NOVPUBShen Siqi’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. She ran to the box of fabrics, covered her mouth, and exclaimed, “It’s Soft Smoke Gauze! Jiao Jiao, you even brought back such precious items.”
Shen Roujia chuckled, “And there’s Ice Silkworm Silk too, perfect for staying cool.”
On the other hand, Shen Hexuan’s eyes darkened for a moment.
“It seems the Crown Prince treats you well, but you shouldn’t be too extravagant.” 𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝒃.𝙘𝙤𝒎
Shen Roujia shook her head helplessly. “Brother, these are my own things, not from the Eastern Palace.”
Shen Hexuan’s frown deepened as he looked at her. “You’re not still in contact with them, are you?”
Shen Roujia froze. It was evident that Shen Hexuan knew everything about the original Shen Roujia, including her connection to the Hidden Pavilion.
Instinctively, Shen Roujia glanced at Shen Siqi, who was happily selecting fabrics, and then whispered to Shen Hexuan.
“Brother, I don’t want to be confined anywhere anymore.”
Shen Hexuan gave her a cold look. “Come with me.”
Shen Roujia, puzzled, followed him obediently into a room.
On Shen Hexuan’s desk lay a red paper document. Shen Roujia’s eyes caught the two large characters on it.
“A marriage contract?”
Shen Hexuan sneered, “The Emperor intends to sacrifice our Shen family completely.”
Shen Roujia looked at the writing in confusion until she saw the name Gu Zhi, and she was stunned.
“That’s impossible! Gu Zhi would never agree to this.”
Shen Hexuan turned to her. “In the capital, there are no absolute feelings, only absolute interests. Jiao Jiao, many things are no longer as simple as you think.”
Shen Roujia realized Shen Hexuan implied that Gu Zhi’s interaction with her was not purely out of friendship but had an ulterior motive.
However, Shen Roujia knew that she had approached Gu Zhi first.
Looking stubbornly at Shen Hexuan, she said, “Zhi Zhi isn’t like that. You don’t need to slander my friend. Let me ask her first…”
Shen Hexuan slammed the document onto the table. “You still don’t understand. These matters shouldn’t concern you. As long as I’m here, neither you nor Siqi will be harmed.”
“Previously, I let you be, allowing you to be reckless. Fortunately, you suffered some setbacks there and knew to come home.”
“But now, why do I feel you’re becoming more disobedient?”
Shen Roujia was even more confused. The more Shen Hexuan spoke, the less she understood his anger.
Seeing her silence, Shen Hexuan grew more frustrated.
“Jiao Jiao…”
Shen Roujia raised her hand to interrupt him. “Brother, I’m married now. I’ve grown up. I manage my affairs well, and the Shen family should live better lives.”
Shen Hexuan stared blankly at her determined eyes, feeling a moment of loss and helplessness.
He suddenly grabbed her shoulders, catching her off guard.
“Jiao Jiao will always be my Jiao Jiao! No matter what you’re doing, there’s always a place for you in the Shen family.”
Looking into his deeply emotional eyes, Shen Roujia felt her heart tighten.
“Brother, Second Sister and I are the same. One day, we need to carve out our own paths. We can’t live under your wings forever.”
The room fell silent for a long time. It seemed Shen Hexuan made a significant decision.
“You and Siqi are different.”
Shen Roujia looked up sharply, meeting Shen Hexuan’s reddened eyes, revealing a hidden side beneath his gentle exterior. Startled, she stumbled back.
