The next morning, as dawn broke and the mountain mist dissipated, bright and dazzling light refracted onto the morning dew, creating a blinding halo.

The guards responsible for escorting the emperor were fully prepared and carefully checked and organized their luggage to return to the capital, fearing that they might forget something and be punished.

Although Ji Xiao was penniless in terms of food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, he invested a considerable amount of money in military weapons.

The tyrant naturally looked down on these tattered things and even despised them, but Shen Jiao said that it would be a fool not to take advantage of a good deal.

Ji Yan looked at the ruffled hamster with an expression that said, "You don't know the suffering of the world," as if what she had lost was not the piece of junk that Ji Xiao had forged, but her own life.

He reached out and grabbed a handful of Shen Jiao's soft hair, making a mess of it, then gave up and ordered Zhou Hu to stay at Qibei Mountain to clean up the mess.

Zhou Hu happily agreed.

His thoughts coincided with Miss Shen's. Besides, those junk items weren't actually that bad; a very few could be considered extremely good weapons.

If he doesn't want it, he can reward it to his soldiers.

He wanted to secretly fleece Chen Bao and his soldiers, and then impress them.

Chen Bao, on the other hand, led his troops back to Langya Pass first.

"Big brother! Look at her, how happy she was when she told Chen Bao to have a safe journey! Oh my goodness, her mouth was practically splitting to the back of her head. If you didn't know better, you'd think Chen Bao was her brother."

While muttering to himself, Shen Qingfeng irritably crushed the pebbles, flowers, and withered branches on the ground with the tip of his shoe.

Despite his obvious complaints, his gaze kept drifting towards the elegant figure not far away.

Fine, Shen Jiao didn't even give him a glance out of the corner of his eye, which only made Shen Qingfeng more annoyed!

He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "What kind of eyes do you have? I'm way better looking than that burly Chen Bao. Can't you see such a handsome and refined guy? What an obtuse brat."

You smile at this person, you smile at that person, why don't you smile at him too!

Is he not good-looking enough?

Of all the male members of the Marquis of Anbo's mansion, apart from his eldest brother, he is the most handsome!

However, Shen Qingfeng felt much better when he thought that Shen Jiao hadn't smiled at his elder brother either.

Shen Qingcheng was unaware of his third brother's smug thoughts, but he naturally noticed the little girl standing next to Ji Yan.

I don't know if it's just my imagination, but it seems like I've grown a little taller compared to when I was in southern Xinjiang.

When Shen Jiao smiled, her eyes curved like a new moon. She tilted her head, seemingly talking about something amusing with Ji Yan, shaking her head and looking exceptionally charming and adorable.

Although she felt a little jealous, Shen Qingcheng had to admit that His Majesty was taking good care of her.

I haven't seen her smile like that in many years.

Shen Qingcheng explained solemnly, "Jiaojiao stayed at Langya Pass for a period of time. His Majesty asked General Chen to teach her martial arts for a few days. General Chen is frank and the two have a good relationship."

If Shen Qingye were present, he would immediately reprimand Shen Jiao for being so ignorant, not only making a fool of herself but also wasting other people's precious time.

Previously, Shen Qingcheng would never have suspected his own brother, but many of Shen Qingye's actions were chilling.

If Shen Qingfeng also harbors deep resentment towards Jiaojiao, it will be extremely difficult to persuade her to return to Anbo Marquis's residence willingly.

Shen Qingcheng looked at Shen Qingfeng, wondering what he would say.

"He's always causing trouble," Shen Qingfeng blurted out.

Shen Qingcheng's face darkened.

Shen Qingfeng continued, “My elder brother is also a general, why should we trouble outsiders? However, His Majesty is quite thoughtful. Her skills have indeed improved a lot, and she is... well, she is still quite formidable. Elder brother, do you think we should give General Chen some gifts? It's not good for a young lady to owe favors.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingcheng's serious expression softened.

He nodded: "It was my oversight, brother. We really need to prepare a thank-you gift. I'll leave this to you."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingfeng immediately felt inferior: "I don't want to!"

If you're going to help him, Shen Jiao has to smile at him first!

"Then don't blame me for telling my grandfather about your secret martial arts practice." Shen Qingcheng glanced at him coldly.

Now that the Marquis of Anbo's family has distinguished itself in military achievements, and with his position as the General stationed in the South, he commands the Shen family's iron cavalry, making him the envy of many.

It is said that a tall tree catches the wind. In order to balance the relationship between the emperor and his ministers, Shen Qingfeng and Shen Qingye are not allowed to serve as officials in the court except for him.

To dispel the emperor's suspicions, the family forbade Shen Qingfeng from practicing martial arts, allowing him to live a carefree and leisurely life as a young master.

Shen Qingfeng didn't learn martial arts to compete for merit; he simply enjoyed it. However, as the third child, he had little say in many things.

This matter was kept well hidden, but unexpectedly, Shen Jiao got into trouble.

Although he hated her, he couldn't just stand by and watch, even if they were broken, because they were still connected by blood. So he secretly slipped out to look for her.

As a result, instead of finding the person, he was captured by Ji Xiao's faction and almost lost his life.

Shen Qingfeng was completely baffled.

If my grandfather finds out about this, won't he break his legs?

"I'll do it, I'll do it."

Shen Qingfeng pleaded, "Good brother, please, for the sake of our past relationship, remember how I kept watch for you when you peed..."

"Shut up!" Shen Qingcheng's brow twitched.

Unexpectedly, this guy started bringing up my shortcomings without warning.

Shen Qingfeng said awkwardly, "I'll shut up after I finish speaking, big brother, please, since I can pee farther than you, ah no no no, big brother pee the farthest..."

Shen Qingcheng gritted his teeth: "Chen, Qing, Feng!"

"I was wrong, I was wrong. A gentleman's word is as good as his bond. You must keep this secret for me."

Having accidentally touched a tiger's tail, it's best to run away as soon as possible to save your life. Shen Qingfeng's injuries haven't healed yet, so he can't ride a horse. He quickly slipped onto the Gu family's carriage.

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