Ch 66: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The Emperor carefully studied the new bookkeeping method Shen Yunxuan had devised and spent the night refining his understanding. The next day, he convened several ministers, ordering all departments to adopt the new system and encouraging them to apply its tables and numerical methods in broader contexts.

Prime Minister Shu, sensing an opportunity to ease his daughter Consort Shu’s prolonged house arrest, decided to praise the initiative. “Your Majesty’s wisdom is unparalleled. The use of tables and numbers is indeed extensive. This new bookkeeping method will save time and effort for record-keepers across the nation, achieving twice the result with half the effort. Excellent!”

The heads of various departments chimed in with compliments, assuming the Emperor had developed the method himself. After their praises subsided, the Emperor smiled faintly and said, “Hearing such praise from all of you will surely bring great joy to Consort Xian.”

Prime Minister Shu stiffened. “Consort Xian?”

The Emperor continued with a smile, “Yes, this bookkeeping method was developed by Consort Xian while managing palace affairs. Her intelligence is unmatched, and she has made yet another significant contribution. I am greatly gratified. How about we name this method the ‘Xian-Style Bookkeeping Method’? What do you all think?”

The ministers were visibly stunned. In their view, women were traditionally virtuous homemakers, not innovators of practical tools. That such a groundbreaking system was attributed to a woman—let alone a consort—left them momentarily speechless.

Shen Xiuyuan was the first to recover, his eyes brimming with joy. “Consort Xian has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood. It is only through Your Majesty’s favor that she now has the opportunity to showcase her talents. On her behalf, I thank Your Majesty for this honor. The Xian-Style Bookkeeping Method is truly a tool to benefit the entire nation!”

Prime Minister Shu cast him a sideways glance, thinking, Calling this trivial method a tool to ‘benefit the nation’? How eager you are to flatter her! He immediately countered, “Your Majesty, since ancient times, the inner palace and the imperial court have been kept separate. While Consort Xian’s method is undoubtedly useful and deserves promotion, naming it after her is highly inappropriate. Wouldn’t her title then become a topic for all classes of society to discuss?

Moreover, the Empress has been unwell for some time, and Consort Xian has been managing palace affairs in her stead. If her reputation continues to grow, overshadowing the Empress, it could harm the royal family’s prestige. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider.”

The Emperor’s expression grew colder, and he said with a faint smile, “Since when is a good reputation harmful? If it’s a good deed, it should be celebrated, and Consort Xian’s contributions acknowledged. Or are you suggesting someone else should take credit for her work? Surely, as men of learning, none of you would stoop to stealing credit?”

Prime Minister Shu hastily replied, “That is not what I meant…”

“Good. Let’s be clear: the Empress is unwell and unable to manage palace affairs. Consort Xian, despite being heavily pregnant, has not only brought order to the palace but also reduced expenses and exposed corruption. This demonstrates her virtue and capability.

When you officials accomplish something, it becomes a political achievement that earns promotions. Why should Consort Xian, for her meritorious work, remain unacknowledged? What logic is that?”

The Emperor waved his hand. “The Xian-Style Bookkeeping Method is finalized. Additionally, Consort Xian’s new regulations have proven effective. I want the heads of each department to study them carefully and adapt them as needed to streamline operations and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.”

Shen Xiuyuan loudly affirmed the order, and the other ministers, seeing the Emperor’s resolve, reluctantly complied. They considered it a minor matter and saw no point in opposing him. Only Prime Minister Shu remained stone-faced and displeased.

The Emperor’s evident favor for Consort Xian only highlighted his disregard for Consort Shu. With Consort Xian wielding palace authority, carrying twins, and having an outstanding brother, her influence in the harem was growing. If her fame spread further, Consort Shu’s position would be even more precarious—something Prime Minister Shu could not tolerate.

After three years of the Emperor’s reign, Prime Minister Shu had already begun to feel his grip on the Emperor slipping. If Consort Shu were to fall from favor, the Shu family’s downfall seemed inevitable. Climbing into his carriage after leaving the palace, Prime Minister Shu lifted the curtain for one last glance at the imperial grounds.

He had dominated the court for decades, dismissing the then-insignificant prince who later became Emperor. In the early days of the Emperor’s reign, he had acted recklessly, only to discover too late that the Emperor was far more capable than he appeared. Now, the Shu family had become a thorn in the Emperor’s side.

