The Hall of Purple Radiance.
Emperor Yuanyou gazed at Shen Qingping before him, his eyes filled with complexity. "Are you certain this is the way you wish to deal with the Shen Family? I have the patience to wear them down slowly."
"Your Majesty, this is the swiftest and most decisive method."
Shen Qingping spoke calmly, "However, as I am well-versed in the laws of Great Qi, I naturally cannot break them myself. Thus, I boldly request Your Majesty to allocate a portion of the official salt reserves to me, so I may uncover the smuggling routes used by the Shen Family."
"I grant your request."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." A cold glint flashed in Shen Qingping's eyes. "Once the routes are exposed, I will force the Shen Family to act against me by turning their own methods against them—making them panic and reveal their crimes."
Otherwise, like a cunning hare with multiple burrows, it would be difficult to strike them down in one blow.
"And then have someone accuse you of smuggling salt, exposing the routes to the public?"
Emperor Yuanyou spoke irritably, rising to stand before Shen Qingping. "You place yourself in such danger without a thought for your own safety."
"I do have personal motives."
Shen Qingping lifted his head. "The Shen Family has relentlessly targeted the Prince and the Princess. Deep down, I wish to uproot them as soon as possible. Moreover, if I succeed in Your Majesty’s task, might I be promoted further?"
"Your Majesty, I am willing to stake my life to ensure the Shen Family’s downfall. If I fail, execute me to quell public dissent. If I succeed, the salt tax revenue from Jianghuai will increase by thirty percent."
His forehead touched the ground—Shen Qingping was betting everything he had.
Emperor Yuanyou remained silent for the time it took half an incense stick to burn, then kicked Shen Qingping lightly in the backside.
"You brat, another promotion and you’ll be on par with your father."
How did the Shen family raise such a shrewd politician in their ancestral worship?
That scoundrel was lucky.
As Shen Qingping left the Hall of Purple Radiance, Shen Xiao, standing guard at the entrance, couldn’t help but glance at him. "If Young Master Shen requires any assistance, do not hesitate to ask."
"With Commander Shen’s word, my life is practically guaranteed."
Seeing the grin so reminiscent of the Prince’s, Shen Xiao recalled Shen Qingping’s earlier words and felt a tremor in his heart.
"The Imperial Guards will ensure you live."
......
"Such a dangerous plan, and you didn’t discuss it with me first? Instead, you went straight to the old man and rambled on for ages?"
After hearing Shen Qingping’s scheme, Song Yu was beside himself.
Would the strategist he painstakingly selected be lost to this reckless move?
"Your Highness, rest assured. I will wait until after the New Year to act. Let us enjoy the festivities first."
"And how does waiting make it any less dangerous?"
Song Yu’s hand trembled as he pointed at Shen Qingping, then turned to Song Shihuan beside him. "Ah Huan, tell me—does his plan have flaws?"
"Yes."
Song Shihuan answered firmly. "Master, your safety matters more to Father and me than anything else. The Shen Family can be dealt with anytime."
A warmth spread through Shen Qingping’s entire body, and he even chuckled.
"My methods have always been swift and decisive. I admit I’m impatient, but I promise I’ll be fine."
He rubbed his nose. "Though when I’m thrown into prison, Your Highness and the Princess will likely face criticism for being associated with me."
Seeing the resolve in Shen Qingping’s eyes, Song Yu sighed in resignation.
"Well, by then Ah Huan and I won’t even be in the capital. Let them curse—it won’t reach my ears."
"Ah Huan, your father is truly heartless."
After a long pause, laughter finally filled the room. Outside, Liuxi, who had been holding his breath in worry, finally relaxed.
Young Master Shen was a sharp blade—swift, precise, and ruthless.
Whatever he set his mind to, he achieved.
The Prince and Princess must have chosen to trust him as well.
......
Time passed swiftly, and soon it was the eve of the New Year’s banquet.
Red lanterns adorned every household in the capital, and the occasional crackle of firecrackers filled the air with festive cheer.
Officials of the fifth rank and above arrived at the palace with their families, men and women seated separately. As the guests settled in, the highest seat remained empty.
Hall of Purple Radiance.
"Your Majesty, it is almost time."
Emperor Yuanyou glanced at the sky. "Has Prince Qin and the Princess arrived yet?"
Before Wu Qi could reply, Song Shihuan’s cheerful voice rang out, softening the Emperor’s expression instantly.
"Imperial Grandfather, let us enter together."
"At least your father has some filial piety this time, bringing you to accompany me." Emperor Yuanyou shot Song Yu a glare, still resentful over being barred from seeing Song Shihuan before her birthday banquet.
"They say the elderly forget easily, but clearly, Your Majesty remains youthful."
Song Yu pouted. It was New Year’s Eve—he wouldn’t argue with the old man today.
"Greetings to Your Majesty, Prince Qin, and Princess Fu’an!"
The thunderous salutation echoed through the hall. Emperor Yuanyou waved his hand. "Be seated."
"Tonight, on this New Year’s Eve, we gather to share in celebration. May the coming year bring favorable weather and bountiful harvests for the people."
"A toast!"
After a brief address, Emperor Yuanyou focused entirely on chatting with Song Shihuan.
As the wine flowed, the atmosphere grew lively.
"With so many talented young ladies and gentlemen present, why not have them showcase their skills?" Consort Hui suggested, noticing the Emperor’s high spirits.
"A fine idea."
Encouraged, the guests began to stir with excitement.
One after another, noble ladies performed—some danced, others painted, each avoiding the guqin, Song Shihuan’s forte.
"Lady Gu, this year’s top scholar of the women’s academy, only displayed her painting skills during the competition. I wonder what other talents she possesses?"
Shen Lin'er, still catching her breath after a dance, spoke up.
Instantly, Song Shihuan’s smile dimmed.
"The banquet dishes are quite delicious tonight," Gu Mingzhu replied airily, ignoring Shen Lin'er’s provocation.
Shen Pu downed a cup of wine. "As the academy’s top scholar, Lady Gu should demonstrate her abilities, lest people doubt your worth."
"Old Shen, are you just bitter because you couldn’t win yourself?" Gu Zheng retorted, barely restraining himself from violence only because of the occasion.
"General Gu misunderstands. Many young ladies have performed—shouldn’t the top scholar do the same?"
"Very well, if you insist." Gu Mingzhu lifted her chin. "But I’ll need to change attire first."
As she left, Shen Pu smirked. The girl was probably fleeing in fear.
What he didn’t notice was the gaze fixed upon him from the moment he spoke.
Shen Qingping swirled his wine, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Still causing trouble?
Just wait—your family’s reckoning is coming.
