Ch 54: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The emperor’s smile faded. “Consort Shen had a prior engagement? Which family?”

Li Defu replied, “The Shen family’s matriarch had initially considered General Shao Kun for Shen Fei. However, since it was during the mourning period, the engagement wasn’t formally established—it was merely mentioned verbally.”

The emperor remembered. Shao Kun was already 25 years old. Over the past few years, many had suggested marriage prospects for him, but he consistently found excuses to decline, claiming he wouldn’t marry until he achieved military merit. Could it be that Shao Kun had been waiting for Shen Yunxuan? Were they secretly in love?

Li Defu noticed the emperor’s silence and impassive expression, unable to discern his mood. Summoning his courage, he continued, “This servant has investigated. Consort Shen and General Shao have never met. She’s only met his mother a few times. The day Your Majesty saw Consort Shen at the temple, Madam Shao was also there and spoke briefly with Consort Shen. Shortly after, she went to the Shen residence to propose a marriage for the second Shen daughter.

“The second young lady originally aspired to enter the palace as a consort. Minister Shen and his wife sought the Empress Dowager’s favor for this. However, once the mourning period ended, the second young lady changed her mind and set her sights on the Shao family’s marriage proposal. Now, Minister Shen and his wife are at odds because Madam Shen privately finalized the engagement with Madam Shao. Minister Shen feels guilty toward Consort Shen, hence the elaborate bridal procession for her entry into the palace.”

Li Defu also mentioned how, two months prior, Shen Yunxuan had fallen seriously ill after being frightened by Shen Yu. Shen Yu showed no remorse, which infuriated Minister Shen, leading to Shen Jun’s return to the capital.

The Shen household had been in turmoil lately. Madam Liu frequently suffered from chest pain and headaches, neglecting her household management. Consequently, some matters were poorly concealed. While this wouldn’t matter if no one investigated, once His Majesty’s people looked into it, the surface-level issues became crystal clear.

After finishing his report, Li Defu noticed the emperor’s half-closed eyes. He dared not speak further. Though Consort Shen was innocent in all this, her past verbal engagement left uncertainties about her feelings toward Shao Kun. Did she harbor romantic affection for him? Did she resent being forced into the palace?

Li Defu couldn’t gauge the emperor’s reaction. He had just commented on Consort Shen’s good fortune, but now misfortune loomed, as if calamity had befallen her unfairly. Minister Shen, that old fox, showed no regard for his daughter’s well-being. If he’d claimed illness to delay her palace entry, waited a year or so, and married her off quietly, who could have questioned it?

While Li Defu pondered, the emperor suddenly asked, “Investigate whether, after Shen Yunxuan’s younger sister and Shao Kun’s engagement, Consort Shen showed any sadness at home.”

Li Defu considered. He did know! He immediately replied, “Your Majesty, Madam Shen allowed Consort Shen to personally decorate Shen Jun’s courtyard. Consort Shen was very busy every day and often brought Minister Shen to admire her work. She was said to be quite enthusiastic, making the courtyard very beautiful.

“After Shen Jun returned home, Consort Shen was overjoyed. She spent her days chatting with him in the garden pavilion, showing no signs of sadness.”

Realizing the emperor’s question indicated some concern for Shen Yunxuan, Li Defu added, “This servant observed that since entering the palace, Consort Shen has been at ease, with no hint of preoccupation. She has also gotten along exceptionally well with Your Majesty.”

Indeed, if her heart belonged to another, it would have been impossible for her to interact so naturally and comfortably with the emperor. The emperor asked no further questions and went to rest. However, lying on the dragon bed, he found himself sleepless for the first time.

Since childhood, he had witnessed his birth mother fall out of favor, his empress stepmother fall into depression, and the false affection between his father and concubines in the harem. He had no interest in romantic relationships and despised the palace’s scheming.

When he ascended the throne, his position was unstable, and the chancellor, supported by the court, had practically forced him to hold a selection and take concubines. Begrudgingly, he complied but only granted the chancellor’s daughter the title of Consort Shu and instructed the Empress Dowager to choose non-troublesome women for the palace—few in number, merely placeholders to appease the officials.

With political instability at court and on the borders, he avoided the harem to maintain peace and devoted himself entirely to governance.

Meeting Shen Yunxuan was the first time he felt genuinely relaxed in a woman’s presence. He didn’t need to think about politics or worry about schemes. Around her, he could completely unwind, even laugh. After his exhausting daily responsibilities, her company became an indispensable respite.

