Chapter 72: Sleep with me for a while
The sky was just getting bright, and a thin, faint light filtered through the carved window lattices into the house, making the air seem to be filled with warm, fine golden light.
Shen Xingwan slowly opened her eyes and met Princess Guang'an's clear gaze.
The two couldn't help but smile at each other. It seemed as if they had returned to their youth last night, just like close friends falling asleep together after a day of playing.
Hearing the noise, Feiyun, who was waiting outside the door, came in quietly with a few maids, brought tea and towels wrung out in warm water, and helped the two of them wash up.
While washing and chatting, Princess Guang'an changed into an elegant long silk dress, which made her look picturesque, quiet and gentle.
Shen Xingwan picked out a light purple brocade dress, her eyes were radiant and charming.
The two of them stood together in front of the diamond-shaped mirror, as if the fresh wisteria was reflecting the beautiful peony, each of them was beautiful in their own way, and they were truly a pair of stunning beauties.
Seeing that they had packed up, Feiyun smiled and revealed a little secret: "Princess, Miss, and the young master have been waiting in the courtyard for a long time."
Upon hearing this, Shen Xingwan raised his eyebrows and smiled meaningfully, glancing at Princess Guang'an.
Princess Guang'an, who had been calm and composed just now, immediately lowered her head in shame, her fair cheeks instantly turned red, and her slender fingertips tightly twisted her sleeves.
Shen Xingwan chuckled and took her hand affectionately, "Let's go and see who has been waiting so anxiously since early in the morning."
They walked out of the house hand in hand. The morning dew had not yet disappeared in the courtyard, and cherry blossoms were falling under the trees. A breeze blew, and the pale pink petals floated lightly to the ground, like rain and snow, scattering tenderness all over the ground.
Under the cherry tree, Shen Yunchao was wearing a dark green brocade robe and a jade belt around his waist. His figure was as straight as a pine tree, and his eyebrows and eyes were handsome. It was obvious that he had been carefully groomed, and he looked much more elegant than before.
However, General Shen, who had always been fearless, seemed a little uneasy at this moment. He stood dryly under the flying cherry blossoms, his eyes slightly narrowed, and he didn't even know how to brush away the fallen petals on his hair and shoulders.
Seeing him like that, Shen Xingwan would never miss the opportunity to make fun of him.
She crossed her arms, leaned against the door frame, looked at him, and said with a smile, "Hey, what's the matter? Are you afraid that I will eat your wife? Why are you in such a hurry to come and ask for her so early in the morning?"
Upon hearing this, Princess Guang'an turned away in shame, covering her face with her hands. Her slender shoulders trembled slightly, as if she was trying to hold back a laugh, yet she was extremely embarrassed.
She was so embarrassed and angry that she reached out her hand and twisted Shen Xingwan's arm gently. Although the force was not strong, it made Shen Xingwan cry out "Ouch", causing Feiyun and the maids to cover their lips and laugh.
The tips of Shen Yunchao's ears immediately turned red as if bleeding. He coughed twice unnaturally and walked forward.
"I, I was just worried that Liyue might not be familiar with the house, so I came to pick her up to have breakfast together."
Shen Xingwan made a "tsk" sound, raised his eyebrows, and smiled meaningfully.
"oh......"
"So thoughtful! It seems like you've been thinking about me before you even walk in the door."
Shen Yunchao had no way to refute, his face was as red as a cooked shrimp, he simply ignored Shen Xingwan's teasing, stared at Princess Guangan, and said softly: "Liyue, let's go."
"Um."
Princess Guang'an turned around slowly, looked at him shyly, then lowered her head and walked to Shen Yunchao's side with a blushing face.
Shen Xingwan looked at the two people standing together, and his heart moved slightly.
Although my brother and Liyue have experienced many ups and downs, it is a good thing that they can now stand side by side like this.
She smiled and caught up, took Princess Guang'an's hand, walked side by side with Shen Yunchao, and they walked towards the front yard together.
The morning light was gentle, cherry blossoms were falling, and several people were walking on the soft fallen petals, as if even the air was filled with the joy of spring.
Warm sunlight filled the dining room, gently illuminating the floral and bird patterns on the silk screens in the hall.
The dining table was filled with delicacies, including various porridges, side dishes, crispy cheeses, cakes, and fresh seasonal vegetables. The colors were bright and the aromas were fragrant, showing that the family had put extra care into this morning's breakfast.
