The daughter of Grand Tutor Shen, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Shen Zhili, who serves as the Chief Clerk of the Bureau of Military Operations in the Ministry of War, and Di Nian, Deputy Commander of the Fourth Cavalry Division of the Imperial Guards and Commandant of the Shenwei Army, are now being praised as a perfect match of beauty and heroism, complementing each other splendidly.
This has become the latest talk spreading through the streets and alleys of the capital over the past two days.
Five days ago, Di Nian submitted a memorial directly to the Emperor, expressing his intention to marry Shen Zhili, the Chief Clerk of the Bureau of Military Operations in the Ministry of War, in one month. This immediately stunned the court officials, who had been in an uproar over the alleged private affair between Gu Qin and Shen Zhili.
Although the two were already engaged, and the memorial was not a request for the Emperor to bestow the marriage—since it concerned the marriage of a female official in the court—Di Nian still followed protocol by drafting the memorial.
In addition to announcing their wedding, the memorial also provided an explanation for Shen Zhili’s previous nighttime visits to Chancellor Gu Qin’s residence:
Di Nian and Shen Zhili had been deeply in love for years. However, since Shen Zhili served in the Ministry of War and Di Nian was stationed with the Imperial Army in the capital, they had kept their relationship private to avoid suspicion in the court. They had planned to delay their marriage until Di Nian was assigned to a border command. Recently, when the Secretariat proposed Shen Zhili as the Empress, Grand Tutor Shen, believing that his daughter and the Emperor had grown up together and would not refuse, consented on her behalf. Shen Zhili’s visits to Chancellor Gu Qin were to explain her situation and plead with him and the Chancellors of the Secretariat to reconsider the Empress selection. However, the Secretariat’s proposal had already been finalized, and the memorial requesting the Emperor to appoint Shen Zhili as Empress was submitted to the Inner Court, leading to the subsequent turmoil.
Anyone with a modicum of intelligence in the court could see the flaws in Di Nian’s memorial. Yet, at this point, no one dared to freely discuss the matter between Gu Qin and Shen Zhili.
Di Nian and Shen Zhili’s marriage was now a settled matter. Both declared they had cherished each other for years, and Shen Zhili was even willing to resign from her position in the Ministry of War to marry Di Nian. Who could still claim that Shen Zhili and Gu Qin had an affair? Moreover, a group of senior generals from the Privy Council stepped forward, advising the Emperor that Di Nian and Shen Zhili’s relationship had long been known among military officers, and the alleged affair between Gu Qin and Shen Zhili was nothing but baseless rumors spread by frivolous civil officials, utterly unreliable.
Everyone knew how crucial Di Nian’s role was in the Imperial Army, especially after his promotion to Deputy Commander of the Fourth Cavalry Division of the Imperial Guards for his merits in quelling the rebel army earlier in the year. They also knew that none of the senior generals, led by Chief of the Privy Council Fang Kai, were to be trifled with. The military valued courage and discipline above all, and with these veteran generals—who had led troops to secure the empire and held founding merits—speaking out, who in the court would dare question the authenticity of Di Nian and Shen Zhili’s relationship? Even the Chief Administrators in the Hall of State Affairs had to tread carefully when opposing the Privy Council, weighing their actions with extra caution.
Almost overnight, both public criticism and court discussions shifted direction. Censor Qiao Bo was now criticized for credulously believing absurd rumors and impeaching an Important Official of the Secretariat without evidence. Gu Qin was condemned for recklessly trying to separate the couple, stubbornly unaware of his actions, and inadvertently making the Emperor appear as if he were competing with the heir of the late Duke Wuguo for a woman—an utterly improper situation!However, since the incident occurred, all related memorials concerning the appointment of an empress, the impeachment of Gu Qin, Di Nian's petition, and Gu Qin's plea for forgiveness have been suppressed by the Emperor without any response. Within the Inner Court, there is complete silence, and no one has been able to discern the slightest hint of the Emperor's intentions. No one knows what the final outcome of these matters will be.
But regardless of the political storms brewing in the court, the common people in the capital are eagerly discussing the latest rumors.
