Volume XIII: Dreaming Back a Thousand Years - Chapter Seven: Secretly Stirring Affection

Volume 13: A Dream Returning to a Thousand Years - Chapter 7: Unspoken Affections

After moving into the Peony Pavilion, Yaoguang paid her respects to Sheng Jinyuan and his wife with strict propriety every single day, seamlessly playing the role of an obedient daughter. Prompted by Liu Chenggong's prophecy, Sheng Jinyuan subtly encouraged Sheng Chuhan to grow closer to Yaoguang. Consequently, aside from mandatory official duties, Sheng Chuhan spent most of his time in the Peony Pavilion.

Sheng Chuhan was naturally more than willing. Ever since that fleeting moment in the outskirts and that single glance inside the Peony Pavilion, he had long understood his own heart. No matter how exhausted he was or how terrible his mood might be, whenever he saw Yaoguang, he felt that her smile was the warmest sunlight capable of illuminating the deepest recesses of his soul. On numerous occasions, Yaoguang offered insights that made Sheng Chuhan far more adept and effortless in handling complex interpersonal relationships.

Sheng Chuxue also visited from time to time, though their interactions largely consisted of discussing state affairs with Yaoguang.

As for Sheng Chuyu, what he loved most was having this newly arrived third sister guide his martial arts practice. Sheng Chuyu was born with superhuman strength, but his mind was impaired, leaving him with the emotional maturity of a seven- or eight-year-old. Throughout the entire estate, everyone either feared or looked down upon Sheng Chuyu, yet this new third sister was the only one who never looked at him with such eyes. Her smile was as warm as their mother's, and she would always take him by the hand to teach him martial arts, instructing him on how to ensure others would no longer look down on him. In Sheng Chuyu's eyes, this outsider sister was already a part of his family. What moved him the most was when this third sister learned that he loved eating black fish; during the days when he fell ill, she actually descended into the freezing pool to catch black fish for him. When she returned, her clothes and hair were covered in frost. At that moment, Sheng Chuyu's emotional defenses completely shattered, and he hugged her icy body, weeping uncontrollably.

Yaoguang's actions had thoroughly won over Sheng Jinyuan and his wife, causing them to regard her as an absolute treasure. Sheng Jinyuan also frequently enjoyed having her play chess, chat, and analyze major global affairs with him, always managing to hear unique perspectives from Yaoguang. As for the lady of the house, Yaoguang tended to her with meticulous care, often using her internal energy to regulate and improve her health.

Everyone in the estate showered this newly arrived third young miss with praise, and the servants were deeply grateful. The simple fact that she did not require the servants to kneel before her left them utterly astonished. Furthermore, with just a single glance at Sheng Jinyuan's visiting scholars and political strategists, Yaoguang could immediately tell whether someone possessed genuine talent or merely a fraudulent reputation.

Some of the guests spoke with frivolity, yet Yaoguang would dismantle their arguments with just a few words, leaving everyone clapping in sheer admiration. As time passed, no one ever dared to behave audaciously in front of Yaoguang again.

Within the entire estate, only Sheng Chuhui maintained a cold distance from Yaoguang. Did Sheng Chuhui possess genuine talent? He did, but very little of it. However, his pride was exceptionally high, and he looked down on everyone. Seeing how effortlessly Yaoguang navigated interpersonal relationships and how well-liked she was made his teeth itch with suppressed fury. Knowing Sheng Chuhui's poor character, Yaoguang treated him with the same aloof indifference she had maintained for a thousand years. Whenever Sheng Chuhui came around to offer sarcastic remarks, Yaoguang simply ignored him entirely.

The only person Yaoguang truly cared about was Sheng Chuhan. Every time Sheng Chuhan came over, she would prepare tea and pastries for him in advance.

Quiet days, however, are always destined to be short-lived.

During the summer of that year, news arrived from the capital that the emperor had begun a southern inspection tour, sparking widespread public grievance and resentment. Every region the dragon boat passed through was forced to drain massive amounts of human, material, and financial resources. Taxes suddenly increased alongside various forms of ruthless exploitation, leaving the common people unable to even fill their stomachs. During the emperor's southern tour, righteous men began raising the banner of revolt one after another. In an instant, rebel armies sprouted across every corner of the Jiangli Kingdom, warlords clashed in a chaotic melee, the people could no longer make a living, and corpses littered the fields. Apart from the capital, the only peaceful haven left was Sheng Jinyuan's Sheng City. Inside and outside the city walls existed a world of difference—one was a living hell, the other paradise.

The dragon boat halted when it reached Nanyang Prefecture. Close ministers at the emperor's side reported something to him, causing the surrounding officials to lower their heads and begin whispering among themselves. Before long, an imperial edict was brought forth by an attendant.

Inside Sheng Jinyuan's study, Sheng Jinyuan furrowed his brow as he stared at the imperial edict. "Go and summon the third young miss."

Standing beside him, Sheng Chuhan's face turned ashen.

Summoned by the order, Yaoguang arrived swiftly. "Greetings, Father."

