Ch 67: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The emperor was equally shocked, completely unprepared for Shen Jun’s request. Lady Fang had been dead for over a decade, and Consort Xian had entered the palace as a concubine while Shen Jun severed ties with the Shen family, essentially giving up any support the family could offer.

In families like theirs, glory was shared by all. Even if Consort Xian disliked Shen Xiuyuan, her imperial favor would make other officials treat him with respect. As the Minister of Rites and a high-ranking official, Shen Xiuyuan had provided some benefits to the siblings. From the outside, breaking ties with the Shen family seemed disadvantageous for Shen Jun and his sister.

Since ascending the throne, the emperor had focused on governance, balancing power, and ignoring personal grievances, never acting impulsively. From his perspective, Shen Jun’s decision seemed rash. Shen Xiuyuan was not like Li Su, who had indulged concubines to the point of harming his wife and children. Petitioning for separation on behalf of his deceased mother seemed pointless.

The emperor reflected on his own experience: his father had never treated his mother well, yet now he inherited everything from his father and honored his mother as the Empress Dowager, becoming the ultimate beneficiary. Shen Xiuyuan had begun to favor Shen Jun as his heir. Why would Shen Jun act emotionally and reject such advantages? Even if he hated Shen Xiuyuan, wouldn’t it make more sense to fully exploit him first?

The emperor couldn’t quite understand but didn’t reject the request outright. Instead, he dismissed the court session and summoned Shen Jun to the study for further discussion.

After the emperor departed, Shen Xiuyuan was furious, raising his hand to strike Shen Jun. Shen Jun stepped back coldly, his gaze distant and indifferent. “A father must first be kind before a son can be filial. Without grandfather and grandmother’s protection, I would have died in one of those so-called accidents long ago, and Lady Fang would have been tormented into illness. Since the Shen family cannot tolerate us, we’ll leave with Mother. I believe her spirit in heaven would have long wished to escape this den of wolves.”

Shen Xiuyuan rebuked, “Nonsense! You—”

“Must I say more?” Shen Jun interrupted sharply. “Out of respect for my grandparents, I’ve kept silent about what happened in this household. Don’t force me, Minister Shen. Surely you don’t want to meet the same end as Li Su.” Bowing to the gathered officials, Shen Jun left decisively.

Shen Xiuyuan, both furious and guilt-ridden, worried that Shen Jun might reveal everything. While he didn’t believe himself to be as vile as Li Su, his treatment of his first wife and her children had been lacking, leaving him no grounds to confront Shen Jun.

This hesitation cost him the best chance to explain. The officials now looked at him differently, some shaking their heads as they left. Others, particularly those who opposed him, mocked openly:

“As the Minister of Rites, Shen Xiuyuan seems poorly versed in etiquette and law.”

“Minister Shen has such remarkable children, yet he remains blind to their worth. A true pity.”

“If such outstanding offspring are neglected, one can only imagine the brilliance of the others he favored so dearly.”

Shen Xiuyuan could not respond, his face dark as he hurried to the study to request an audience with the emperor. But the emperor refused to see him, leaving him to wait under the scorching sun while the son he’d ignored spoke privately with the emperor inside. For the first time, Shen Xiuyuan deeply regretted how he’d allowed himself to be swayed by Madam Liu and neglected his first wife’s children.

Inside the study, the emperor asked Shen Jun, “Regarding this separation, have you discussed it with Consort Xian?”

Shen Jun replied, “Yes. Before she entered the palace, we agreed to leave the Shen family at the right time. Your Majesty, back then, neither of us had yet developed the smallpox vaccine, accounting methods, or paddy fish farming techniques, but we vowed to dedicate our lives to serving the nation.

We wish to do so cleanly, untainted by the Shen family’s chaos. I humbly request your approval.”

Speaking to a clever person required no elaboration. The emperor immediately understood Shen Jun’s meaning. Shen Xiuyuan’s abilities were limited. Investigations had revealed that his rise to Minister of Rites was largely due to the support of his father-in-law, General Fang, during his cautious and hardworking younger years. After the Fang family’s demise and Lady Fang’s death, Shen Xiuyuan had reached the limits of his capabilities and grown complacent. With no superiors to supervise him, his work suffered further.