Retreating was no longer an option. If Consort Shu bore a son and secured the crown prince’s title, Prime Minister Shu could retire peacefully, ensuring the Shu family’s future. But with Consort Xian monopolizing favor, he couldn’t stand idly by. He resolved to deal with the Shen siblings to clear the way for Consort Shu and remind the Emperor of the Shu family’s indispensable role.

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The Xian-Style Bookkeeping Method quickly gained widespread recognition. The new regulations, though initially designed for palace management, proved broadly applicable. Departments, shops, and estates adopted principles such as evaluations, training, and complaint systems, finding them remarkably effective.

Previously, people only knew Consort Xian as a favored consort. Now, her name was associated with intelligence and virtue, garnering widespread praise.

At the New Year banquet, the Empress, Consort Shu, and the other consorts attended, while Shen Yunxuan dressed modestly to avoid overshadowing the Empress. Even Consort Shu’s jewelry seemed slightly more luxurious. Yet, the noblewomen present couldn’t help but feel that Shen Yunxuan exuded the greatest authority and presence.

In past palace banquets, most of the food was served cold, leaving attendees feeling chilled, hungry, and exhausted by the end. This year, however, things were different. Somehow, Shen Yunxuan managed to ensure all dishes were freshly prepared, with a mix of cold and hot plates that were incredibly delicious. The banquet hall was also equipped with numerous braziers, making it so warm that some guests even felt slightly overheated. By the end of the banquet, everyone was thoroughly comfortable.

This earned Shen Yunxuan widespread admiration. The improvements in the palace were visible to all, and rumors of her unparalleled intelligence seemed to be true. No wonder the Emperor had entrusted her with managing palace affairs—she was clearly far more capable than the Empress.

The Empress had hoped that her release from house arrest during the New Year celebrations would mark her comeback. Yet, with just one banquet, she lost completely. Shen Yunxuan’s abilities were now widely recognized, and not only did palace servants treat her with utmost respect, but even noblewomen from outside held her in high regard. The Empress felt utterly humiliated, unsure how to even begin reclaiming her authority.

Many began to privately discuss Shen Yunxuan, describing her as an extraordinary woman. She had been overlooked in her family, missed her prime marriage age, and entered the palace at the relatively late age of twenty. Yet, she immediately became the Emperor’s favored consort, earning fame, carrying the imperial heir, and even severing ties with her family. All of this was achieved through her own efforts. The word “extraordinary” seemed the most fitting to describe her.

As her pregnancy advanced, both the Emperor and Empress Dowager instructed Shen Yunxuan not to stay through the entire banquet and to rest after making a brief appearance. Midway through the event, seeing that everything was proceeding smoothly and to everyone’s satisfaction, Shen Yunxuan decided to return to Anhe Palace to rest.

However, shortly after leaving the banquet hall, she was stopped by a trembling noblewoman kneeling in her path.

Shen Yunsuan paused and studied the woman carefully. “You are…?”

The woman kowtowed and introduced herself, “I am the wife of Imperial Censor Li Su. Your Highness, please save me! Li Su is a hypocrite who favors his concubine and oppresses his wife. He even killed my son to favor the child of his concubine. I beg Your Highness to seek justice for me!”

Zhuang Mama, worried that the woman might startle Shen Yunxuan and affect her pregnancy, sternly said, “Madam, you can appeal by striking the drum and formally accusing Lord Li. Matters like these are not for our mistress to handle…”

Before she could finish, Madam Li rolled up her sleeves, revealing her arms covered in scars. “I have been locked up at home and only managed to leave today to attend the banquet. I am nearly tortured to death by Li Su and his concubine! Please, Your Highness, save me…”

Zhuang Mama and Qingzhi immediately stepped forward to shield Shen Yunxuan from the sight, both outraged by Su’s suffering but also deeply concerned for their mistress’s health.

“I’m fine. Step aside,” Shen Yunxuan said calmly, her gaze on Madam Li distant and thoughtful, as if seeing something from her past life.

She recognized this woman. In her previous life, Li Su’s wife was rarely seen, rumored to be in poor health. Later, a devastating fire engulfed the Li household, raging for hours before it was extinguished. Investigations revealed that Li Su had indeed favored his concubine, mistreated his wife, and killed their legitimate son. In despair and hatred, Madam Li had set the fire and perished alongside them.

