Chapter 514: Youyou, Both Sides Are Flesh of One's Hand
Holding small bows and arrows, she was playing a mock battle with several children, chasing and shooting at each other. The children who were hit would dramatically clutch the "wounded" spot and fall to the ground, exclaiming, "Oh, I've been shot!"
Some cleverer children, when hit, would declare, "Shot in the arm—I'm still alive! I can keep fighting!" They would then conscientiously tuck the "injured" arm behind their backs, refraining from using it as if genuinely gravely wounded.
Shen Yueshan, relying on his agility, bullied the children by dodging every arrow. No one could hit him. Shen Xihe took a bow from a fallen child nearby—its tip wrapped thickly in cloth—and drew it, aiming at Shen Yueshan.
Though she emitted not a trace of malice or killing intent, someone as sharp as Shen Yueshan sensed he was being targeted even with his back turned. He instantly scanned his surroundings, his eyes piercing enough to send chills down one's spine. Yet the moment they landed on Shen Xihe, his gaze softened immeasurably.
Just then, Shen Xihe released the arrow. It struck Shen Yueshan squarely on the shoulder, leaving a smudge of powder from the cloth-wrapped tip.
"Ohhh! Uncle Shen got hit! Uncle Shen got hit!" The children cheered, looking at Shen Xihe with admiration. "Fairy sister! Fairy sister used magic to hit Uncle Shen!"
Shen Yueshan had been staying in the village for some time. Initially, the children feared him due to his towering stature. But within days, he won them over with a small bow, joining their games and even teaching them to read in his spare time. Though such playful activities were frequent, Shen Yueshan never went easy on the children despite his age. His competitive spirit ensured none had ever managed to hit him.
This cemented his image among the children as an incredibly skilled general whom no one could strike. His sudden defeat naturally sparked their excitement.
Amid the children's cheers, Shen Yueshan strode toward Shen Xihe. Gazing at his daughter, her hair styled in a married woman’s bun, his eyes still brimmed with doting affection. "Still as mischievous as ever," he remarked.
Deep down, Shen Xihe harbored a playful side, though it rarely surfaced—only in the presence of Shen Yueshan and his son.
"I never imagined Father-in-law would be so fond of children," Xiao Huayong remarked, somewhat surprised. Shen Yueshan, with his stern demeanor, imposing build, and command over heavy troops, seemed an unlikely playmate for youngsters.
"Of course I like children. But I prefer my own," Shen Yueshan replied, giving Xiao Huayong a once-over. His face remained pale as if powdered, his frame slender and frail. Beyond disdain, a trace of concealed worry flickered in Shen Yueshan’s eyes.
Xiao Huayong didn’t immediately grasp the reason for this hidden concern—until Shen Yueshan glanced meaningfully at Shen Xihe, hesitating to speak. Then it dawned on him: his father-in-law suspected he was incapable, doubting his ability to grant him the title of grandfather!
Xiao Huayong’s smile froze instantly.
Unaware of this exchange, Shen Xihe was already being pulled by the arm toward the house Shen Yueshan occupied since his arrival. "Father knew you were coming. I gathered cliff honey for you, prepared mountain peaches, and hunted a roe deer for you…"
Xiao Huayong trailed behind them, face sullen and silent.
Shen Xihe, engrossed in following her father, had completely overlooked him, failing to notice his displeasure.This was because Xiao Huayong had always remained quiet during her previous meetings with her father and brother. Shen Xihe was completely absorbed in the collection of beloved items and rare flowers her father had accumulated for her during this period.
Since Shen Xihe adored rare flora, Shen Yueshan had learned how to dig and transplant them. Whenever he encountered particularly fragrant blossoms or plants unseen in the northwest, he would transplant them back for Shen Xihe.
Simply viewing Shen Yueshan's recent treasures took over two hours.
"It seems Youyou has truly recovered well," Shen Yueshan remarked with relief, noticing his daughter had spent over two hours with him without showing pallor or sweating from weakness.
Having been neglected for too long, Xiao Huayong finally lost patience: "Father-in-law, though Youyou's health has improved, our journey has wearied her. I beg your permission to let me take her to rest briefly."
Shen Xihe looked at Xiao Huayong in surprise. Though his tone held no overt displeasure, it lacked its usual calmness, revealing his irritation.
Instead of taking offense, Shen Yueshan chuckled: "If you're tired, feel free to rest. Youyou appears quite energetic. We father and daughter haven't met for long, and have some private matters to discuss."
Private matters...
Shen Xihe used to consider her husband an outsider too, viewing only Shen Yueshan and Shen Yunnan as family. But hearing her father's words now, she quickly glanced at Xiao Huayong, worried he might be hurt.
Though concerned about his feelings, she didn't defend him openly. Shen Yueshan had made his position clear - any insistence from Xiao Huayong would show disrespect. After exchanging a look with Shen Xihe, Xiao Huayong bowed to Shen Yueshan: "I take my leave."
Shen Xihe watched him depart. Only after he left did she turn to Shen Yueshan: "Father, since Youyou has married Beichen, he is no longer an outsider. He treats me exceedingly well. While I cannot guarantee this devotion will last forever, presently we are truly committed as husband and wife."
Of course Shen Xihe couldn't contradict Shen Yueshan in Xiao Huayong's presence - both were dear to her, but her father was her elder and blood relative. How could she embarrass him before her husband?
She could only defend Xiao Huayong behind his back, then return later to comfort him.
"You've only been married briefly, yet you're already protecting him," Shen Yueshan said with a tinge of jealousy.
Rubbing her temples in frustration, Shen Xihe felt unprecedented difficulty for the first time. Thankfully her brother wasn't present, or her headache would double. Softening her voice, she said: "Father, he is an excellent man who treats your daughter well. Shouldn't you appreciate those who are good to me?"
"Good to you? That's his duty," Shen Yueshan retorted naturally.
Shen Xihe didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "How can anyone's kindness be taken for granted? Even you, Father, shouldn't be expected to treat me well automatically. Do you want your daughter torn between father and husband?"
Shen Yueshan was no match for Shen Xihe. Since childhood, a few gentle words from her would dissolve all his sharpness: "Very well, for your sake, I won't make things difficult for him. But you must also tell him not to offend my sight."
How would he dare offend your sight?Even someone like Shen Xihe couldn't help silently grumbling to herself: Xiao Huayong showed far more reverence and respect toward Shen Yueshan than even toward the Youning Emperor—one might say he treated him like his own father. Yet Shen Yueshan, while never making things difficult for Xiao Huayong on major matters, would constantly nitpick in daily life.
Ah, she wondered how she would coax the Crown Prince later.
Wasn't this just like the legendary mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship? Hahahaha!
(End of Chapter)
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