Ch 63: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

“By the Emperor’s decree, bearing the Mandate of Heaven… To the late Madam Fang, the first wife of Shen Xiuyuan, Minister of Rites: virtuous, kind, and talented, who raised the Noble Consort Shen and her brother… Posthumously bestowed the title of Supreme-Rank Commandery Lady…”

Li Defu stood tall at the entrance of the Shen family estate, his voice echoing as he read the imperial edict. The Shen family members, dressed in formal attire, knelt on the ground, listening in confusion. They had assumed Shen Yunxuan’s favor in the palace had earned them some blessing, but to their surprise, the decree honored Madam Fang. To their further astonishment, the Emperor had elevated her posthumously to a supreme-rank title, equivalent in status to a princess consort of the royal family.

Why was the honor bestowed on Fang? How could such an extraordinary imperial favor be used on someone deceased?

Shen Xiuyuan, Shen Ming, and Shen Yu were utterly bewildered. They thought Shen Yunxuan had gone mad. No matter how much she disliked them, wasting such imperial favor was incomprehensible. What if the family needed such grace in the future? Would there be none left?

Meanwhile, Madam Liu’s face was pale as she bit her lip so hard she tasted blood, yet she didn’t let go. Her hands clenched tightly within her sleeves, her nails digging into her palms, but the physical pain couldn’t overshadow the humiliation.

Servants stood all around, and even townsfolk gathered outside the gates to watch the spectacle. Madam Liu couldn’t bear the thought of their mocking gazes. For over a decade, she had held the prestigious position of the Minister of Rites’ wife, rising only to a second-rank title. Now, the Emperor had posthumously granted Madam Fang a title two ranks higher—a supreme rank, the highest attainable for women outside the royal family.

What had Fang done to deserve this? Just because her daughter had the Emperor’s favor?

Madam Liu’s eyes burned with hatred, her teeth clenched so tightly she feared they might crack.

The only person genuinely thrilled was Shen Jun. He hadn’t anticipated his sister achieving such monumental feats in the palace. To others, this decree might seem unnecessary or baffling, but for the siblings, it was the ultimate expression of their longing and respect for their mother.

Both siblings vividly remembered their mother as the one who loved them most in this world. Although their grandparents had later protected them, and they had met others who cared for them, none could compare to their mother. They had been powerless to stop their father from remarrying, and Madam Liu’s occasional disrespect toward their mother’s memory was a thorn in their hearts. Their father’s dismissive justification of their mother’s lower title further deepened their helplessness.

But now, their mother’s title was at the pinnacle. Two ranks above Madam Liu’s, an unbridgeable chasm. Madam Liu could never again use titles as an excuse to insult their mother.

As these thoughts swirled, Shen Jun heard Li Defu cheerfully say, “Such a grand occasion calls for opening the ancestral hall and notifying the ancestors, doesn’t it? Let Madam Shen’s spirit find comfort in the heavens.”

Madam Liu’s head shot up, disbelief written all over her face. Li Defu had just referred to Fang as “Madam Shen” in front of everyone, completely disregarding her as the current wife. And now, they were expected to open the ancestral hall? Why? Did Fang truly deserve this?

Her emotions swung between anger and panic. What was happening? Had the Emperor truly been bewitched by Shen Yunxuan? Wasn’t Shen Yunrong’s vision of the Emperor’s wariness toward the Shen family supposed to hold true? Why was everything diverging so drastically from the dream?

Shen Xiuyuan was equally stunned. He took the imperial edict and looked at Li Defu, who showed no intention of leaving. It was clear he intended to witness the ancestral ceremony. Shen Xiuyuan felt a mix of confusion and frustration. He knew this must be Shen Yunxuan’s doing—a deliberate act to embarrass him. Was this her way of reproaching him for not valuing Fang enough?

It was absurd. He hadn’t wronged Fang. Her ill health and eventual demise were beyond his control. Why would his daughter go to such lengths to disgrace him and drag the entire Shen family down with her?

He glanced at Shen Jun, hoping for support, only to hear Shen Jun calmly say, “Father, what are we waiting for? Let’s open the ancestral hall.”

With the Emperor already displeased with him in court, Shen Xiuyuan dared not disobey. Though his expression shifted through various shades of embarrassment, he managed a forced smile and ordered the hall to be opened, inviting Li Defu to oversee the proceedings. As they walked toward the ancestral hall, Shen Xiuyuan noticed someone trailing behind Li Defu—it was Zhuang Mama.