Truly, heaven and earth have eyes! Compared to Gu Qin, a veteran official of two dynasties, a beauty like Shen Zhili, with her outstanding family background, talent, and appearance, truly deserves a heroic and righteous man like Di Nian, who is more than capable of quelling chaos and pacifying rebellions!
·
Distant clouds entwined with twilight, the imperial palace lay in profound silence, with pale golden leaves rustling softly in the wind.
Shen Zhishu, dressed in his court attire, stood solemnly outside the Hall of Profound Thought, waiting for someone to announce his audience.
When circuit prefects and other officials passed through the capital for an audience, the Emperor usually received them in side halls like the Yanqing Hall. But this time, the Emperor had summoned him to the Hall of Profound Thought, a clear sign of imperial favor.
Under normal circumstances, Shen Zhishu would not have found this unusual. However, with the recent turmoil, the Emperor's continued favor made him feel somewhat uneasy.
When he left the capital for Chaoan North Circuit, the Emperor was still the Crown Prince. Later, he had not been summoned to the capital for the coronation ceremony. By his reckoning, it had been nearly two years since he last saw the Emperor, which only added to his nervousness.
Although they had been study companions since childhood, the distinction between sovereign and subject was now clear. He could no longer act as boldly and unrestrainedly as before, and the Emperor would no longer regard him as a close friend from the inner circle. Today's audience must proceed strictly according to the rituals of sovereign and subject, severing the ties of the past and forcing him to refocus his attention on this young emperor seated upon the dragon throne.
When the attendant announced his audience, Shen Zhishu was still lost in thought. It was only after being called several times that he snapped back to reality. He hastily straightened his robes and strode up the steps.
The hall was as cold and austere as ever.
The austerity stemmed from Ying Gua's preference for handling state affairs without palace attendants nearby, while the chill was due to the hall's northern exposure and Ying Gua's reluctance to allow the palace staff to start heating it too early each year.
From the moment he crossed the threshold, Shen Zhishu kept his head bowed and his sleeves clasped. When he reached the center of the hall, he straightforwardly knelt, bowing deeply and proclaiming loudly, "Your subject, Attendant of the Celestial Literature Pavilion and Prefect of Qing Province, Shen Zhishu, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
"Rise."
The voice was as cold and austere as he remembered, unchanged.
Shen Zhishu slowly rose to his feet but then bowed deeply again in a formal court salute. "Your subject has returned to the capital by decree to report on his duties. The delay in attending this audience is solely due to Your Majesty's exceptional grace. On behalf of the entire Shen family, I thank Your Majesty."
Though brief, these words carried a double meaning. They expressed gratitude for the Emperor's considerate favor while also probing the Emperor's stance on the matter of Shen Zhili.
After a prolonged silence, Shen Zhishu frowned slightly and looked up.
He met Ying Gua's gaze, sharp as a sword.
Startled, Shen Zhishu was about to hurriedly lower his head when Ying Gua spoke: "You've learned to speak formally even with me. Two years in Qing Province have brought some progress."
With this subtle shift of the topic to Qing Province, Shen Zhishu frowned slightly but had no choice but to refocus his thoughts, awaiting the Emperor's questions about the civil administration and military affairs in Qing Province.Unexpectedly, Ying Gua leaned back into the throne and asked him in a low voice, "Before departing from Qing Province, did you receive any edicts sent from the capital?"
Shen Zhishu remained frowning and nodded, "Minister Meng’s single order transferred thirteen officials from the Pacification and Transport Commissions of the Chaoan North Circuit—the scale of this action is truly excessive." His words were straightforward and unvarnished. After a brief pause, he added, "As for Your Majesty’s intention to reorganize the Imperial Armies of the Chaoan, Jiankang, and Linhuai Circuits, I am not in the position of Pacification Commissioner and dare not comment recklessly."
"There is no need for you to probe deliberately," Ying Gua’s voice was cool, yet tinged with authority. "In summoning you back to the capital this time, We had no intention of promoting you to Pacification Commissioner of the Chaoan North Circuit."
Shen Zhishu hurriedly replied, "I would not dare entertain such thoughts. The civil and military affairs of the Chaoan Circuit are heavy, and only a capable minister can occupy the position of Pacification Commissioner. Having governed Qing Province for less than two years, how could I aspire to such a high post?"