Prime Minister Shen and Madam Shen had been waiting for a long time. When they saw Shen Yunchao, Shen Xingwan and Princess Guang'an walk in, they immediately stood up to greet them outside the door and bowed to the princess respectfully.
After a night's rest, Madam Shen's mood had stabilized a lot. She looked dignified and steady, and had regained the demeanor of the mistress of the Shen family.
Prime Minister Shen was as calm as ever and respectfully greeted Princess Guang'an.
Princess Guang'an quickly stepped forward, stretched out her hands to help the two elders up, and said sincerely: "Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen, please stand up quickly, there is no need to be so polite."
"Liyue is temporarily staying in the Chen Mansion. I have already disturbed you a lot. There is really no need to be so formal."
Prime Minister Shen smiled gently, but still refused to break the rules, and said firmly: "Etiquette cannot be abolished. The princess is a golden branch and jade leaf, how can she lose the proper etiquette? Princess, please take a seat."
Princess Guang'an had no choice but to agree, but she insisted that the guest should follow the host's wishes and only agreed to sit in the second seat.
Shen Yunchao sat down right after him. Shen Xingwan glanced at him with a smile and sat down slowly.
Madam Shen looked at Princess Guang'an tenderly, and saw that there was a hint of fatigue between her eyebrows and eyes, and she looked much thinner than before.
Her heart ached suddenly, and she said softly, "The princess has lost a lot of weight. Now that you have returned to the capital, you should rest well in your mansion. There is no need to be restrained. If you need anything, just tell me."
After that, he scooped up some tender shrimp and tofu soup and handed it to Princess Guang'an, "This is the fresh shrimp that was delivered this morning. It is very nourishing. Princess, would you like to try it?"
Princess Guang'an's heart trembled slightly and her eyes turned red when she heard such considerate words.
Since she left the palace and married to the northern border, she had been displaced and suffered a lot. Now that Madam Shen treated her so kindly, she felt a sore nose and tears appeared in her eyes.
She gently held Madam Shen's hand, "Thank you, Auntie. Liyue will remember it in her heart."
Seeing her like this, Madam Shen felt even more pity for her and gently patted the back of her hand, "Good child, don't think too much, everything is over, from now on you just stay in the mansion peacefully."
The atmosphere at the banquet was warm and harmonious. Princess Guang'an gradually relaxed. Shen Xingwan also made jokes from time to time, which made everyone put aside their worries temporarily and enjoy their meal in a relaxed manner.
After breakfast, Shen Xingwan sent Princess Guang'an back to the courtyard to rest.
The two walked back side by side. The courtyard was silent except for the sound of falling petals.
Princess Guang'an looked at the petals on the ground and suddenly sighed softly.
When Shen Xingwan raised her eyes, she saw that the princess's brows were filled with worry and she looked like she was troubled.
Shen Xingwan frowned, and dismissed the maids who were waiting behind her. She took Princess Guang'an to sit under the cherry tree and asked her with concern, "What's wrong with you?"
Princess Guang'an lowered her eyes, sighed, and was silent for a long time before she spoke: "I... am very worried about mother."
Shen Xingwan's eyes flashed, and he immediately understood.
Princess Guang'an was married to the northern border as a peace agreement. Now that the northern border has been destroyed and the princess's whereabouts are unknown, Concubine De must have been going crazy with worry.
Now that Princess Guang'an has returned to Beijing safely, Concubine De is still trapped in the palace. It is understandable that the mother and daughter are anxious and worried as they have not seen each other for several days.
Shen Xingwan raised his hand and gently placed it on the back of her hand, saying solemnly, "Don't worry, I will go to the palace today and personally meet the Empress Defei to report your safety to her."
Princess Guang'an's eyes lit up, and then she lowered her head, "In this case, isn't it too much trouble for you? My status is sensitive now. If you rashly go to see my mother, I'm afraid it will attract too much attention and may bring you trouble."
Shen Xingwan chuckled and held her hand tightly. "What are you talking about? Why should we be so polite? My brother has already escaped from the battlefield to kidnap the princess. Does my family need this little trouble?"
Although she said it in a joking tone, Princess Guang'an knew the pros and cons of it.
Shen Xingwan pulled her and urged, "Okay, we are already on the same page, so don't be polite to me."
Princess Guang'an looked up at Shen Xingwan, her gratitude evident in her words.
