Ch 64: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Twins!

The first to be astonished was Qingzhi. With her limited experience in pulse diagnosis, she had only detected that Shen Yunxuan and her child were safe, failing to recognize that it was twins. When she heard the news, her initial joy quickly turned into fear—if not for the Empress Dowager insisting on summoning the imperial physician, she might have missed this critical detail. If anything had gone wrong, it could have harmed Shen Yunxuan or her children.

Qingzhi dropped to her knees, pale-faced, and stammered, “This servant has failed in her duties, I—”

“Get up, quickly!” Shen Yunxuan pulled her up before she could finish. “How could this be your fault? You’ve taken excellent care of me. If it bothers you, I’ll ask for a favor to help you learn more.”

Turning to the Empress Dowager, Shen Yunxuan grabbed her sleeve with a hopeful look. “Mother, could Qingzhi study at the Imperial Medical Office in the mornings and return in the afternoons to care for me? That way, if anything is amiss, she’ll notice immediately and also be better prepared to care for the children later. Would that be alright, Mother?”

The Empress Dowager, her face lit with joy, nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, of course! Whatever you wish. Let Qingzhi study there; don’t worry about a thing. Carrying one child is already taxing—carrying two is even harder. You must rest more and take good care of yourself. If you’re well, the children will be well. As for palace affairs, let the senior attendants handle them—don’t tire yourself out.”

Shen Yunxuan could feel the genuine concern in the Empress Dowager’s voice and nodded in agreement. The palace staff, who had overheard the conversation, were suddenly struck with the realization—Twins! Their mistress was expecting two children!

In a palace with no other royal children, these babies were incredibly precious, regardless of their gender. And the likelihood of one being a prince was much higher now! Everyone was overjoyed. The Empress Dowager, in her happiness, rewarded the entire Anhe Palace staff with three months’ salary and sent word to inform the Emperor immediately.

Eunuch Shen Anlu rushed out with a beaming face, and news of Anhe Palace’s great joy soon spread throughout the imperial palace.

---

The Empress, who had just begun to celebrate Shen Yunxuan’s estrangement from her family, was seething when she heard the news.

“Twins? She’s pregnant with twins? Hah! I’ve been drinking that bitter tonic daily, praying to the Goddess of Fertility without fail, and yet she refuses to bless me. That witch enters the palace and conceives two? What has she done to deserve this? Why her?”

The Empress screamed at her servants, “What use are you? Everything sent her way was blocked, and the imperial physicians say her body is healthier than anyone else’s! Useless, all of you! Utterly useless!”

“Your Majesty, please calm yourself! Think of your health—”

---

Meanwhile, Consort Shu tore her scripture in a fit of rage. “Make me copy scriptures? What’s the point? Have the gods ever protected me? They’re all watching over that wretch! That wretch!”

She snapped, her voice venomous, “What about Shen Jun? Why isn’t he dealt with yet? That wretch and her brother are like twins—if Shen Jun dies, the twins in her womb will surely be cursed! She’ll be devastated. Eliminate Shen Jun for me! And Shen Yunrong, too! That treacherous woman dared deceive me—she probably leaked false information to help Shen Yunxuan rise to power. Teach her family a lesson!”

---

The news of Shen Yunxuan’s good fortune caused many to marvel at her seemingly incredible luck. With her now poised to give birth to the Emperor’s firstborn—whether a prince or princess—her place in the palace was all but guaranteed.

Back at the Shen family estate, Shen Xiuyuan and Madam Liu had to endure congratulatory visits from others while seething with rage, forced to hide their true emotions. The humiliation of being overlooked and outmaneuvered by Shen Yunxuan was a bitter pill to swallow. Where once they had disregarded her and treated her with disdain, they now found themselves on the receiving end of their own medicine.

They could hardly bear the bitter irony—everything they had inflicted on Shen Yunxuan was now coming back to them in spades. For once-proud elders who had basked in prestige for over a decade, the sudden fall from grace was a devastating blow. Unable to face the world, the Shen family shut their doors to visitors and avoided venturing outside, fearful of public ridicule.

