Chapter 99 Banquet
"Then just do it, don't worry about anything."
"Grandma supports me?" Shen Anan was a little surprised.
Madam Shen smiled and said, "You are still young, and it is the time for you to struggle. If you are afraid of this and that at this time, wouldn't it be a waste of your life? My An An always has his own ideas, and grandma believes that you know your limits."
Shen Anan sniffed and nodded slightly, “Grandma, it’s great to see you again.”
"What nonsense are you talking about? We have only been apart for a short time. Are you cursing me, an old woman?"
Shen Anan stayed in Anshou Hall for a long time, until the sun set, and the old lady impatiently chased people away and left reluctantly.
As soon as she reached the door, she heard her grandmother coughing violently, and hurried back, "Grandma, what's wrong with you? Why are you coughing so badly all of a sudden?"
"Nothing, it's probably because the room is too hot, the heater is stuffy, and my throat is a little dry. Okay, let's go, I'll just take a rest."
"No, I'll find a doctor to take your pulse." She stood up to leave, but the old lady immediately stopped her.
"I told you not to bother me. It's already this late. Don't bother me. I really have nothing to do. Do you think I look sick these past two days since I came back?"
Indeed, he did not look like that. He was even healthier than when he was in Jiangnan, especially after that slap at Concubine Shen in the palace.
"Okay, let's go."
"Okay then. If you feel unwell, please let me know immediately. There is a doctor in the mansion. Please ask the servants to invite him in time."
"Okay." The old lady was a little amused. "You are so long-winded. Go away now."
She curled her lips and left Anshou Hall.
"Madam, the person has gone far away," after sending all the servants away, the maid beside the old lady whispered, stroking Madam Shen's back one by one.
Not long after, the candles in the room went out, but the suppressed low coughing sound lingered for a long time.
"Let the doctor go to your grandmother tomorrow and check her pulse." On the way back to Begonia Garden, Shen Anan instructed Mo Xiang.
"Yes, don't worry, girl."
The master and servant walked along the bluestone path, around the corridor, and met Shen Changhe at the archway. He had his back to them, looking up at the moon that was half covered by dark clouds. His tall and majestic figure carried an indescribable loneliness.
"Brother, why aren't you asleep yet?" Shen Anan walked over and stood behind him.
"I was so busy before that I didn't notice it, but now I suddenly realize that the weather this year seems to be particularly cold, with dark clouds covering the sky, even the few rays of moonlight are blocked, and it is rarely bright."
Shen Anan looked up following Shen Changhe's gaze and said softly, "Brother's bright, it must be Miss Lin."
He was silent for a while, then slowly retracted his gaze and turned to look at Shen Anan, “I heard that you are going to the Yongning Marquis’ Mansion tomorrow to attend Princess Huasheng’s birthday ceremony?”
"Um."
"I think some things should be completed from beginning to end, and cannot be left unfinished like this, so I would like to ask you to convey a message to my eldest brother tomorrow."
He looked calm, as if he was talking about something irrelevant, but if that was true, why would he be waiting here in the middle of the night?
Shen Anan looked at the faint black under his brother's eyes and knew that he must not have slept well in the past few days, "Brother, please speak."
"If...she attends the banquet tomorrow, please help me ask her what she thinks. The Shen family is different now than it was in the past. Fortune and disaster can happen at any moment. I think Lord Lin has already explained the interests to her."
"If..." He paused, his voice was obviously a little difficult, "If it is difficult, I am willing to return the marriage certificate."
"Brother wants to cancel the engagement?"
Shen Changhe's face was tense, "The Shen family is in trouble, I can't just keep wasting time on the girl."
His face was still as resolute, but Shen Anan suddenly felt sorry for him, "Brother~"
"Okay, it's getting late, go back and get some rest. If you meet her, tell her. If you don't, forget it. I don't think Lord Lin will let her leave the house."
He touched Shen Anan’s head with a gentle smile.
Her eyes were sore, Shen Anan tried hard to hold back her tears and walked away under Shen Changhe's gaze.
She didn't know what kind of feelings her elder brother had for his wife in his previous life, but whether he loved her or not, he would never treat his wife badly. As for Lin Yurou, he must be very concerned about her.
On the second day, the carriage of the Fourth Prince's Mansion passed through the city without any disguise and stopped in front of the Shen Mansion.
The housekeeper reported to Shen Wen and immediately invited him in.
After Shen Anan finished dressing up, she went to Anshou Hall to pay her respects to Old Madam Shen. Madam Shen was also there, so she gave her some instructions.
Most of them were afraid that she would be looked down upon and ostracized if she attended the banquet at this time.
"Mother forgot that I was brought here by the Fourth Prince. Those officials would avoid him, so why would they rush to find my daughter to make her unhappy?"
"You don't understand. Those women are the most powerful. People who can be bullied with just their eyes can't stand. No, how about mother go with you?"
“Really, there’s no need.” Shen An’an comforted Madam Shen, “Don’t worry, mother. Your daughter will never suffer any loss.”
"But……"
"Okay." The old lady said calmly, "I raised her by myself. I know everything very well. You can rest assured."
After that, he said to Shen Anan, "Hurry up and leave. Don't be late. It will be rude to others."
