Chapter 21: Fox Demon

Controversy surrounding the Emperor continued unabated. The Shen family remained detached from the affair. Shen Sheng arranged for New Year gifts to be sent to the veterans whose families had sacrificed their lives for the nation, then personally took Buyan and Buyu to pay respects at the graves of her father and brothers.

Buyan and Buyu, dressed in brand new clothes, cheerfully followed Shen Sheng out the door.

After paying their respects, the group of three—one adult and two children—took a carriage back to the city.

On the way back, Shen Sheng seized the opportunity to ask them: “Who is your other mother?”

“You.”

“You.”

Shen Sheng rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the two. “Your mother told you that?”

“That’s right.”

“I am from this place. You two come from a thousand years ago. Tell me, how could I possibly be your mother?” Shen Sheng asked, smiling.

“Haven’t you lived for a thousand years?” Jiang Buyan blinked. “I’ve seen your portrait. Mother drew it.”

Shen Sheng felt as if she understood now. The State Preceptor had simply found a substitute.

She told the two little ones plainly: “I am eighteen this year. After the New Year, I’ll be nineteen. I’m not a thousand years old.”

“Then… then we don’t know. Go ask Mother,” Jiang Buyu conveniently tossed the difficult question to her mother, who was perpetually absent.

Shen Sheng was exasperated to death by the two of them.

Back at Shen Manor, the evening meal was about to begin. Red lanterns hung everywhere. When they entered, the steward gave each of the two children a small Rabbit Lantern.

All the children in the family had received one. Buyan and Buyu just hadn’t gotten theirs because they’d been out.

As soon as they entered, Zhou Ying arrived and pulled Shen Sheng aside: “Have you discussed it with the State Preceptor? If they’re staying at the Shen family, they should also have tutors for their education. They can’t just follow you around playing wildly all day.”

Education was a very serious issue.

As the manager of the household’s children, Zhou Ying wouldn’t be negligent towards Buyan and Buyu. Whatever needed reminding, she would remind.

“I’ll discuss it with the State Preceptor,” Shen Sheng, still very much a half-grown child herself, rubbed her ear sheepishly after being reminded. “Eldest Sister-in-law, why don’t we just open a family school? It’s fine for Buyan and Buyu to stay here. But the matter of formally placing them under your name should wait a bit. I still don’t know their origins clearly. Let me figure that out first, then we’ll talk.”

“Then you need to do it quickly. There are all sorts of gossip outside. Do you want to ever get married?” Zhou Ying sighed. The young lady was capable and straightforward, but she was careless in her actions. Leaving two children at the Shen family like this, without any regard for her own reputation.

The State Preceptor was the same—neither of them were reliable people.

Shen Sheng repeatedly promised to investigate as quickly as possible. Only then did Zhou Ying lead Buyan and Buyu towards her own courtyard to play.

New Year’s Eve is a time for family reunion dinners. The entire Shen family sat together, joyous and happy.

A sleepless night ablaze with lanterns and festivities. Fireworks lit up the sky within the city all night, only ceasing near dawn.

On the first day of the New Year, Shen Sheng led Buyan and Buyu back to the State Preceptor Manor.

The fatal problem? The State Preceptor was not at home…

Shen Sheng fumed silently. Moon Among Clouds from the Three Gates was guarding the manor. Seeing Buyan and Buyu, she teased Shen Sheng: “General Shen has come to play? Bringing the children along?”

Shen Sheng rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Open your eyes wide and look. These are your State Preceptor’s daughters.”

“Young General must be joking. How come I didn’t know the State Preceptor even had daughters?” Moon Among Clouds grinned. She bent down to look at the two children. “Who is your mother?”

Buyan and Buyu simultaneously pointed at Shen Sheng.

Shen Sheng: “…” I couldn’t wash myself clean even if I jumped in the Yellow River.

Moon Among Clouds laughed so hard she couldn’t straighten her back. Just as she was about to speak, she saw the State Preceptor slowly walking back.

Shen Sheng rushed forward to meet her. “Why are you never home? Where were you wandering on New Year’s Day?”

“There’s a demon outside the city. Quite interesting. Went to take a look,” Anu said, still in her Daoist robes. Her gaze fell on Shen Sheng’s fair face. “What are you here for?”

