NOVPUBShen Roujia’s comment left Xu Zening without a quick rebuttal.
“I… have no one I can trust. Master Rong died because of me.”
Shen Roujia paused, shifting her gaze to Xu Zening.
Xu Zening gave a bitter laugh, “I’m just an empty shell. It’s already fortunate if anyone cares.”
Shen Roujia knew Xu Zening’s situation was difficult, yet he remained so clear-headed.
How painful it must be for him.
“Shen Hexuan assisted me when he was at White Stone Academy. His talent and strategies were exceptional, yet he placed his future in my hands without hesitation, just to ensure your safety in the Eastern Palace.”
“All this, you didn’t know.”
Shen Roujia stood frozen in place.
It turned out she wasn’t struggling alone all this time.
Her brother, Shen Hexuan, had been silently protecting her.
If the original owner had known this, she would have been even more heartbroken.
If she had died as planned, Shen Hexuan would have been devastated upon seeing the suicide note.
The sister he cherished so much died so lonely.
Xu Zening noticed Shen Roujia’s dazed expression and frowned slightly.
“You should not disappoint Shen’s efforts.”
For a moment, Shen Roujia felt immature, realizing everyone had been working and sacrificing for her.
Yet she had been selfishly thinking only of herself.
She felt hesitant and helpless, bound by morals that shouldn’t have been her burden.
She simply wanted to leave, to escape this world and return to her own place.
Shen Roujia couldn’t speak.
Xu Zening sighed lightly, “It’s a difficult condition to fulfill. If you settle down, as long as I am in the Eastern Palace, I can protect you. Why insist on…”
Shen Roujia lifted her head, her expression shifting as she looked at Xu Zening.
Hiding under someone else’s protection was never her style.
“I can do it, but… you must keep your word.”
Xu Zening almost thought he misheard. “What?”
Shen Roujia confidently met Xu Zening’s gaze.
“Everyone leaves traces of their existence. It’s just a matter of finding them. I can investigate, but you must keep your word.”
Xu Zening looked at Shen Roujia as if seeing a light emanating from her.
Shen Roujia didn’t notice Xu Zening’s emotional change.
She was already thinking about how to proceed in the future.
Just then, Gao Huaichang knocked on the door.
“Your Highness.”
Xu Zening gathered his thoughts. “Come in.”
Gao Huaichang respectfully entered, then spoke unhurriedly, “Your Highness, Consort Jia has given birth to a new prince.”
Xu Zening nodded nonchalantly.
“Alright, as long as everything is fine. You may leave.”
Shen Roujia glanced at Xu Zening, admiring his composure.
She had had a tiring day, and Xu Zening no longer paid her any attention.
She quickly got ready for bed and soon fell asleep on the soft couch, softly snoring.
Xu Zening couldn’t help but look over. At some point, the white cat had also curled up beside Shen Roujia, nestled obediently.
Xu Zening, irritated, put down his memorials and moved to Shen Roujia’s side, picking up Xiao Hei.
He glanced at the already sleeping Shen Roujia and quietly scolded Xiao Hei, “Go back to your own bed.”
Xiao Hei gently nibbled Xu Zening’s finger with its tiny sharp teeth, seemingly silently protesting the one trying to control it.
Xu Zening shook his head with a smile, not knowing what he was thinking as he glanced at Shen Roujia.
“Both of you have such sharp teeth and tongues…” 𝔫𝖔𝔳𝔭𝔲𝔟.𝖈𝔬𝔪