Madam Liu, overwhelmed, sent for Shen Yunrong from the Shao residence, demanding an explanation for how events had deviated so far from her predictions.

Shen Yunrong, dressed in fine clothes, explained nonchalantly, “People change when they enter the palace. Isn’t it normal for things to differ from the dream? Besides, look at how Shen Yunxuan charmed Father before her marriage. She’s probably doing the same to the Emperor now. As for her pregnancy with twins—Mother, if you hadn’t provided her with all those precious medicinal ingredients, how could her body have recovered so well?”

Madam Liu was furious. “How is this my fault? You were the one who insisted on reconciling with her and using her imperial connections to aid the family! If you hadn’t swapped marriages, you’d be the one receiving favor now. Instead, we’re dealing with the fallout of your wedding night fiasco!”

Shen Yunrong’s expression darkened. Her mother’s words cut deeply, reminding her of her humiliation. Only she knew how hard she had fought in the palace in her previous life, only to end up in the Cold Palace after three years of struggle. Her current predicament was no less dire—marrying into the Shao family had turned into a disaster, with her wedding night becoming a public joke.

Yet, she refused to admit her failure. If she acknowledged her mistakes, it would mean conceding that the marriage swap had been a grave error. Determined to salvage her pride, she coldly retorted, “I still have time, Mother. As long as I protect my in-laws’ lives, Shao Kun will be grateful when he returns. My fortunes will turn around.”

Shen Yunrong stubbornly insisted, “The Emperor must despise my father. Otherwise, no matter how much Shen Yunxuan complained, the Emperor wouldn’t have punished him. Even if I entered the palace, I wouldn’t be able to help the family. It’s better for me to remain in the Shao family—our two families supporting each other. Even if Shao Kun is away, my in-laws treat me like their own daughter. I’m still the well-regarded young mistress of the Shao family.”

She added, “By the way, Mother, pick two capable servants for me to take back and help me.”

Shen Yunrong and Madam Liu’s meeting was far from pleasant. They resented each other but held back their tempers, each secretly hoping the other would be of use in the future. Finally, Shen Yunrong left with two households of servants to assist her at the Shao residence.

On her return, Shen Yunrong came to a realization. Even though Shen Yunxuan clearly distanced herself from her family, people still congratulated the Shen family on her success. After all, in the eyes of outsiders, family ties could not be severed. Most believed that once Shen Yunxuan gave birth to a royal heir and needed familial support, she would eventually reconcile with her family. Many still sought to curry favor with the Shen family.

So, Shen Yunrong thought, why not take advantage of this? Though outsiders and even her servants mocked her and showed little respect, if she leaned on her favored sister’s influence, who would dare treat her poorly?

With this newfound resolve, Shen Yunrong ordered the servants she brought back to punish a few insolent Shao household servants. She had them flogged and demanded that they be sold off, presenting them before Madam Shao.

Madam Shao objected, “Is it really necessary to sell them? Just send them to the estate—selling them is as good as sentencing them to death.”

Shen Yunrong retorted coldly, “If Mother cared so much about their lives, why didn’t you discipline them earlier? They insulted the sister of an imperial consort—does Mother not understand that a family’s honor rises and falls together? Is Mother trying to harm Consort Xian’s reputation?”

Madam Shao’s face turned pale. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

Shen Yunrong leaned closer and whispered, “Shall I remind my sister that your family broke off her engagement to Shao Kun? Should I mention it to the Emperor? Do you think he’d strip Shao Kun of his military authority if he knew?”

“Enough! Don’t you dare!” Madam Shao raised her hand, intending to slap her, but faltered at Shen Yunrong’s mocking gaze. This time, Shen Yunrong had the upper hand. The Shao family could not afford to cause a scene—the more favor Shen Yunxuan enjoyed, the more cautious they had to be to avoid incurring her resentment or the Emperor’s wrath.

Reluctantly, Madam Shao ordered the offending servants to be sold. Shen Yunrong, unsatisfied, demanded control of the household’s affairs, but this time Madam Shao refused. Though she valued the Shao family’s reputation, she realized Shen Yunrong was nothing like she initially believed. Giving her control would spell disaster for the household.