“Bringing the children to wish you a Happy New Year… You don’t look well again, your complexion seems off,” Shen Sheng frowned with worry and said, “Why don’t you come stay at the Shen residence for a few days? The court is closed these days. You should rest.”

Anu didn’t respond with words. She just handed over a talisman. “The city’s been haunted lately. Be careful.”

“Demons and ghosts now?” Shen Sheng took the talisman, glanced at Buyan and Buyu. “Let’s go home.”

The group of four—two adults and two children—climbed into the carriage one after another.

The first day of the year was very lively in the city. Carriages and horses streamed endlessly past. Children ran to and fro carrying lanterns, full of festive cheer.

Buyan and Buyu were wearing little red padded jackets, looking joyful and bright, just like the fortune-bringing dolls in New Year pictures.

Anu leaned against the carriage wall. Her face was pale. Shen Sheng leaned closer and asked: “Has your cauldron been repaired?”

“You’ve hit the nail on the head. Someone has their eye on my Phoenix Cauldron,” Anu opened her eyes. Dark circles shadowed her lower lids. Her thin frame had a fragility like porcelain, about to shatter.

Jiang Buyu frowned and made a bold statement: “Does someone have a death wish?”

Jiang Buyan covered her mouth. “Shut it. Dying or not has nothing to do with us. Adult matters, children shouldn’t meddle.”

After saying this, she turned to Shen Sheng. “I want to go eat at a Tavern in the city. The biggest one.”

Jiang Buyu, whose mouth was still covered, pulled the hand away. “I want to go too!”

Shen Sheng, who hadn’t managed to get a word in edgewise, hastily pulled out her purse to tally her money. At the same time, she asked, “What kind of background does this opponent have? How do they know about your Phoenix Cauldron?”

“A demon that has lived for a thousand years. Recently escaped from the Great Wilderness. Wants the Phoenix Cauldron to restore its own Spiritual Power,” Anu rarely deigned to explain. A cold smirk lingered at the corner of her mouth.

There was no sun on the first day of the New Year. Wind blew into the carriage, whistling down their necks, making them shiver.

Shen Sheng’s pretty face had already turned pale. Jiang Buyan took her hand and whispered, “It’s alright. Mother is very powerful.”

Jiang Buyu was about to say something, but Jiang Buyan shot her a sharp glare, so she had to keep her mouth shut.

Shen Sheng asked: “When exactly will the Phoenix Cauldron be repaired?”

This time, Anu didn’t answer. She just slowly lifted the carriage curtain. Outside were many carriages and citizens, all hurrying to pay New Year visits, their faces full of cheer.

Shen Sheng moved her lips, but because Buyan and Buyu were there, she didn’t continue.

The carriage stopped at Shen Manor. Buyan and Buyu both groaned, wanting to go eat outside.

“No money with me. I’ll take you tomorrow,” Shen Sheng placed a hand on each of their heads and glanced at the maidservants.

The maidservants smoothly led the two little misses away to play.

Once the people were gone, Shen Sheng finally grasped Anu’s hand. Anu raised an eyebrow at her. “You think they’re in the way?”

“Wouldn’t you say so?” Shen Sheng looked a bit awkward. It’s good that you know, no need to say it aloud.

The two sat down beneath the window. The winter chill was bone-chilling. The charcoal fire in the room drove away the cold gloom.

Shen Sheng still held her hand, looking at her with a pair of pitch-black eyes. “Have you repaired the Phoenix Cauldron?”

“Just one step left. Kill that demon, use her Spiritual Power to repair it.” Anu tilted her head. Her smile was gentle yet cruel, but her eyes reflected Shen Sheng’s worried face.

Shen Sheng pressed her hand against her own chest. Her heart was beating, neither fast nor slow. A living, vivid life.

“Shen Sheng, your kindness is useless.” Anu looked back at the girl. The smile on her lips grew deeper. Born kind, yet ultimately becoming an Evil Devil. Whose fault was it exactly?

Shen Sheng’s heart was in turmoil. Not knowing her past, she couldn’t help her find release.

She pondered for a moment. “I am willing to go back a thousand years to have a look. See the mothers of Buyan and Buyu.”