In essence, Shen Xiuyuan owed his current status to the Fang family. Yet, he failed to show gratitude and allowed Madam Liu to mistreat Lady Fang, even using her noble rank as an excuse to exempt Lady Liu from paying proper respects. Madam Liu’s cruelty extended to Lady Fang’s children. Were it not for the protection of the Shen patriarch and matriarch, Shen Jun and Shen Yunxuan might not have survived childhood.

Now, Shen Yunxuan enjoyed unparalleled favor in the palace, and Shen Jun had achieved top honors and earned a trusted position. As they flourished, Shen Xiuyuan’s career declined. The siblings refused to let Shen Xiuyuan reap any benefits from them, viewing him as more of a liability than an asset. Severing ties spared them the burden of guarding against Madam Liu and her offspring while ensuring no association with Shen Xiuyuan’s tarnished legacy. Better to separate entirely and go their own way.

This was unprecedented—parents held the highest authority, and a total break like this only occurred in extreme cases, such as with someone like Li Su. Even if Lady Fang had divorced, her children traditionally could not leave with her. However, the emperor had his own motives. He wanted to support Shen Yunxuan, and since she viewed the Shen family as a burden, severing ties seemed like the best solution, leaving Shen Jun as her sole relative.

With Shen Jun’s capabilities, he could become a strong ally for Shen Yunxuan in the future. Moreover, if Shen Xiuyuan made further mistakes, the emperor could deal with him directly, replacing him with someone more competent, which would benefit the court.

The emperor quickly issued a decree, highlighting Shen Jun’s exceptional character and talent, particularly his contributions such as the discovery of the smallpox vaccine, which benefited the nation. Regarding the separation, the decree avoided mentioning past misdeeds due to the lack of evidence after so many years. Out of respect for their grandparents, Shen Jun and Shen Yunxuan didn’t bring up those matters. Instead, it stated that a master had foretold their incompatibility with Shen Xiuyuan, claiming they could not coexist as a family. Shen Jun and his sister sought separation for the peace and health of Shen Xiuyuan, and the emperor, moved by their filial piety, granted their request, allowing them to leave with their mother.

The emperor also gifted Shen Jun a residence. Its prime location signaled to the court officials that Shen Jun was destined for greatness, increasing their respect for him.

The decree turned Shen Xiuyuan into a laughingstock throughout the capital. Everyone recalled how he once claimed that a master’s prophecy necessitated sending Shen Jun to the countryside for his safety. Coupled with Shen Jun’s remarks after court, it was easy to deduce that Madam Liu had orchestrated Shen Jun’s exile to harm him. The “master’s prophecy” was merely a convenient excuse.

Now, Shen Jun had turned the tables, using the same excuse to declare incompatibility with the Shen family and sever ties for peace and health. Could Shen Xiuyuan refute this? If he did, Shen Jun might expose the family’s dark secrets, ruining his reputation even without hard evidence.

As the Minister of Rites, Shen Xiuyuan couldn’t afford to ruin his career by clinging to children who no longer cared for him. Weighing his options, he reluctantly agreed to the separation. He still had two sons and a daughter—one excelling in academics, the other in martial arts, and the daughter married to a general. There was no need to humiliate himself further.

Moreover, it was an imperial decree. Challenging it would only lead to disaster. Shen Xiuyuan consoled himself, thinking, Ungrateful children like this aren’t worth keeping anyway! However, he was furious about being deceived by Shen Yunxuan into compensating them out of guilt. He had allowed them to take many valuables from the family storeroom, all moved to the Purple Bamboo Pavilion, which Shen Jun emptied entirely after the decree was issued.

Had he known they would be so defiant, he wouldn’t have given them a single coin!

Upon moving to their new residence, Shen Jun and Shen Yunxuan’s first act was to change their surname to Fang and officially join the Fang family genealogy. From then on, they were known as Fang Jun and Fang Yunxuan.

