Chapter 139 She really dares to ask for it.

Chapter 139 She really dares to ask for it.

Xie Yan's face was ashen, and even though the mother and son were speaking very softly, not a single word escaped his ears.

Shen Nanzi knew that the rumors about them were still going on, so it wasn't appropriate to talk about Xie Yu.

Why did Cheng'er's emotions change when Xie Yu was mentioned?

She had doubts?

At this moment, she couldn't ask Xie Yan directly, so she thought she would find another opportunity to ask later and started talking to Cheng'er about other things.

The Prince Jing's residence is not far from the palace; we arrived in no time.

Xie Yan was the first to get up and get off the carriage.

With him gone from the carriage, Shen Nanzi happily took Xie Chengze's little hand: "Let's go! My little prince Chengze."

Xie Chengze raised his little face, revealing his baby teeth, and smiled so much that his eyes crinkled. "Let's go! Cheng'er's mother."

Shen Nanzi squatted down, kissed Xie Chengze on the cheek, and smelled his fragrant little face.

"Cheng'er, it smells so good! Mother loves it!"

Cheng'er giggled.

Xie Yan, standing outside the carriage, listened to the sounds inside, her eyes filled with sorrow.

The mother and son stepped out of the carriage, and Shen Nanzi thought he had already gone far away.

Just as I was about to get off the carriage, I looked up and saw him standing next to it.

Cheng'er glanced at him and walked towards the stool.

The next moment, Shen Nanzi felt her hand go empty.

Xie Chengze was held in Xie Yan's arms.

Shen Nanzi paused for a moment, then met Xie Yan's gaze. He reached out his hand, "Get down!"

Her voice remained cold and indifferent, and her clean, slender fingers were right beside her.

Shen Nanzi pushed his arm away, "I can get down by myself."

Having said that, she lifted her skirt and got off the carriage.

Xie Yan withdrew his hand and looked at Shen Nanzi, who was now avoiding him like the plague.

She pursed her lips, a hint of sadness welling up in her eyes.

"Give Cheng'er to me!" Shen Nanzi looked at Xie Chengze's tense face and knew that Cheng'er must be feeling extremely awkward right now.

Xie Yan didn't say a word, and carried Cheng'er in one arm towards the palace.

His legs are long; one of his steps is equivalent to two of Shen Nanzi's.

Shen Nanzi watched helplessly as he carried Cheng'er in front of her.

A summer breeze blows, stirring up a thin layer of dust.

Feeling Cheng'er's small body stiffen against him, Xie Yan twitched, and Cheng'er instinctively hugged his neck.

Xie Yan's lips curled into a triumphant smile. "Xie Chengze."

Xie Chengze realized he was hugging Xie Yan's neck and immediately let go.

Xie Yan raised his eyes, his gaze deep and unwavering, filled with an undeniable seriousness. "Remember, I am your father, and my blood flows in your veins."

Xie Chengze stared at him in shock, as if he had received a definitive answer.

Then, his eyes dimmed again, revealing an indifference and hatred beyond his years.

If he is Xie Hongrui's father, why do his classmates in the academy all say that he is Xie Yu's son, while he is Xie Hongrui's father?

It's not just one person saying it; everyone is saying it.

No one listened to his explanations.

Xie Hongrui has not said anything since then, but his silence makes his explanation seem too weak.

He reported it to his teacher, who simply told him to focus on his studies; no one gave him the answer.

He vaguely knew that Xie Yu was not his father, but he still really wanted to know the answer.

Now that he knows, he is even more upset.

When he was in pain, he thought of Lie Feng and his sixth uncle, but never of his father.

The long-suppressed hatred rose to his throat, transforming into the sharpest knife: "You are not worthy to be my father!"

Xie Yan paused, meeting Cheng'er's indifferent gaze that seemed out of place for his age, the hatred hidden within so plainly obvious.

At an age when they don't know how to hide their emotions, their genuine feelings made Xie Yan's brow twitch.

