Chapter 42 I don't know whether I should tell him my thoughts
As the sky gradually darkened, the inky night sky hung over the Regent's Palace like a layer of satin.
Yan Jinghuan slowly stepped into the mansion. He was as tall and straight as a pine tree, and his black python robe rustled in the wind. The golden python pattern flickered faintly in the afterglow, making him look extremely majestic.
His deep eyes were like a deep pool in a cold night; he lowered his eyes slightly, his gaze cold and clear.
Thinking back to yesterday when they were passionate and demanding, he also felt vaguely worried about Shen Xingwan's health.
After dealing with many difficult government affairs today, he took advantage of the break to instruct his steward to prepare a lot of nourishing medicinal herbs. He also remembered that there was a ruby hairpin among the treasures that were tributed from Southern Xinjiang some time ago.
The ruby looked like solidified flame, its color was rich and bright, and it was carved into the shape of a rose with exquisite craftsmanship. So he thought of bringing it back to cheer Shen Xingwan up.
Shen Xingwan was sitting in the room, flipping through an ancient book in his hand, but his eyes were wandering beyond the pages.
Tang Lin'er's affairs were like a tangled mess, tightly entangling her and making her upset.
This matter involves a wide range of issues. If we are not careful, it will endanger Yan Jinghuan's position and even overturn his and Shen's future.
She was very nervous and didn't know whether she should tell Yan Jinghuan.
Upon hearing that Yan Jinghuan had returned to his room, Shen Xingwan stood up, straightened his clothes, and went to greet him.
When Yan Jinghuan saw her, his deep eyes softened.
He walked forward, took out the ruby rose hairpin from his bosom, handed it to Shen Xingwan, and said softly, "This was a tribute from Southern Xinjiang a few days ago. When I saw this hairpin, I thought it suited you best, so I left it for you."
He smiled, his ears slightly reddened, "I was negligent last night. I didn't consider your health and I tired you out."
Shen Xingwan raised her eyes and her gaze fell on the hairpin.
Under the candlelight, the rose hairpin glows brightly and looks extremely luxurious.
Even a person who doesn't know much about value can see that this hairpin is priceless, which shows Yan Jinghuan's intentions.
But she was worried and couldn't muster up the interest. She just reached out to take the hairpin and said softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Then she turned around and put the hairpin into the dressing box on the dressing table, without any intention of trying it on.
Seeing this, Yan Jinghuan frowned slightly and thought to himself that it seemed that she was really tired.
His tone unconsciously softened a bit: "I asked someone to prepare some top-quality nourishing herbs. I'll have the kitchen stew them and send them to you later. You should nourish your body well."
"If you feel tired, go and rest first. The peach blossoms in the suburbs are in full bloom right now. I'll accompany you to enjoy them some other day."
Shen Xingwan nodded and responded softly: "Yes, Your Majesty, I'll arrange it." But her eyes were still wandering, and no one knew where they were looking.
Yan Jinghuan looked at her for a while, and then said, "The new chef in the mansion is good at making the sweet cakes you like. Ask him to bring some over later and try it to see if it suits your taste."
Shen Xingwan just smiled faintly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness." But the smile did not reach his eyes.
Yan Jinghuan pursed his lips but remained calm.
He was used to hiding his emotions, but seeing Shen Xingwan in such a state, he couldn't help but feel some complicated emotions in his heart.
He felt that Shen Xingwan was so cold because she was really exhausted, but he also vaguely felt that there seemed to be other reasons.
Shen Xingwan noticed Yan Jinghuan's gaze and turned her head away slightly, feeling mixed emotions.
It's not that she didn't want to respond to Yan Jinghuan's feelings, but the heavy secret weighing on her heart made it impossible for her to face it as calmly as usual.
She didn't know whether she should tell him about Tang Lin'er.
The atmosphere became increasingly depressing and dull.
A breeze blew by, causing the gauze curtains on the window lattice to sway gently, and also ruffled the hair scattered around Shen Xingwan's snow-white cheeks.
She subconsciously raised her hand to smooth her hair, her fingertips trembling slightly.
Yan Jinghuan's heart moved, and he felt more and more that Shen Xingwan seemed to be more than just tired.