Was this woman sent by Shen Yunxuan to witness the spectacle? The audacity!

As they walked, Shen Xiuyuan attempted to probe for information, smiling obsequiously. “Is Noble Consort Shen well in the palace? She wasn’t particularly disciplined at home, and we didn’t have a renowned governess to guide her. Has she adapted to palace life and its many rules?”

It was a veiled attempt to understand the extent of the Emperor’s indulgence toward Shen Yunxuan. He couldn’t fathom why the Emperor would favor her so deeply, especially when the Emperor clearly disliked him. What was so special about Shen Yunxuan that even he hadn’t noticed over the past decade? She hadn’t even received proper training.

Li Defu cast him a peculiar look, then glanced at Zhuang Mama. “The minister claims there was no renowned governess? This is Zhuang Mama, a trusted confidante of the late Empress Dowager Xiao An. What kind of governess was the minister hoping for?”

The entire Shen family froze mid-step, turning to stare at Zhuang Mama in shock. Only now, with her identity revealed, did they notice her imposing demeanor and commanding presence. The seemingly random governess they had taken in was, in fact, one of the late Empress Dowager’s most trusted aides.

They all simultaneously realized that Zhuang Mama couldn’t have been randomly found by a mere servant; Shen Yunxuan must have planned this in advance, deliberately keeping it from them. Stunned, Shen Xiuyuan asked, “Why would the consort hide this?”

Shen Jun sneered, “Naturally, to guard against any unforeseen changes. After all, human hearts are unpredictable.”

This thinly veiled barb was directed at someone in particular, and everyone understood who. Madam Liu’s face turned crimson with anger, and Shen Xiuyuan glared at Shen Jun sharply. Before Shen Xiuyuan could respond, Shen Jun continued coldly, “Let’s proceed with notifying the ancestors. Grand Eunuch Li and Zhuang Mama are busy and cannot afford any delays.”

Li Defu laughed and said, “Exactly. Minister Shen need not worry about the Noble Consort. His Majesty specifically assigned Qin Mama to care for her, and the consort is doing quite well in the palace. With the empress indisposed, Noble Consort Shen is now managing palace affairs. She understands the rules of the palace very well, so you can rest easy, Minister.”

This revelation stunned the Shen family. The empress was ill, and Shen Yunxuan was now acting as the head of palace affairs? Shen Yunxuan was already the most favored consort, and now she held the empress’s authority. In the harem, she wielded unparalleled power.

Madam Liu’s face turned pale. If the dream Shen Yunrong spoke of was false, then sending Shen Yunxuan into the palace had been a grave mistake—essentially creating a formidable enemy for themselves. Shen Yunxuan now held all the power in the harem. Even if she were to fall out of favor eventually, she could easily deal with them before that happened.

The Shen family opened the ancestral hall. Shen Xiuyuan personally placed the imperial decree on the altar, burned incense, and knelt to pay respects to the ancestors. As Madam Liu watched this unfold, she couldn’t help but wonder if she would ever be allowed into this ancestral hall after her death.

While she was lost in thought, Zhuang Mama’s sharp voice rang out: “The primary wife takes precedence, and the second wife must perform the formal rites as a concubine. Lady Liu, please proceed.”

Madam Liu froze, staring at Zhuang Mama in disbelief. Her voice trembled as she asked, “What did you say?”

Zhuang Mama didn’t look at her but turned to Shen Xiuyuan instead. “Minister Shen once claimed that the second wife’s title surpassed that of the primary wife, exempting her from paying respects. Now that the primary wife’s title exceeds the second wife’s, doesn’t it follow that respects are due?”

Li Defu added with a faint smile, “Minister Shen must value propriety highly. He was just expressing concern for the Noble Consort, so surely he wouldn’t neglect such a basic courtesy.”

It was then that Shen Xiuyuan realized why they hadn’t left yet. The sheer absurdity of it struck him—was Shen Yunxuan’s request for the imperial decree solely to force Madam Liu to pay respects to her late mother? To go so far as to involve imperial authority?

Shen Jun, noticing his confusion, said coldly, “A nation has its laws, and a family its rules. Surely, Father won’t casually utter ‘exempt from courtesy’ again?”

This was a direct jab at Shen Xiuyuan for excusing Madam Liu from the proper rites in the past. In front of palace representatives and the gathered servants, Shen Xiuyuan’s dignity was thoroughly crushed. Gritting his teeth, he turned to Madam Liu and barked, “Hurry and perform the rites!”

