Chapter 82: Laying Down Arms

Su Jinshi was curious about how Shen Shilang would respond.

After Wei Jianlang’s remark, the flush on Shen Shilang’s face deepened.

He couldn’t help but smile slightly, openly admitting, “Yes, she is my beloved.”

Su Jinshi felt her face heat up as she stared at her phone, unknowingly becoming smitten.

So, this romance was real after all!

She had thought she was projecting her feelings, but to her surprise, Shen Shilang had developed feelings for her without ever seeing her in person.

With her chin resting on her hand, she absentmindedly tapped her cheek. Her phone was propped up, leaving one hand free, and she instinctively poked Shen Shilang’s cheek on the screen.

With Wei Zhaoxian and Wei Jianlang present, Shen Shilang dared not show too much emotion; he could only feign calmness, though his face grew even redder.

He realized that Su Jinshi must have heard what he just said.

[System: Shen Shilang’s Favorability +20]

“Whose daughter is she?” Wei Jianlang asked, clearly surprised. He had been worried that Shen Shilang might not want to settle down after avenging himself and would lose all motivation to live afterward.

“Is there a family with the surname Jin in the capital? That surname is quite unique,” Wei Jianlang turned to Wei Zhaoxian.

Wei Zhaoxian shook his head; he couldn’t think of anyone either.

“She’s not from a wealthy family,” Shen Shilang explained. “Just an ordinary girl from a common family.”

“If there’s a chance… I’ll introduce her to you all,” Shen Shilang said.

“What’s the rush? We’ll meet her at the wedding,” Wei Jianlang laughed heartily.

Soon after, Zhou Cheng brought over the freshly brewed medicine.

Su Jinshi estimated that the effects of the anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing medications should have worn off by now. It should be fine for Shen Shilang to drink some traditional medicine.

Wei Jianlang, cautious of Shen Shilang’s injuries, first placed a cushion at the head of the bed before carefully raising his shoulders slightly.

While doing this, he reminded Shen Shilang, “If it hurts your wound, let me know.”

“I’m fine,” Shen Shilang smiled.

Once Shen Shilang was propped up enough to drink, Wei Jianlang held the medicine bowl, scooped out a spoonful, and even blew on it to cool it down.

This sequence of actions made both Shen Shilang and Su Jinshi cringe internally.

Shen Shilang thought that if Su Jinshi were sitting before him now, he wouldn’t feel disgusted at all; in fact, he would welcome it eagerly.

Seeing Wei Jianlang holding a spoonful of medicine to his mouth, Shen Shilang stiffened and quickly took a sip.

Before Wei Jianlang could scoop another spoonful, Shen Shilang said, “Just give me the bowl; I’ll drink it all at once.”

“It’s really hot,” Wei Jianlang protested, blowing on the soup. “And won’t drinking from the bowl strain your wound?”

“It’s fine; I’ll drink quickly,” Shen Shilang assured him.

“Alright then.” Wei Jianlang, uncomfortable with feeding someone, simply handed over the bowl.

Shen Shilang took it with his right hand, moving slowly to avoid aggravating his left chest wound. He tilted his head back and drank all the bitter medicine in one go without flinching.

After setting down the empty bowl, he said, “General, I need to discuss something with you.”

Wei Zhaoxian instructed everyone else to leave.

Wei Jianlang pointed to himself. “Do I have to leave too?”

Shen Shilang smiled. “You can stay.”

Wei Jianlang mumbled, “Right, I don’t think you need to hide anything from me.”

With only the three of them remaining, Shen Shilang continued, “General, after this matter is settled, I’ll find an excuse to submit a complaint against you. Use that opportunity to resign from your post.”

“Shilang…” Wei Jianlang, though aware of the plan, still felt a pang of sadness.

“Shilang, you…” Wei Zhaoxian frowned slightly.

Shen Shilang explained: “Wei Jianming disobeyed orders and acted independently. Based on your previous behavior, General, you would never have personally pursued him, nor would you have sent out troops after him to avoid further losses.”

“This time, you not only went after him but also led your own team. It’s not just because he’s your son; you needed to expose a mistake for that person,” Shen Shilang said. “There are two possibilities: One is intentionally revealing a mistake so he can lessen your influence. The other is using this mistake to resign.”

“The first option overestimates that person’s character. He wouldn’t forgive your mistake; instead, he’d use it to crush you completely.”

“The second option means stepping back entirely but ensuring your family’s safety.” After a pause, he added, “General, I suggest you choose the second option.”

Wei Jianlang interjected, puzzled, “We know how petty he is. Even with the second option, won’t he still suppress us? If Father loses his military position and our family loses support, he’ll have nothing to fear when he strikes again; we won’t be able to fight back.”

“That’s why I couldn’t let you take risks during the rescue; your safety was paramount,” Shen Shilang stated firmly. “Even if the General resigns, you’re still here.”

“You remain in the Northwest Army. Even if he sends someone to take command, who will they truly listen to?” Shen Shilang continued. “If he demotes or transfers the General, or sends someone to suppress him, yet the Army still only obeys the General’s orders, how can he be satisfied?”

“Moreover,” Shen Shilang explained, shifting slightly to ease his neck discomfort, “this would only highlight the General’s overwhelming influence. If you’re demoted yet they still only follow your commands, it becomes your fault.”

“If he moves against you then, he’ll have ample justification—at least half the people won’t think he’s acting unjustly.”

“But if you lay down your arms now,” Shen Shilang said decisively, “there’s no pretext for claiming you’re defiant due to your achievements.”

“Although you’ve made mistakes, General,” he continued earnestly, “your lifetime of service means that if he takes your life over such minor faults, he’ll cement his reputation as a tyrant.”

“As for Jianlang remaining in the army,” Shen Shilang advised, “he must act cautiously and avoid attracting attention from new commanders. The Northwest Army is no longer entirely safe.”

“But with Jianlang here and the Wei family present,” he concluded firmly, “the Army’s backbone remains. Jianlang’s goal is to protect both the Army and your family. As long as he serves, no one will dare touch the Wei family.”

…