This shocked everyone. Joining the Fang family meant that, in life or death, they were no longer connected to the Shen family. Shen Xiuyuan was so enraged that he fell ill, though Madam Liu surprisingly didn’t cause a scene this time. While she begrudged the loss of the valuables, she was relieved that her biggest obstacles were gone.

Those two siblings had always opposed her, tarnishing her reputation and forcing her to bow to Lady Fang’s memorial tablet. If things continued, her life would have been unbearable, and her ruined reputation would have affected her sons’ marriages. Severing ties ensured the Shen family’s future belonged to her sons alone. Now, as the only recognized Madam Shen, she could focus on improving her position. She wrote to Shen Yunrong, encouraging her to strengthen the family’s standing by supporting her brothers.

Shen Yunrong, however, was furious. Her relationship with her in-laws had been strained, and she had relied on her imperial sister’s status to suppress them. Now that Fang Yunxuan had severed ties, Shen Yunrong lost her backing. Her in-laws immediately moved to reclaim authority over the household. Fortunately, she had replaced key staff with her own people, allowing her to maintain control. Using the excuse of her in-laws’ poor health, she confined them to their quarters under the guise of care while avoiding them entirely.

Her strategy was clear—maintain control until her husband returned. By then, she would have stabilized the household and ensured her in-laws’ welfare, compelling her husband to respect her. She planned to secure her position, aiming to become the marchioness and eventually a respected matriarch.

Meanwhile, in the palace, news of Fang Yunxuan’s name change stunned the concubines. The empress, whose family status had diminished after her grandfather’s death, often felt overshadowed by Consort Shu. She viewed Fang Yunxuan’s decision as self-destructive. Severing ties with her father and joining the nearly extinct Fang family was akin to cutting off her own support, leaving the empress both baffled and incredulous.

The empress tried to discern the benefits of this decision but found none, deeming it completely detrimental. She couldn’t understand Shen Yunxuan and her brother’s actions, assuming that Shen Yunxuan was growing arrogant from her overwhelming favor in the harem and widespread reputation. Perhaps she believed all her success was solely her own doing, no longer requiring family support.

The empress had personally experienced the fleeting nature of power and favor. After her grandfather’s death, her family encountered numerous setbacks. Thus, she found Shen Yunxuan’s impulsiveness laughable and saw it as an opportunity for herself. If Shen Yunxuan made a single misstep, the empress could reclaim the Phoenix Seal’s authority and trample her underfoot.

Consort Shu, on the other hand, laughed until she was out of breath. She had once believed Shen Yunxuan to be a cunning schemer, but now she seemed ruled by emotion. Her mother had been dead for over a decade, yet she still resented Madam Liu for not bowing to her memorial tablet. Despite their father’s growing favor toward them, they insisted on harboring childhood grievances and severed ties with the Shen family.

They could have inherited the Shen family’s wealth and power but chose to cut ties instead—how foolish. Their luck was simply extraordinary. Who could have thought reading a random book would lead to the discovery of smallpox inoculation? Growing up in the countryside, they somehow managed to achieve great merit.

Let them enjoy their glory for now. Flowers don’t bloom for a hundred days, and no person remains favored forever. Once the opportunity arose, Consort Shu swore to exact her revenge.

From the perspective of others, Shen Yunxuan and her brother now lacked the backing of Minister Shen, leaving them isolated and vulnerable. Whenever people mentioned them, it was often with pity, and many overlooked their real capabilities.

This was precisely Shen Yunxuan’s intent. She and her brother were destined to shine brighter and brighter, so hiding their edge temporarily was necessary. If people underestimated them, all the better.

Her confidence stemmed from her knowledge of the Book of Memories, Fang Jun’s talent, his master’s influence, and the emperor’s favor. Outsiders were unaware of these factors and mistakenly believed them to be weakened. In truth, they were brimming with confidence.

Shen Yunxuan’s vision extended further. Since the emperor valued both siblings, and she was destined to bear his children, offering more innovations in the future, it was best for them to remain isolated allies of the emperor. Severing all other ties made them safer and reassured the emperor of their loyalty.

