Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Eastern Family Sparks Trouble Again

After receiving the order, Anuo saluted and turned to find Qi Mo. At that moment, Yan Heru glanced at the departing Anuo and asked Shen Hezhi, “You suddenly sent her away—is there something you want to discuss?”

“Truly my dear little wife, you already know what I’m thinking,” Shen Hezhi smiled faintly and pushed a piece of cake from his bowl toward Yan Heru.

“It’s nothing particularly urgent. I just suspect she might be someone sent by the Nanyang Kingdom,” Shen Hezhi continued.

“Why would you think that? She shouldn’t be someone who has suffered through the wars at the border. Even if there’s a problem, I previously suspected it might be someone from the court,” Yan Heru replied.

Shen Hezhi shook his head at this and added, “It’s not that simple. Those few people in the court, if they knew I had come to the borderlands, they probably wouldn’t care anymore, because everyone knows how dire the situation is here.

The emperor sent me here to perish, so they aren’t too worried about what happens.”

“So you suspect she’s from the Nanyang Kingdom, sent here to spy on military matters?” Yan Heru asked, puzzled.

Shen Hezhi shook his head again. “We can’t be certain of her intentions yet. But since she’s always by your side, you must be very careful. Don’t let her harm you.”

“Don’t worry,” Yan Heru giggled. “By the way, you said before that I’m allowed to practice martial arts. You’ll have to find me a master.”

Speaking of martial arts, Shen Hezhi agreed it was necessary. If someday he couldn’t protect his wife, it would be good for her to have some self-defense skills. The only question was who could be her teacher.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully but couldn’t come up with anyone. Just then, Shen Yi approached.

“Your Grace, Lord Dongfang has left.”

“That’s not unusual. Why come to report it?” Shen Hezhi turned to look.

Shen Yi glanced around and whispered, “Because he was taken away by the Dongfang family elders. It seemed the eldest son wasn’t willing to go, but I also saw the second son get into the carriage, smiling. I worry the Dongfang family might be planning something against the eldest son. I came to inform Your Grace in case anything happens.”

Shen Hezhi tapped the table thoughtfully. “Understood. You may leave. Send two men to follow them. If anything happens, act immediately to protect Lord Dongfang.”

“Yes,” Shen Yi replied. He did not try to avoid Yan Heru, so she overheard their entire conversation.

“Your Grace, if it’s urgent, you should go handle it. I can stay here and eat. Afterward, I’ll return to the inn. You needn’t worry,” Yan Heru said thoughtfully.

Looking at his sensible wife, Shen Hezhi felt reluctant to leave. But she understood the situation well, and he should indeed check on the Dongfang residence first.

“But…” he sighed, “If it weren’t for these troubles, I’d love to hold your hand and stroll with you every day.”

Yan Heru smiled wryly. “You’d better get your serious work done first. After that, you’ll have more time for me. If you don’t work, you’ll never have time.”

Shen Hezhi nodded, though unwillingly, and went out to deal with the trouble.

Once outside, his expression turned cold, eyes flashing with killing intent.

The Dongfang family was truly a nuisance. Perhaps it was time to use force to strip Dongfang Qing of his power. Only then could he act without worry. Otherwise, the Dongfang clan would always cause trouble, and he could never carry out his tasks in peace.

Shen Hezhi strode quickly. Shen Yi followed closely, understanding his lord’s anger stemmed mainly from not being able to dine with Lady Yan.

Shen Yi secretly worried for the Dongfang residence.

Who else could they have provoked to get on the nerves of such a man as fearsome as the King of Hell?

Shen Yi shook his head helplessly but kept close to his lord.

After Shen Hezhi left, Anuo returned but failed to bring Qi Mo along.

This was expected and within Shen Hezhi’s plans. Qi Mo was busy training the troops and would not entertain anyone unless for necessary meals, including the Ninth Prince.

That was why the Ninth Prince had deliberately sent Anuo to summon Qi Mo—to distract her.

Anuo returned to Yan Heru with a guilty expression. “Forgive me, Your Highness. I couldn’t bring Lord Captain over…”

Yan Heru looked down at the kneeling Anuo and shook her head indifferently. “It’s not your fault. If he won’t come, then he won’t. Now that His Grace has some matters to attend to and has left, it would be inappropriate for me to dine alone at the table. This outcome is actually better.”

Anuo nodded and quietly stood behind Yan Heru, appearing like an obedient maid. But Yan Heru was well aware this woman was likely plotting something at this very moment.

After dinner, Yan Heru, Mo Yi, and Anuo returned to the inn.

“Anuo, find all the medicinal herbs listed on this note and bring them to my courtyard,” Yan Heru said, handing over a sheet of paper from her bosom.

Anuo respectfully took it and glanced over the list. Then, awkwardly, she knelt again and said, “Your Highness, I… I can’t yet distinguish these herbs, so I’m unable to fetch them.”

Yan Heru narrowed her eyes upon hearing this. Anuo had expected a reprimand but was surprised when Yan Heru smiled instead.

“That’s my fault for being careless. You haven’t been by my side long enough to recognize these herbs,” Yan Heru said, helping Anuo to her feet.

“Don’t be afraid, it’s my oversight. Mo Yi, please prepare for this task. Anuo, come with me back to the courtyard.”