Chapter 127 The Inside Story of the Shen Family

Like Xu Zhiyi?

Shen Ning was a little creepy: "Absolutely not."

Mr. Xu Sanye is like a fox that will bite and eat people if he disagrees with you. He looks smiling and easy to talk to on weekdays, but you never know when he will get unhappy and turn against you... What's more, he is your uncle now.

It's so magical that Mr. Xu San actually became her nominal uncle.

Chen Ning was in a state of confusion, while on the opposite side, Xiao Nanchen's originally lifeless eyes had become extremely bright again.

It turns out that Shen Ning doesn't like anyone with the surname Xu.

But, she...

Xiao Nanchen thought of Shen Ning's reaction that night, and it didn't seem like she liked him.

It was already awkward enough, he couldn't make things more awkward between them.

At least...at least take it slow.

His Royal Highness Prince Ding suppressed the urge in his heart and changed the subject to distract himself: "After learning about your relationship with the Shen family, I asked someone to investigate the Shen family's situation. I thought I would tell you early so that you can make some decisions."

In an instant, a strong warmth suddenly surged in Shen Ning's heart.

She was indeed a little at a loss. She didn't even tell Shen Qingbai about these things... because she hadn't figured out what to do.

Xiao Nanchen was a person of that temperament, yet he could still think of worrying about where she was going. Even though he knew it was not appropriate for him to show up now and he couldn't get away, he came back to see her regardless of the embarrassing things that happened last time.

Shen Ning didn't know what to say, so she hummed softly.

His Royal Highness Prince Ding actually didn't want to say anything right now. He just wanted to ask Chen Ning: If you don't like Xu Zhiyi, would you like to like me?

Fortunately, he had strong self-control and managed not to ask this question. After a pause, he said, "Let me tell you about the situation of the Shen family."

Shen Ning nodded: "Okay."

Xiao Nanchen whispered to her in detail.

"Your biological father, Shen Xiuhe, was a scholar who won the imperial examination in the third year of the Jiaping reign. He now serves as the Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He and his first wife, Xie Yunqing, are deeply in love and have no concubines... but he has a mistress. Her name is Xue Surong, and she is Shen Xiuhe's childhood sweetheart and cousin."

Facing Chen Ning's somewhat surprised look, Xiao Nanchen continued, "The concubine was originally going to marry him, but after Chen Xiuhe passed the imperial examination and was selected as a son-in-law, he married Xie Yunqing. Given the Xie family's status, he was marrying up, so naturally, it was impossible for him to take a concubine at that time."

Then, Xiao Nanchen said something that surprised Shen Ning even more: "Shen Nian was born to Shen Xiuhe and that concubine, three months later than you...After she was born, Shen Xiuhe called her a subordinate orphan and took her home to be raised by Xie Yunqing."

Shen Ning was completely stunned.

It turns out that the woman who seemed to be pampered and doted on had actually been raising a child for her concubine?

“Does Shen Nian know?”

Shen Ning thought of how Shen Nian had just pulled her carefully to show her goodwill, and felt a little surprised.

Xiao Nanchen nodded: "She knows, but she has not been found to have done anything out of the ordinary. She is just extremely cautious and timid, and is respectful and filial to Xie Yunqing. Moreover, Shen Nian has a younger brother named Shen Chong, who is also the son of Shen Xiuhe and that concubine. He is one year younger than Shen Nian. In the Shen family, only your mother Xie Yunqing and your brother Shen Chengxi don't know."

In other words, Old Madam Shen also knew about it, and she and Shen Xiuhe and his mother had been deceiving and hiding it from Xie Yunqing.

Seeing Shen Ning's face full of astonishment, Xiao Nanchen poured her a cup of tea, and then continued: "Your grandmother Xue Lan was born in a humble family, and your mother was born in a noble family. She couldn't bear the airs of her mother-in-law and always lowered her head in front of her in-laws. Therefore, she didn't like your mother.

Your brother, Shen Chengxi, is a bit of a noob, average in education, and barely passable in social interaction, but he is filial to his parents and cares for his sisters, and his character is not a big problem."

After explaining the situation at home, Xiao Nanchen continued, "I'm sure they've already told you about how you were kidnapped back then... I won't go into details."

Shen Ning hummed: "Thank you, Anan."

Xiao Nanchen lowered his eyes, his tone a little difficult: "Do you have to be so distant from me?"

Even though...even though he was sentimental in the past, the feelings between the two of them who depended on each other were always real. Seeing Chen Ning being so polite, he felt a little cold in his heart.

So she really doesn't like him at all?

Seeing Xiao Nanchen's downcast expression, Shen Ning quickly explained: "It's not that I'm alienated from you, I'm sincerely grateful to you. They have only been here for a short time, and you have already carefully investigated so many things to tell me. It must be difficult."

She was indeed grateful for such consideration.

