Volume One, Chapter 10: Rewarding Meritorious Ministers

After finishing speaking, Shen Qiyuan withdrew his gaze. “Chang Gui said Your Majesty summoned me to the palace—may I ask if there is something you wish to discuss?”

The emperor, startled by Shen Qiyuan’s piercing look earlier, had almost suspected that Shen knew something. But upon hearing the latter’s words, he relaxed; the events of that year had been flawless—there was no way Shen could know anything.

Reassured, the emperor took a deep breath, dismissed the palace attendants, and personally escorted Shen Qiyuan toward the side chamber of the imperial study. “Have you heard? The Marquis of Dingyuan’s residence and the Minister of Personnel’s household are arranging a marriage alliance.”

“The Marquis of Dingyuan’s residence?” Shen Qiyuan raised an eyebrow. “I recall the marquis’s son was already betrothed to the daughter of one of his military officers. Could it be that the marquis’s daughter is betrothed to the minister’s son?”

“The minister’s son…” The emperor furrowed his brow tightly. He seemed to recall that the minister’s son was engaged to the granddaughter of the Duke of Dingguo.

The Duke of Dingguo was elderly now, but his heir still guarded the southwest. The heir’s two sons were renowned military commanders, famously doting on their sister.

He had heard that the marriage between Jiang Qingya and Lin Shaoxuan was scandalous, only arranged after Lin Shaoxuan’s fiancée caught them in an indiscretion and broke off their engagement.

Seeing that the emperor was absorbing his words, and having already considered much, Shen Qiyuan lowered his brows, poured himself some hot tea, took two sips, and then said softly, “Judging by Your Majesty’s reaction, it seems the marriage isn’t between the marquis’s daughter and the minister’s son?”

“It was Lin Shaoxuan and Jiang Qingya who committed an indiscretion, forcing the Song and Lin families to annul their engagement and instead arrange a match with the Jiang family,” the emperor’s face darkened as he spoke. “Jiang Weimin is scheming relentlessly to marry into a noble military family. What does he intend?”

To threaten a powerful minister like himself?

Listening to the emperor’s words, Shen Qiyuan’s eyelids twitched slightly. Setting down his teacup, he spoke quietly, “But Your Majesty cannot punish the Jiang family over a marriage alone.”

“That is why I summoned you for counsel,” the emperor sighed. “The Jiang family’s ambitions have now become overt. I must be cautious.”

“You cannot punish the Jiang family,” Shen Qiyuan looked up at the emperor, a faint smile playing on his lips, “but you can reward those who have rendered meritorious service.”

The emperor looked at him in puzzlement. Shen Qiyuan’s smile deepened slightly. “General Song Shouyi of Weiyuan, I’ve heard he gained the marquis’s favor by saving him, which led to the promised marriage between their families. Why not investigate under what circumstances Song Shouyi saved the marquis?”

The emperor’s eyes narrowed as he was about to speak, but Shen Qiyuan continued, “Doesn’t Your Majesty often say these hereditary nobles are unreliable? Now that we have a talented alternative before us, wouldn’t it be a pity to ignore him?”

Still hesitating, the emperor immediately raised his voice, “Chang Gui, enter.”

Chang Gui promptly obeyed. The emperor instructed him to investigate the military matters of that time and verify whether General Song’s achievements had been falsely reported by the Marquis of Dingyuan.

Chang Gui left at once.

“If you reward the Song family, Your Majesty will clearly show your displeasure with this marriage. Lin Yongde and Jiang Weimin will understand Your Majesty’s concerns. If they harbor no ill intent, they will surely show their loyalty. A victorious general who refuses to return the imperial tally is already suspect.”

The emperor’s face darkened. Lin Yongde had returned triumphantly to the capital. As the sovereign who granted honors, the emperor now entrusted him with command of the entire city garrison. Yet Lin Yongde delayed returning the military tally from the northwest, revealing questionable loyalty.

“You, Seventh Prince, are always so thoughtful,” the emperor patted Shen Qiyuan’s shoulder. “If I don’t discipline these ministers properly, they really won’t take me seriously!”