Ying Gua let out a soft laugh. "Yanzhi, saying this leaves Us at a loss." The man standing below the throne bore little resemblance to the Shen Zhishu of old, who had once held all capital officials in contempt. His gaze sharpened as he scrutinized Shen Zhishu and continued, "However, We intend for you to fill the vacancy of Transport Commissioner of the Chaoan North Circuit."
Despite having reminded himself since entering the hall to remain humble and restrained, Shen Zhishu could not suppress the astonishment on his face upon hearing these words, exclaiming, "Is Your Majesty jesting?"
Ying Gua raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression utterly serious.
Shen Zhishu’s heart raced suddenly. "If this is so, I will spare no effort to prove worthy of Your Majesty’s grace!"
His lack of modest refusal and such direct acceptance of the appointment caused a flicker of coldness in Ying Gua’s eyes, but it vanished almost imperceptibly as he added calmly, "As for the reorganization of the border circuit Imperial Armies, the Privy Council has decided to entrust Di Nian with the task."
These words struck directly at Shen Zhishu’s concerns.
Hesitating and conflicted, Shen Zhishu still did not dare to ask outright after a long pause, merely acquiescing, "The Privy Council’s decision is surely well-considered by Your Majesty."
Ying Gua looked at him with a profound gaze and suddenly asked, "Was the memorial submitted by Di Nian drafted by you?"
Shen Zhishu gave a bitter smile. "How would I dare to be so bold? The matters in that memorial were—" He paused mid-sentence, as if afraid to speak directly, but after a moment’s thought, he continued as if throwing caution to the wind, "They were devised by Minister Meng and taught to Di Nian."
Meng Tinghui?
Hearing this name, far from being angered, the corners of his thin lips lifted slightly as he asked again, "So, according to this, LeYan’s marriage to Di Nian also owes credit to her?"
Seeing his relaxed expression, Shen Zhishu instantly confirmed the various rumors he had previously heard and replied, "It was indeed Minister Meng who persuaded her."
It must be so.
He had long known it was her doing, yet he still wanted confirmation from Shen Zhishu.
What Shen Zhishu did not know, and what Shen Zhili did not know either, was that aside from the matter of Di Nian, this entire upheaval at court was also her handiwork.
Since his birthday, she had deliberately avoided him and refrained from attending audiences at the Hall of Profound Thought.
He understood her so well—how could he not know that her avoidance stemmed from a guilty conscience, which kept her from seeking a private audience?
It had always been this way. The more she outwardly tried to distance and absolve herself, the deeper she was entangled within, her mind filled with intricate calculations, fearful that her schemes and methods might tarnish his reputation.When the wave of impeachment against Gu Qin arose in the court, Shen Zhili’s reputation was also tarnished. Despite the significant matter of the empress selection, she had taken no action, yet she submitted a memorial to exonerate Gu Qin.
What is called “protesting too much”?
This is called “protesting too much.”
But this matter was not solely about the empress selection, nor was it only about Gu Qin and Shen Zhili. The storm that had been stirred up was a blatant struggle and contest between factions of court officials.
Since that was the case, he would let her stir up trouble as she pleased.
After all, no matter how much trouble she caused, it was all for his sake.
And this point, he understood deeply.
Moreover, the common folk in the capital were not wrong in saying that Shen Zhili and Di Nian were a perfect match—a beauty and a hero, complementing each other splendidly.
His indifferent and contemplative expression was unfathomable, making Shen Zhishu uneasy once again.
Since the matter had been brought up, he had to seek clarity no matter what.
Shen Zhishu weighed his words carefully and skillfully shifted the topic: “My father just sent a letter to Suiyang in the western capital two days ago, reporting Leyan and Di Nian’s matter to the Retired Emperor and Prince Ping.”
Only then did Ying Gua seem to snap out of his thoughts. He slowly lifted his gaze, his eyes sharp and clear, and responded to the topic: “As the eldest son of the Grand Tutor, you were surpassed by your twin sister in marriage. How do you think the Grand Tutor feels about this?”
Though the words ostensibly referred to him, Shen Zhishu understood that the Emperor had tacitly approved of Shen Zhili and Di Nian’s relationship. Relieved, he lowered his head slightly and said, “Your Majesty is too concerned with this humble subject’s affairs.”
