Chapter 105: Doubt

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“Originally, I thought it was just a coincidence because during that period, I did meet many people, so I wasn’t sure who actually poisoned me. But then my father suddenly slipped up, and I discovered that he was the one who did it,” Shen Hezhi replied.

Yan Heru placed her hand under her chin, suddenly entertaining a rather bold hypothesis. She swallowed unconsciously, then looked up at Shen Hezhi, who was holding her, and asked, “Do you think it’s possible that the emperor wasn’t the one who poisoned you back then? Maybe someone else did it to frame him?”

“Or perhaps the person who poisoned you was indeed the emperor, but the one who actually carried out the poisoning was Yan Yi, sent by the emperor?”

After hearing Yan Heru’s analysis, Shen Hezhi found it very reasonable. “Madam, both possibilities are quite likely, but there’s little point in pursuing the culprit now.

“Regardless of whether it was my father or not, there is a deep hatred between us. I can say with certainty that my mother was killed because of him.

“Moreover, his current tyrannical rule has caused widespread dissatisfaction among the people.”

“I don’t care much about that matter,” Yan Heru said. “No matter what netizens say, I will always support you, my lord. What concerns me is this: if the poison was indeed administered by Yan Yi, then his appearance now—could it be premeditated?” They locked eyes.

This line of thinking was chilling. If it were true, Shen Hezhi felt it was absolutely necessary to take some decisive measures against those three brothers.

And their sudden appearance did seem too coincidental. Yan Heru continued with her speculation.

“You said the two younger brothers deliberately took me away to save their eldest brother. But how would they know I could cure the cold poison? Aside from a few close confidants around you, only my master knew.

“My master... would probably not have revealed this unless he was one of those involved back then.

“So, if it wasn’t my master, then it must be someone very close to you, my lord.”

After voicing this suspicion, Yan Heru felt a chill run down her spine.

If she was right, it would mean there was a traitor among Shen Hezhi’s closest circle. But those by his side had followed him for years and were trusted without question. If there was a mole, it would be truly terrifying—and it would deeply sadden the web of allies.

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Shen Hezhi began to think seriously. Indeed, those he trusted had stood by him through life-and-death trials, and each had their own reason to oppose the emperor.

So, under normal circumstances, betrayal was impossible. But...

Suddenly, Shen Hezhi thought of Cen Changxiao. If anyone might betray him, it could be Cen Changxiao. He had every reason to oppose, even to kill the emperor. But unlike others, Cen Changxiao had a sister.

And this sister was far more than she appeared. Shen Hezhi was certain there were loyalists behind her.

Cen Changxiao was always very obedient to his sister. If she instructed him to do something, while he might resist once or twice, over time, he might actually comply...

This time, when he came to the border, he left Cen Changjing in the manor. After all, the arranged marriage had never been his wish, and he did not want to bring Cen Changjing here.

During his absence from the manor, who knew what Cen Changjing might say to her beloved brother?

The more Shen Hezhi thought about it, the more fearful he became. He didn’t even know how he would handle it if someone closest to him truly betrayed him.

Though there had been some unpleasantness between Shen Hezhi and Cen Changxiao over his sister, no matter the distance between them, they were still brothers. Even if they could no longer be brothers, they should not become enemies or sabotage each other.

Yan Heru noticed Shen Hezhi zoning out and couldn’t help but wave her hand in front of him gently, softly calling twice, “My lord?”

The sound of “my lord” snapped Shen Hezhi back to the present, and he temporarily gave up his earlier thoughts.

He didn’t want his little wife to know about those troubling matters; he feared that if she knew, she would start to worry.

He alone could bear the burden—there was no need for his beloved to share in his anxieties.

So Shen Hezhi reached out to stroke Yan Heru’s cheek and said, “You don’t need to trouble yourself with such matters, my dear wife. All you need to do is stay happy and content every day.”

Yan Heru pouted in a coquettish manner, complaining, “But I think these are my husband’s concerns. How could you not trouble me? If you don’t want to trouble me, then it means you don’t care about me at all. And if that’s the case, then... then...”

She began to cry, “Does that mean you no longer love me? I’m going to cry my eyes out!”

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Since Yan Heru had come to understand and express her feelings, she had become increasingly bold with her emotions.

In truth, there was an element of risk in this.

Previously, in her present life, she had been haunted by shadows in her heart. She did not want to meet a man who would remind her of that former fiancé, yet she also feared encountering someone like him again.

Every sign Shen Hezhi showed now told her he was a considerate, gentle, and devoted man—but Yan Heru was truly afraid.

It was like being bitten by a snake once, and then fearing a well rope for ten years. She was certain she loved Shen Hezhi but equally certain she dreaded him leaving her.

Shen Hezhi, however, did not overthink things as much as Yan Heru. Seeing his wife begin to cry, he immediately panicked.

“No, no, that’s not true. Don’t let your thoughts run wild. I’ve always liked you—from the moment I first saw you, I have liked you!” Shen Hezhi was flustered and unsure what to do, so he just held Yan Heru tightly.

But his foolish reaction made Yan Heru laugh.

“I’m just teasing you, see how you look,” she smiled.

Shen Hezhi was relieved that his little wife wasn’t truly upset, but upon hearing that she was only teasing him, a mischievous desire to tease her in return arose in his heart.

“Teasing me... I get it now. So it’s always been you who didn’t like me. What am I supposed to do about that in the future?”