Shen Qiyuan glanced sideways at the emperor’s hand still resting on his shoulder, a flicker of chill in his eyes. He coughed twice, then said, “If Your Majesty has no further matters, I shall return to my residence. I am weary.”

Seeing Shen Qiyuan’s pale face and darkened lips, the emperor pursed his lips and asked, “Won’t you visit the Empress Dowager? She often asks after you these days.”

Mentioning the empress dowager, a trace of emotion flickered across Shen Qiyuan’s face. He lifted his gaze sorrowfully. “No. If she sees me like this, she will only weep. My presence would only deepen her sorrow.”

“Very well. I will comfort her. You must also take care of your health. Both the Empress Dowager and I need you.” The emperor patted Shen Qiyuan’s shoulder, then personally escorted him out of the study. Upon reaching the outer hall, he summoned a eunuch to see Shen Qiyuan safely out of the palace.

Once outside the study, the sorrow in Shen Qiyuan’s eyes vanished completely, replaced by hatred and scorn.

Outside the palace, Mo Feng waited on Imperial Street. Seeing Shen Qiyuan being pushed out by a eunuch, he hurried forward, taking the eunuch’s place and pushing Shen toward the carriage. “I just saw Chang Gui leave the palace with some men.”

Shen Qiyuan’s lips curved slightly. “That was swift.”

Night fell.

Having learned from yesterday’s experience, Song Shuning lay fully dressed in bed, waiting for Shen Qiyuan’s men to come 'fetch' her, sparing herself the trouble of changing clothes repeatedly.

Sure enough, before midnight, Mo Feng appeared in her room. Alerted by Song Shujun’s earlier warning, she quickly hushed him and clutched a pillow to her chest, nodding slightly.

Mo Feng hoisted Song Shuning up and leapt through the window. This time, she was prepared, cushioning her chest with the pillow, making the ride somewhat less uncomfortable than yesterday.

But only somewhat.

The bumpy journey nearly made Song Shuning vomit. Seeing her like this, Shen Qiyuan twitched at the corner of his mouth and spoke sternly, “Did you invite her or abduct her? Is this how you invite guests?”

Hearing this, Song Shuning almost cried with relief. She lifted her wet eyes to Shen Qiyuan—finally, someone understood her grievances!

She had wanted to speak up yesterday but dared not.

Shen Qiyuan, observing her pitiful expression, found it somewhat amusing. Yet the burning pain in his body rendered laughter impossible. “Thank you,” he said.

He had already removed his shirt. Seeing his reddened skin, Song Shuning frowned and stepped forward to apply acupuncture. “You’re fully conscious today. The needles might hurt, but please bear with it.”

“No matter. Doctor Song, please proceed.”

Hearing Shen Qiyuan address her respectfully, a faint smile touched Song Shuning’s lips. This man treated others with courtesy, unlike the domineering heroes in the novels she had read.

He definitely didn’t seem like the villain the author had portrayed.

After two quarters of an hour, Song Shuning, sweating profusely, looked at Shen Qiyuan. “How do you feel, sir?”

Shen Qiyuan nodded. “Much better now, just a bit drowsy.”

“Then I wish you a restful night,” Song Shuning said, rising with a smile.

Shen Qiyuan called after her, “I promised that if you could ease my pain, I would ensure your safety in the capital. Aside from safety, do you have any requests?”

Song Shuning was taken aback; she hadn’t expected him to discuss payment so soon.

But since he brought it up, refusing would seem rude.

She nodded. “Yes. I want to establish myself in the capital and become a person of influence—to exact revenge.”

Shen Qiyuan raised an eyebrow. “Revenge?”

“Though you exposed the true nature of those two scoundrels yesterday, neither family suffered any loss. They still openly arranged their engagement, while I endured physical suffering. My sister has become the subject of gossip.”

Song Shuning rolled up her sleeve, revealing her bandaged arm. “Because of their noble status, they toy with us powerless people. I cannot accept this! I want revenge!”