In Shen Yunxuan’s presence at Anhe Palace, he felt an unfamiliar warmth—a rare sense of home.

That’s why he cared for her. But if she harbored feelings for another, no matter how much he valued her, he would not pursue the relationship further. Shen Yunxuan was blameless—everything stemmed from Minister Shen and his wife. He wouldn’t hold her accountable, but he wouldn’t accept a woman whose heart wasn’t with him as his companion.

As for Minister Shen, his incompetence and selfishness made him unsuitable for office. If he failed to protect his own daughter, he had no place wasting a ministry position. The emperor resolved to address this matter.

Regarding the Shao family, he had always believed them to be loyal, upright, and principled. Their household seemed free of intrigue and upheld strong values. Yet their decision to abandon a verbal engagement and replace one sister with another was unthinkable. Did they consider Shen Yunxuan’s position? If she hadn’t entered the palace, her stepmother might have married her into a lesser family or even ruined her future. Did the Shao family not think of this?

Setting personal grievances aside, their broken promise to the Shen matriarch reflected poorly on their integrity. A breach of trust could not be ignored.

A military family must honor its promises. If they cannot uphold their word, how can the lives of countless soldiers and civilians at the borders be entrusted to them?

The emperor’s thoughts spiraled, moving from personal emotions to matters of state. He considered the current unrest at the borders and the limited number of competent generals available. His brows furrowed deeply. He lacked loyal and capable officials, as well as talented generals. Many veteran officials in court relied on their seniority to bully him, trying to manipulate his youth to secure benefits for their families. He could only focus on nurturing his own trusted individuals to rise in rank.

The autumn imperial examinations were approaching, and he hoped to select talented individuals to assist him.

Outside the chamber, Li Defu stood guard. Hearing the emperor tossing and turning even in the third watch of the night, he sighed softly. Having served the emperor since childhood, he felt heartache seeing him in such a state. It had been rare for the emperor to find someone like Consort Shen, who could make him relax and take his mind off state affairs. In just a few days, the emperor had smiled more. How did such an incident arise?

Yet, blaming Minister Shen wasn’t entirely fair. Without this situation, Consort Shen would not have entered the palace in the first place. Li Defu could only hope there was nothing between Consort Shen and Shao Kun, that the Empress Dowager could be appeased, and that the emperor would eventually visit Consort Shen, letting the matter fade with time.

Concerned about the matter, Li Defu took it upon himself to assign his apprentice to keep an eye on Anhe Palace.

That day, Shen Yunxuan appeared radiant during the morning greetings, standing out among the consorts with her vibrant demeanor. Even Consort Shu, who often sought opportunities to mock her, found herself speechless. After exchanging pleasantries, everyone dispersed quickly.

Shen Yunxuan later took some miscellaneous books to visit the Empress Dowager. The two spent a leisurely time reading together, with tea and snacks on the side, and even shared a meal.

In the afternoon, Shen Yunxuan invited Consort Li over. Consort Li brought along two cats and four dogs to Anhe Palace. Shen Yunxuan had already prepared treats and toys for the animals, changed into more casual attire, and spent hours playing with the pets in the courtyard with Consort Li.

Consort Li, delighted, said, “Sister, you truly love cats and dogs? I thought you were just being polite before, but seeing how refined and elegant you are, I didn’t expect you could play so freely with them!”

Shen Yunxuan wiped her sweat with a handkerchief and laughed, “Watching them, it feels like all my worries vanish. Give them a little kindness, and they’re completely satisfied. Besides, your pets are so well-behaved and clever—who wouldn’t like them?”

Consort Li exclaimed, “Then why don’t you keep a few? I can accompany you to pick some from the pet house.”

Shen Yunxuan shook her head. “I don’t like farewells. I’m afraid that once I grow attached, they’ll leave me for one reason or another. That’s why I don’t keep any animals. But with you around, you can always bring them over. I can still enjoy their company.”

In truth, when she was younger, she had wanted to keep pets. But when she joyfully picked up a kitten, she noticed Shen Yu’s cold, calculating gaze. She knew that if she kept any animals, Shen Yu would one day kill them and dismiss it as a “prank.” So, she immediately released the kitten, claiming she didn’t like animals.

Later, when she became the old matriarch, she finally had the freedom to keep pets and often cared for them herself, gaining much experience. Now, she refrained from keeping animals because she had too many responsibilities and worried that palace intrigues might harm them.