"Pardon the formalities. Take a look at this." Sheng Jinyuan handed the imperial edict over. A cold detachment settled in Yaoguang's heart; she already knew what was written in this decree. Nonetheless, she feigned confusion as she unrolled it. The moment her eyes swept across the text, her expression darkened. Then, she raised her head, her eyes brimming with murderous intent while her voice grew bone-chillingly cold: "What a clever Emperor! He really calculated this meticulously, actually ordering the second brother to serve as a hostage in the capital. What grand title of Senior Grand Scholar of Hanqing—it sounds impressive, but once someone goes there, things are entirely different. Can anyone even hope to return alive from such a trip? He wants to seize control of the Sheng Family Army into his own hands; is it really that easy? By now, the Jiangli Kingdom is already at the end of its tether, with hidden perils lurking everywhere around him, yet he still harbors such ambitions. This cannot possibly be his own idea. It must be the scheme of that old geezer named Yudu by his side. Yudu's family has long covetously eyed the supreme throne as well. Treacherous at heart with sinister designs, they deserve to be executed."

Yaoguang's words caused the expressions of everyone in the room to shift dramatically. First, they were shocked by how penetrating her insight was; second, they were stunned by how incisive and uncompromising her words were, leaving no room for grace; third, they marveled at how immense her daring truly was.

"Phoenix, your words are truly piercing indeed. How do you view this matter?" A meaningful smile lingered at the corner of Sheng Jinyuan's mouth.

"The realm is currently fractured among rival heroes in a chaotic contention, and the foundation of the Jiangli Kingdom is already crumbling. For Yudu to demand that the second young master enter the palace at a time like this is none other than an attempt to take command of the Sheng Family Army into his own hands, leveraging its might as a sharp blade to usurp the supreme throne. How can such rebellious and traitorous subjects continue to serve by the monarch's side? This man harbors dark designs and deserves execution. Yudu pushes us far too欺人太甚 (far beyond tolerable limits). Our Sheng Family Army originally had no desire for such things, but by now, circumstances no longer permit us to swallow our pride in silence. Your daughter suggests: raise troops, purge the corrupt ministers, slay the sycophants, and protect the emperor's safety."

Yaoguang knew precisely what Sheng Jinyuan desired. Sheng Jinyuan had long harbored intentions of raising an army; right now, he was simply waiting for a pretext. Since that old fox Yudu had delivered this pretext right to their doorstep, why not accept it?

"Phoenix, your words have spoken straight to your father's heart. Yudu has gone too far. The Sheng family can endure it, but the four hundred thousand soldiers and generals of the Sheng Family Army cannot." Sheng Jinyuan looked at Yaoguang, his eyes filled with profound approval. This third daughter truly understood him.

Following this, Sheng Jinyuan began to passionately rally morale with righteous indignation. After his rousing speech, everyone present rubbed their palms together, eager to slaughter Yudu on the spot.

By the time the council concluded, the moon was already hanging high in the sky.

Inside the Peony Pavilion, Sheng Chuhan looked at Yaoguang and asked, "If—and I mean if—Father sends me to the imperial capital, what would you do?" A flicker of evasiveness crossed Sheng Chuhan's eyes. Deep inside, he was terrified, dreading the answer he might hear.

Yaoguang turned back and looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "Why would you even ask such a thing?"

"I was just asking casually." A trace of disappointment welled up within Sheng Chuhan, and his gaze dimmed. The very next second, however, he heard Yaoguang continue.

"No one is permitted to harm the Sheng family. Whoever harms the Sheng family will not escape my wrath. As long as I draw breath, every member of the Sheng family will remain safe and sound—especially you. If you were truly sent to the capital, I would undoubtedly storm the place to snatch you back, and then take you away to live in seclusion among the mountains and forests, forever ignoring worldly affairs. I will slay any demon that blocks my path, and annihilate any Buddha that stands in my way. There is no room for negotiation. Sheng Chuhan, I am going to protect you. If anyone dares to say otherwise—even if the emperor himself comes—I will not fear him. If he dares to use force, I will dare to send him off to ride dragons into the afterlife. I have memorized this humiliation today, and when the time comes, I will use that old man Yudu's head to repay the shame of the wrong you suffered today." As Yaoguang spoke these words, her gaze was unshakeable and resolute.

"Phoenix, thank you. Father is already discussing the matter, and it is likely we will soon embark on a campaign. My brothers and I will each lead a division, and you..." Before Sheng Chuhan could finish, Yaoguang interrupted him. "I will accompany your division. You are too kind-hearted; at times, one must be decisive in killing and judging."

"Thank you, Phoenix." Something within Sheng Chuhan's heart vibrated violently. He reached out and carefully grasped Yaoguang's hand, looking at her with profound gratitude.

"Second Elder Brother is playing the rogue..." At that precise moment, Datou, who had been resting lazily atop Yaoguang's hair bun, piped up with this sudden remark.

Both of them froze in place.

An instant later, they burst into hearty laughter...

As for Datou, he hopped off to the table to snack on pastries, completely ignoring the two fools who were laughing so hard they could barely breathe.