Madam Liu stared at him in disbelief, then looked toward her two sons for support. However, both could only frown, knowing they had no place to speak here.

Madam Liu’s face turned ashen, but she couldn’t defy the Emperor or Shen Xiuyuan. Reluctantly, she stepped forward and performed the formal rites of a concubine before Madam Fang’s spirit tablet.

Just as she was about to rise after half-heartedly completing the bow, Zhuang Mama’s voice lashed out, “Improper conduct. Do it again.”

Furious, Madam Liu snapped, “Zhuang Mama, are you deliberately making things difficult for me? Does the consort know about this?”

Li Defu’s smile vanished, and he replied coldly, “Mind your words, Madam. Zhuang Mama is the personal attendant of both the late Empress Dowager Xiao An and Noble Consort Shen. How could she stoop to making things difficult for you? If this is your idea of proper etiquette, I wonder how lax you’ve been in your daily observances.”

Madam Liu dared not bear the stigma of such a poor reputation. Facing the Emperor’s chief eunuch and recalling Zhuang Mama’s illustrious connections, she swallowed her anger and performed the rites properly. Still simmering with resentment, she couldn’t hide her reluctance, and her movements were again flawed.

Zhuang Mama repeated sternly, “Improper conduct. Do it again.”

Madam Liu took several deep breaths, her body trembling with suppressed rage, before finally completing the ritual to Zhuang Mama’s satisfaction. The humiliation was etched deeply into the Shen family’s collective psyche. Shen Yu clenched his fists in anger, and Shen Ming frowned in frustration.

Once the ceremony concluded, Li Defu smiled again and turned to Shen Jun. “Young Master Shen, would you care to see us off? His Majesty and the consort have entrusted us with some words for you.”

Shen Jun stepped forward with a respectful bow. “Grand Eunuch Li, Zhuang Mama, please.”

The group departed, chatting and laughing, leaving the Shen family standing in somber silence. Shen Xiuyuan dismissed the servants, then turned to Madam Liu with a glare. “What have you done to mistreat those siblings so severely that they bear such a grudge? Do you not see how you’ve shamed the Shen family today? If our family falls into decline, it will be your fault!”

Madam Liu staggered back in shock. “Is that how you see me? I’ve been your wife for over a decade, managing the household and raising the children. Even if I haven’t achieved much, I’ve worked hard. How can you place all the blame on me? Do you think they don’t hate you too?”

“Enough!” Shen Xiuyuan roared. “I’ve been preoccupied with state affairs. How could I attend to every trivial matter in the household? If not for your cruelty, Shen Jun wouldn’t have had to live in exile for so many years! I trusted you were blameless, but clearly, I was mistaken. Reflect on yourself.” With a cold snort, he stormed off.

Madam Liu collapsed into tears, overwhelmed by the humiliation of the day. Shen Yunxuan hadn’t even shown her face yet had completely crushed her dignity. How could she face society after this? She had been making arrangements for Shen Ming’s marriage, but today’s events would surely ruin any prospects. Who would want their daughter to marry into a family embroiled in such scandal? Shen Yunxuan had utterly destroyed her son’s future.

Madam Liu suddenly clutched her head, feeling as though it would split open, her chest tight with suffocating pressure. Shen Yu quickly supported her and frowned. “Mother, are you having another episode? Isn’t the medicine effective? Why is it getting worse? Second Brother, I’ll take Mother back; you call for a physician.”

Madam Liu grabbed her sons’ hands with a twisted expression and gritted her teeth. “You’re all I have left. You must avenge me! You must strive for success! Do you hear me? Ming’er, don’t worry about me—go study. You must surpass Shen Jun in the autumn examinations. My carefully raised sons cannot lose to the son of that wretch!

“And Yu’er, have you finished reading the military strategy books? Have you been training your martial skills at the practice grounds? I’m waiting for you to go to war as a great general. I’m waiting for you to earn a noble title for me. I’m waiting…”

Her emotions overwhelmed her. Before Madam Liu could finish her tirade, she fainted on the spot.

Shen Ming and Shen Yu exchanged a silent glance, their brows deeply furrowed. Quietly, they helped Madam Liu back to her chambers and called for a physician. Neither felt like speaking. Her words had not only filled them with irritation but weighed heavily on them like a crushing burden.

In the past, Madam Liu had always praised them, calling them her pride and giving them face in public. They had been full of youthful confidence. But at some point, every meeting with their mother became a relentless push to study, an endless litany about surpassing Shen Jun, pleasing their father, and inheriting the Shen family legacy.