Shen An bowed and left Anshou Hall with Mo Xiang. After walking a little further away, he asked, "Is Xiao Yuan here?"
"Here he is. He seems to be in the master's study now. He has been in there for a while."
Shen Anan frowned, turned around and went to the front yard, Shen Wen's study.
She didn't know how much her father had listened to her grandmother's words, and whether he was willing to betray his principles given his stubborn personality.
She thought she would have to wait for a while, but as soon as she stood firm, the study door opened and Xiao Yuan walked out behind Shen Wen.
She looked at the two men carefully and they didn't look like they were going to part on bad terms.
"I thought we'd have to wait a while, but I didn't expect you guys to finish the conversation so quickly."
Xiao Yuan's eyes fell on her, softer than ever before, "I heard you were here. It's cold outside, and I don't want you to wait too long."
…
Should she pretend to be shy, otherwise she would be letting him down with his shameless words?
"What are you talking about?" Shen Anan lowered her head half a beat slower to cooperate.
…
Shen Wen's eyelids twitched but he said nothing. However, Xiao Yuan felt uncomfortable all over and it seemed as if goose bumps appeared on his arms.
After bidding farewell to Shen Wen, the two left the yard side by side.
"The Fourth Prince pretended very well just now."
"But you're not pretending very well." Xiao Yuan seemed to not hear the teasing in her words, and said with a half-smile, "It's a bit delicate... artificial."
…
Shen Anan's face was wooden for a long time before she said, "I am a girl from the boudoir. I am not as experienced as the fourth prince. Isn't it normal that I can't act well?"
"Nonsense." Xiao Yuan's eyes were gentle, but he didn't give in when he whispered, "When you faced that dead scholar, you were gentle, considerate, and caring, but it was very natural."
…
"He's alive and well, why are you cursing him for no reason?"
After a long time without a response, she looked up and happened to receive Xiao Yuan's cold look, "Don't forget to protect me like this at the banquet later."
? ? ? ?
Oh, looking around the capital, who would dare to curse him as "die Xiao Yuan, die prince"?
Both of them had gentle smiles on their faces, making people feel like they were in spring breeze. In the eyes of outsiders, they were a loving couple. However, only Mo Xiang and Qing An and Qing Feng knew that they were actually bickering.
"I'll help you."
When getting on the carriage, Xiao Yuan took the initiative to extend his hand, and Shen Anan placed his hand on his palm without hesitation, using the force to get on the carriage.
But after she sat down firmly and the curtain fell, she quickly sat on the other side. Xiao Yuan glanced at her without saying anything.
"Since you and I are cooperating, shouldn't you let me know about the affairs of the palace in the future?"
"Know what?" Xiao Yuan raised his eyelids, "Do you have anyone you can use? Or can you plant a spy in the palace?"
…
"Even if I can't, at least I know a thing or two."
Did he look down on her with that tone just now?
Xiao Yuan gave her a serious look and said, "I will tell you what you should know. Just accompany me and don't worry about the rest."
"After all, it concerns my Shen Mansion!" Shen Anan said.
"The Shen Mansion has me and your brother, so they don't need you."
…Shen An patted his chest and simply closed his eyes, not wanting to say a word to him.
Two quarters of an hour later, the carriage slowly stopped. Just as Shen Anan sat up and prepared to get off, a sweet and greasy voice came from outside.
"Brother, you are here."
Shen Anan made a circle with his feet and sat back down.
Xiao Yuan looked at her movements, his eyes darkened, "What are you doing?"
"Miss Duan San is outside, and I want to try my best not to cause you any trouble. It would be bad if she misunderstood."
"Then what are you here for?" Xiao Yuan's tone suddenly became heavy.
With a long sigh, Shen Anan stood up again and bent down to get off the car, but the person opposite her was faster than her and got off first.
I can't wait.
Before she could finish her thought, the curtain of the carriage was lifted. Xiao Yuan stood beside the carriage and stretched out his hand to her. His tone was gentle, but his expression was wooden and only she could see it.
“Miss Shen, slow down.”
"Thank you, Fourth Prince." She raised her eyes and glanced at Duan Mengmeng who was standing there in a daze. The grievances in her heart from two lifetimes were suddenly released, and she even felt a little happy.
She put her hand on Xiao Yuan's wrist and jumped off the carriage.
“Master…Senior Brother, you…” Duan Mengmeng’s eyes immediately turned red, and she looked at the two of them in disbelief.
Wasn't the Shen family on the verge of collapse? How could they be involved with the Fourth Prince?
"Miss Duan San is blocking the road." Xiao Yuan said in a cold tone, his expression even more indifferent.
...Duan Mengmeng's throat choked. When she met the man's cold gaze, she subconsciously stepped aside.
At this time, many ladies and young ladies were standing at the gate of the mansion, all watching this scene.
"Let's go." Xiao Yuan whispered to Shen Anan.
She glanced at Duan Mengmeng, bowed politely, and then walked into the gate of Yongning Marquis' Mansion.
The two stood side by side, blocking out everyone's gaze. In Duan Mengmeng's eyes, Shen Anan's actions were nothing short of a naked provocation.
She gritted her teeth and the handkerchief was about to be torn into pieces in her hands.
When did Shen Anan hook up with Xiao Yuan, and why didn't she know anything about it?
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