Holding small bows and arrows, he was reenacting a military battle with several children, chasing and shooting arrows at each other. The children who were hit played along dramatically, clutching their wounds as they fell, crying out: “Oh, I’ve been shot!”

Some clever children who were hit would declare: “Shot in the arm, I’m still alive, I can still fight!”

They would dutifully hold their arms behind their backs, no longer using them, as if truly severely wounded.

Shen Yueshan, taking advantage of his agility, teased the children as no one could hit him. Shen Xihe borrowed a bow and arrow from a fallen child nearby, its arrowhead wrapped in thick cloth. She drew the bow, aiming at Shen Yueshan.

Even though she hadn’t released any killing intent or malice, the sharp-sensed Shen Yueshan, despite having his back turned to Shen Xihe, instantly felt someone targeting him. He immediately swept his gaze around, his eyes briefly sharp enough to chill one’s heart, though they instantly softened upon seeing Shen Xihe.

At that moment, Shen Xihe released her arrow, accurately hitting Shen Yueshan’s shoulder, and leaving a mark on the cloth-wrapped powder.

“Oh oh oh, Uncle Shen got hit, Uncle Shen got hit!” The children cheered, looking at Shen Xihe with admiration. “Fairy sister, fairy sister knows magic, she hit Uncle Shen!”

Shen Yueshan had stayed in the village for several days. Initially, the children were afraid of him due to his imposing stature, but within two days, he had bonded with them using a small bow. He even casually taught the village children to read. Such playful moments were numerous, but Shen Yueshan never went easy on the children despite his age. With his strong competitive spirit, he had never let any child hit him.

This had created an image of Shen Yueshan as an impressive, invincible general in the children’s minds, so when he was suddenly hit, how could they not cheer?

Amidst the children’s calls, Shen Yueshan strode toward Shen Xihe. Looking at his daughter with her married woman’s hairstyle, his eyes were still full of doting affection: “Still as mischievous as ever.”

Shen Xihe had a playful nature deep down, though it rarely showed, only emerging in front of Shen Yueshan and his son.

“I never expected Father-in-law to be so fond of children,” Xiao Huayong was somewhat surprised that Shen Yueshan, who appeared stern and imposing and commanded heavy troops, would play with children.

“I certainly like children, and I like my children even more.” As Shen Yueshan spoke, he looked Xiao Huayong up and down, still seeing the same powder-white face and weak physique. Beyond disdain, there was now a hint of hidden worry in his eyes.

Xiao Huayong didn’t immediately understand the reason for this worry until he saw Shen Yueshan’s hesitant glance at Shen Xihe. Then he realized—his father-in-law doubted his capabilities, questioning whether he could make him a grandfather!

Xiao Huayong’s smile instantly became stiff.

Shen Xihe was oblivious to this. She had already been pulled by the arm toward Shen Yueshan’s residence: “Father knew you were coming, so he got you cliff honey, prepared crisp peaches, caught a roe deer…”

Xiao Huayong followed behind silently, his face dark.

Shen Xihe, completely focused on her father, had neglected him, not noticing his displeasure.

This was partly because Xiao Huayong usually remained quiet when she met with her father and brother. Shen Xihe was completely absorbed in the various gifts her father had accumulated for her during this time, including some rare flowers and plants.

Because Shen Xihe liked rare flora, Shen Yueshan had learned how to dig up and transplant them. Whenever he encountered particularly fragrant plants or ones unseen in the Northwest, he would transplant them for Shen Xihe.

Just looking through Shen Yueshan’s recent collection took over an hour.

“It seems Youyou’s health has truly improved,” Shen Yueshan was pleased to see his daughter accompany him for over an hour without turning pale or breaking into a cold sweat.

Having been ignored for too long, Xiao Huayong could no longer endure: “Father-in-law, your son-in-law, and Youyou has traveled far. Though Youyou’s health is improving, she shows signs of fatigue. I hope Father-in-law will allow me to take her to rest for a while.”

Shen Xihe looked at Xiao Huayong in surprise. Though his tone showed no dissatisfaction, it lacked its usual composure, revealing his displeasure.

Unexpectedly, Shen Yueshan wasn’t angered but instead chuckled: “If you’re tired, you may go rest. Youyou look quite energetic. We father and daughter haven’t seen each other in a long time, and we have some matters not suitable for outsiders to hear.”

Outsiders…

Once, Shen Xihe had also considered her husband an outsider, with only Shen Yueshan and Shen Yun’an as her family. But now, hearing Shen Yueshan’s words, she quickly glanced at Xiao Huayong, worried he would be unhappy.

Though concerned he might be hurt by these words, she didn’t speak up in his defense. With Shen Yueshan’s words so direct, if Xiao Huayong didn’t take the hint, it would seem disrespectful to his elder. Xiao Huayong looked at Shen Xihe once, then bowed to Shen Yueshan: “Your son-in-law takes his leave.”

Shen Xihe watched him leave. After he was gone, she turned to Shen Yueshan: “Father, Youyou is married to Beichen now, so he’s not an outsider. He treats Youyou very well. Though I can’t be certain this sincerity will last forever, right now, Youyou and he are truly committed as husband and wife.”

Shen Xihe naturally couldn’t contradict Shen Yueshan in front of Xiao Huayong—both were dear to her. But Shen Yueshan was her elder and birth father; how could she make him lose face in front of Xiao Huayong?

She could only defend him behind Xiao Huayong’s back, then comfort him later.

“Youyou’s been married such a short time and already defend him,” Shen Yueshan said sourly.

Shen Xihe rubbed her forehead in frustration, feeling such difficulty for the first time. Fortunately, her brother wasn’t present, or her headache would be even worse. She softened her voice: “Father, he’s a very good person, he treats your daughter very well. Don’t you like those who treat your daughter well?”

“Treats you well? He should treat you well,” Shen Yueshan replied matter-of-factly.

Shen Xihe didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “How can you say ‘should’? Even you, Father, can’t say you ‘should’ treat me well. Father, you don’t want your daughter caught between father and husband, do you?”

Shen Yueshan was no match for Shen Xihe; since childhood, a few gentle words from her would deflate any of his arguments: “Fine, for Youyou’s sake, I won’t make things difficult for him. But you can’t just protect him—you must also tell him not to offend my eyes.”

How would he dare offend your eyes?

Even Shen Xihe couldn’t help but think about this. Xiao Huayong showed far more respect to Shen Yueshan than even to Emperor Youning, treating him almost like a birth father. Yet while Shen Yueshan didn’t trouble Xiao Huayong on important matters, he nitpicked in daily life.

Ah, she wondered how she would comfort His Highness the Crown Prince later.