Consort Li sensed there was a deeper reason behind Shen Yunxuan’s words but didn’t pry. Instead, she readily promised to bring the animals over more often.

While chatting, Shen Yunxuan drew on memories from her past lives to suggest modern pet accessories and toys that didn’t yet exist in this era. Hearing Consort Li complain that her dogs were bored with the usual toys, Shen Yunxuan requested paper and drew designs for enrichment toys, explaining how they could be used.

Consort Li was thrilled. “You can even think of ways to play like this? Sister, how clever you are! Do you also have a method to slow down their eating? Two of mine always gulp down their food, and I have to feed them slowly by hand while they get impatient.”

A slow feeder! Shen Yunxuan drew a few designs for slow feeder bowls. This impressed Consort Li even more. While the designs were simple, the creativity to conceive them was extraordinary. Shen Yunxuan’s demonstrations convinced Consort Li of her genuine love for cats and dogs, fostering a closer bond between them.

The two then discussed making clothes for the pets. Consort Li often sewed outfits for them, but this time, they planned to create costumes representing different cultural styles, as well as animal-themed attire. They imagined how adorable the pets would look and even talked about painting portraits of them in these outfits.

Consort Li became increasingly excited. She immediately brought out some fabric, sewing a small skirt for a cat and creating a few decorative harnesses. It wasn’t until evening that she reluctantly left, promising to return once the costumes were finished.

Consort Li returned to her palace, exhilarated, and stayed up half the night sewing clothes for the pets.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan retired early, maintaining her usual calm routine. No one brought up the emperor, as Shen Yunxuan’s cheerful day had seemingly gone unaffected by the recent tension.

Li Defu, hearing from his apprentice about Shen Yunxuan’s activities, broke out in a cold sweat. Good heavens! The emperor was visibly displeased, yet Consort Shen had spent the day in high spirits. What would he say if the emperor asked about this?

However, the emperor, engrossed in state affairs until late at night, asked no questions and went to bed. Relieved, Li Defu thought the matter might have blown over. But at the next morning’s court session, the emperor, over a minor issue, furiously rebuked Shen Xiuyuan, leaving him thoroughly humiliated.

Shen Xiuyuan knelt trembling on the ground, his first thought being that Shen Yunxuan must have caused some trouble. Otherwise, why would he, who had always conducted himself the same way, be reprimanded so severely today? With the other officials watching, his humiliation was complete.

After court adjourned, officials who disliked him came over with smiles to “console” him. Shen Xiuyuan left quickly, his expression dark, and returned home, locking himself in his study and allowing no one in except Qingju.

Madam Liu, upon hearing that her husband had been scolded by the emperor, was filled with fear. She immediately summoned Shen Yunrong, dismissed the servants, and clutched her daughter’s hand. “Is the emperor starting to target our family? Didn’t you say it would take three years before Shen Yunxuan would fall out of favor? Why is he taking action against us so soon? Did you foresee this in your dreams? Will your father’s position be affected?”

Shen Yunrong was equally puzzled. This hadn’t happened in her previous life. In those first three years, she had focused on gaining the emperor’s favor, with the Shen family as her backing. While her father occasionally failed in minor matters, he had never been reprimanded this severely.

Frowning in thought, a hint of joy suddenly rose in her heart. “In my dreams, this happened three years later. Could it be that Shen Yunxuan caused trouble, and Father is now bearing the emperor’s wrath because of her?”

Madam Liu slapped the table in anger, gritting her teeth. “That useless girl! If I had known, I would have married her off to anyone casually. At least then she wouldn’t be dragging your father down now.” She turned to Shen Yunrong and scolded, “And you! You insisted she had to enter the palace! You said the emperor was dissatisfied with our family, and pushing her out would ease his suspicions of us. Now look what happened! She caused trouble, and the emperor is targeting us earlier than expected! What are we to do?”

Shen Yunrong wasn’t pleased by her mother’s tone but didn’t argue. She replied softly, “Once I marry Shao Kun, I’ll ask the Shao family to support us more.”

Her words were a pointed reminder to Madam Liu that the family could no longer rely on Shen Yunxuan. In the future, it would all depend on her. Madam Liu’s chest tightened at the realization that her daughter had grown distant and less loyal. Frustrated, she waved her away, feeling a pounding headache and physical discomfort. She quickly took a pill that Mudan had provided her.