A vague and brief reply, seemingly answering but not quite.
A flicker of complexity immediately appeared in Ying Gua’s eyes. He stared at Shen Zhishu for a long moment before asking, “During your tenure in Qing Province, have you encountered any woman who captured your heart?”
Shen Zhishu maintained a solemn expression, his brows slightly furrowed, and did not respond immediately.
How could he not know? The various activities of frontier officials were bound to be selectively reported to the Emperor by the relevant authorities.
And who was Shen Zhishu? How could the Emperor be unaware of his affairs during these two years in Qing Province?
Yet, he could not bring himself to speak of it.
Shen Zhishu—the esteemed eldest son of the Shen residence in the capital, the only son of Shen Wuchen, the Director of the Imperial Secretariat, the Emperor’s most trusted subject, and soon to be the youngest Transport Commissioner on the frontier—since his days in the Imperial Academy, had never been so thoroughly unsettled by a woman as he was now.
He had met her, fallen in love, and given his heart entirely, yet she refused to marry him.
If this were to become known, where would he hide his face?
Fortunately, Qing Province was a thousand miles from the capital. Even if the simmering, unspoken affection between them were relayed to the Emperor in a few words, it would merely be dismissed as another of Shen Zhishu’s fleeting romantic entanglements.
And how could he possibly recount the countless tender moments shared with her over these two years, standing before the gilded imperial desk, facing the dragon throne, and under the cold, probing gaze of the Emperor?
They were long past the age of baring their hearts over a cup of clear wine.
As he was about to become a key official on the frontier, he understood well that the Emperor’s question was not merely out of concern for an old friend.
It is difficult to be a ruler, but even more challenging to be a subject.
Perhaps she, too, understood this profound truth, which was why she was unwilling to marry him.
She was of such an audacious and decisive nature, managing vast family enterprises with ease. Who in Chao’an had not heard of the renowned Lady Yan?Once emotions became entangled, if she were to marry him—a trusted minister of the Emperor serving as the Transport Commissioner of a circuit—she would inevitably have to withdraw from the Yan family's business affairs. Yet how could she bear to be constrained by him for the rest of her life? She was neither an official of the court nor a lady from the capital's elite circles. If she were to follow him back to the capital in the future, how could she ever live comfortably?
She saw things more clearly than he did, and thus she was unwilling to marry him.
As for Shen Zhishu, burdened with the court's expectations, everyone awaited his success surpassing that of his predecessors. Moreover, his sister Shen Zhili's marriage to Di Nian was widely praised and celebrated—a tale of a beauty and a hero. These four words weighed heavily on his heart, and as he reflected on himself, he felt a tinge of irony.
Every member of the Shen family was exceptionally talented. The Emperor's remark about him being the eldest son of the Grand Tutor only added to the stifling pressure in his chest. How could he openly admit his deep affection for the daughter of a merchant?
And what did it matter whether he spoke of it or not? In any case, she had no desire to marry him.
Lost in these thoughts, his brows furrowed tighter, and he remained silent for a long time.
Ying Gua, seated above, observed the subtle shifts in his expression. Seeing his reluctance to speak openly, he did not press further. Instead, he calmly turned over a memorial on the imperial desk.
The memorial had only recently arrived in the capital, detailing the matter between Yan Fuzhi, the daughter of the Yan family in Chaoan, and Shen Zhishu.
Having known Shen Zhishu for so many years, he was well acquainted with his temperament.
Precisely because he understood him, he found it even harder to determine whether the events described in the memorial were born of fleeting passion or profound devotion.
But now, witnessing Shen Zhishu's expression and prolonged silence, what more was there to doubt?
He knew that Shen Zhishu had been clever since childhood and would surely have his own considerations in this matter. In this world, emotions were not the foremost priority. The position of Transport Commissioner of Chaoan North Circuit was not an easy one to hold, and entanglement with the Yan family was hardly beneficial for Shen Zhishu.
Furthermore, if the two were truly deeply in love and committed to each other, Shen Zhishu would not have worn such a troubled expression.
