Some people’s eyes cannot deceive – Shen Ying’er’s gaze held sincerity. Unless she was an exceptionally skilled pretender, that righteousness must be ingrained in her very bones.

“What of it?” Shen Xihe said softly. “We will never share sisterly affection.”

It wasn’t directed at Shen Ying’er personally. She had killed Madam Xiao – though Shen Ying’er didn’t know this, how could she forget? With such a barrier between them, even if Shen Ying’er never learned the truth, Shen Xihe could never bring herself to show sisterly concern. What kind of person would that make her?

To kill someone’s mother while maintaining deep sisterly bonds with them – she couldn’t do such a thing.

“Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty.” In Mingzheng Hall, Shen Yueshan found not only Emperor Youning but also Prince Xin and his brothers, as well as the Crown Prince.

“Chong’a, you’re too formal.” Emperor Youning personally helped Shen Yueshan up. Shen Yueshan stood a head taller than the already imposing emperor. Youning patted his shoulder, “Chong’a is as robust as ever. These years in the Northwest have been hard on you.”

“Loyal service to the country is the Shen family motto. Your Majesty entrusted the Northwest to me – I can only do my utmost duty, and dare not speak of hardship,” Shen Yueshan replied with unwavering righteousness.

“With Chong’a there, the Northwest is secure.” Emperor Youning turned to his sons, “The King of the Northwest is my sworn brother – you should treat him as your uncle.”

Led by the Crown Prince, they all bowed respectfully to Shen Yueshan: “Uncle.”

“I dare not, I dare not.” Shen Yueshan hurriedly gave a military salute. “All Your Highnesses are dragons and phoenixes – please don’t address me so, it’s too much honor.”

“You deserve it,” Emperor Youning laughed heartily. “We’ll be in-laws soon anyway. Look at my sons – choose whichever one catches your eye.”

Though emperor and subject, they acted like ordinary noble families. Still, Shen Yueshan maintained proper etiquette: “All the princes are outstanding. Youyou has been raised at my knee since childhood. The Northwest is harsh, and she was born delicate. She’s obedient and gentle, and I inevitably dote on her more. Marriage determines one’s entire life – I dare not make this choice for her. I only hope that whether her own choice brings joy or sorrow, she won’t blame me.”

“Zhaoning is hardly delicate,” Emperor Youning said. “She shows even more decisiveness than my princesses.”

Shen Yueshan smiled too: “In the Northwest, my son and I have spoiled her somewhat, fostering some domineering and willful traits. I hope she hasn’t offended the princesses.”

Emperor and subject – their words seemed full of praise but concealed sharp edges; one appeared humble but carried hidden criticism.

Emperor Youning kept Shen Yueshan for dinner before releasing him. Xiao Huayong personally saw him out, and Shen Yueshan sized him up.

A face fairer than a maiden’s features as delicate as a painting, and a frame that didn’t look particularly sturdy.

Shen Yueshan couldn’t help wondering if his daughter had fallen for this pretty face and if all those words to his foolish son were just excuses to deceive him.

The disdain in Shen Yueshan’s eyes was completely unconcealed. Xiao Huayong maintained his humble smile – only a father who truly loved his daughter would refuse to fawn over her admirer’s status. Any father who treasured his daughter as his heart’s treasure would disapprove of the young man who wanted to take her away.

Far from being displeased by Shen Yueshan’s pickiness and disdain, Xiao Huayong was secretly delighted. If Shen Xihe hadn’t said something to Shen Yueshan, given his usual composure before His Majesty, how could he show such raw emotion?

This meant Shen Xihe’s determination to marry him was firm, regardless of the reason, and that made him happy.

“This humble one has also learned martial arts. Perhaps another day I could seek guidance from the King of the Northwest,” Xiao Huayong said modestly.

“You?” Shen Yueshan looked incredulous. His large palm clapped Xiao Huayong’s shoulder, and when he saw that Xiao Huayong didn’t even flinch, a trace of approval appeared in his expression. “Very well, we shall spar another day.”

Xiao Huayong bowed as a junior: “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Crown Prince, your thanks come too early.” Shen Yueshan caught Xiao Huayong’s clasped hands, drawing him closer. “My daughter is not so easily won, not even by the Crown Prince.”

With that, Shen Yueshan mounted his horse and rode away, his dark cloak billowing in the cold wind, his bearing as fierce as a wolf king.

“Youyou, Father’s back…” Shen Yueshan called cheerfully as he entered, his voice booming before he’d even stepped through the main door.

Upon entering and seeing Shen Ying’er, who didn’t greatly resemble Madam Xiao, Shen Yueshan had never met her before but could guess her identity. His jovial smile instantly vanished – his tall, powerful frame became intimidating when he wasn’t smiling.

Shen Ying’er saw his change and, fighting back her heartache, stepped forward to bow: “Ying’er pays respects to Father.”

“Mm.” Shen Yueshan gave a slight acknowledgment. “Have you eaten dinner?”

“Elder Sister prepared dinner for Ying’er,” Shen Ying’er answered softly.

“In that case, it’s getting late. You should head home,” Shen Yueshan instructed. “If you need anything, just ask Aqing.”

Shen Ying’er’s eyes finally reddened. She bit her lip – she should obediently withdraw, but for some reason, a streak of stubbornness arose.

Shen Yueshan showed no displeasure. He sat in the main seat: “Ying’er, that’s your name, isn’t it?”

This was the first time Shen Yueshan had called her name. Just this one utterance shattered Shen Ying’er’s forced composure, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

“I am destined to never be a good father to you,” Shen Yueshan sighed softly. “I won’t deny you food, clothing, or necessities, nor will I allow others to bully you. Compared to many concubine-born daughters in noble families, you should live quite well. I tell you this not because I think I’m good enough for you and you should be content, but to let you know that some bonds are missing from birth.

If you can see past this and move forward, you’ll live freely and smoothly. If you can’t, you’ll surely be crushed.

In life, whether it’s family bonds, romantic love, friendship, wealth and power, or peace and health – there will always be things people desire but cannot obtain. When something cannot be obtained, don’t force it. Consider it shallow fate, insufficient karma from past lives. Open your heart, forgive yourself – that is achievement.”

Shen Ying’er’s tears fell like loose pearls. Her heart felt both pain and warmth – pain because such a wonderful father was so close yet untouchable, warmth because her father was exactly as she’d imagined: towering, magnificent, heroic, and imposing.

He spoke truly – she lived better and more freely than many noble ladies. He told her plainly that he would never feel paternal affection for her, never show a father’s doting love, only protection, and provision because she carried his blood. She shouldn’t force more.

“Ah, stop crying. In this world, only your elder sister’s tears make me anxious – others’ tears just irritate me.” Shen Yueshan spoke directly to Shen Ying’er, without pretense.