A few days later, during the morning court session.
As soon as the session ended, a young eunuch approached Shen Mingwen with a smile. "Lord Shen, His Majesty requests your presence in the Zichen Hall."
At this moment, Shen Mingwen looked utterly drained, a far cry from his usual spirited demeanor.
Emperor Yuanyou, observing Shen Mingwen's state, coughed lightly to suppress the smirk tugging at his lips.
"Lord Shen, you seem rather pale. Could it be that rascal Shen Qingping has angered you again?"
Even Wu Qi, standing nearby, found it hard to watch—wasn’t the Emperor deliberately twisting the knife in Lord Shen’s heart?
"Your Majesty, I do not mind being laughed at. This time, the trouble was not caused by my third son, but by my eldest," Shen Mingwen replied with a bitter smile. "The matter nearly caused a rift with General Gu, as Qinghui has taken a liking to the general’s eldest daughter."
"I understand your predicament, Lord Shen."
Emperor Yuanyou feigned a sorrowful sigh. "Back when Prince Qin was unruly, I, too, lost many hairs from worry. Fortunately, he has since mended his ways, and my heart is now at ease."
Hearing this, Shen Mingwen felt even worse.
He, too, could have rejoiced like the Emperor, celebrating his third son’s redemption.
But what was the reality?
"Your eldest son’s actions were indeed improper. Discipline him well, but ensure it does not interfere with Qingping’s duties."
In Emperor Yuanyou’s eyes, Shen Qinghui was insignificant. Aside from enjoying the spectacle of the Shen family’s embarrassment, his only concern was that Shen Qingping’s work remain unaffected.
"Of course. Qingping now carries heavy responsibilities, and I will not allow any distractions to hinder him."
Recognizing the veiled warning in the Emperor’s words, Shen Mingwen hastily assured him.
"When weeds grow among crops, they must be removed promptly, lest they stifle the harvest. Don’t you agree, Lord Shen?"
"Your Majesty speaks wisely."
Watching Shen Mingwen’s dazed retreat, Emperor Yuanyou glanced toward a nearby screen and snapped, "Come out."
A few moments later, two figures—one tall, one small—stood before the Emperor, wearing identical ingratiating smiles.
"Grandfather, you were truly majestic just now!"
"Ahuan is right. Father’s presence was awe-inspiring."
Listening to their exaggerated praise, Emperor Yuanyou snorted. "I’ve done my part in delivering the warning. The rest is up to you—I won’t intervene further."
Such a trivial matter, yet it required the words of the Son of Heaven himself.
Besides, would someone like Shen Mingwen truly act foolishly?
"Grandfather, rest assured. Father has already spread word of the dispute between the Shen and Gu families," Song Shihuan said, her smile unwavering. Emperor Yuanyou nearly choked on his own saliva. "So the entire Great Qi will now witness the Shen family’s humiliation?"
Song Yu and Song Shihuan nodded.
Before the Emperor could laugh further, a thought struck him. "Shen Mingwen is your tutor. Is it appropriate for you to expose his family’s troubles?"
"Why wouldn’t it be?"
Song Yu remained unperturbed. "Though it may seem harsh on Lord Shen now, it will ultimately benefit the Shen family’s future and soothe General Gu’s displeasure."
As if they would let Shen Qinghui off lightly after he insulted Shen Qingping and provoked Gu Zheng!
"Fair point."
Emperor Yuanyou chuckled again, then turned to Wu Qi. "Send someone to gather rumors about the Shen family."
Such a rare spectacle was not to be missed!
......
For several days, discussions about the Shen and Gu families spread throughout Great Qi.
"Have you heard? The eldest son of the Shen family actually sought to marry his son to General Gu’s eldest daughter. General Gu was so furious he drew his sword at the Shen residence, and now they’re holding a martial contest to choose a husband for the young lady!"
"Indeed. I’ve seen that young master of the Shen family—scrawny limbs and all. How could he possibly be worthy of a general’s daughter?"
"Rumor has it that when the eldest Shen returned to the capital, he publicly berated Lord Shen outside the city gates. Clearly, he’s jealous that his younger brother outranks him."
Amidst the gossip, Shen Mingwen, who had come to South Street to buy pastries for Lady Shen, flushed crimson and shut the carriage window with a cold command: "Return home."
The next morning at court, Shen Mingwen’s right eyelid twitched as officials approached him—unsurprisingly, all eager to discuss the Shen-Gu affair.
"Lord Shen, we haven’t seen Imperial Lecturer Shen in days."
"He is unwell and recuperating at home."
Shen Mingwen swore he had never felt so humiliated in all his years at court.
"Lord Shen, with you and young Lord Shen in power, the family’s influence is at its peak. Now, with Imperial Lecturer Shen added to the mix, the Shen family’s future is boundless!"
The mockery was blatant.
A surge of anger burned in Shen Mingwen’s chest—until he spotted Gu Zheng, and it dissipated into helpless frustration.
How infuriating!
After court, Shen Mingwen hurried home, eager to minimize further embarrassment.
"What a coincidence, Lord Shen."
At the palace gates, Shen Mingwen bowed hastily to the bright-eyed Song Shihuan.
"The Shen family has been quite the talk of the town lately. Yesterday, everywhere I went, people were gossiping about you."
Shen Mingwen forced a pained smile. "This matter reflects poorly on my family."
"Though young, I understand the saying ‘two tigers cannot share one mountain,’" Song Shihuan said, a glint of steel in her gaze. "When Imperial Lecturer Shen was stationed outside the capital, the Shen family was at peace. Perhaps returning to that arrangement would be best."
"What does Lord Shen think?"
Shen Mingwen’s eyes lit up. "Many thanks for your guidance, Princess."
"Guidance is too strong a word. I merely worry for Lord Shen’s position. If the family cannot secure his rear, how can he avoid being attacked from all sides?"
Though Shen Mingwen had aided her and her father, if the Prince Qin household had to choose between the Shen father and son, the answer was obvious.
"Your servant just recalled an urgent matter for His Majesty’s ears. I must take my leave."
Watching Shen Mingwen rush back into the palace, Song Shihuan’s smile vanished. "Return to the manor."
......
Zichen Hall.
"You wish to send Shen Qinghui away from the capital?"
Emperor Yuanyou studied Shen Mingwen, kneeling below. It was a shrewd solution—if Shen Mingwen could bring himself to make the choice.
"Qinghui lacks experience. A few more years outside the capital would serve him well," Shen Mingwen said carefully. "If he remains, I fear he may jeopardize greater affairs."
"Granted."
After a moment’s thought, the Emperor decreed, "Let Shen Qinghui assume the post of Prefect of Laijin. As for the former prefect, Xie Zhiyi—demote him to Vice Prefect."
Emperor Yuanyou mentally flipped through his ledger of grudges. He remembered clearly: when Song Yu visited Yong’an County, Xie Zhiyi had failed to greet him.
Demotion it was!