Of course, if one day the emperor turned against them, they were prepared to escape the capital, assume new identities, or even leave the country entirely. The Book of Memories had broadened Shen Yunxuan’s horizons, giving her the confidence to sever ties with the Shen family.

There was also a more personal reason. In their previous life, they hadn’t managed to cut ties with the Shen family before exacting their revenge. When Shen Xiuyuan fell from grace, Fang Jun had been somewhat affected, slowing his career advancement. In this life, they decided to sever ties completely. With no family burdens, Shen Yunxuan could fully support her brother, allowing him to pursue his ambitions without hindrance.

Feeling jubilant, Shen Yunxuan invited the emperor and Empress Dowager to a lavish dinner to express her gratitude for their indulgence. Many of her ideas were unconventional, even rebellious by the standards of the time, yet they had never reproached her and always supported her. Shen Yunxuan was genuinely thankful.

The Empress Dowager, seeing her joy, reflected that if she had been as strong-willed as Shen Yunxuan, the emperor wouldn’t have suffered so much in his youth. She admired Shen Yunxuan’s assertiveness and wanted her to flourish fully. After all, it wasn’t a significant matter—why not indulge her?

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, “If you truly wish to thank me, then give birth to a clever prince or princess like yourself. That would be my greatest joy.”

Shen Yunxuan touched her stomach and replied playfully, “I can’t control that, but I promise to raise them well so they can honor their imperial grandmother.”

Her humor made the Empress Dowager laugh heartily, and those around her grew even fonder of Shen Yunxuan. After all, she was the only one who could consistently lift the Empress Dowager’s spirits.

That night, as the emperor stayed with Shen Yunxuan, she couldn’t sleep and asked, “Does Your Majesty prefer sons or daughters?”

The emperor replied candidly, “As long as they are my children, I will love them. My father treated me poorly, and I often thought that when I had children, I would be a good father. Even if they aren’t brilliant, I’ll ensure they live comfortably. If they have interests, I’ll support them.”

Shen Yunxuan was surprised by the emperor’s progressive mindset but was relieved. She shared his sentiment—children raised with genuine parental love would surely lead happy lives, regardless of their talents.

As they talked, Shen Yunxuan suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. Clutching the emperor’s hand, she exclaimed, “Your Majesty! I think… I think I’m going into labor!”

“Labor?” The emperor sprang into action, supporting her as he called out, “Prepare immediately! The imperial consort is going into labor!”

Li Defu and Qinglan jolted awake, quickly summoning others to ready everything. The entire Anhe Palace lit up, bustling with orderly activity.

Once Shen Yunxuan entered the birthing chamber, the empress, Consort Shu, and even the Empress Dowager arrived. The emperor paced outside, his brow furrowed in worry, dismissing the concubines’ greetings with just a wave of his hand.

From the day the empress and Consort Shu entered the palace, they had only seen the emperor’s cold and indifferent demeanor. Never before had they witnessed such an anxious expression on his face. Jealousy stirred within them, and they silently hoped that the consort would give birth to twin daughters. They had considered tampering with the birth, but with Consort Xian in charge of the harem, the Anhe Palace was so tightly guarded that not even a mosquito could get through. Otherwise, a mishap leading to the death of one or both children would have ruined the consort.

Meanwhile, Consort Chen and Consort Li were genuinely worried for Consort Xian, hoping she would safely deliver a son. In the harem, the fiercest battleground, a son would solidify her position, making their alliance with her even more secure. As close friends of Consort Xian, they naturally wished for her success.

Childbirth was a lengthy process. The Empress Dowager, being elderly, was persuaded by the emperor to return to her quarters to avoid exhaustion. The emperor found the presence of the empress and other concubines inconvenient and feared they might cause trouble, so he dismissed them as well. He then stood vigil at the delivery room door, frequently asking Qin Mama, “Has Yunxuan eaten? Is there anything she’d like? Have the kitchens prepared? How much longer until the birth? Is she in pain?”