Since she wouldn’t die, she might as well gamble once.

Anu scoffed. “Aren’t you afraid of not being able to return?”

“I don’t know why, but I believe in you.” Shen Sheng held her wrist with one hand and pressed her own heart with the other. Her heart pounded like a drum. “I’m very confused. There are too many questions for me to unravel. Rather than fumbling around here, it’s better to go there and take a look. Perhaps, I can help you.”

Anu looked at their tightly clasped hands. Her icy heart suddenly beat fiercely. She shook off Shen Sheng’s hand and looked at her coldly. “You pity me.”

“Pity you? You’re so powerful. I should be clinging to you for support. I just don’t want to be toyed with by you in utter confusion.” Shen Sheng sighed softly.

She was never one to admit defeat. She had spent three years under countless blades and arrows, leading soldiers through forests of swords and spears. Would she be afraid?

Looking at Anu’s beautiful face, she blinked. “Very touched, are you?”

“Shen Sheng, are you not afraid of death?” Anu looked at Shen Sheng, a hint of doubt in her eyes.

In truth, she had thought of countless methods to coerce Shen Sheng.

She never expected Shen Sheng to volunteer.

She was always vigilant against the unknown, yet she couldn’t understand Shen Sheng’s intention.

What was she plotting?

She looked up and saw the clear light in Shen Sheng’s eyes, reflecting her own face perfectly.

She sneered. “You are indeed easy to fool.”

“Easy to fool how?” Shen Sheng looked at her intently. Her eyes shimmered with acceptance and joy. “Jiang Wan, promise me, no more wanton disregard for human life.”

“On what grounds do you order me?” Anu’s expression suddenly darkened.

In the next instant, Shen Sheng leaned close to her face. Breath brushed against the corner of her lips. She instinctively flinched away, but Shen Sheng took the initiative to kiss the corner of her mouth.

The soft touch jolted the furious woman from her stormy rage.

Her heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Shen Sheng teased: “A mouth this soft, how can it say such hard words?”

Anu stood up to leave. Shen Sheng shut the door before her. “I’ve already agreed. Why are you changing your mind again?”

“You pity me.” Anu’s expression was extremely ugly.

Shen Sheng didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “You really have some strong self-esteem. I read the books you gave me. I have a guess, and I want to go investigate it. There’s also another reason. Here, I’m restricted at every turn. I need you as an ally. My helping you fulfill your request is my gesture of sincerity.”

In short, there were many reasons. She had to go and try.

Under Anu’s icy gaze, Shen Sheng cupped her face and lowered her head to kiss her.

The moment the soft touch landed on her cheek, the hidden feelings deep within Anu’s heart were awakened. Looking at the face familiar beyond measure, her heart was filled with a sense of predestination.

She drew a sharp breath and pushed Shen Sheng away. Shen Sheng spoke first: “I’ll wait for you to repair the Phoenix Cauldron…”

“Yo, what a deeply affectionate scene…”

An utterly charming, bone-melting voice interrupted their words. Anu instinctively pulled Shen Sheng behind her. Fury surged. “You dare to come provoke me again?”

“Who is it?” Shen Sheng was stunned. She’d just finally sent Buyan and Buyu away. Which deity was it now?

Anu curved her lips coldly. “The demon from outside the city.”

“Why does her voice… why is it so… so pleasant to hear?” Shen Sheng suddenly reached out, wrapping her arms around Anu’s waist. A hint of red flickered in her eyes.

Anu glanced down at the hands encircling her waist, her eyes turning deep and dark. She said in a low voice, “She’s beguiling you with her voice.”

“Mortals are, in truth, very easy to deceive,” the Fox Demon fluttered down gracefully. Dressed in a purple robe, its slanted lapel exposed a vast expanse of snow-white skin—a dazzling sight.

Barefoot, she walked up to the two of them, her gaze fixed intensely on Shen Sheng. Greed and excitement flashed in her eyes. “It’s actually a Demigod! Let me devour her, and I’ll forgo your cauldron. How about it?”

Anu didn’t speak. Shen Sheng’s face slowly flushed red, her breathing quickening. Her hands clutching Anu’s waist tightened further.

The Fox Demon’s voice was this powerful?