Shen Yunrong knew her limits—she was merely bluffing, knowing Shen Yunxuan would not support her. Seeing Madam Shao’s firm stance, she retreated, settling for a substantial monthly allowance and indulging herself by attending social banquets.

At these gatherings, she hinted at her connection to Consort Xian, causing those who had intended to ridicule her to grow wary and hold their tongues. Shen Yunrong, feeling vindicated, joined a group of women near the fish pond, confident she had found her path forward.

The more favor Shen Yunxuan enjoyed, the more benefits she could reap. Shen Yunxuan might target the Shen family, but she wouldn’t touch the Shao family—after all, Shao Kun was earning military merit. Shen Yunrong felt secure, ready to bask in the advantages her sister’s position brought.

However, just as she was reveling in her success, a voice whispered by her ear, “Daring to cross the Prime Minister’s family and still showing your face? You’re courting death.”

Before Shen Yunrong could react, someone pushed her hard into the fish pond.

“Ah! Help! Save me!” Shen Yunrong flailed helplessly, unable to swim. Fish brushed against her hands and feet, intensifying her terror. She thrashed frantically, swallowing mouthfuls of water in her panic.

The commotion sent the gathered women into a frenzy, blocking any immediate rescue. Shen Yunrong sank unconscious before someone finally dove in to save her.

---

When Shen Yunrong awoke, she was back in the Shao residence. She bolted upright, screaming, “Save me! Help me!”

Madam Shao, seated by her bedside, looked as if she had aged ten years. Tearfully, she scolded, “Why can’t you behave? You’ve lost the child from all this trouble!”

“What? A child?” Shen Yunrong was stunned.

Her maid fell to her knees, crying, “Young Madam, the imperial physician said you were one month pregnant. But the shock and your fall into the water… You’ve lost the child. Worse, the injury to your body means… means you may never conceive again…”

“What?” Shen Yunrong’s mind went blank. She had been pregnant? Just one month, and she hadn’t even known? And now the child was gone? She had once mocked Shen Yunxuan’s difficulty conceiving, yet it was now her who had damaged her body, making future pregnancies unlikely.

She blurted out, “It was the Prime Minister! It was Consort Shu! They sent someone to push me into the water. They wanted to kill me!”

Madam Shao was incredulous. “Why would they want to kill you?”

Shen Yunrong regained her composure. She couldn’t reveal that she had leaked information to the Prime Minister’s residence about Shen Yunxuan’s supposed health issues, nor could she let Madam Shao know how strained her relationship with Shen Yunxuan had become. After hesitating, she replied, “Consort Shu can’t defeat my sister, so she targeted me instead.”

Madam Shao wanted to ask more, but Shen Yunrong feigned discomfort and dismissed her. Left alone, Shen Yunrong curled up on the bed, pounding the mattress in frustration. She cursed Consort Shu, the Prime Minister’s residence, Shen Yunxuan, Madam Shao, those who mocked her, and even Shao Kun. If it weren’t for them, how could she have lost her child and ruined her health?

Despite her fury, there was nothing she could do. She didn’t even dare to leave the house anymore. For the first time, she truly realized that she was no longer an imperial consort. She was just the young mistress of the Shao family. With Shao Kun yet to make a name for himself, she didn’t even have an honorary title. If Consort Shu or the Prime Minister’s residence wanted to harm her, they could do so effortlessly—she had nearly lost her life already.

Moments ago, she had thought she could rely on Shen Yunxuan’s influence to shine socially, but instead, she had narrowly escaped death and lost her child. Why was Shen Yunxuan so fortunate, favored by the Emperor, and now pregnant with twins? Why was she, Shen Yunrong, rejected by Shao Kun and now unable to bear children?

The stark contrast was unbearable. Shen Yunrong wept bitterly, full of hatred, and could only hope that Shao Kun would achieve merit and return to appreciate her loyalty to his family. She had suffered ridicule, humiliation, and harm because of Shao Kun. He owed her and had to make it right.

Consort Shu, hearing the news, laughed aloud and immediately instructed her people to spread the story to Shen Yunxuan. She hoped the revelation would frighten Shen Yunxuan enough to cause her to miscarry.