Because of her own experiences, Shen Yunxuan rarely believed in rumors about other families. But looking at Madam Li now, she believed it was all true. Moreover, she now had the authority to uncover the truth.

As Madam Li knelt in silence, the hope in her eyes began to fade into despair. She slumped to the ground, defeated.

Shen Yunxuan turned to Zhuang Mama. “Take Madam Li back and settle her in. Tomorrow, I will report this to His Majesty and request a thorough investigation.”

Zhuang Mama and the others were shocked. They feared for Shen Yunxuan’s well-being and worried that Madam Li might be a pawn sent to harm her.

Understanding their concerns, Shen Yunxuan thought for a moment and said, “Let’s go to the Empress Dowager instead and see if she is willing to assist.”

When Shen Yunxuan turned back to Madam Li, she saw tears streaming down her face as she looked at her with renewed hope. Shen Yunxuan smiled. “Get up. Follow me to the Empress Dowager.”

Madam Li nodded repeatedly, sobbing her gratitude. This was her only chance at salvation, and she was fortunate to have encountered Consort Xian.

The Empress Dowager, a compassionate woman, readily agreed to help upon hearing Madam Li’s story, especially since Shen Yunxuan had brought her. Publicly, it was announced that Madam Li had caught the Empress Dowager’s eye and would stay in the palace for a few days.

Before leaving, Shen Yunxuan asked Madam Li, “If I help you, what outcome do you want?”

Madam Li understood that most people avoided meddling in such matters because a husband and wife’s fortunes were intertwined. Many women seeking justice ultimately chose forgiveness. But her hatred was too deep. She replied decisively, “I want him disgraced, my child avenged, and to sever all ties with him!”

Shen Yunxuan nodded and smiled faintly. “Remember what you said.”

That very night, Shen Yunxuan sent word to the Emperor about the matter. The Emperor sighed to Li Defu, “Your mistress is even busier than I am, solving cases during the New Year.”

Li Defu replied, “That’s because her reputation is unparalleled. The noblewomen know she is reliable, so they seek her help.”

“Investigate it. This Li Su—he even meddles in whether I select concubines or expand the harem, acting as though his word is law. I didn’t expect he’d favor a concubine, oppress his wife, and kill his own legitimate son. Get to the bottom of this, but be discreet.”

The Emperor gave his orders and instructed his people to inform Shen Yunxuan to rest and not worry.

The Emperor’s investigative team uncovered the truth with ease, as the Li household’s many servants had witnessed everything. Li Su’s sins could not be concealed.

The Emperor brought the evidence to Anhe Palace to show Shen Yunxuan, saying, “Everything Madam Li said is true. Since you’ve taken up this matter, have you thought about how to handle it?”

Without hesitation, Shen Yunxuan replied, “First, a divorce by mutual consent, then punish Li Su and Qin Shi according to the law. Even a tiger doesn’t eat its cubs, yet Li Su is worse than an animal!”

The Emperor quickly pulled her into his arms. “Don’t let someone like this upset you—it’s not worth it.” Then he asked, “A divorce? Was that Madam Li’s idea?”

To the Emperor, Li Su was undoubtedly guilty and would face punishment. Wouldn’t Madam Li then be left to fend for herself? Why prioritize the divorce?

Shen Yunxuan looked at him and said, “It was my idea. With such a despicable husband, I’m certain even the thought of remaining married to him makes Madam Li feel suffocated. Seeking to have him dismissed outright would cause too much resistance, so this compromise is the next best thing. Madam Li also wishes to sever all ties with him and restore her honor. I hope Your Majesty can grant this.”

The Emperor stared into her eyes, stunned by her resolute nature. He had never considered such matters before. Thinking about it carefully, if he were in Madam Li’s position, he would also feel utterly disgusted. He recalled how Shen Yunxuan had openly broken ties with her own family, even requesting him to restore her birth mother’s title posthumously just so Liu Shi would have to bow before her mother’s memorial tablet. If he ever betrayed Shen Yunxuan one day, would she…

No! He would never do anything to let Shen Yunxuan down.

Holding her tightly, the Emperor said in a low voice, “Very well, as you wish.”

