CHAPTER 47 — The Name Behind the Wolves
1110 Words
The main hall of the Shen residence remained frozen in silence.
No one moved.
No one spoke.
Even the servants seemed afraid to breathe too loudly as the black Valin chests rested heavily within the room like symbols of war itself.
Cold.
Sharp.
Dangerous.
And at the center of it all—
stood Shen Yue.
Interesting.
Very interesting indeed.
Minister Han’s expression had become extremely unnatural now.
Moments earlier, he arrived confidently carrying the Emperor’s subtle intentions regarding marriage arrangements.
Now?
The western military district personally delivered gifts to Shen Yue in Lord Valin’s name.
Publicly.
Openly.
This changed everything.
Because there existed one unspoken truth within the empire—
anything connected to Chu Wenzhe became politically dangerous automatically.
Meanwhile—
the leading military officer calmly presented the black wolf cloak toward Shen Yue again.
“Lord Valin instructed this subordinate to ensure Fourth Miss remains warm during winter.”
Simple words.
Yet the meaning behind them felt explosive.
Madam Shen nearly stopped breathing entirely.
Warm?
Since when did the Lord of Valin care whether anyone remained warm?
The man was famous throughout the empire for treating even his own injuries indifferently.
Yet now—
he sent winter clothing personally to Shen Yue?
Interesting.
Very interesting indeed.
Nearby, Shen Rong’s nails dug deeply into her palms beneath her sleeves.
Her eyes practically burned with hatred.
Why?
Why Shen Yue?
That useless girl should have died quietly long ago.
Yet now—
even the terrifying Lord of Valin openly protected her.
Unfair.
Completely unfair.
Minister Han quickly recovered his smile after several moments.
Experienced old fox.
“Lord Valin appears quite thoughtful toward Fourth Miss.”
Shen Yue calmly accepted the cloak from the officer.
“Lord Valin values loyalty.”
Neutral answer.
Careful answer.
Yet somehow—
the atmosphere only grew stranger afterward.
Because no one truly believed Chu Wenzhe acted from simple politeness anymore.
The officer then lowered his voice slightly.
“Additional guards have already been arranged around the Shen residence perimeter.”
Boom.
The room became silent again.
Minister Han’s eyes narrowed almost invisibly.
Valin guards surrounding the Shen residence?
That bordered dangerously close to military involvement inside the capital itself.
Interesting.
Very interesting indeed.
Madam Shen hurriedly smiled.
“Lord Valin is truly considerate.”
But internally—
panic slowly spread through her thoughts.
Because now the Shen family stood directly between imperial politics and military power.
Dangerous place.
Extremely dangerous place.
The officer finally bowed toward Shen Yue respectfully.
“This subordinate will take his leave.”
Then without another word—
the Valin soldiers departed.
Silent as shadows.
Yet the pressure they left behind lingered heavily.
For several moments—
no one spoke.
Finally—
Minister Han softly laughed.
“How fascinating.”
His eyes rested carefully on Shen Yue now.
“Fourth Miss truly possesses remarkable connections.”
Interesting wording again.
Not admiration.
Investigation.
Shen Yue quietly understood.
Everyone in the capital wanted answers now.
Why did Chu Wenzhe care so much about her?
And perhaps more importantly—
how far would that care go?
Meanwhile—
far from the Shen residence—
the imperial palace had already received news regarding the Valin gifts.
Inside the imperial study—
the Emperor slowly listened while a palace informant knelt before him.
“Lord Valin sent military officers personally?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And stationed guards nearby?”
“Yes.”
Silence.
Heavy silence.
The Emperor’s expression darkened gradually.
Interesting.
Very interesting indeed.
So Chu Wenzhe no longer cared about appearances now.
Dangerous.
Very dangerous.
One minister cautiously spoke nearby:
“Your Majesty… Lord Valin’s actions may merely reflect gratitude toward Fourth Miss Shen for assistance during the hunt.”
The Emperor smiled coldly.
“You believe Chu Wenzhe understands gratitude?”
The minister immediately lowered his head completely.
Because everyone knew the truth.
Chu Wenzhe did not involve himself emotionally with others.
He never had.
Which meant—
his current actions became even more alarming.
The Emperor slowly stood beside the window overlooking snowy palace courtyards.
Then quietly—
“Continue pressuring the Shen family.”
A pause.
“And investigate Fourth Miss Shen completely.”
His eyes darkened further.
“Everything.”
Meanwhile—
inside the Crown Prince’s palace—
Xu Yan also received reports about the morning incident.
His advisor looked troubled.
“Lord Valin’s actions are becoming increasingly public.”
Xu Yan calmly poured tea.
“Mm.”
The advisor hesitated.
“If this continues, the Emperor may react aggressively.”
Interesting possibility.
Very interesting indeed.
Xu Yan slowly looked toward the snowfall outside.
Then softly—
“He already has.”
The advisor frowned slightly.
“Your Highness believes His Majesty will target Fourth Miss Shen directly?”
Xu Yan’s expression cooled faintly.
“My father attacks weaknesses.”
A pause.
“And Chu Wenzhe finally revealed one.”
Silence followed.
Because they both understood.
The moment powerful men cared about something—
that thing became vulnerable.
Dangerous reality.
Meanwhile—
inside her chambers—
Shen Yue quietly examined the black wolf cloak now draped across her chair.
The craftsmanship looked exquisite.
Warm.
Protective.
Heavy with northern symbolism.
Interesting man.
Very interesting man indeed.
Her maid looked overwhelmed already.
“Fourth Miss…”
The girl lowered her voice nervously.
“Lord Valin treats you differently.”
Shen Yue calmly sipped tea.
“Does he?”
The maid blinked rapidly.
“Of course!”
A pause.
“He looks terrifying toward everyone else.”
Interesting observation.
Shen Yue leaned back slightly.
Then unexpectedly—
she remembered something Xu Yan said earlier.
“He’ll choose war over you too.”
The thought unsettled her strangely.
Because deep down—
she knew it was true.
Chu Wenzhe belonged to battlefields.
To war.
To responsibility heavier than personal feelings.
And perhaps that was exactly why his rare moments of attention felt so dangerous.
Suddenly—
a faint sound interrupted her thoughts.
Tap.
Tap.
Her window.
Shen Yue’s gaze sharpened instantly.
Another shadow figure appeared outside briefly.
Valin shadow guard again.
Fast.
Silent.
The man respectfully placed a sealed letter onto the windowsill before disappearing immediately.
Interesting.
Very interesting indeed.
Shen Yue opened it carefully.
Inside—
only one sentence appeared.
“The capital has begun moving against you.”
No signature.
None needed.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Then below the message—
another line appeared written more sharply than the first.
“If necessary, use my name.”
Silence filled the room afterward.
And slowly—
Shen Yue realized something terrifying.
The Lord of Valin was no longer merely protecting her quietly.
He was allowing her to wield his authority openly.
- Writer