The Anhe Palace was tightly guarded, and the servants were loyal, though not all were bright. Someone overheard the news and whispered about it, which Shen Yunxuan eventually caught wind of.

Zhuang Mama immediately went to discipline the gossiping maids, while Shen Yunxuan, supported by Qin Mama, continued her walk. Seeing everyone’s worried expressions, she smiled. “Are you afraid I’ll be upset? Shen Yu always tried to scare me in the past, fueled by Shen Yunrong’s dislike for me. Now that I’m in the palace and she’s married, her happiness or misfortune has nothing to do with me anymore. She’s just an irrelevant person.”

Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. When Consort Shu learned her plan had failed, she smashed a set of teacups in frustration, screaming, “What about Shen Jun? Why hasn’t he been dealt with yet?”

The Prime Minister’s residence was equally exasperated. Shen Jun stayed in his room daily, studying without stepping out. His servants were sharp and vigilant, thwarting attempts to harm him, such as sending venomous snakes or poisoned ink. Zhuang Mama’s nephew seemed to be adept at protecting him.

Prime Minister Shu decided there was no need to rush. “If something happens to Shen Jun now, it’ll be too obvious. How could it be a coincidence that both siblings meet with misfortune? He’s preparing for the imperial exams, so let him take them. Afterward, when he ventures out, we’ll act. If he fails the exams and succumbs to drinking and despair, his death will seem natural and unnoticed. That’s more in line with Consort Shu’s wish for the dragon to perish and the phoenix to rise.”

For two days, Shen Jun enjoyed relative peace. Then, it was time for the autumn exams. The Shen household placed high hopes on Shen Ming, as he had been educated by renowned tutors and studied at the Imperial Academy. Despite Shen Jun’s earlier success overshadowing him, many believed it was a fluke—how much could someone raised in the countryside possibly learn? Passing the scholar’s exam was already considered a stroke of luck.

This preconceived notion was so deeply ingrained that when Shen Xiuyuan saw them off, he gave Shen Ming a detailed list of reminders but only offered Shen Jun a few perfunctory words.

When Shen Jun had first returned to the Shen family, Shen Xiuyuan had shown some guilt and attempted to be a better father. However, after Shen Yunxuan entered the palace and severed ties with the family, Shen Xiuyuan lost patience and began to neglect Shen Jun, harboring some resentment and deeming the siblings unfilial.

As Shen Jun left for the exams, he thought to himself that it was fortunate he and his sister had no expectations from the Shen family. Without ties, there was no regret in leaving.

Partway to the exam venue, Shen Jun changed out of his carriage into a plain disguise and walked the rest of the way. Soon after, the carriage “accidentally” struck an old man, who collapsed unconscious. The man’s son wailed and demanded accountability from whoever was inside. A crowd gathered, and the commotion dragged on until the driver explained that the carriage was empty and insisted on reporting the incident to the authorities.

The old man and his son immediately fled. Prime Minister Shu, upon hearing this, sneered, “Let him take the exams. Even if he passes, Consort Xian can only enjoy her triumph for a few days. Losing her brother at her moment of greatest joy will be her true pain. Besides, how can Shen Jun perform well after such an incident?”

Most people would indeed be rattled by such repeated attacks, affecting their mindset and performance. But Shen Jun remained unperturbed. He entered the examination hall calmly and answered each question with composure. With his vast knowledge and private tutoring by the Emperor, he had nothing to fear—not even the imperial exams.

A few days passed, and it was finally the day the exam results were released. Many students had gathered at the inn, waiting anxiously. Suddenly, someone rushed in, beating a gong and shouting loudly, “He passed! He passed! Shen family’s eldest son, Shen Jun, ranked first as the jieyuan!”

The inn erupted in chatter.

“Who? Who is the jieyuan?”

“Shen Jun? That country bumpkin, Shen Jun?”

“Didn’t Shen Ming say he barely studied?”

“How could it be Shen Jun? If he managed to pass as jieyuan after years away from home, wouldn’t he have achieved even more with proper family support?”

“I heard he passed the xiucai exam at fourteen but was delayed by mourning. And he’s the brother of Consort Xian. It seems their whole family is extraordinary!”

