons and phoenixes. Please do not address me as such—it overwhelms this humble servant."
"You deserve it." The Youning Emperor laughed heartily. "In the future, we will also be in-laws. Take a look at my sons—whomever catches your eye, you may choose."
Between ruler and subject, they truly resembled an ordinary noble family. Yet Shen Yueshan still adhered strictly to etiquette: "Your Highnesses are all outstanding among men. Youyou has been raised under my care since childhood. The northwest is harsh, and she was born delicate. She is gentle and obedient, so I have inevitably doted on her more. Choosing a husband concerns her entire life. I cannot decide for her. I only hope that whomever she chooses, whether it turns out well or not, she will not blame me."
"Zhaoning is not delicate." The Youning Emperor remarked, "She possesses even more decisiveness than my own princesses."
Shen Yueshan also smiled. "In the northwest, my son and I have often indulged her, fostering a bit of willfulness and stubbornness in her. I only hope she does not offend the princesses."
Between the ruler and his subject, their words carried hidden meanings. One's speech sounded full of praise but concealed sharp edges; the other's sounded modest but veiled subtle sarcasm.
The Youning Emperor kept Shen Yueshan for the evening meal before allowing him to leave the palace. Xiao Huayong personally went to see him off. Shen Yueshan sized him up.
His face was paler than a maiden's, his features as elegant as a painting, and his frame did not appear sturdy.
Shen Yueshan couldn't help but wonder if his daughter had fallen for this pretty face. Were all those words she'd told his foolish son just excuses to deceive him?
The disdain in Shen Yueshan's eyes was completely unconcealed. Yet Xiao Huayong remained humbly smiling. Only a father who genuinely adored his daughter would not flatter his daughter's admirer based on status. Any father who treasured his daughter as the apple of his eye would disapprove of the young man who sought to take her away.
Instead of displeasure, Shen Yueshan's criticism and disdain filled Xiao Huayong with irrepressible joy. If Shen Xihe hadn't said something to Shen Yueshan, given the latter's composure in front of the emperor, why would he express his feelings so bluntly toward him?
This meant Shen Xihe's resolve to marry him was firm. Whatever the reason, it delighted him."Qilang has also learned martial arts. I shall seek guidance from the Northwest King another day," Xiao Huayong spoke humbly.
"You?" Shen Yueshan looked skeptical. He gave Xiao Huayong's shoulder a heavy pat, but was surprised to see that Xiao Huayong didn't even flinch. A hint of approval finally appeared in his expression. "Very well. I shall spar with Your Highness another day."
Xiao Huayong performed the junior's salute. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Your Highness thanks me too soon," Shen Yueshan said, grasping Xiao Huayong's clasped hands and pulling him closer. "My daughter is not so easily won, not even by the Crown Prince."
With that, Shen Yueshan mounted his horse and rode off, his black cloak flapping fiercely in the cold wind, his imposing presence as sharp as a wolf king.
"Youyou, Father is back..." Shen Yueshan walked in cheerfully, shouting at the top of his lungs the moment he stepped through the gate.
Upon entering, he saw Shen Yingluo. She didn't resemble Xiao Shi much, and though Shen Yueshan had never met her all these years, he could easily guess her identity. His hearty smile vanished instantly. Tall and imposing, his unsmiling demeanor made people instinctively fearful.
Shen Yingluo noticed the change in him. Suppressing her heartache, she stepped forward to pay respects. "Anuo greets Father."
"Hmm," Shen Yueshan responded softly. "Have you had your evening meal?"
"Elder Sister prepared dinner for Anuo," Shen Yingluo answered quietly.
"In that case, since it's getting late, return to your residence early," Shen Yueshan instructed. "If you lack anything, just ask Aqing."
Shen Yingluo's eyes finally reddened despite her efforts. Biting her lip, she knew she should obediently withdraw, yet an inexplicable stubbornness rose within her.
Shen Yueshan showed no displeasure. He took his seat at the head position. "Anuo, your name is Anuo, isn't it?"
This was the first time Shen Yueshan had called her by her name. That single word shattered Shen Yingluo's forced composure, and tears began to fall uncontrollably.
"I am destined not to be a good father to you," Shen Yueshan sighed softly. "I will not shortchange you in food, clothing, or expenses, nor will I allow anyone to bully you. Compared to many illegitimate daughters in noble families, you should live quite comfortably. I say this not because I think I've treated you well enough that you should be content, but to tell you that some bonds are simply nonexistent from birth."
"If you can take this lightly and overcome this hurdle, you will naturally live carefree and smoothly all your life. If you cannot overcome it, you will surely be crushed."
"In this lifetime, familial affection, romantic love, friendship, wealth and power, peace and health—there will always be things one desires but cannot obtain. Since they cannot be obtained, do not force them. Consider it shallow karma or insufficient cultivation in past lives. Open your heart, let go of yourself, and that in itself is an achievement."
Shen Yingluo's tears fell like broken pearls, unceasing. Her heart ached yet felt warm—aching because such a good father was so near yet untouchable, warm because her father was just as she had imagined: towering, majestic, heroic, and grand.
He was right. She lived better and more freely than many noble daughters. He made it clear to her that he would not have father-daughter affection for her, nor a father's doting love for his daughter. There would only be protection and provision for the blood of his that flowed in her veins. He told her not to force what couldn't be."Ah, don't cry. In this world, only your elder sister's tears can make your father anxious. Others' tears just irritate me." Shen Yueshan spoke bluntly before Shen Yingluo, without any pretense.
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