He slowly walked to Shen Xingwan's side. Although his face was cold, his eyes were soft. He gently held her hand and said, "It's getting late. Wash up and take a rest."
If she didn't want to talk, he wouldn't ask.
Shen Xingwan nodded in agreement, and after they washed up, they went to bed together.
Shen Xingwan lay on her side on the bed, and Yan Jinghuan then lay down, stretched out his long arms, gently embraced Shen Xingwan in his arms, and let her lean on his chest.
Shen Xingwan felt his strong heartbeat and felt very uncomfortable.
She really wanted to tell him this secret, but every time the words came to her lips, she was blocked by many concerns.
In the darkness, Shen Xingwan closed his eyes tightly, trying to calm himself down, but his mind kept emerging with the possible consequences if Tang Lin'er's poison was leaked.
Yan Jinghuan gently stroked her hair. Soon, the sound of his even breathing rang in Shen Xingwan's ears. Finally, he fell into a deep sleep exhausted.
Shen Xingwan was still tossing and turning. Although the bed was soft, it felt like there were countless small nails poking her.
She was worried about Yan Jinghuan's reaction after knowing the secret, and at the same time she was worried about the harm that the secret would cause him.
An unknown amount of time had passed before she, exhausted both physically and mentally, finally fell into a light sleep, her brows slightly furrowed, as if even in her dreams she was unable to escape the heavy burden on her mind.
The next morning, the morning light shone through the carved window lattices and gently fell on the couch.
Yan Jinghuan woke up early. He stood up gently, afraid of disturbing Shen Xingwan who was still in a light sleep.
He quickly dressed and tidied his clothes, then looked back at Shen Xingwan before turning around and leaving the bedroom.
When Shen Xingwan slowly woke up, the warmth of Yan Jinghuan was no longer between the pillow and quilt beside her. She was slightly stunned and came to her senses after a while.
Remembering that she had to go back to the Prime Minister's Mansion to see her brother off to war today, she quickly got up and called Feiyun to help her wash and dress.
Under Feiyun's careful service, Shen Xingwan changed into a light crimson brocade robe, which was embroidered with elegant cloud patterns and tied with a moon-white silk ribbon around her waist, making her figure look even more graceful.
She looked in front of the diamond-shaped mirror and put on a jade hairpin, which looked simple and homely yet elegant.
After washing up, Shen Xingwan hurriedly got on the carriage and went straight to the Prime Minister's Mansion.
Along the way, her thoughts were in a mess.
Her brother being named the General of the Western Expedition was undoubtedly an honor for the family, but the outcome of the war ahead was uncertain, and she couldn't help but worry.
And her nominal sister, Tang Lin'er, had just been canonized as the Crown Princess, and the Prime Minister's Mansion was suddenly the talk of the town.
In the eyes of others, this double happiness was a great thing, but how Tang Lin'er became the Crown Princess was still a mystery.
Whether it is a blessing or a curse remains to be seen.
When Shen Xingwan's carriage arrived at the Prime Minister's Mansion, the front door was already bustling with activity.
Those who used to flatter the powerful and bully the weak, and who refused to lend a helping hand when the Shen family was in trouble, now all come forward to curry favor with them.
There was a constant stream of people and cars in front of the mansion, with carriages of dignitaries coming one after another, servants delivering gifts in an endless stream, and the rare treasures that were presented piled up like a mountain.
As soon as Shen Xingwan got off the carriage, a steward came up to greet her and greeted her respectfully, "Miss, you are finally back."
"The mansion is very busy today, and the master is waiting for you."
Shen Xingwan nodded slightly and walked into the mansion with steady steps.
The palace was decorated with lights and colorful decorations, creating an atmosphere of joy and happiness.
Shen Xingwan had no intention of joining in the lively scene. She walked straight to the main hall and saw her father greeting several officials who came to congratulate her.
When Prime Minister Shen saw Shen Xingwan, a trace of relief flashed in his eyes, and he quickly waved for her to come over.
Although Shen Xingwan disliked these officials who changed their stance according to the situation, he still bowed and greeted them one by one due to etiquette.
"My brother is going to the battle today. This is a big deal. I'm going to go and see how he is preparing." Shen Xingwan found an excuse and left.