Having reached this conclusion, he refrained from further questioning and changed the subject: "Once Leyan marries Di Nian, she can no longer retain her position as Director of the Bureau of Operations in the Ministry of War. She will be transferred to Assistant Director of the Bureau of Receptions in the Ministry of Rites. Do you have any objections?"
Shen Zhishu nodded decisively. "It is only appropriate."
Though he knew his sister's heart lay with the Ministry of War, her hasty marriage to Di Nian for Gu Qin's sake meant that to avoid the suspicion of Di Nian's role as a commander in the Imperial Army, she could no longer consider positions in the Ministry of War, the Court of the Imperial Guard, or the Privy Council.
Had his mother not faced a similar situation? As Vice Chief of the Privy Council, she resigned and married for his father's sake. Later, when his father re-entered the court as Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, she declined the former Emperor's offer to reinstate her, citing the rule that husband and wife could not hold simultaneous high positions in both key ministries.
Moreover, if Di Nian married Shen Zhili and took on the task of reorganizing the Imperial Army in the three northern circuits, it was unlikely he could aspire to the position of Pacification Commissioner of the Chaoan Circuit.
From a young age, his parents had taught him what the Imperial Family most feared, and he understood this perfectly.
When Meng Tinghui went north to Chaoan to quell the mutiny in the Imperial Army and subsequently submitted memorials to the capital impeaching Pacification Commissioner Dong Yicheng, the Emperor suppressed the matter without approval. Though the outer court remained unaware, Shen Zhishu had heard whispers of it.Now that the Emperor has allowed him to temporarily fill the vacancy of Transport Commissioner, it is likely calculated to leverage the longstanding grievances between him and Dong Yicheng, ensuring the two would check and balance each other in the Chaoan Circuit, thereby preventing any single office from monopolizing power in Chaoan North Circuit.
This could not be described as anything less than far-sighted, and even slightly deliberate.
Although Meng Tinghui’s order to transfer thirteen subordinate officials from two departments was rather harsh, the Emperor’s handling of the senior officials in the military and transport departments of the Chaoan Circuit remained appropriate, and His reputation for sagacity remained untarnished.
The Emperor’s intentions and methods were something he could comprehend.
Yet the one thing he could not understand was the inexplicable bond between the Emperor and Meng Tinghui.
An emperor is no ordinary person, and this Emperor was far from an ordinary ruler. If this were deep affection, what earth-shattering turmoil would it ultimately unleash before reaching its conclusion?
Having grown up alongside the Emperor, he was well-acquainted with His temperament. In public, the Emperor concealed a thousand stern thoughts without revealing a hint, spoke little but strategized deeply, maintained a cold demeanor without a cold heart. Once His mind was set, even if it meant leveling mountains or parting seas, He would achieve His desire.
Moreover, with parents like His, how could the Emperor ever bend His will when it came to matters of the heart?
"Yanzhi."
Shen Zhishu, lost in thought for a long while, was abruptly called by this name, causing his temple to twitch in surprise. He snapped back to attention and looked up. "Your Majesty."
The way He had just said "Yanzhi" carried no imperial authority but held a hint of their youthful days in the Eastern Palace, studying knee to knee, which moved him deeply, though he did not understand the Emperor’s intent.
Ying Gua slowly raised an eyebrow and said, "Among the officials appointed to the Transport Commission by Meng Tinghui, exercise discretion in looking after them when the time comes. They may prove trustworthy in the future."
Shen Zhishu’s eyes flickered with surprise, though his expression remained calm. He replied, "In this matter, I will certainly lend support to Official Meng."
He had always known the Emperor was not one to let personal feelings disrupt governance. Why, then, would He go so far as to issue such instructions for Meng Tinghui’s sake, as if afraid she might suffer the slightest grievance or misstep in this affair?
Ying Gua’s expression remained unchanged from start to finish, His gaze sharp and fearless. He reached out, lifted several stacks of memorials from the imperial desk, and pulled out one. "There is no need for you to ponder further in your heart. I am deeply in love with her." He flicked His wrist, tossing the memorial down, His gaze growing even more unrestrained. "Not only am I deeply in love with her, but for her sake, I will also reform the system of appointing an empress in the Inner Court."
Shocked to the extreme, Shen Zhishu found he no longer felt any surprise.
