Shen's dying wish was that your father would take care of Zhao'er, who was only four years old at the time. Although your father's life was mediocre, he valued loyalty and affection highly and felt very guilty about Shen's death, so he agreed to take care of the orphan.
However, as Shen Zhao grew older, it became clear that the child possessed a strong and resilient character. He rejected the life of wealth and privilege that his father and the Empress had arranged for him, insisting on starting from the very bottom. He believed that only in this way could he repay the royal family for their care.
He has never spoken publicly about his relationship with the royal family.
As time went on, I grew to like this child more and more, and I felt that he might become my royal son-in-law, which would also prevent you, Xiyan, from being forced into a political marriage and marrying someone you don't know.
So we discussed this matter with your father, and he immediately agreed. We didn't think much of it at the time; after all, we figured that with Zhao'er by your side, it would silence those who coveted you.
We don't expect him to be very capable; as long as he's devoted to you, that's enough. We'll provide him with a lifetime of wealth and luxury.
However, we were caught completely off guard by this incident on the day you ascended the throne, until we saw Zhao'er some time ago.
I now realize that he knew all along that you didn't like him, and that you didn't like being bound by fate, which is why he chose to give up early on, giving you the right to choose your own life.
But to my surprise, Zhao'er's abilities are truly outstanding; in just half a month, she has achieved remarkable progress.
He subdued the Zhenbei Army and wiped out the Beimang Army. Such military achievements are unparalleled in the history of our Great Yin Dynasty, making him the first person since our ancestors to achieve such feats.
My original intention was to keep him here and try to persuade him further, but after the Battle of White Wolf Mountain, he left immediately. It seems this child truly doesn't want any connection with the royal family.
Yu Xiyan bit her lower lip lightly, her eyes filled with tears, and her jade fingers clenched into fists, tightly gripping the corner of her bright red robe.
Yu Xiyan, who has experienced a lifetime of reincarnation, knows best just how powerful Shen Zhao is.
How could the man who commanded the submission of three thousand sects across the Immortal Martial Continent and established the Great Yin Dynasty at the pinnacle of power be a useless figure?!
Gu Ningye let out a long sigh and smiled nonchalantly: "However, thinking about it carefully, Zhao'er is right. A forced relationship won't be sweet, and neither of you will be happy together."
"That's good. Xiyan, you can go find your other half now, and you won't have to worry anymore. From now on, your father and I will never force you to do anything you don't want to do..."
"Mother, did he really leave without leaving a single word?" Yu Xiyan interrupted, unable to bear hearing what was to come.
"According to Lü Yue, after the battle at White Wolf Mountain, Shen Zhao left without saying goodbye, leaving behind only the Khan's scepter."
Yu Xiyan took a deep breath, closed her eyes, shook her head, and said, "He really doesn't want to go back to Chang'an?"
Seeing Yu Xiyan's appearance, Gu Ningye frowned slightly: "What's wrong, Xiyan?"
"Does he really not want anything to do with the Great Yin royal family? Why would he give up such a great opportunity?"
"Zhao'er doesn't seem like the kind of person who would care about these credits."
"But I care!"
Gu Ningye and Yu Xiyao were both startled, only then realizing that Yu Xiyan's eyes were already red on her usually cold face, and they were immediately filled with disbelief.
"Sister, what's wrong...?"
"Xiyan, what's wrong?"
The two had never seen Yu Xiyan like this before, and they were momentarily flustered.
"Mother, I love Shen Zhao, I really love him!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Ningye frowned even more deeply.
Yu Xiyao thought to herself, "Yes, only someone like Brother Shen Zhao is worthy of my sister and is qualified to be my brother-in-law."
Gu Ningye scrutinized Yu Xiyan carefully before asking, "Xiyan, are you telling the truth? Or did you discover Zhao'er's abilities and only see him as a tool to be used?"
Yu Xiyan shook her head: "No, I really like him, but Shen Zhao will never come back. He doesn't even want to go back to Chang'an. What should I do?"
After hearing Gu Jingyan talk about the rumors surrounding Shen Zhao while solving the floods in the south, Yu Xiyan had a terrible idea.
The man who was so devoted to her in her past life, who wouldn't hurt her in the slightest even when their relationship broke down, may never come back.
Recalling that brief time in the Fuxi Abyss, she found that Shen Zhao was more carefree after leaving her, and no longer had the weary and worn-out look he had when they were together.
I still remember back then, Yu Xiyan, who was also at the Great Emperor Realm, became more and more beautiful, while Shen Zhao's temples turned gray and his face looked vicissitudes.
If I had treated him better and trusted him more, perhaps he wouldn't be so exhausted.
Gu Ningye sighed deeply: "Xiyan, why are you doing this to yourself? If you had listened to your father and spent more time with Zhao'er, things might not have turned out this way. You're too stubborn; you haven't even been willing to see him for so many years. Sigh..."
Yu Xiyan pleaded almost desperately, "Mother, is there still a way to bring Shen Zhao back? I... I'm a little scared..."
Gu Ningye stood up and said, "Xiyan, don't think about these things for now. As the emperor, you have many things to do. I will draft an edict on your behalf to announce to the world that you personally led the expedition and wiped out the Northern Mang invasion."
"What? This won't do, it's clearly..."
"Remember that you are the ruler of a country. The reason why Zhao'er left and refused to see me was because she wanted to offer this great achievement to you. With this achievement, you will surely gain the support of the army and make your throne more secure. Do you want to betray Shen Zhao's good intentions?"
"Mother, is this truly Shen Zhao's intention?"
“I have watched Zhao’er grow up, and I know her character very well. If you do not agree, it will only make Zhao’er feel disheartened.”
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiyan composed herself and nodded, saying, "I understand. I will lead my army deep into the Great Wilderness and completely wipe out the Northern Barbarians."
Gu Ningye nodded: "Besides, with Huang Tianhu executed, there is no longer any external force to hinder your plan to train a new army. As for Lü Yue and his old border troops, give them honorary titles as generals, and dismiss or merge the rest as appropriate. Your Majesty, you can handle it as you see fit."
"I share the same thought."
"Alright, as for other trivial matters, you can handle them yourself. I believe you can manage them well. After you have finished these official business, I will come back to discuss your relationship with Zhao'er."
"I understand, Mother, please rest assured."
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