However, the affair between the late emperor and empress was widely publicized, and given Shen Youying's limited understanding of Xue Heng, she felt that he was very likely to come back to visit.

It's better for these two brothers not to meet at all; Xue Heng probably won't appear before Xue Shen again.

Although Xue Shen never said it, Shen Youying knew that he still cared about Xue Heng, his former brother.

He ordered the body of Emperor Cheng'an to be thrown into a mass grave. At first glance, one might think he was venting his anger, but after careful consideration, Shen Youying felt that Xue Heng had probably returned, and Xue Shen was using another, discreet method to return Emperor Cheng'an's body to Xue Heng.

This can be considered as fulfilling Xue Heng's filial duty as a son.

"Those who know me are wise." Xue Shen raised the corners of his lips and forced a smile, but the smile didn't really reach his eyes.

His voice was low: "I saw my older brother. He had aged a lot. I hesitated for a long time, but I still didn't go up to say goodbye to him."

Shen Youying knew he was in pain, so she gently hugged him and let him lean against her chest, and whispered, "This is not your fault, it is Emperor Cheng'an's fault."

Xue Shen closed his eyes wearily, his voice growing softer: "I know, I know I can't help but think back to when I was young, when my elder brother said with great ambition that he would become a great general who guards a region."

Now that he has become emperor as he wished, Xue Heng can no longer be a general and join forces with him to repel foreign enemies and expand the territory.

Shen Youying pressed her lips to the corner of his lips, and sighed as she recalled Xue Heng's radiant appearance. She said, "Big brother is not the type to give up easily. Perhaps once he gets over this hurdle, you brothers will meet again."

Xue Shen smiled, pressed his face against her abdomen, and said nothing more.