Shen Zhiyi's heart skipped a beat.
What is he doing here?!
She couldn't completely merge Xiao Zhongxuan and Zhou Xuance into one at this point, after all, the contrast was too great, one was ruthless and cold, and the other was sweet and gentle.
While Shen Zhiyi tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep, she even thought more than once:
Does he have two people living inside him?
Does he have a dual personality?
"What are you standing there for?" Shen Jingchuan saw his sister staring blankly and pulled her towards the front hall.
At this moment, all the members of the Shen family had arrived in the hall. Zhou Xuance was wearing a rare silver-white outfit and a jade mask, which softened his fierce aura.
The moment his eyes met Shen Zhiyi's, his hand, which was hidden in his sleeve, tightened slightly.
she……
It looks like she's been crying.
There were still lingering red marks around her eyes.
Shen Zhiyi merely bowed politely and then obediently retreated behind her parents.
He appeared calm on the surface, but was inwardly filled with anxiety.
This regent was known for his unconventional ways, and Shen Zhiyi was naturally worried that he might say something shocking and frighten his family.
"His Majesty knows that the Duke of Shen has returned to the capital. You have been stationed in the northern border for many years and have made great contributions. I heard that you have injured your leg again. His Majesty is very worried and specially sent me to express his condolences."
With a single glance from Zhou Xuance, people brought over the ginseng, cordyceps, and some gold and silver as a reward.
"I'm sorry to trouble Your Highness to make this trip," Shen Chongde said politely.
"It's no trouble at all."
"I heard earlier that Your Highness was unwell. Is he well now?"
"Not bad. I didn't expect the Duke to still remember me."
Shen Chongde wore a smile on his face, but inwardly he couldn't help but think:
What happened?
This kid is usually arrogant and haughty. He comes from a noble family and has great talent that makes him proud. So why is he being so polite to me today?
Xu Yunyi smiled and said politely, "It's so hot, Your Highness, you've gone to all this trouble. Why don't you come inside and have some tea and rest?"
It was just polite talk.
Unexpectedly, the regent said, "Since the Duchess has invited me, it would be impolite of me to refuse."
The Shen family members: "..."
Shen Muzhi looked at his elder brother and asked in a low voice, "Has this prince recently fallen ill and taken the wrong medicine? Hasn't he and our father always been at odds?"
Did you take the wrong medicine?
Shen Zhiyi almost burst out laughing.
Only someone with my second brother's brain could come up with such a thought.
"What are you laughing at? Let me tell you, this regent is ruthless. His sudden politeness probably means he's up to something. We need to be careful and not let him catch us making a mistake, and we mustn't provoke him."
In response to her second brother's reminder, Shen Zhiyi could only offer an awkward smile:
provoke?
If his second brother found out that the two of them had even slept in the same bed, he would probably faint from fright.
Xu Yunyi had already instructed her maid to prepare tea and snacks. Shen Zhiyi obediently sat to one side, listening to him talk to his father, but noticed that he only drank a few sips of tea and did not touch the pastries.
Does he not like sweets?
However, according to her observation, when she was the regent, he would only eat three bites of each kind of food when dining in his palace.
The two were discussing military strategy, but Shen Zhiyi wasn't interested. She hadn't slept well the night before, so Xu Yunyi made an excuse to let her go back to her room to rest.
Shen Zhiyi thought that he would probably leave when he woke up.
result……
When she woke up, it was already sunset. When Hongrui helped her change her clothes, she specially brought out some exquisite jewelry for her to choose from.
"It's just dinner at home, no need to dress up."
"The Regent hasn't left yet."
"..."
"The lady said we must not be impolite."
Shen Zhiyi was practically going crazy.
What exactly is he trying to do?
Zhou Xuance had his reasons for staying at the Duke's mansion. He said that the young master had saved his life, and he had a deep conversation with the Duke of Zhenguo today. He admired him greatly and they talked so much that they forgot the time. When it was time for dinner, Xu Yunyi politely said something, and he stayed.
"I was young and impetuous before, and I offended the Duke with my words. I hope you will forgive me." Zhou Xuance was not in good health, so he offered him tea instead of wine.
Shen Chongde felt dizzy today.
What exactly is this kid trying to do?
Although puzzled, Shen Chongde was also somewhat pleased that the person who used to be so arrogant was now so humble in front of him.
Moreover, he did not refer to himself as "this king" in front of him.
Although he was the late emperor's youngest son and should be of the same generation as him, he was still young and had taken the initiative to make amends. If Shen Chongde were to be petty and nitpicky, it would seem that he was narrow-minded.
"Your Highness is too kind. I have long forgotten what happened in the past," Shen Chongde said with a smile.
"Is the Duke going to stay in the capital until the Mid-Autumn Festival this time?"
"Your Majesty is considerate."
"I will stay in the capital for a while longer. If I have any questions about military affairs in the future, may I come and ask you for advice?"
"Your Highness is too kind. I would not be asking for your advice; I simply have more experience and can offer you some suggestions."
...
During the banquet, Zhou Xuance did not forget to get closer to the three sons of the Shen family. He invited Shen Muzhi to the mansion to see the fine horses he raised, and also said that he could arrange for Shen Qi'an to enter the royal library.
"Can I really go?" Shen Qi'an asked, his face beaming with surprise.
The Royal Library houses a vast collection of books.
But it is only open to the royal family, or with special permission.
"Sure, I'll let you know in advance. You can go whenever you want."
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Shen Qi'an, being young, was overjoyed and couldn't stop laughing. He grabbed his older sister's clothes and whispered, "Sister, this Regent Prince isn't as cold-hearted as the rumors say. I think he's quite nice."
Good?
I'm afraid it's like a weasel giving a chicken—it's all up to no good.
What exactly is he trying to do?!
He took care of almost everyone in the Shen family, but he didn't say much to Shen Zhiyi.
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