Calmly, he caught the memorial, opened it, and scanned its contents, his gaze stiffening slightly.
Though he had guessed seventy or eighty percent of it, he had not expected the Imperial Decree to be so concise.
The so-called reform was nothing more than abolishing the Outer Court’s right to deliberate on the appointment of an empress. From now on, matters of appointing an empress or taking consorts in the Inner Court would be decided solely by the Emperor’s own will.
At first glance, he felt a slight hesitation, but upon reflection, reforming this system should indeed be this straightforward.
Regardless of whether an empress was appointed or not, regardless of who was chosen, and regardless of what ceremonies were conducted, henceforth, no one in the entire court would be permitted to offer advice on these matters, let alone would the Chancellors of the Secretariat be able to submit memorials requesting deliberations.
For Meng Tinghui?
Shen Zhishu’s eyes darkened intensely.
I’m afraid it’s not solely for Meng Tinghui.
This time, the Emperor truly intended to issue a decree to assert His authority, making it clear to all the veteran officials at court that no matter how deep their seniority, how great their contributions, or what ancestral or court traditions dictated, from now on, no one—whoever they might be—should dare attempt to influence the Emperor’s decisions!In the past, such a matter would have been utterly unfeasible. Why did the entire court of civil and military officials concern themselves with the emperor's harem affairs? Simply to ensure the emperor had an heir to inherit the great legacy of the state. Once the succession was settled, the empire would be less prone to chaos. Wasn't Prince Ping a living example back then? If the emperor were to decide the selection of empresses and consorts entirely on his own, which of those so-called loyal and devoted ministers would ever consent?
Yet the current situation was vastly different.
Since Xu Ting was dismissed from the chancellorship, the position of Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs had remained vacant. Who among the two chief ministers of the Hall of State Affairs, the various Deputy Chief Administrators, the six department heads, the Censorate, and the important officials of the Remonstrance Bureau didn't covet this position? With Gu Qin being impeached by the censors to such an extent and the Emperor having yet to issue a clear decree, court officials were even more uncertain about the outcome. If Gu Qin were also dismissed, the Hall of State Affairs would essentially be left without leadership! Such a golden opportunity naturally stirred ambition among the important court officials.
At this critical juncture, nothing was more valuable than betting on the Emperor's preferences, and no wager was wiser than aligning with the Emperor's intentions.
Once this Imperial Decree reforming the Inner Court's empress establishment system was issued, although no one in the court would immediately voice support, at least none of those aspiring to the chancellorship would dare to oppose it at this moment.
What the Emperor currently lacked was precisely someone who could take the lead in submitting a memorial endorsing his will.
And this memorial tossed down from the imperial desk was already drafted for him, awaiting his signature when the time came.
Shen Zhishu pondered continuously, his expression growing increasingly stern.
Given that Shen Zhili had committed such a grave offense, yet the Emperor had ceased investigation based solely on Di Nian's memorial and had even appointed him as the Fiscal Commissioner of Chao'an, how could he not repay the imperial favor?
The Emperor's calculations were crystal clear: Shen Zhishu, stationed in a remote border region, remained unaffected by the turbulent politics in the capital's Hall of State Affairs. As long as he took the lead in submitting a memorial supporting the reform decree, those court officials who wished to flatter their way to higher positions but had reservations would surely rally behind him and echo the Emperor's will. Compared to the currently attainable chancellorship, what was the significance of the Inner Court's empress establishment system? If they could win the Emperor's favor now, wouldn't they have the means to memorialize about establishing an empress once they attained high positions and power in the future?
As he thought this, he chuckled bitterly to himself.
He understood these court games all too well. If no one took the lead, likely no one would dare to be the first to submit a memorial supporting the Imperial Decree, fearing impeachment for flattering the Emperor to seek the chancellorship. If mishandled, it could trigger another round of factional strife and mutual attacks.
But he remained unaffected by this matter. Young and freshly appointed as Fiscal Commissioner of Chao'an, how could he harbor ambitions for the chancellorship? Who could impeach him over this single memorial? The court officials were sharp-eyed enough to recognize that the Emperor intended to pave the way for someone below, waiting to see who would step forward.