Once her body eased a bit, Madam Liu summoned Mudan to inquire about Shen Xiuyuan’s situation, only to learn that Qingju had been with him in the study all day.

Madam Liu swept the tea set off the table in a fit of rage. Her face was dark with fury. “That wench! How dare she!”

Liu Mama quickly tried to calm her. “Mistress, don’t harm your health by getting so angry. She’s just a shameless tramp. She betrayed the young mistress before, then betrayed you later. Now she’s latched onto the master. She might have her moment now, but it won’t last long.”

Mudan also chimed in, “Mistress, please don’t be upset. I’ve heard Qingju gained the master’s favor by constantly speaking of your devotion to him. If the master was scolded because of something related to you, he’s bound to take it out on Qingju. When that happens, won’t she be at your mercy?”

Madam Liu was still seething. Qingju had spent the past two months proclaiming that Shen Yunxuan bore no resentment toward her, even expressing gratitude and respect for her as a stepmother. Trusting this, Madam Liu had let her guard down, only to realize too late that Shen Yunxuan had taken advantage of her generosity, reaping many benefits while also tarnishing her reputation as an incapable mother. Shen Yunxuan had even managed to sour her relationship with Shen Xiuyuan.

Worse, when Shen Yunxuan suggested Shen Jun return to the capital and had the estate renovated using resources from the storerooms, Qingju had failed to report any of it. If not for Shen Yunxuan having Qingju’s father and brothers arrested, Madam Liu would have suspected Qingju of intentionally aiding Shen Yunxuan to deceive her. Even if Qingju hadn’t helped Shen Yunxuan directly, she had certainly betrayed Madam Liu.

After Shen Yunxuan left, Madam Liu had sought to seize Qingju, only to discover that she had already become the master’s personal maid. Since Shen Xiuyuan’s maids were managed by the front court, Madam Liu no longer had authority over her. Furious and shocked, Madam Liu investigated and found that Qingju had often lingered in the front court, supposedly at Shen Yunxuan’s request to update Shen Xiuyuan on the progress of the estate renovations.

However, Qingju had been laughing and chatting warmly with Shen Xiuyuan during these visits. Wasn’t this seduction? Qingju had deceived her, seemingly wanting to compete with her. To rise in rank, Qingju had to create discord between Madam Liu and her husband; otherwise, she wouldn’t have stood a chance.

Sure enough, after Shen Xiuyuan grew cold toward Madam Liu, Qingju took advantage of the situation, becoming his personal maid. She even climbed into his bed when he was drunk. When Shen Xiuyuan proposed making her a concubine, she refused, claiming she only wished to serve him daily. Thus, she remained in the front court as a “Miss Qing.”

If Qingju were elevated to the position of concubine, Madam Liu could deal with her using countless methods. But as long as she stayed in the front court, Madam Liu’s hands were tied. Especially now, with Shen Xiuyuan already dissatisfied with her, Madam Liu couldn’t afford to overstep. Every time she thought about Qingju, she felt utterly stifled.

Feeling another wave of pain in her head, Madam Liu asked Mudan for another pill. Mudan, careful to avoid revealing anything, complied, her head bowed the entire time. She had tested the medicine on a mouse. Initially, the mouse seemed energetic and healthy, but by the second day, it became erratic, and by the third day, it was in agony, smashing its head into the wall. Desperate for more of the medicine, it died bleeding from its orifices.

This was undoubtedly poison. And the pills had been given to Madam Liu at Shen Yunxuan’s suggestion.

Seeing Madam Liu growing increasingly dependent on the pills, Mudan had resolved to leave as soon as possible. She planned to stir up some chaos in the household first so that Madam Liu wouldn’t pay attention to her departure.

Mudan, having served Madam Liu for many years, knew many of her secrets. She planned to reveal one or two of them to Shen Xiuyuan, throwing Madam Liu into chaos. As soon as this thought occurred to her, a cold sweat broke out. Had Shen Yunxuan anticipated she might have such an idea, which is why she had Mudan present the pills to Madam Liu?

If that were the case, Shen Yunxuan’s ability to manipulate people’s minds was truly terrifying. She had calculated everyone’s personality so precisely that, even though she wasn’t in the household, she could subtly influence events as if she were a master chess player. The game board was already set, and no matter how the pieces moved or how her opponents struggled, they would inevitably follow the path she had laid out.

