Chapter 472

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

Not even half a month after Shen Yao was conferred the title of Empress, Shen Chunbai and his son returned to the capital smoothly.

The border matters had already been handled properly; relying on Yu Yu's capability brimming with martial virtue, Yu Guo successfully suppressed several neighboring countries that had never been honest.

It was also because of this that Shen Chunbai was granted the title of Zhaowu General, First-Rank Duke of Loyalty to the Country.

With the title obtained, he stood a notch above those who had nothing; furthermore, Shen Changyu, who had followed behind Shen Chunbai for training, also became a proper Third Rank General, his official rank rising rapidly, formally stepping into the ranks of military officers.

"Duke of the Country does not betray His Majesty's grace, congratulations, congratulations."

"Duke of the Country, this journey has proclaimed our Yu Guo's might; you are truly a hero of Yu Guo."

"Duke of the Country……"

The Shen Family became exceptionally lively because of Shen Chunbai and his son's return, not to mention the family's threshold was nearly trampled down by the stream of visitors coming to pay respects.

Shen Chunbai stroked his beard, having to entertain court officials who came to congratulate him every day; it wasn't that he didn't want to keep a low profile, but the circumstances simply didn't allow it.

After seeing off yet another group of court officials who had come together, Shen Chunbai had just wanted to return to the back courtyard to relax, when he saw his eldest son Shen Changyu waiting right on his path out the door.

Shen Chunbai: ……

The hand stroking his beard unconsciously tightened; truth be told, Shen Chunbai was somewhat afraid of Shen Changyu, and thinking of those sons' leverage over their fathers, Shen Chunbai felt a bit unable to keep face, there really is the saying of respecting teachers and valuing the Dao.

"Father"

Shen Changyu didn't care whether Shen Chunbai felt comfortable or not; recently he had seen his birth father acting carried away, losing all sense of direction, so he specially came to remind and warn him — he'd eaten rich food for so many days, it was time to wake up, switch to some light soups and small dishes to clear the intestines and stomach.

"So it's Changyu ah"

Shen Chunbai pointed toward the study not far away, forcing a smile as he beckoned the other over, "You come at just the right time, Father has a matter to discuss with you in detail."

Shen Changyu nodded, "Son likewise."

Father and son, each harboring their own thoughts, went to the study, and proceeded to engage in a rather fierce confrontation.

Shen Chunbai's meaning was that Shen Changyu was overly pessimistic; their Shen Family was currently at the height of its limelight, the Emperor hadn't said much about it, so how would other court officials dare to pull small moves.

Moreover, once this period passes, the liveliness will slowly subside and things can return to normal; there's no need to be overly nervous about this.

Shen Changyu: ……

"Father, you are mistaken," Shen Changyu hadn't been watching idly these days; at first he was even more immersed in it than Shen Chunbai, enjoying everyone's flattery and congratulations, but once he calmed down and exchanged information with his wife about the capital's situation while they were away, Shen Changyu felt a chill of cold sweat run through his heart in retrospect.

"Does Father know that before we returned, the capital stirred up an incident of impeaching the Shen Clan."

Shen Chunbai naturally knew clearly; he also knew it was the Emperor's keen discernment, "The Shen Clan suffered little impact in this matter, while others suffered heavy losses," comparing the two sides, it was losing the wife and folding the troops.

Shen Chunbai was very happy; strictly speaking, although the Shen Clan and the Shen Family are different, they share the same origin; after all, ancient times followed the patriarchal system, Shen Chunbai is the head of the Shen Family, and simultaneously holds considerable weight within the Shen Clan.

"Changyu, the position of Shen Clan Head will sooner or later fall on your shoulders; after this battle, for the Shen Clan to rise is simply as easy as turning over one's hand."

Because the people to be wary of have already met with trouble, the rest of this crowd learning to behave is only a matter of time.

When that time comes, whether in the court or among the common people, under the enormous prestige, the Shen Clan will eventually stand shoulder to shoulder with those families that have been passed down for many years.

Even if one day Shen Chunbai goes underground, he will be able to account to the Shen Family's ancestors.

Shen Changyu: ……

He knew it would be like this; Father thinks simply, unable to see or unwilling to see the deeper significance behind this matter.

Where is the Emperor's tacit permission for the Shen Clan to grow large? This is clearly a warning to certain people — even the Shen Clan, which possesses the only Imperial Son, must abide by the law and weigh its own weight; how dare they act lawlessly?

"This, this can't be right," hearing Shen Changyu's speculation, Shen Chunbai subconsciously shook his head and waved his hands repeatedly.

Shen Changyu explained seriously, "Father, the Shen Clan having no major impact is entirely because there wasn't enough time," the time of rising has been too short, what could the Shen Clan accomplish? They're all just circling around the lowest level of interests, how can they compare to deep-rooted groups, where a single reach grabs a handful.

"If Father doesn't believe it, think about the Yuan Family," Shen Changyu didn't mind using his maternal grandfather's family as an example; after all, the Shen Clan's people were mostly just beaten and detained for a few days, but the Yuan Family had people truly and genuinely beheaded to death.

Shen Chunbai: ……?!!!

Shen Chunbai spoke no more words, the fervor in his eyes slowly cooling down.

Shen Changyu seized the opportunity to increase the pressure, stating that the Shen Family's matter was very likely a show put on for certain Imperial Clan Relatives and some stubborn court officials to see.

"How so?" Shen Chunbai asked back.

Shen Changyu replied with reason and evidence, "Not to mention the capital, Father and I returned from the border, and the internal situation of the cities we saw along the way needs no further elaboration.

Imperial Clan Relatives have always considered themselves a cut above, relying on the Yu Clan bloodline in their bodies, they commit every evil, spare no greed, damaging Yu Guo's foundations; even the Emperor finds it hard to move against them lightly.