She forbade them from playing or meeting friends, keeping them confined to study and train. To highlight the contrast with Shen Jun, she insisted they live frugally to win their father’s favor. The brothers were miserable and resentful. Yet at Shen Yunrong’s wedding, Shen Jun had still outshone Shen Ming publicly, embarrassing them both and increasing the pressure.

Now Madam Liu seemed to have pinned all her hopes and frustrations onto them. The weight was unbearable.

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Li Defu had sent a few eunuchs to observe the Shen family’s reactions. Learning they had quarreled and blamed each other, he was delighted. The consort’s wish has been fulfilled, he thought.

Later, he personally handed Shen Jun a box and whispered, “Eldest Young Master, here is a set of questions His Majesty prepared during his leisure time. These are unrelated to the autumn examinations. His Majesty’s intent is to assess your abilities and show his concern for you. Someone will collect your answers in five days, after which His Majesty’s feedback will be delivered.”

He emphasized, “This is a rare opportunity, one that others can only dream of. Treasure it well.”

Shen Jun was both overwhelmed and thrilled. He was also glad for Shen Yunxuan’s sake. If not for His Majesty’s affection for her, this honor would not have been possible. The Emperor’s attention to him was clearly meant to please his sister, ensuring her happiness.

Shen Jun received the box solemnly and promised to work diligently. Zhuang Mama later spoke with him, sharing updates on Shen Yunxuan’s accomplishments in the palace and reassuring him about her well-being. She also inquired about Shen Jun’s circumstances to report back to Shen Yunxuan.

Shen Jun chose not to mention recent incidents, such as the poisonous snake in his room or the contaminated ink. He had resolved them himself and didn’t want to trouble his sister. His only hope was for her to enjoy peace and prosperity.

Moreover, Shen Jun had already traced these threats to the Prime Minister’s residence. If his sister had triumphed over Consort Shu in the palace, then he would deal with Consort Shu’s family himself. The Prime Minister was already a thorn in the Emperor’s side. Since Shen Jun intended to serve the court, confronting the Prime Minister sooner rather than later would be no hardship—it would even provide an opportunity to gauge his strength.

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Back at Anhe Palace, Li Defu and Zhuang Mama vividly recounted the Shen family’s reactions to Shen Yunxuan. They described every detail, down to the smallest facial expressions, amusing her to no end.

“Really?” Shen Yunxuan’s eyes sparkled. “She bowed to my mother’s spirit tablet three times?”

Li Defu chuckled. “Indeed! Madam Liu turned as pale as a sheet. It was all thanks to Zhuang Mama’s sharp instructions. I hear she fainted from anger in the end.”

Shen Yunxuan beamed at Zhuang Mama. “You know me so well! Mama, you’ve truly avenged my mother today. And Grand Eunuch Li, if not for your efforts, none of this would’ve succeeded. Thank you both!”

Li Defu bowed quickly. “Your Highness, I am merely carrying out my duty.”

“Still, I must thank you. Qinglan!” Shen Yunxuan called for her maid to fetch two banknotes, each worth 500 taels, which she handed to Li Defu and Zhuang Mama. Both accepted them with pleased smiles.

For people of their rank, wealth wasn’t as important as the favor of their masters. To be recognized and valued brought them more satisfaction than anything else.

Naturally, Shen Yunxuan owed the greatest thanks to the Emperor. She personally prepared four dishes and a soup and had Li Defu deliver them to the Emperor.

Her open disdain for her family and her unrestrained joy were plain to see. Li Defu began to understand the Emperor’s feelings. Even he, seeing Shen Yunxuan’s unguarded happiness, felt that she regarded him as one of her own, fostering a sense of closeness. How much more so for the Emperor? And Shen Yunxuan had even cooked for him herself—something she had never done for anyone else.

Li Defu knew well that the consort’s unique gestures and her ability to bring joy to the Emperor ensured His Majesty’s willingness to support her, even at the expense of the Shen family. It was clear to Li Defu that the Emperor intended to elevate Shen Jun to strengthen Shen Yunxuan’s position. After all, a powerful family was a valuable foundation for any imperial consort. His Majesty had thought of everything for her.

The Emperor’s sudden decree to posthumously confer a title of nobility on someone long deceased quickly spread throughout the court and beyond.