While Mudan plotted how to expose Madam Liu’s secrets, Qingju, facing Shen Xiuyuan’s anger, redirected the conversation toward Madam Liu. With a wronged expression, she said, “Master, how can you not trust the lady’s filial intentions? She would never deliberately bring trouble to you. If she caused problems in the palace, it’s not her fault. After all, she never wanted to enter the palace and only started learning palace etiquette shortly before entering, and even then with a randomly chosen instructor. I heard that when the second miss was preparing to enter the palace, Madam Liu had promised to hire a renowned palace tutor for her.”

Sometimes, all it takes is a small suggestion for someone to spiral into their own thoughts. Shen Xiuyuan couldn’t confront Shen Yunxuan in the palace, but Madam Liu and Shen Yunrong were still in the household. If it weren’t for their meddling, would Shen Yunxuan have entered the palace? Would today’s events have occurred?

Shen Yunxuan had nearly been engaged to the Shao family but was instead forced into the palace. Who knew if she resented them for this? Considering her parting comment about Madam Liu’s poor parenting, it was clear she bore no affection for her stepmother. Perhaps, once in the palace, Shen Yunxuan had expressed her unwillingness, refused to vie for favor, and provoked the emperor’s displeasure.

With his anger redirected, Shen Xiuyuan ordered both Madam Liu and Shen Yunrong to be confined to their rooms. He further demanded they copy Lessons for Women and Admonitions for Women to calm their minds and reflect. Enraged, Madam Liu swallowed another pill, while Shen Yunrong, blindsided by this disaster, had nowhere to vent her frustration.

No one knew why the emperor had scolded Shen Xiuyuan, not even Shen Jun, who was left puzzled and worried about Shen Yunxuan. However, the emperor had already moved on from the matter after reprimanding Shen Xiuyuan. Resuming his diligent handling of state affairs, he only paused upon seeing a memorial from the Ministry of Rites. Casually, he ordered, “Investigate Shen Xiuyuan’s background. His abilities are mediocre at best—how did he come to hold the position of Minister of Rites?”

Li Defu acknowledged the order and prepared to leave, only for the emperor to ask, seemingly offhandedly, “What has Consort Shen been up to these past two days?”

Li Defu’s scalp prickled. Not daring to hide anything, he truthfully reported that Shen Yunxuan had spent the previous day productively with the Empress Dowager and Consort Li. Today, she had painted a picture, sought Consort Li for poetry, and asked the empress for a calligraphy inscription. She even visited the kitchen to compare ingredients with those described in her books on agriculture.

In summary, Shen Yunxuan had been living a fulfilling and happy life—without any connection to the emperor.

The emperor chuckled, setting down his brush. “She seems quite at ease. Summon Consort Shen to accompany me.”

Li Defu couldn’t discern the meaning of that laugh but acknowledged the order. As he reached the door, he heard another command: “Prepare Consort Shen’s favorite tea and snacks.”

Ah, now he understood. That single statement made it clear that Consort Shen hadn’t fallen out of favor; in fact, the emperor was still thinking about her. Perhaps the investigation into Shen Xiuyuan was even an effort to vent her frustrations. Now he could only hope that Shen Fei was smart enough not to say anything foolish when she arrived.

Unsettled, Li Defu decided to deliver the message himself. When he arrived, Shen Yunxuan was drinking a tonic. Concerned, he asked, “Your Ladyship, are you unwell? Has the imperial physician been summoned?”

Shen Yunxuan smiled. “No, it’s just a supplement for health. I often drank it at home. Did the emperor summon me to accompany him?”

“Yes, Your Ladyship. His Majesty is waiting,” Li Defu confirmed. Leaning closer, he lowered his voice and added, “His Majesty is not in the best of moods today. During court, he reprimanded Minister Shen for his incompetence.”

“Thank you for the reminder,” Shen Yunxuan replied with a smile, subtly signaling her maid Qinglan, who immediately slipped a pouch of silver banknotes into Li Defu’s hand.

As Shen Yunxuan went to change her clothes, her mind raced. If the emperor were truly displeased with her, Li Defu would never have personally come to fetch her, let alone offer a kind reminder. Yet if everything were fine, there would be no need for such a reminder in the first place.

This meant that something was wrong—but nothing too serious.

After thinking it through, she realized everything she had planned was already in motion. There was nothing to worry about. All she needed to do was choose her words carefully when she arrived.

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