jdhmnovel Chapter 145 Returning home
Chapter 145 Returning home
The moment Shen Yanchu stepped out of the palace, the sunlight bathed him, as if he had been reborn. He wore a moon-white robe, a sword at his waist, and stood tall and straight like a pine tree. His hair fluttered gently in the breeze, and his eyes shone with unwavering determination.
Outside the palace gates, the old steward had been waiting for a long time. Time had etched deep lines on his face, and now, tears streamed down his face as he looked the young master up and down through his tear-filled eyes. His gaze was full of concern and relief, as if he wanted to examine every inch of Shen Yanchu's skin to make sure he was safe and sound.
Seeing that Shen Yanchu was unharmed, the old steward breathed a sigh of relief and stepped forward to give a deep bow. "Thank God, Your Highness, you are blessed with good fortune and have finally returned safely! The Princess was overjoyed to hear of your return and specially sent this old servant to welcome you back to the manor and give you a welcome feast."
Shen Yanchu immediately stepped forward to help the old steward to his feet: "Seventh Uncle, don't do this, I'm perfectly fine, aren't I? Mother and Father must be getting impatient, let's go back to the manor quickly!"
Upon hearing this, the steward immediately rose and helped the young master into the carriage. With a shout, the grand procession headed towards the Princess's residence. The wheels rolled, raising clouds of dust, as if telling the story of Shen Yanchu's extraordinary journey.
The Princess's Mansion is located near the Imperial City, a magnificent eight-courtyard complex. The vermilion gate stands solemnly, with the four large characters "Princess's Mansion" on the plaque above it written in a bold, flowing style. Inside, pavilions and towers are arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion, and the gardens are a riot of color, a truly breathtaking sight.
Princess Shen Yunzheng and her husband Cui stood outside the gate, eagerly awaiting their arrival. Shen Yunzheng wore a light purple dress, exuding elegance and breathtaking beauty. Her husband, Cui, wore a blue robe, displaying a refined and graceful demeanor. Their eyes were filled with anticipation and anxiety, their hearts heavy with longing for their son who had been away from home for so long.
Finally, the carriage driven by the old steward stopped in front of the gate. "Yan'er, Yan'er, you're finally back! Your mother was so worried!" Shen Yanchu was suddenly hugged by his mother as soon as he got out of the carriage. He could feel his mother's body trembling slightly, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
He immediately and gently reassured his mother, "Mother, I'm fine. Aren't I alright?"
The princess's husband, Cui Yuanqi, gently comforted her. He smiled tenderly at his son, "It's good that Yan'er is back. Zheng'er, it's not easy for our son to come back. Let's go back inside first, it's windy outside."
The three of them entered the mansion together and arrived at the main hall. The hall was decorated in an elegant and dignified manner, with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hanging on the walls and precious porcelain pieces on the tables.
After sitting down, Shen Yanchu began to recount his experiences during his time away. He had taken the antidote before returning to the capital, restoring his original appearance. He had narrowly escaped death this time, ending up deep in the Cangyan Mountains, where he was rescued by a kind-hearted, intelligent, and brave girl.
The girl took meticulous care of him, carefully treating his injuries, finding medicine for him, and even saving Cui Yu'an. If it weren't for the girl, he and Cui Yu'an would have been in grave danger long ago.
Having finally escaped the mountains, they were then attacked again, though they didn't know who was behind it. However, they already had a guess in their hearts.
The princess and her husband were terrified. They were proud of their son's bravery and resourcefulness, but also heartbroken by the danger he had faced.
"Yan'er, don't take such risks again in the future," the princess admonished.
"Don't worry, Mother, I will be careful," Shen Yanchu replied.
"By the way, where is the girl who saved you? Why haven't we brought her back? Your father and I want to thank her properly."
The princess looked at her son, her eyes softening as she recalled the girl he had spoken of earlier. Her foolish son had fallen for her. But why hadn't she appeared here in this desolate wilderness? That girl must be incredibly brave; as her parents, they should thank her properly.
Shen Yanchu hesitated. Sooner or later, her mother and the others would find out about Miss Shi's identity.
"Your Majesty, that young lady's name is Shi Wanxia. She and her son have already separated. She has other matters to attend to, so she did not come to the capital with her son."
The princess looked at her son, puzzled. Why had that girl left? She was her son's savior, and her son had been so tender and affectionate towards her. It seemed he had feelings for his benefactor. She couldn't understand it.
Shen Yanchu sat quietly by the window, gazing at the scenery outside, his heart filled with melancholy. He couldn't understand why Miss Shi had suddenly severed ties with him, which left him feeling incredibly confused and lost. His mother watched him from the side, her heart also filled with worry, but she didn't know how to comfort her son.
Just then, Cui Yuanqi walked in. Seeing Shen Yanchu's appearance, she immediately understood what had happened. She sighed softly, then walked to Shen Yanchu's side, patted his shoulder, and said, "Alright, son, you must be tired and hungry. Eat something first."
Shen Yanchu looked up at Cui Yuanqi and nodded. He knew this wasn't the time to think about these things; he needed to fill his stomach first, and then figure out a solution.
Cui Yuanqi turned and instructed the servants to begin serving the meal. The old housekeeper went to the kitchen and began directing the cooks to prepare the food. Then, she walked over to Shen Yanchu, sat down, and said, "Son, don't worry too much. Perhaps Miss Shi was just acting on impulse. Once she calms down, she will understand your feelings."
Hearing his mother's words, Shen Yanchu felt a little better. He knew his mother meant well, and he didn't want her to worry. So he nodded and said, "I understand, Mother, thank you."
Cui Yuanqi smiled and said, "Alright, son, eat up and then get some rest."
Shen Yanchu picked up the food and began to eat. He knew he needed to stay calm and then figure out a way to solve the problem. He believed that as long as he tried, he would definitely be able to win Miss Shi back.
In the days that followed, Shen Yanchu recuperated at the Princess's residence. Every day, he would spar with his father in martial arts and chat with his mother to pass the time. Life in the residence was peaceful and warm, allowing him to temporarily forget the turmoil outside.
However, things were never truly peaceful. Soon after, a mysterious letter shattered the tranquility. It read, "The situation has changed; come quickly to my aid." It was signed with a mysterious symbol.
Shen Yanchu burned the letter and ordered someone to come in and send someone to the northern frontier. He had just returned, and the emperor had also ordered that he could not participate in this matter and could only send someone to resolve it privately.