Winter came exceptionally early in the twenty-third year of Tianlin's reign. In October, wealthy families in Shengjing started burning incandescent bulbs.
Shang Shaoyan held a book in her hand, leaning lazily against the couch. Her impatient expression made her originally bright and beautiful face look much more serious.
The maids in the room were all focused on their own thoughts, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
"Tell me, what kind of trouble has Yan Xuening gotten herself into this time?" Shang Shaoyan flipped through the pages of his book casually. "She wouldn't be bothering my brother again, would she?"
“Reporting to the county princess, Miss Biao did not go to see the young master today.” A seemingly honest and composed maid spoke first. “She… has been on a hunger strike for three days.”
Shang Shaoyan laughed angrily: "Who cares if she dies? Father and Mother died in battle, the entire Duke's mansion is in mourning, and soon the palace will issue an edict to order my brother to inherit the title. Is it really worth telling me about these sordid things?"
After saying that, she waved her hand wearily: "Go and tell my brother to come and find me."
The maids dared not say a word—ever since the Duke and Duchess died in battle, the once good-tempered county princess and her son had changed drastically, and the maids dared not disobey them in the slightest.
"No need to send word, I've arrived." A clear, gentle voice rang out, followed by the rustling of the beaded curtain. A moment later, a handsome and gentle young man entered. "You all go out first. I have something to say to my sister."
The maids then withdrew.
Seeing that everyone had left, Shang Shaoyan collapsed onto the couch, looking at Shang Yunlan weakly: "Brother, I'm counting on you for the rest of my life."
Yes, in this lifetime.
Shang Shaoyan and Shang Yunlan were born in the 21st century in their previous lives. They were both upright and promising young people. Their parents died early, and they raised each other, which was not easy.
Shang Shaoyan's biggest wish in her previous life was to be a lazy bum, only eating, drinking, and having fun without having to work hard. So she set her sights on her own brother, spurring him to make progress, and finally made Shang Yunlan the youngest richest man in China.
Just as he was about to live the carefree life of his dreams, Shang Shaoyan excitedly dragged Shang Yunlan to look at houses, but they were involved in a car accident on the way, and both of them died.
When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves in a dynasty that did not exist in history, becoming the two orphans of the Duke of Zhenguo of the Chen Dynasty.
In a few days, the imperial court will issue an edict ordering Shang Yunlan to inherit the title. However, the Chen Dynasty is on the verge of collapse. Shang Shaoyan feels that if he does not spur Shang Yunlan on again, he will not only fail to become a salted fish, but will also become a dead fish.
However, Shang Yunlan only glanced at her with an inscrutable expression before lying down on the ground, her eyes lifeless: "I'm numb. In this life, I'll enjoy the peaceful days, while you'll bear the burden."
Shang Shaoyan's eyes widened as he struggled to get up from the bed: "An elder brother is like a father! I can call you Dad!"
Shang Yunlan clutched her chest: "My heart condition has flared up again. I need my sister to give me money to get better."
Shang Shaoyan: "..."
Yes, the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo suffers from a heart condition. He coughs every few steps and occasionally vomits blood.
Shang Shaoyan rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on: "If all else fails, you can always find a rich woman, bro..."
Shang Yunlan glanced at Shang Shaoyan and changed the subject: "In a few days, I'll be the Duke of Zhenguo. Who knows, this dog emperor might even send me to the battlefield..."
As he spoke, he sighed deeply, "An'an, remember to burn plenty of paper money for me when the time comes."
An'an is Shang Shaoyan's nickname. Shang Yunlan would call her that whenever she had a heart-to-heart talk with her, and it sounded especially sincere.
But Shang Shaoyan is a bad woman, and bad women have no heart: "If you lie on the ground again, and your heart condition flares up, the dog emperor won't even need to send you on your way."
Shang Yunlan quickly got up from the ground, almost fainting from the sudden movement.
Shang Shaoyan helped Shang Yunlan up, then asked hesitantly, "Brother, that Yan Xuening..."
Shang Yunlan's face stiffened. Yan Xuening was the daughter of the two siblings' aunt. She had been living in the Duke's mansion for a year, and her purpose was very clear: to marry the Duke's heir, Shang Yunlan.
However, before she could do anything, the Duke of Zhenguo and his wife both died on the battlefield.
This matter was a mixed blessing for Yan Xuening. She was happy because Shang Yunlan was about to become a Duke, which would allow her to rise to prominence without having any in-laws yet. She was worried because if she didn't hurry up and find a way to marry Shang Yunlan during the mourning period, he would have to observe three years of mourning for her.
Therefore, in the past few days, she has been constantly pestering Shang Yunlan. She can't be scolded away, and she can't be hit. Shang Yunlan has really become withdrawn.
Seeing his older brother's expression of utter misery, Shang Shaoyan said sympathetically, "Then this time, I'll help you solve it... Just this once, the only time. You'll still have to support me from now on."
Shang Yunlan looked at her with some suspicion: "Are you really capable of solving this?"
Shang Shaoyan's eyes widened: "Who do you think you are?"
She paused, then chuckled, "Just you wait, you won't be disappointed."
...
In the exquisite courtyard, a pretty woman sat on a swing, holding a hot water bottle in her hands. Snowflakes fell on her hair, making her look very gentle.
"Miss, you should at least eat something..." the maid beside her pleaded earnestly. "At the very least, have some soup. How can you starve yourself like this?"
Yan Xuening's eyes flickered slightly: "Do my cousin and older cousin know?"
The maid pursed her lips: "I know everything..."
Yan Xuening frowned: "They didn't say anything?"
The maidservant subtly took a half-step back before speaking, "The county princess said she doesn't care if you die..."
"Smack—"
Yan Xuening threw the hot water bottle hard to the ground, a hint of ruthlessness flashing across her gentle and beautiful eyes: "Ever since I came to the Duke's mansion, she has been looking down on me at every turn! Before, she would at least put on an act, but now she won't even say a few nice words?"
The maid kept her eyes downcast and thought to herself, "Didn't you do this yourself?"
Everyone knows that the Duke's mansion is on the verge of collapse, and the Chen Dynasty is in imminent danger. Only someone as clueless as Miss Biao would be so fixated on this.
"Oh, it's so lively here?" A lazy, sweet voice rang out, its tone full of sarcasm and mockery. "What's wrong, cousin? Tell me so I can have a good laugh."
Yan Xuening: "..."
She barely managed to suppress her anger and forced a smile: "My cousin is joking again."
The person who arrived was none other than Shang Shaoyan.
Wearing a white fox fur cloak, Shang Shaoyan's striking beauty appeared even more noble. She slowly walked towards Yan Xuening and said, "I wouldn't dare joke with you."
Her sharp gaze pierced Yan Xuening, who trembled inwardly but forced herself to straighten her back.
Shang Shaoyan smiled and said, "Cousin, don't be afraid. I won't do anything to you. I'm just here to tell you something."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