Seeing that Shen Ning looked a little anxious, and that she was not completely indifferent to him, His Highness Ding Wang's expression finally eased a little. Remembering something, he continued, "Although the people who were arrested at the time confessed that they mistakenly thought your mother was a concubine and wanted to steal the royal bloodline, there are still some strange things about this matter. It's just that it's been too long and there's no way to investigate."

Xiao Nanchen said softly, "You have a kind and honest heart and never intend to harm anyone, but you must be careful and vigilant. There may be other reasons behind what happened back then."

Without evidence, Xiao Nanchen couldn't talk nonsense, but he still wanted Shen Ning to be on guard.

Shen Ning looked at him and hummed softly.

This person has thought of everything for her...

Xiao Nanchen suddenly said, "I'm not Zhao Nan."

The unexpected confession made Shen Ning startled. She raised her eyes and met his gaze. She was silent for a moment, then nodded: "I guessed it."

"Aren't you going to ask me who I am?" Xiao Nanchen asked her.

Shen Ning didn't say anything, feeling a little guilty and ashamed in her heart.

Of course she knew who he was, and at the beginning, her care for him was all because of his identity and had her own purpose.

"I am Xiao Nanchen, the current seventh prince, Prince Ding, Xiao Nanchen."

Shen Ning raised her eyes and looked at him blankly.

Xiao Nanchen thought he had frightened her, so he deliberately kept his tone extra gentle: "The reason I kept it a secret from you is because things are so complicated here in Xinzhou. I didn't want to involve you, and I don't want you to think too much."

Shen Ning's lips moved: "Then why now..."

Why tell her now without any warning?

Xiao Nanchen lowered his eyes: "Don't worry, I don't want to use my status to pressure you or even force you."

Shen Ning quickly said: “I know, I know you are not that kind of person, you don’t need to explain.”

The tenderness in Xiao Nanchen's eyes almost melted into a pool of spring water. He whispered, "I tell you this because I want you to know that you are not helpless. You don't have to worry about anything else. All you need to do is follow your own heart..."

He spoke each word with great emphasis: "If you wish to reunite with your family, you can return to the capital without worry. You don't have to worry about anyone bullying you in the capital... If you would be happier staying, then you can stay. I will protect you."

Xiao Nanchen said: "You just need to do what makes you happy."

Shen Ning looked at him, not knowing what to say for a moment. After a pause, she said, "Anan, I didn't do well in the past and that caused you to misunderstand. I'm really sorry."

Xiao Nanchen lowered his eyes. "Since it was a misunderstanding, there's no need to blame anyone. I was also prejudiced against many things back then... I just hope you won't avoid me in the future."

Shen Ning immediately shook her head: “No.”

Xiao Nanchen glanced at her, raised his hand and threw something out. The next moment, the door slammed shut, and Shen Ning saw a black shadow suddenly rush in and fall.

Outside, Cheng Ge'er was babbling and shouting, looking very excited.

Looking at the huge bird of prey that suddenly appeared in the room and was taller than a human, Shen Ning was a little stunned: "This...this bird seems a little familiar."

The golden eagle made a "cooing" sound, with an innocent and confused look on its face.

Unfamiliar, never seen, don’t know!

Not the pullets it eats.

Xiao Nanchen called the golden eagle to his side and said to Shen Ning in a gentle voice, "I'll give it to you. If anything happens, let it deliver a message. I can receive it no matter how far away we are... I will always be Zhao Nan to you."

He looked at Shen Ning and said word by word: "I will always be at your disposal."

The misunderstanding had been resolved, and Xiao Nanchen's words and demeanor now seemed to be free of any transgressions or ambiguity. However, this apparent restraint yet the uncontrollable expression of emotion made Shen Ning inexplicably uneasy, and she was somewhat afraid to meet his gaze.

She refused: "This bird is very important to you, don't give it to me."

The golden eagle's little eyes lit up.

Xiao Nanchen couldn't help but say, "Nothing is more important than you..."

The golden eagle's head drooped again, and Shen Ning's heartbeat was slightly disordered. She felt as if this person had suddenly opened up his Ren and Du meridians.

No matter what he said, it made my heart beat faster for no reason.

Xiao Nanchen took out a whistle and handed it to Chen Ning: "It hunts on its own on weekdays, you don't have to worry about it. When there is something wrong, blow this whistle to call it... If it is lazy or slack, just tell me."

The golden eagle didn't understand such complicated words, but it could clearly sense the danger in Xiao Nanchen's tone. It quickly stood up straight, holding its wings on its back, and maintained an image of hardworking and dedicated work.

Shen Ning reached out to take it, and their fingers accidentally brushed against each other… Xiao Nanchen’s hand trembled, and he immediately withdrew it: “I’ll go first.”

After saying that, he looked at Shen Ning deeply, and then his figure disappeared.

Shen Ning unconsciously rubbed her fingers...