Chapter Sixty-Three: Journey to the Frontier

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Shen Hezhi was rejected, but he was not discouraged. In his heart, he had already resolved that he must win the affection of his young princess.

Early the next morning, Yan Hecheng had already left, and Shen Hezhi woke to find no one beside him.

"Shen Yi! Shen Yi!" Shen Hezhi hurriedly called for Shen Yi.

Shen Yi thought something urgent had happened, prompting Shen Hezhi to call him so anxiously, but when he arrived, he realized...

"Where is the princess?"

Shen Yi paused for a moment before answering, "She went to the Shengjing Medical Hall..."

Hearing that Yan Hecheng had not left for good, Shen Hezhi finally breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Why is the princess diagnosing patients at the medical hall?"

"I am not clear on the details, but I can confirm that the princess enjoys it very much," Shen Yi replied dutifully.

Yet he was puzzled inside: When did the prince become so attentive to the princess? Weren't they just transactional partners before? Why does he seem so concerned now...

"Shen Yi, investigate the details of this matter and find out exactly what's going on."

"Yes." Shen Yi accepted the order and departed.

Not long after Shen Yi left, Mo Yi arrived suddenly, her expression grave. "Your Highness, the Emperor summons you to the palace..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Hezhi narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Very well, to the palace—I am curious to see what my father intends."

After preparing himself, Shen Hezhi entered the palace. Though he had not visited for many years, everyone there knew him—thanks to his strikingly beautiful face.

But Shen Hezhi wished people would remember him for his abilities, not his appearance.

The palace attendants led him to the Emperor’s study. "Your Highness, His Majesty awaits you inside. Please enter."

Shen Hezhi nodded, pushed open the door to the study, and walked in slowly. The Emperor was seated behind his desk, reviewing memorials. Hearing Shen Hezhi’s footsteps, he slowly raised his head.

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“You’re here.”

A remarkably casual greeting, as if two close acquaintances were exchanging pleasantries.

“I wonder what business Your Majesty has summoned me for,” Shen Hezhi replied coolly.

“Do you still blame me for failing to save your mother?” the Emperor suddenly asked.

Upon hearing this, Shen Hezhi’s entire demeanor turned cold, his gaze toward the Emperor sharp and unfriendly.

“If you have matters to discuss, Your Majesty, speak plainly. There’s no need to dredge up the past.”

“I know I owe you much after all these years, but you are always my child. Back then, I truly had no way to save your mother…” The Emperor’s guilt was etched into his words as he looked at Shen Hezhi.

But Shen Hezhi did not believe the Emperor’s remorse was reason enough to forgive him. “What use is it to say these things now, Your Majesty? My mother is no longer in this world.”

“Ah, so be it. I know you will never forgive me. Very well, the main reason I summoned you today is to send you to the frontier. Recently, the Qinsheng Kingdom has been stirring restlessly along the borders.” The Emperor resumed his earlier authoritative tone.

Seeing how swiftly the Emperor’s demeanor shifted, Shen Hezhi sneered inwardly. That display of remorse was clearly a prelude to this, to soften him for the real request—for fear he might refuse to go to the frontier.

“So Your Majesty feigned guilt just to persuade me to go to the frontier, am I right?” Shen Hezhi asked, settling himself into a chair beneath the Emperor’s desk as he spoke.

Though displeased by Shen Hezhi’s lack of decorum, the Emperor said nothing. “That was my true feeling, but now the frontier truly requires you.”

“No need for further persuasion.” Shen Hezhi abruptly raised his hand to halt the Emperor, “I will go to Binjiang, so there’s no need for all these unnecessary words.”

“If that is all, then I understand. Do you have any other matters to discuss?” Shen Hezhi rose and walked to the door, paused, and glanced back at the Emperor.

The Emperor opened his mouth, but in the end, said nothing. Shen Hezhi saw this and smiled, then turned to leave.

Father… Hah, after all these years, you never offered me the love you should have. Yet when danger arises, I am the first child you think of—how amusing.

After leaving the study, Shen Hezhi wore a smile on his face, not a mask but an inner, mocking smile.

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At the prince’s manor.

Seeing Shen Hezhi return, Shen Yi hurried forward, anxious and concerned. “Did the Emperor summon Your Highness for anything important? Is he plotting yet another scheme against you?”

“You’re not wrong—he did come up with a good scheme. He’s sending me to the frontier, though I wonder what his intentions are,” Shen Hezhi said as he entered the courtyard.

Shen Yi immediately poured a cup of tea and handed it to Shen Hezhi, who took it and sipped lightly. “There are so many generals in court, yet he insists on sending me. His motives could hardly be more obvious. He sees my power growing and fears I’ll seek retribution, so he concocts any excuse to send me away.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Yi frowned. “If that’s the case, then Your Highness…”

“Go, of course I’ll obey and head to the frontier. It’s perfect—far from the capital, whatever I do there will be convenient, and it also pleases him. Why not?” Shen Hezhi glanced at Shen Yi and smiled.

Though Shen Yi felt his master’s reasoning was sound, he still felt somewhat aggrieved. “Your Highness, if you really go to the frontier, there’s no avoiding conflict with the border forces. If you’re injured…”

“Shen Yi, your concern shouldn’t be those things, but rather how we might relocate some of our power to the frontier,” Shen Hezhi interrupted.

Shen Yi scratched his head. “I… I think that would be difficult. And… Your Highness, if you really go to the frontier, will the princess accompany you, or stay behind?”

His words reminded Shen Hezhi. Indeed—if he left the capital, what would become of Yan Hecheng? Would she leave with him?

Shen Hezhi very much wished to take his princess with him, but if Yan Hecheng was unwilling, he could not force her.

“I’ll ask her opinion about this. Go attend to your tasks for now.”

“Yes.” After Shen Yi departed, Shen Hezhi hesitated for a moment, then finally resolved to tell Yan Hecheng in person. Regardless of her answer, he had already decided, deep down, to take her to the frontier with him.