The followers of certain high-ranking, powerful court officials are even more so, relying on their pedigree to amass wealth wantonly, oppressing the common people, ruining the country's reputation and heritage."

The more he spoke the scarier it got; Shen Chunbai hurriedly signaled Shen Changyu to control himself, not to stir up trouble out of nothing; even if their Shen Family produced the Empress and the Little Prince, they couldn't withstand a collective attack.

Shen Changyu exhaled, "Father, so our Shen Family must act even more low-key."

Shen Chunbai pursed his lips, "Only act low-key?"

"Our Shen Family being valued by the Emperor and the Empress, we ought to enter the palace to kowtow and express gratitude; it's just that the Huang Hou is a restricted area, men cannot easily enter.

Son dares to request Father to submit a memorial, asking the Emperor to permit Wife She Shi and Younger Sister-in-law Cheng Shi to enter the palace on our behalf to pay respects to the Empress."

Shen Changyu's words made Shen Chunbai's eyes brighten; he thought to himself that how the Shen Family develops from now on indeed needs to be discussed with the Empress in the palace.

Satisfied, he nodded, "Changyu's consideration is not bad; your mother has been unwell recently, not recovering for a long time, it's hard on She Shi and Cheng Shi, this time we'll entrust it to them."

As for submitting a memorial to beg, it was originally proper to kowtow and thank the Emperor's grace anyway, just a convenient matter done along the way.

…………

"This subject has indeed not been able to see several family members for a period of time, Your Majesty~"

Shen Yao looked at Yu Yu with bright, sparkling eyes, her expression lively, eyes brimming with emotion.

Yu Yu raised his hand and flicked Shen Yao's nose tip, "Yao'er, as the Empress, you have the authority to receive family members.

In the future, if you miss them in your heart, just issue an imperial decree to invite them into the palace."

The words were spoken lightly, but she did not dare be too unrestrained; many were waiting to catch her in a mistake.

Shen Yao complained that Yu Yu was full of nonsense, but on her face she wore a grateful expression. "Your Majesty, private joy is not as good as shared joy. Your subject dares to ask a favor for the sisters of the Huang Hou: early next month, when spring is warm and flowers bloom, why not allow the families of consorts of Fifth Rank and above to enter the palace for a visit?"

The families of consorts below Fifth Rank may not enter the palace, but they may write letters for palace attendants to bring back, so as to ease their longing."

Shen Yao's words did not violate palace rules, but because Yu Guo's Huang Hou had long lacked a normal person as Empress, the Emperor found it somewhat novel when he heard it.

He nodded. "Yao'er speaks well. Since it is Yao'er's wish, I naturally have no objection."

This matter shall be arranged by Yao'er. Some consorts of the Huang Hou have been in the palace for many years; it is indeed time for them to see their kin."

Whatever the reason, Yu Yu was still willing to maintain a bit of face.

Coincidentally, Shen Yao's proposal would not affect him, and would even make the consorts of the Huang Hou keep some goodwill in mind. He silently praised his own judgment; it seemed he had not chosen wrongly in this Empress.

Early the next morning, as the Emperor left court, Shen Yao sorted her thoughts and, taking advantage of the consorts' peace, directly announced the good news of their families entering the palace.

"You may prepare in advance. The time is tentatively set for the beginning of next month. If there are any problems, report to this palace in time. We are all sisters of one family; this palace will naturally help where she can."

When the words fell, the main hall fell silent. It was not that everyone was unwilling in their hearts, but that everyone was stunned by such a surprise and could not react for a moment.

As Consort Xian rose first, performing the consort's courtesy and loudly thanking the Empress.

It was as if a switch system in all the consorts present had suddenly been activated. With a rustle, a crowd of people performed the consort's courtesy one after another, thanking Shen Yao for this.

How long it had been since they had seen their kin at home. Many sentimental people had moist eyes, wishing to return to the palace to cry their hearts out.

"What are you crying for? If there is a first time, there will be a second, a third."

"Never mind why the Empress is doing this. In short, this matter does us no harm."

The consort who spoke turned her head to look at Fengyi Palace behind her, her expression delighted beyond measure.

"Elder Sister teaches correctly. On such a joyous day, one should not cry."

"Yes yes, we must hurry back to pack. I have not seen my mother and sister-in-law for three years."

"You've only been three years. I've been five. I don't know if my younger brothers and sisters are all married yet?"

"......"

Chattering, the consorts who came out surrounded the matter of entering the palace, discussing it excitedly.

Consort Xian heard these words and turned to instruct her maid to quicken her pace.

Quickly bypassing the crowd around them, Consort Xian and her servant slowed their pace.

The maid spoke in an excited tone. "Your Majesty, you have not seen your lady for two years. This time, your lady finally has a reason to enter the palace."

Consort Xian pursed her lips and smiled. "Yes, the Empress has done a great good deed."

At the same time, it stirred the calm lake of the Huang Hou. Those of low rank wished to compete for favor; those of high rank wished to secure favor. One could imagine that in the coming period, the Emperor would once again be a coveted prize for all.

"Your Majesty, the better the Empress does things, the more secure the Empress Position will be, and the more at ease we will be." Chatting privately, the maids placed their mistress in the Empress's faction.

After all, the two clans were related by marriage. In daily life, they interacted little and had not caused conflicts; indeed, they occasionally helped each other, far closer than certain consorts.

"Some things are best kept in one's heart. Do not speak them out and let everyone know."

Consort Xian did not refute her maid's theory. She stood in a higher position and saw more.

The Empress's move had the suspicion of winning hearts, but it was unknown how great the effect would be.