She turned and walked towards Shen Yunchao's yard. Along the way, she saw that those people who used to treat the Shen family coldly were now smiling and trying to please them. She couldn't help feeling nauseous.
Just as Shen Xingwan was about to reach Shen Yunchao's yard, a light and sweet laughter came from afar.
She looked up and saw Princess Guang'an wearing a goose yellow palace dress with fluttering sleeves, just like the forsythia blooming in spring.
She was holding an exquisite brocade box in her hand and standing in front of Shen Yunchao with a smile on her face.
Shen Xingwan's heart moved and he immediately understood a little bit.
Princess Guang'an has been fond of Shen Yunchao for a long time, but due to her status, she has never expressed it publicly.
I came here today to send Shen Yunchao off to the battle, probably to show my gratitude.
Shen Xingwan slowed down and stood quietly aside.
Princess Guang'an's cheeks were slightly red, and her eyes were full of shyness and anticipation.
She gently handed the brocade box in her hand to Shen Yunchao and said softly, "Brother Shen, the journey to the west is long, you must take care of yourself."
"This... is a little gift I prepared for you. You must accept it."
Shen Yunchao was slightly startled, looking at the brocade box in Princess Guang'an's hand with some hesitation.
After a long time, Shen Yunchao finally reached out and took the brocade box.
"Thank you for your kindness, Princess. Yun Chao will definitely live up to your trust."
When Princess Guang'an saw Shen Yunchao accept the brocade box, she immediately broke into a bright smile.
The girl's cheeks flushed, and the tiny light in her eyes was like starlight, "Brother Shen, you must return safely."
"I'm in the capital, waiting for you."
Shen Yunchao nodded.
"Don't worry, Princess. Yunchao will definitely return victorious."
Shen Xingwan walked forward with a smile and said jokingly: "It seems that I came at the wrong time and disturbed the princess and brother."
Princess Guangan was a little embarrassed when she saw Shen Xingwan, "I, I just came to see General Shen off."
Shen Xingwan smiled even more, "I know that the princess loves you, Xingwan sees it all."
After saying that, he glanced at Shen Yunchao again.
"It is also his blessing that my brother can be favored by the princess."
Shen Yunchao laughed helplessly, "Stop teasing me."
The three of them chatted for a while, and then an urgent report came from outside that it was time for Shen Yunchao to set off.
Shen Xingwan and Princess Guang'an followed Shen Yunchao to the front of the mansion, only to see the guards already lined up in neat rows with military flags fluttering.
Shen Yunchao mounted his horse swiftly, saluted to the people who came to see him off, then gave an order, turned around and set off with the guards in a mighty procession.
Shen Xingwan and Princess Guang'an stood in front of the mansion, looking at Shen Yunchao's receding back, and praying that he would return safely.
"Wait a minute!"
Just as everyone was looking at Shen Yunchao, a delicate shout pierced the sky.
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw an extremely luxurious carriage slowly stop in front of the Prime Minister's Mansion.
The carriage was trimmed with gold thread all over, and the curtains were made of luxurious Shu brocade, embroidered with majestic phoenix patterns, which shone brilliantly in the sun.
The door slowly opened, and Tang Lin'er, dressed in an elegant phoenix gown, slowly stepped down from the carriage.
The bright red phoenix robe was embroidered with golden phoenixes, and each phoenix spread its wings as if it would break through the brocade and soar into the sky in the next moment.
She wore a red gold phoenix hairpin on her head. The rubies on the hairpin were plump and gorgeous, swaying gently with her movements, reflecting brilliant light.
Tang Lin'er raised her head slightly, her eyes full of pride.
She lifted the hem of her skirt slightly and walked slowly towards the crowd. With every step she took, the gold thread on her phoenix robe flickered, as if her entire body was emitting a dazzling brilliance.
Upon seeing this, everyone consciously made way for her and looked at her with envy and awe in their eyes.
Tang Lin'er walked up to Shen Xingwan and Princess Guang'an, with a hint of subtle provocation revealed in her slightly raised lips.
Tang Lin'er glanced at everyone and finally landed on Shen Yunchao.
"My brother is leaving for the battle this time, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wanted to come and see him off in person."
"It's a pity..." She smiled, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is unable to come, so I will do it for you and send off this...good brother of mine..."
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