The students sitting with Shen Ming turned to look at him. His face darkened with disbelief and deep embarrassment. He had actually lost to that “country bumpkin”? How was that even possible?

Meanwhile, Shen Jun’s table was filled with congratulations from his friends, and even unfamiliar students approached him with smiles, eager to strike up a conversation and build a connection. Shen Jun greeted them all with grace, neither arrogant nor humble, earning even greater admiration. The crowd around him only grew larger.

He was, after all, the jieyuan. Given his potential performance in the spring and palace examinations, he was likely to secure a high-ranking position. With a sister favored by the Emperor, his future was undoubtedly bright, making any relationship with him a worthwhile investment.

Many regretted not recognizing this earlier. They realized they had been misled by Shen Ming’s dismissive attitude and reluctance to speak about Shen Jun. In hindsight, it seemed Shen Ming might have been driven by jealousy.

The gong sounded repeatedly, but Shen Ming’s name was never called. Eventually, Shen Jun and several others left to return home, while Shen Ming’s face grew increasingly ashen.

Finally, Shen Ming’s servant returned, head bowed and walking cautiously. Those seated with Shen Ming exchanged uncertain glances as he stared at his servant. The servant, trembling, whispered, “Young Master… you didn’t make the list.”

Not passing meant failing outright. The other students were momentarily stunned. Shen Ming had always been praised during their time at the Imperial Academy, though it was true he had not received such praise recently. Still, no one expected him to fail outright, especially when two of their group, previously less accomplished, had passed.

Humiliated, Shen Ming felt their gazes like daggers on his face, searing with shame. He stood abruptly and ran out without a word.

Meanwhile, the officials sent to deliver the good news arrived at the Shen residence, announcing, “The jieyuan is Shen Jun, the eldest son of the Shen family!”

Shen Xiuyuan and Madam Liu were both stunned. “Shen Jun? Not Shen Ming?”

The official replied, puzzled, “Naturally, it’s Shen Jun, the eldest son. As for the second son, Shen Ming… he did not pass.”

“What? That’s impossible! It must be a mistake!” Madam Liu stammered incoherently.

“Silence!” Shen Xiuyuan barked, quickly silencing her. Suggesting an error in the exam results was akin to questioning the fairness of the imperial examination system. He hurriedly gave the officials a reward, going through the formalities, though he remained visibly shaken, as if in a dream.

His eldest son, raised in the countryside, had passed as jieyuan. How could this be? Could it be that the relatives entrusted to care for Shen Jun had secretly provided him with an exceptional tutor? Why had Shen Jun never mentioned it?

When Shen Jun returned home, Shen Xiuyuan summoned him to the study for questioning. Shen Jun replied with a cold smile, “I never hid my education. It’s just that you never cared to notice. Even the Emperor recognized my abilities, yet my own father remained oblivious.”

“You! Don’t think that passing as jieyuan means you can—”

“I have nothing to say to you.” Shen Jun cut him off and walked out without looking back.

At Purple Bamboo Pavilion, the servants and staff celebrated enthusiastically. Shen Jun rewarded them with three months’ wages before changing into formal attire and heading to the palace with a box in hand, seeking an audience with the Emperor.

The palace guards, knowing Shen Jun as the elder brother of Consort Xian, treated him with respect and immediately reported his arrival. Li Defu, surprised by Shen Jun’s visit, informed the Emperor.

The Emperor mused, “The results were just released. He must have just learned he’s the jieyuan. Why isn’t he celebrating at home? What brings him to the palace?”

Li Defu speculated, “Perhaps he wishes to personally thank Your Majesty for your guidance?”

Regardless of the reason, the Emperor decided to see him. Li Defu personally escorted Shen Jun into the palace, congratulating him along the way and subtly probing for details, but Shen Jun remained tight-lipped about his purpose.

Upon meeting the Emperor, Shen Jun bowed deeply and presented the box with both hands, saying solemnly, “Your Majesty, Consort Xian once read in miscellaneous texts about the practice of variolation using cowpox. This box contains records of trials conducted over the past few months. I humbly present them for Your Majesty’s review.”

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