Qin Mama, who had raised the emperor, had never seen him so talkative. Understanding his worry for Shen Yunxuan, she patiently answered his questions, reassuring him.

As dawn approached and court session time neared, Shen Yunxuan, exhausted but resolute, called out, “Your Majesty, please attend court. By the time you return, you’ll see your child.”

The emperor hesitated briefly before instructing Li Defu, “Have the officials rest for now. Today’s court session is postponed until after the consort safely delivers.”

Li Defu and Qin Mama were momentarily stunned. In the nearly four years since his ascension, the emperor had never once delayed court. How long would this childbirth take? Yet, seeing his resolute expression, they refrained from persuading him otherwise. Both were his closest confidants and knew this was his first child—waiting for the birth was entirely reasonable.

The officials were puzzled by the postponed court session. When Li Defu explained that Consort Xian was in labor, their thoughts turned to the potential prince or princess, speculating quietly on how the birth would reshape the harem’s dynamics.

At sunrise, under radiant golden skies, the delivery room was filled with the cries of not one but two babies. Qin Mama and Zhuang Mama each carried a swaddled infant to Shen Yunxuan, exclaiming joyfully, “Congratulations, my lady! It’s a dragon and phoenix pair!”

Shen Yunxuan gazed at her newborns with a radiant smile, tears welling in her eyes. “Wonderful… these are my children. I have two children now…” No one knew how long she had dreamed of this moment. At last, her wish had come true. Fearing her emotions might be noticed, she quickly said, “Hurry, take them to the emperor. He’s been waiting.”

The two women promptly brought the twins to the doorway. With the morning air still cool, they dared not take the infants outside. The emperor, standing at the threshold, stared at the children for a long moment, lost for words. Finally, he said, “Good… good! How is Yunxuan?”

Shen Yunxuan called out, “I’m fine. With Your Majesty’s protection, the children and I are doing well. Please, go to court.”

“Very well. I’ll see you again after court.” The emperor finally regained his composure, a bright smile lighting his face despite the sleepless night. After one last glance at the twins, he left for court.

The officials, eager for news, inquired about the royal offspring. The emperor announced with delight, “At sunrise, Consort Xian gave birth to a dragon and phoenix pair—a most auspicious sign! Moreover, she has always cared for the people. She dreamt of golden rice fields with fish leaping among them and personally experimented with combining rice farming and fish cultivation in Anhe Palace. This method proved mutually beneficial, increasing rice yields and producing plumper fish.

I’ve had this technique tested in the imperial estates for several months, and the results align with her findings. Rice yields increased by 20%, and the fish are far superior to those from rivers.”

The officials, still reeling from the news of the twins, were stunned again by this revelation. The court buzzed with discussion. With a gesture, the emperor summoned an official overseeing the experiments, who confirmed the success. A 20% increase in rice yields could feed countless people—an extraordinary achievement attributed to Consort Xian.

Before they could fully process this, the emperor declared, “For her contributions to the nation—her ledger system, new policies, and the rice-fish farming method—Consort Xian shall be promoted to Imperial Consort Xian, enjoying the privileges of a noble consort.”

The announcement shocked the court. Prime Minister Shu prepared to object, but Li Defu stepped forward and read the imperial edict aloud. It was evident the decree had been prepared in advance, leaving no room for dissent.

The justification for her promotion—her contributions to the nation rather than the birth of royal offspring—added weight to her new title. Her reputation as a virtuous consort would only grow, becoming deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people. Even if Imperial Consort Xian were to err in the future, her goodwill would endure. After all, increasing food production was a blessing for all under heaven.

The court officials realized the emperor’s strategy. By withholding the announcement of this agricultural breakthrough until the day of the twins’ birth, he bestowed unparalleled honor upon Imperial Consort Xian. With the auspicious sign of the dragon and phoenix twins, the public might view her as a celestial being. Furthermore, emperors typically claimed such achievements for themselves, but this emperor openly credited her, demonstrating unparalleled favor. With such love and trust, if her son were not incompetent, his position as crown prince seemed inevitable.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