His previous efforts had yielded little result, and after he picked up Xie Hongrui last time, everything collapsed, leaving a deep wound in Cheng'er's heart like a knife.

He continued to walk forward without making a sound, his expression as stern as the gloom before a rainstorm.

The heavy footsteps were noticeable even to Shen Nanzi, who was following behind.

Men don't rely on words, they rely on actions.

Xie Yan remained silent, simply holding his son, who was already a little adult, in one arm.

The father and son remained silent all the way to the Harmony Palace in the inner palace.

Consort Wei's birthday was a private celebration, attended only by the Emperor and his relatives, with no other connections invited; those who were further away were not invited.

It was estimated that there were fewer than ten tables of guests, making it a truly small event.

Once inside the hall, Xie Yan put Xie Chengze down and looked down at him. "Have you thought about what to say before you go to offer birthday greetings with your father?"

Xie Chengze's tone was gentle and clear, "Your subject has read the classics and learned the basic rules and etiquette, so there is no need for Father to concern himself with them."

A rare smile appeared on Xie Yan's stern face. "You've got quite the nerve. Don't embarrass your father later."

Consort Wei and the Emperor sat in the head seats, and Xie Chengze went up directly, knelt down on both knees, and kowtowed.

Then he respectfully said, "Your grandson wishes Your Highness a long and healthy life, and that your blessings be everlasting."

Consort Wei glanced at Xie Chengze on the ground, her gaze lingering on Shen Nanzi for a moment.

Then he managed a warm smile, "Get up, Cheng'er, you're such a good child."

Consort Wei added, "Your filial piety is commendable. I will bestow upon Cheng'er a gold lock and a string of colorful coins."

Immediately, palace servants presented the reward.

Xie Chengze accepted the gift with both hands, saying, "Thank you for your generous gift, Your Highness. I will remember your kindness."

Xie Yan looked at Xie Chengze with a smile on his face, realizing he had learned something.

This school trip was definitely worthwhile.

Shen Nanzi presented her congratulatory gift and exchanged a few polite words with Consort Wei.

Then other princes and grandsons came to offer their birthday wishes, and Shen Nanzi sat down beside them with Cheng'er.

Shen Nanzi didn't see Xue Qingning or Xie Hongrui until the birthday celebration ended.

It seems the Emperor has truly confined her to her quarters.

When people from Consort Wei's family arrived, Consort Wei went to keep the people from the Marquis of Pingyang's residence company.

The emperor, feeling bored, got up and went to the back.

Thinking about something, Shen Nanzi got up and said, "Cheng'er, come with your mother for a walk in the backyard!"

"The young prince went to the backyard. He told his subordinates that he would be accompanied by guards," Qinghe said.

Shen Nanzi nodded: "Let's go to the backyard."

There were people scattered around the Harmony Hall, and behind it was a small stream with bamboo groves, making it a very comfortable place.

Shen Nanzi searched all the way here and found the Emperor sitting on a rock, with only an old palace servant attending to him.

The emperor, dressed in light-colored casual clothes, sat quietly with a bamboo stick in his hand, whether he was tired or just wanted some peace and quiet.

Shen Nanzi approached and bowed to the Emperor across the stream.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

The Emperor raised his eyes, snorted, and seemed displeased. "You certainly know how to search. Speak! What is it?"

The stream babbles, and white orchids bloom at my feet, emitting a delicate fragrance.

Shen Nanzi didn't mince words and went straight to the point, "Father, I have not gotten what I wanted, so you must compensate me."

The emperor casually lashed out with the bamboo stick in his hand, "Then what compensation do you want?"

"I request a certificate of merit and ironclad authorization."

Shen Nanzi thought for a long time and concluded that this was the best thing, as it could save her brother's life.

The Emperor scoffed, "You dare to ask for this? This is not something that can be exchanged for ordinary merit. Find another one! This is not something I can give you."

"Your subject has no other desires."