Chapter 96 The Abandoned Eldest Daughter Makes a Comeback (20)

His tone made it sound like that of a loving father who truly cared about his daughter's happiness.

However, upon closer inspection, one can discern a shrewd calculation hidden deep within his eyes.

Having risen from humble beginnings, Shen Zhengde understood the importance of power better than anyone else.

In his mind, nothing brings more security and satisfaction than holding power.

Even though he had just been stunned by Shen Yunzhen's outstanding appearance and his mind went blank for a few seconds, his first reaction after regaining his rationality was that this stunning beauty would definitely bring him greater benefits.

Shen Yunzhen scoffed: "You came all this way just to spout this nonsense?"

"Don't worry, no matter what happens between me and Xiao Chengxu, you won't benefit from it at all. Don't waste your energy and don't say these disgusting things to me."

Shen Zhengde was speechless after hearing this, his face turning pale and then red.

He was naturally adept at dealing with outsiders, but Shen Yunzhen was his daughter, so he was particularly intolerant of her disobedience and easily became vulnerable to her.

Perhaps such men all share a common trait: they have an extremely strong sense of self-esteem, especially in front of people they feel indebted to, and are more prone to losing control of their emotions, perhaps due to a guilty conscience.

Shen Zhengde suppressed the rising anger in his heart and softened his voice.

"I didn't mean anything by it. I just advised you to treat the Crown Prince well, and I didn't have any other intentions. I just hope you can be happy. I am an official in the court and I know the Crown Prince's character well. He is a very good man. You will definitely be happy and fulfilled if you marry him."

Shen Zhengde paused for a moment, and seeing that Shen Yunzhen did not respond, he continued:

"I know you're blaming me for sending you to the estate, and you even thought I killed your mother. But you've misunderstood. Your mother's health was poor after giving birth to you, but she didn't want to show it in front of you. She endured it until her illness became terminal and incurable. That's why you thought her illness was sudden."

I sent you to the estate to prevent you from being overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of nature, as this could harm your health in the long run. I am also heartbroken over Wan Niang's passing. Your mother and I were childhood sweethearts, deeply in love, and it's understandable that I sometimes take my anger out on you. I don't know how to face you, which is why I haven't dared to appear before you for so many years.”

Shen Zhengde raised his sleeve and wiped the corner of his eye.

"Now I finally realize how wrong I was. Fortunately, there is still time. Now I only want to make up for what I have done to you. I hope you can give me a chance."

Upon hearing these words, Shen Yunshu couldn't help but secretly glance at Shen Yunzhen, her eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions—envy, jealousy, and an almost imperceptible infatuation.

Shen Yunzhen looked at him with a half-smile, without the slightest change in her expression.

In that instant, Shen Zhengde felt like an actor on a stage, a clown.

To be honest, he wasn't wrong; Shen Yunzhen was indeed treating him like a joke.

The emotions were genuine, the eyes were expressive, and the performer was adept at playing the emotional card, making it even more captivating than the opera performance on stage.

If the original owner were here, she would definitely have already softened.

After all these years, she had always had expectations of Shen Zhengde. She was still immersed in the happy life of her childhood and remembered her father's doting on her. She never thought about why Shen Zhengde's attitude had changed so drastically.

Or rather, it was something she dared not think about.

She had nothing left, and if the truth that Shen Zhengde had no feelings for her were revealed, she would definitely break down.

She could only numb herself, clinging to her lingering feelings for Shen Zhengde, waiting day after day.

Shen Zhengde's anger, which he had managed to suppress, was showing signs of resurfacing.

As expected of Zhang's daughter, she's just so unlikable.

So what if she's beautiful? She only knows how to abuse her looks and do whatever she wants; she's utterly foolish.

Unfortunately, he is now in a very precarious situation. He has hidden some things very well, but there is no guarantee that they will not be discovered.

At that time, his only chance will be to control the crown prince's daughter.

He absolutely cannot give up!

A look of grief crept onto Shen Zhengde's face, mixed with a hint of anger.

"It's my fault for being negligent all these years. I knew that Liu had actually sent you to that remote village and deliberately made things difficult for you. I originally intended to send you to your mother's dowry village, but who knew that Liu would be so vicious as to not even tolerate a child."

It turns out that I made her my official wife because of your mother's dying wish, but she betrayed your mother's trust in her, and also betrayed my trust in her, deceiving me.

"Yunzhen, don't worry, after you come home with me, I'll hand her over to you to deal with."

For the sake of power, Shen Zhengde abandoned even his childhood sweetheart who had been with him for many years and borne him children without hesitation.

Shen Yunshu looked at her father in disbelief.

"Father! What are you saying?"

My mother has been devoted to him all these years, bearing him children and managing the household. How could he do this to her!

Shen Zhengde gave her a warning look: "Shut up."

Shen Yunshu was indignant and wanted to argue further, but after meeting Shen Zhengde's sinister gaze, she was instantly frightened and dared not speak again.

Shen Yunzhen clapped her hands: "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Do you have anything else to say? Say it all at once, let me see just how eloquent the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue of the Great Zhou is."

Shen Zhengde could easily detect the sarcasm in his voice, and his face darkened instantly.

"Why did you stop? Keep talking!"

Shen Zhengde also realized that his daughter harbored hatred towards him and would not change her mind because of his words, but he dared not break off relations.

Shen Zhengde forced another smile, and said with a hint of indulgence:

“Yunzhen, don’t be childish. Whether you believe it or not, what I just said is true. But since you don’t want to hear it, I won’t say it anymore. Just know that I want what’s best for you.”

Then he turned around, his body seemingly hunched over for a moment.

"Since you don't want to go back, then forget it. But Your Highness, you must treat him well and don't act recklessly."

“I will divorce Liu after I get back, and give you an explanation.”

After saying that, he lifted his foot and walked out, sighing as he went, his face full of desolation.

Upon hearing these words, Shen Yunshu was both angry and anxious. She hurriedly followed after him, hoping to persuade her father to change his mind, completely forgetting that she had originally planned to question the Third Prince.

Of course, after seeing Shen Yunzhen in person, she still didn't have the confidence to ask her.

Shen Yunzhen called out to the two of them.

"Wait, did I say you could leave?"

Shen Zhengde paused, a flash of joy crossing his eyes.

He turned around impatiently.

"Yunzhen, what do you want to say to your father?"