She slowly reached out and gently untied a small and exquisite longevity lock from around her neck.
The longevity locket was made of red gold with intricate carvings, and the lock body had a faint luster of time. It was obviously something that had been worn close to the body since childhood.
She solemnly placed the longevity lock in Shen Xingwan's palm and said softly, "This is the longevity lock that my mother made for me. If you go to the palace and see my mother, give it to her... She will definitely understand."
Shen Xingwan lowered her eyes and looked at the small longevity lock in her palm, her heart moving slightly.
"Okay, I will definitely hand it over to the Empress Defei."
After Shen Xingwan came out of the Shen Mansion, she took a carriage all the way to the palace. She did not go directly to the Defei Palace, but turned to the place where Yan Jinghuan rested in the palace.
She asked the attendants, and learned that Yan Jinghuan had not returned home last night. He must have stayed in the palace to deal with the accumulated government affairs and rested there.
She needed to see him first.
The morning light was just rising and the night dew had not yet dissipated. A few tall bamboos were reflected on the window lattices, their shadows were hazy and revealed a sense of coolness.
When Shen Xingwan pushed the door open and walked in, Yan Jinghuan was wearing a dark robe and sitting leisurely on the armchair, with a palace maid tying his hair and putting on a crown for him.
He stroked his cuffs with his fingertips and listened nonchalantly to his subordinates' reports, his leisurely demeanor revealing a calm and majestic manner.
He saw the little palace maid leading Shen Xingwan in, the corners of his lips slightly raised, a faint smile appeared in his eyes, with a hint of teasing: "Why, I just didn't go home for one night, and you couldn't sleep alone, so you came to look for me?"
Shen Xingwan paused slightly. What she was thinking about how to tell him was suddenly disrupted by his words.
Before she could even open her mouth, Yan Jinghuan stood up and came over, hugged her waist tightly, and gently pulled her to the bed, "Will you sleep with me for a while?"
Shen Xingwan's cheeks suddenly became hot with shock. She punched him lightly in shame and anger, and warned him in a low voice: "This is the palace, there are spies everywhere, what are you doing?"
Seeing her shy and angry look, Yan Jinghuan's smile deepened. His fingertips caressed her slender wrist bones and he said nonchalantly, "Let them spread the word, tell them how much we love each other..."
Shen Xingwan was slightly startled, and turned her head away in embarrassment, "You have no shame!"
She came to the palace today not just to look for him, but to see Concubine De. Since it was about Princess Guang'an, she couldn't stay too long.
She suppressed her emotions, poked his face in a pretentious manner, and whispered, "I'm not used to being in the palace. You should finish those government affairs quickly and go back home early tonight."
Yan Jinghuan's eyes flickered slightly, knowing that she must have something to discuss with him, he smiled dotingly and helped her up, "Okay, I'll go back to accompany you in the afternoon."
Shen Xingwan nodded, said no more, stood up and walked out.
She left the place and continued walking hurriedly along the palace road towards Concubine De's palace.
Empress Defei holds a high position and has the power to assist in managing the six palaces. The palace is extremely luxurious and exudes an atmosphere of nobility.
However, the situation in the palace has been delicate recently, with undercurrents surging from all sides. Although Defei holds a high position, she cannot avoid being affected, causing the palace gate to be particularly deserted, and even the palace guards are few and far between.
Before Shen Xingwan entered the hall, he had already sensed the coldness and loneliness of the place.
Shen Xingwan stepped forward and asked the little palace maid to pass on her request to see Concubine De.
When the little palace maid saw that it was the Regent Princess who wanted to see her, she quickly turned around and went in. After a while, she trotted out with an embarrassed look on her face.
"Your Highness, Defei, is overly worried and ill. It is inconvenient for her to see guests right now. Please go back first."
Shen Xingwan frowned and glanced at the lonely courtyard that was faintly visible behind the palace gate.
After a moment's silence, she did not turn around and leave, but took out the longevity lock from her sleeve and gently placed it in the little palace maid's hand.
"Please inform her again for me and give this item to Her Majesty the Virtuous Consort."
The little palace maid hesitated for a moment, but finally turned around and walked in holding the longevity lock.
After a while, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly came from inside the palace gate.
The little maid who had just rejected Shen Xingwan ran out in a panic, and said anxiously: "Princess, please come in, Concubine De wants to see you!"
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