Leaning against his chest, Shen Yunxuan said softly, “May I be the one to issue this decree? I want…” She paused briefly before continuing, “I want women across the realm to know that they don’t have to suffer in silence. They, too, have the chance to escape pain and start anew.”

“Granted. You may issue it.” The Emperor’s voice grew gentler. Though this was someone else’s plight, it revealed Shen Yunxuan’s compassionate and tender heart, hinting at the wounds she had once borne herself.

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Li Defu and Zhuang Mama left the palace together, this time to deliver the decree listing Li Su’s crimes and announcing the divorce between Li Su and Madam Li by imperial order.

Dressed in her official attire, Zhuang Mama read the decree solemnly. The entire Li family thought they were hallucinating.

What? Consort Xian ordered Li Su and Madam Li to divorce?

While divorces by mutual consent did happen occasionally, they were rare and typically handled privately within families. When had an imperial consort ever issued such a decree?

Before Li Su could protest, Li Defu began reading the evidence of his crimes: favoring a concubine over his wife, killing his legitimate son, and abusing his wife. Li Su’s face turned deathly pale, and he collapsed to the ground. Qin Shi fainted outright. But with the evidence irrefutable, the authorities arrested both Li Su and Qin Shi. Madam Li successfully received her divorce decree and regained her freedom.

The matter resolved quickly, almost as if it had come out of nowhere. It wasn’t until Li Su was executed, Qin Shi exiled, and all related parties punished that people began to realize the truth: Madam Li had been allowed to stay with the Empress Dowager during the New Year because Consort Xian was helping her.

Consort Xian had saved Madam Li’s life, restored justice, and avenged her suffering.

Many noblewomen were both shocked and impressed. How many women were trapped in oppressive homes, slowly withering away? How many died quietly, their voices unheard? By saving Madam Li, Shen Yunsuan gave hope to women everywhere.

For the noblewomen in the capital, at least, Shen Yunxuan had become a symbol of salvation. If they ever faced injustice, seeking out Consort Xian might offer a chance for change. She had truly lived up to her title, embodying wisdom and virtue.

Of course, some viewed her with disdain. A few women and many men thought Shen Yunxuan was too bold and meddlesome. If Li Su were guilty, punishing him would suffice—why make such a spectacle by issuing a decree for divorce? Wouldn’t it set a dangerous precedent, encouraging disputes among couples?

Moreover, with both the Empress Dowager and Empress remaining silent, why was a mere consort taking center stage? Breaking ties with her family, encouraging noblewomen to divorce, reforming palace rules, and even introducing new bookkeeping methods—she seemed entirely uninterested in adhering to traditional norms. If left unchecked, who knew what she might do next?

Yet, with both the Emperor and Empress Dowager supporting Shen Yunxuan, who could argue against her? The facts were clear: Madam Li was a victim, and right was on Shen Yunxuan’s side. No one could deny that she had done the right thing.

The Li family fell, and Madam Li’s natal family, who had treated her poorly, was no safe haven. Even if she returned, her life wouldn’t improve. Shen Yunxuan arranged for her to live in her own residence, ensuring her safety. Backed by the Emperor’s favorite consort, no one—not even her family—dared to harm her. With her independence secured, Madam Li’s future was bright.

Seeing Shen Yunxuan’s efforts to help Madam Li, the Emperor couldn’t help but tease her. “You didn’t seem this happy when reorganizing the palace. Why does helping someone make you so pleased?”

Shen Yunxuan smiled and replied, “Of course, it does! It’s about someone’s life, and it might even influence the lives of many others. When someone is on the verge of falling into the abyss, and I have the ability to pull them back, giving them a chance to start over, how can I not be happy? Just as Your Majesty works tirelessly for the people, isn’t it because you hope they can all live good lives?”

The Emperor thought about Shen Yunxuan’s work with rice fields, cowpox, and her consistent efforts for the benefit of the country and its people. She approached every matter based on right and wrong, prioritizing others’ well-being over her own interests. Perhaps Shen Yunxuan was the one with a heart for the world, someone who could truly stand alongside him in governing the empire.

He gently stroked Shen Yunxuan’s hair, his eyes full of warmth. “If it makes you happy, go ahead and handle it. If there’s anything you can’t resolve, I’ll step in.”