Upon investigation, people learned that the recipient was the late mother of Consort Xian. It became evident that Consort Xian was deeply favored by the Emperor, as she had secured this exceptional honor for her mother. However, when word spread that the Shen family had been made to open their ancestral hall and that Madam Liu was forced to bow before the memorial tablet of the late Lady Fang, everyone was stunned. This clearly revealed a deep discord between Consort Xian and her stepmother. Moreover, it was discovered that in all the years Madam Liu had been part of the Shen family, she had never once paid respects to Lady Fang—a fact that made it clear Consort Xian harbored resentment toward her father, Shen Xiuyuan, as well.

The court was astonished that Consort Xian would so brazenly sever ties with her family. Wasn’t she aware that her maternal family’s support would be crucial for her, especially since she was carrying the Emperor’s heir? The support of one’s family was often critical in the struggle for the throne. By turning against her family so publicly, Consort Xian had not only damaged the Shen family’s reputation but also her own standing.

While some empathized with Consort Xian for the grievances she had endured, most believed her actions were reckless. Imperial favor was never enduring, and many thought she was blinded by the Emperor’s temporary affection, using it as leverage to humiliate her family. They predicted that the day her favor waned would mark her downfall.

There was widespread pity for Consort Xian, along with ridicule for the Shen family. People criticized Shen Xiuyuan, saying, “As the Minister of Rites, he can’t even manage his own household. How can he be fit for his position?”

It wasn’t long before someone formally impeached Shen Xiuyuan for failing to discipline his household. The Emperor used this opportunity to order Shen Xiuyuan to reflect on his conduct at home, temporarily transferring his duties to the Vice Minister of Rites.

This action shocked many, who saw it as a sign that Shen Xiuyuan’s position might be at risk. Opportunists began scheming to take over his role, mocking him for alienating his daughter to the point where she became the source of his misfortune. They speculated that this disgrace could lead to the Shen family’s decline.

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The Empress was relieved when she heard the news. Regaining her composure, she smiled and remarked, “She must have acted out on impulse, thinking to cause a stir, but the Emperor took her seriously. When her family truly falls, it will be too late for regrets. I’ll be watching her downfall closely! She dared to vie for palace power with me and bear the Emperor’s son before me. I will never forgive her!”

Consort Shu laughed uproariously upon hearing the developments, scoffing, “Foolish woman! Does she really think the Emperor’s favor will last forever? Without her family’s support, this ‘seductive flower’ will wither in the palace soon enough. Just wait—I’ll personally see to it that she ends up in the Cold Palace!”

Other concubines also struggled to understand Consort Xian’s actions. Even the Empress Dowager, upon learning that the Emperor had reprimanded Shen Xiuyuan, was bewildered and sought an explanation. When she heard that Consort Xian held grievances against her father, she disapproved, reasoning, “Even if she has grievances, does that mean she wishes for her family to be punished? The downfall of her family only harms her own position.”

Concerned that Consort Xian might be silently bearing resentment and harming her health, the Empress Dowager decided to visit Anhe Palace herself.

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Consort Xian was in the midst of handling palace affairs when the Empress Dowager’s unexpected arrival left her both surprised and delighted. She quickly rose to greet her.

The Empress Dowager hurriedly stepped forward to steady her, patting her hand. “No need for formalities. I came because I was worried you might be overexerting yourself. I’ve heard about your family’s situation—how are you holding up?”

Consort Xian hesitated briefly before seeing the genuine concern in the Empress Dowager’s eyes. Warmth filled her heart as she replied, “Thank you for your concern, Mother. I feel wonderful—I’ve finally vented my frustrations and couldn’t be better.”

The Empress Dowager was momentarily taken aback. She hadn’t expected such a candid response or to see Consort Xian so elated, leaving her at a loss for words.

After carefully studying Consort Xian, the Empress Dowager nodded approvingly. “You do look radiant… Wait—your belly is already showing? It’s quite large, isn’t it?”

Embarrassed, Consort Xian said, “I’ve been indulging a little recently. Qin Mama has already advised me to eat less. Please don’t worry—I’ll be more mindful.”

“Absolutely not! This is concerning. Someone, summon the imperial physician immediately,” the Empress Dowager ordered, helping Consort Xian sit down.

Understanding the Empress Dowager’s worry, Consort Xian did not protest. She knew she and her child were in good health—Qingzhi had confirmed as much during her regular check-ups. But she didn’t mind the additional reassurance if it eased the Empress Dowager’s mind.

When the physician arrived, he carefully examined her and suddenly broke into a smile. “Your Highness, Your Majesty, congratulations! Her Highness is carrying twins!”

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