Facing the impeachment from the court officials, Shen Mingwen and Shen Qingping remained as composed as if nothing had happened.
Emperor Yuanyou swept his gaze across the hall before speaking:
"The crimes committed by Shen Qinghui will not be pardoned lightly by this emperor."
The courtiers were overjoyed upon hearing this. Concealing a disaster as grave as the flood was no small offense—one that could not be atoned for by Shen Qinghui's head alone. Implicating his entire clan was practically inevitable.
With this in mind, one official spoke up again, "Grand Tutor Shen failed in disciplining his son and should also be held accountable."
"Indeed," another added. "And Young Master Shen—so many innocent lives were lost in Laijin Prefecture. The entire Shen Family should be thrown into the imperial prison at once to await trial."
Emperor Yuanyou could execute Shen Qinghui without a second thought.
But when it came to implicating Shen Mingwen and Shen Qingping, the emperor's heart wavered.
One was that scoundrel's teacher, the other was Ah Huan's teacher.
If he acted against them, would the father-daughter pair return and tear his Zichen Palace apart?
As Emperor Yuanyou remained silent, deep in thought, Shen Mingwen stepped forward, his voice heavy with sorrow:
"Your Majesty, I must confess—Shen Qinghui has already been expelled from the Shen Family. His name no longer appears in our clan registry."
Expelled from the clan?
The entire court gaped in shock. Was there really such a thing as preemptive divination?
"Grand Tutor Shen, are you lying to protect yourself?" Skeptical voices arose one after another. "Shen Qinghui was your eldest legitimate son. No family would ever cast out their heir!"
Amidst the scoffing, Shen Qingping spoke without a flicker of emotion:
"Expelling a member from the clan is a grave matter, requiring the witness of the clan elders and formal documentation. If you doubt it, inspect the Shen Family's ancestral records."
His unwavering confidence made the officials hesitate.
Could the Shen Family truly be so fortunate?
Seated on the throne, Emperor Yuanyou was inwardly delighted but maintained a stern expression:
"Minister Shen, why did you expel Shen Qinghui from the clan?"
He was overjoyed—this was the perfect excuse to spare the Shen Family!
"A few months ago, when Shen Qinghui returned to the capital for his post, I discovered his immoral character. Fearing he would exploit the Shen Family's reputation for his own gain, I removed him from the clan."
"Moreover... I have already designated Qingping as the next head of the Shen Family. I could not leave behind a liability for him."
Emperor Yuanyou nodded approvingly. "A wise decision, Minister Shen."
"Since Shen Qinghui is no longer connected to the Shen Family, his crimes shall not implicate them. Court is dismissed."
In rare high spirits, the emperor left the hall, leaving the officials bewildered.
"Young Master Shen, we only spoke up earlier out of concern for you—we feared His Majesty might hold a grudge against the Shen Family, hence our boldness in mentioning you and Grand Tutor Shen."
"Indeed! Young Master Shen is His Majesty's trusted confidant. Surely, the emperor would never punish you."
"Grand Tutor Shen is truly prescient, expelling Shen Qinghui in advance."
The sycophantic voices made Shen Qingping sick to his stomach.
"Are you done?"
A single sentence silenced the officials.
"Those who impeached the Shen Family today—pray you never fall into my hands. Conduct yourselves well and stay out of trouble."
"Otherwise, face the consequences."
With that, he strode out of the court, his mocking expression unmistakable.
A pack of spineless hypocrites.
......
Zichen Palace.
Emperor Yuanyou, unusually, had slept deeply during the day. Outside the hall, Wu Qi hurriedly intercepted Song Yanchao upon seeing him.
"Eunuch Wu, I have urgent matters to discuss with Grandfather."
"Second Imperial Grandson, His Majesty has been restless at night, troubled by the Laijin Prefecture disaster. He is resting now." Wu Qi dared not disturb the emperor.
His smile remained polite, but his stance was firm.
Song Yanchao glared at Wu Qi, resentment flashing in his eyes.
Had it been his uncle or Ah Huan, this damned eunuch would have scurried inside to announce them without hesitation!
A sniveling servant with no respect!
Suppressing his frustration, Song Yanchao forced a smile. "If Grandfather is resting, I shall wait outside."
He had a chair brought to him and sat beneath the eaves.
A light drizzle continued to fall over the capital. Gazing at the overcast sky, Song Yanchao's thoughts wandered.
Why had the floodwaters in Laijin receded so quickly?
Why hadn’t Song Yu drowned there?
And how had the Shen Family escaped unscathed?
Now that the Qin Prince's Mansion had won the people's hearts, he too would go to Laijin to claim his share.
Thus, Song Yanchao waited for two full hours.
Only after sneezing six times in a row did movement finally stir within the palace.
Another incense stick’s worth of time passed before he was permitted to enter.
"You waited two hours outside. What is so urgent?" Emperor Yuanyou's tone was indifferent, his lack of fondness evident.
Gu Zheng had led thirty thousand elite troops to Laijin, yet neither of his imperial grandsons—both trained in the military—had accompanied him. Though the emperor said nothing, his displeasure lingered.
"I beg Grandfather to allow me to assist in Laijin Prefecture."
"The floodwaters have already receded. What purpose would you serve there?" The emperor didn’t even look up.
"Epidemics often follow floods. I wished to accompany General Gu earlier, but illness prevented me. Now that I’ve recovered, I implore Grandfather’s permission."
"Thinking of Uncle and Ah Huan laboring tirelessly in Laijin weighs heavily on me. As a descendant of the Ping Prince's Mansion, if I contribute nothing, my father’s spirit may never rest in peace."
At the mention of Song Ling, Emperor Yuanyou finally raised his head.
"Epidemics are no trifling matter. One misstep could cost your life. Are you unafraid?"
"I fear nothing."
Song Yanchao had already planned it—once there, he would stick close to Song Yu and Song Shihuan. Wherever they were would surely be safe.
No risk of infection.
"Rare to see such dedication. As an imperial grandson, you should serve the people." The emperor paused. "However, once there, you must follow orders. If you act recklessly and cause trouble, do not blame me for being merciless."
"Thank you, Grandfather!"
Song Yanchao left Zichen Palace beaming, as if already envisioning the people’s adoration.
Behind him, Emperor Yuanyou returned to his memorials.
"Wu Qi, send word to Laijin. If he causes trouble, do not spare him for the sake of royal dignity."