Shen Yunxuan gazed deeply at him. “Then let’s promise to help as many people as we can live better lives.”

“Agreed,” he replied with a smile.

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When the capital’s interest in Madam Li’s case finally subsided, the time for the spring imperial examination arrived. Shen Jun had not returned home for the New Year. Shen Xiuyuan wanted to mend their relationship, but there was no way to approach him. The Shu family even attempted to assassinate him, but that was futile—who would have guessed he was living in the imperial estate?

On the day of the examination, Shen Jun entered the exam hall, and only then did people realize he had reappeared. Speculations about his potential performance and the position the Emperor might grant him began to spread. Shen Xiuyuan, often asked by his colleagues, grew anxious and finally acknowledged the great potential of his eldest son and daughter. He realized he urgently needed to repair his relationship with Shen Jun.

After the exam, Shen Xiuyuan waited for Shen Jun in a carriage outside the examination hall. Shen Jun didn’t refuse and boarded the carriage to return home with him. However, he remained silent the entire journey, eyes closed, ignoring Shen Xiuyuan’s attempts at conversation. Upon arrival, he went straight to the Purple Bamboo Pavilion, instructing the servants to tell others he was tired and needed rest.

Shen Xiuyuan was both furious and helpless, feeling deeply frustrated. Fortunately, the exam results came out soon after, and Shen Jun had once again taken first place—he was the huiyuan!

The spring examination was far more challenging than the autumn one, with candidates coming from across the nation. The competition was fierce, but Shen Jun’s achievement proved his exceptional knowledge and talent. Shen Xiuyuan was overjoyed, his demeanor bright and cheerful as he proudly shared the news with everyone.

Many envied him: his eldest son and daughter were outstanding, his second daughter was the wife of a general, and if his remaining sons could also succeed, his life would be one of unparalleled honor.

During the palace examination, Shen Jun once again excelled, earning the zhuangyuan title—the top scorer in the imperial examination—and becoming the youngest zhuangyuan in nearly a century.

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At court, ministers were surprised to see Shen Jun among them. Even as a zhuangyuan, he would typically hold a minor position and wouldn’t participate in court sessions. Why was he here?

All eyes turned to Shen Xiuyuan, who looked just as perplexed. Did Shen Jun not mention this at home?

The Emperor didn’t leave them guessing for long. He instructed Shen Jun to step forward and report on the success of the cowpox experiments. Then, two imperial physicians were summoned to explain the details of the trials and their results.

The court erupted into astonished murmurs. This was unlike the regulations or bookkeeping methods Consort Xian had introduced—this was a breakthrough against smallpox. If it was true, it would eliminate a terrifying disease and be an achievement recorded in history.

And it was Shen Jun who had conducted these experiments?

The Emperor had brought Shen Jun to court not only to announce this monumental success but also to assign him a higher position.

Prime Minister Shu’s expression darkened. He hadn’t received any word about the secret cowpox research. The Emperor had clearly kept it hidden—either to prevent interference or to stop anyone from taking credit. Either way, it showed that the Emperor was now firmly in control.

And this monumental achievement was tied to Consort Xian’s family. Her influence and that of her brother continued to grow, making them increasingly obstructive to his plans.

Prime Minister Shu’s sour expression was understandable, but others noticed that Shen Xiuyuan also looked displeased. The reason? This achievement had nothing to do with him. He had been reprimanded by the Emperor frequently in recent months. If Shen Jun had brought this matter to him to present, he could have regained favor and earned the Emperor’s recognition. But Shen Jun hadn’t even mentioned it.

The Emperor smiled at Shen Jun. “You’ve made a great contribution. Is there any reward you wish to request?”

Typically, when the Emperor asked such a question, ministers would reply that serving the country was their duty, not something done for rewards. But Shen Jun unexpectedly knelt, startling everyone.

In a loud, clear voice, Shen Jun said, “Your Majesty, I request that my mother, Madam Fang, be granted a divorce from my father, Shen Xiuyuan. My sister, Consort Xian, and I will follow my mother, severing all ties with the Shen family and ensuring no further entanglements.”

The court was stunned. All eyes turned to Shen Jun and Shen Xiuyuan, who flushed red with rage and shouted, “Ungrateful son! What nonsense are you speaking?!”

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