After a long silence, the sky outside the hall began to darken.
Shen Zhishu moved his stiff and weary hand, carefully storing the memorial, and bowed his head as he said, "Your subject understands."
Regardless, with this move by the Emperor, it was likely that no one in the court would actively memorialize about establishing an empress for the next three to five years.
But could the Emperor truly intend to establish Meng Tinghui as empress? That seemed rather absurd.
As he pondered, he slightly furrowed his brows again.
Suddenly, he wondered why the Emperor had specifically chosen him to submit this memorial. Given Meng Tinghui's loyalty and affection for the Emperor, not only would she take the lead in memorializing support for the decree, but she would even directly propose the reform without fear or refusal. Why didn't the Emperor simply use her instead?
Was it because he feared renewed criticism against her throughout the court and wanted to protect her?
Shen Zhishu turned the matter over in his mind before finally raising his eyebrows and looking toward the throne.Ying Gua's gaze remained fixed on him, and upon hearing his agreement, he merely added a brief instruction: "If there are any difficulties regarding Leyan and Di Nian's matter, do not hesitate to report them to me. It is late, you should return to your residence now."
Shen Zhishu expressed his gratitude once more, then withdrew from the hall with a bow.
The hall doors slowly closed, and the deep blue sky above had taken on a grayish hue, with sparse stars faintly twinkling in the distance.
Qing Province in Chao'an, thousands of miles away, the Shen residence in the capital beneath his feet, and the memorial tucked in his sleeve—none of these matters allowed for a moment of ease or freedom.
Before departing, he glanced back once more at the high plaque of the Hall of Profound Thought, his clear brows tinged with the gray of the evening sky.
He felt somewhat unsettled, but when he considered the countless difficult decisions the Emperor had faced day and night, his own troubles seemed trivial in comparison.
A Junior Palace Attendant approached the hall with a palace lantern to request the evening meal. After knocking several times without a response from within, he sighed softly and retreated.
Ying Gua remained seated before the desk, his fingers lightly brushing over several memorials, his expression grave.
Most were from Gu Qin pleading for forgiveness, along with two from Meng Tinghui defending him, and others from court officials who had recently turned to impeaching Censor Qiao Bo.
He sat in deep thought for a long time before finally closing his eyes. As he rose, his sleeve accidentally brushed another memorial from the corner of the desk. Glancing sideways, he saw it was the one submitted by Di Nian, and his movements slowed.
The four-character folk saying, "Beauty and Hero," flashed through his mind.
A faint smile touched his lips, but it was tinged with a trace of detached melancholy.
He was not without envy.
He, too, wished to stand tall and unyielding, to pour out his deep affection, to sweep his beloved into his arms and let the world see clearly that as long as he was there, no one could harm his woman.
But he could not be that hero, and his woman was no ordinary beauty.
The chaos surrounding the empress appointment had cost her so much effort and burdened her with inner demons. He could not bear to see her push herself to such extremes for his sake. After all, was the position of empress not something he could decide for himself? This time, she had thrown the Hall of State Affairs into disarray; if there were a next time, what would she do?
It was better for him to cut off all such possibilities himself, freeing her from tangled thoughts and worries.
The reason he had Shen Zhishu lead the petition in accordance with his wishes was simply because he feared she would be the first to oppose this Imperial Decree. She had been avoiding him at every turn this time; if she heard he had issued an edict altering the empress appointment system, she would undoubtedly blame herself and refuse to allow him to tarnish his reputation without cause.
Shen Zhishu understood her feelings for him, but he did not understand her heart.
And her heart—he feared he was the only one in the world who truly understood it.
Though they were not a beauty and a hero, they complemented each other so perfectly that even the most ideal pair could not surpass their compatibility.
He picked up the memorial from the floor, and as he thought of Shen Zhili and Di Nian's upcoming wedding, his expression gradually brightened.
Since the new Emperor's ascension, there had been no grand celebration of a marriage between civil and military officials. By no means should the union of these two prominent families be treated lightly.
Even if he, as the Son of Heaven, were to personally attend and offer congratulations, it would not be excessive.
She could avoid him, but she could not refuse to attend the joyous occasion of Shen Zhili and Di Nian's wedding.
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