Chapter 185: Inside the Palace! Shen Yuer

Hearing these words.

Shen Yuer dared not delay a moment.

She immediately walked quickly toward the gate of the mansion.

Lin Fu naturally followed closely behind.

With Zhu Ying not at the mansion, although Shen Yuer had her own judgment, many matters still required consultation with Lin Fu—now that the Imperial Guard had arrived, this was undoubtedly a major event.

Not long after.

Outside the mansion.

In sight.

An old eunuch stood waiting at the gate, smiling warmly, surrounded by Imperial Guards.

When she saw the old eunuch.

Shen Yuer’s heart jolted—she instantly recognized him as the Chief Eunuch who had delivered the imperial edict that day.

“Eunuch Yun.”

“What urgent matter is this?”

Shen Yuer hurried forward, asking with deep unease.

“Lady Zhu, do not worry,” Yun Qi smiled. “I am here by the Emperor’s command, specifically to invite you and your son into the palace for an audience.”

“An audience in the palace?” Shen Yuer grew even more uneasy.

After all, they had been in Yingtian for so long—why suddenly be summoned to the palace now?

Though she had already met the Crown Prince, for the legendary Emperor of Great Ming, Shen Yuer felt an indescribable awe.

After all, among the common people, rumors abounded about the Emperor and his son.

Some said the current Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was as majestic as heaven and extremely cruel; others claimed he was capricious, ready to kill at any moment.

Yet for ordinary folk, many of Zhu Yuanzhang’s traits were positive—he had risen from poverty, deeply resonated with the common people, despised corrupt officials, and loathed profit-driven merchants.

In short.

There were countless rumors about Zhu Yuanzhang, but one thing was certain: this Emperor had a terrible temper.

“Lady Zhu, do not fear.”

“This imperial summons is good news.”

“The Marquis of Champion has achieved victory on the northern frontier—he has shattered the Northern Yuan capital and taken countless heads.”

“Since the Marquis of Champion has not returned, the Emperor has specially summoned you and your son to the palace to bestow rewards and host a banquet.”

“And the Crown Prince will be there too,” Yun Qi added with a smile, clearly noticing Shen Yuer’s anxiety.

Hearing this,

Shen Yuer finally felt slightly relieved.

Especially upon hearing that the Crown Prince would be present—she felt even more at ease.

Though she had only met Zhu Biao once, her first impression of him was that he was gentle and approachable; with him there, nothing bad would happen.

“May I ask, Your Excellency, when should your humble servant and her son enter the palace?” Shen Yuer asked respectfully, not daring to overstep.

“The Emperor specifically instructed that you accompany me directly into the palace,” Yun Qi smiled.

“Then, should I prepare anything?” Shen Yuer immediately asked.

But then she came to her senses.

Shen Yuer turned to Lin Fu: “Lin Bo, quickly bring a chest of the mansion’s finest aged liquor—we cannot go to meet the Emperor empty-handed.”

“Yes, Young Mistress,” Lin Fu nodded at once and summoned the guards to carry it.

Seeing this,

Yun Qi made no move to stop them.

“Your Excellency.”

“I shall go fetch my son,” Shen Yuer said respectfully.

Then she turned and entered the mansion to collect Zhu Xiongying.

Not long after,

Shen Yuer emerged carrying Zhu Xiongying, and Lin Fu had already prepared the chest of wine.

When Yun Qi’s gaze fell upon Zhu Xiongying’s face,

“This…”

His eyes narrowed, his pupils widening involuntarily.

Clearly, he was stunned.

As a veteran of the palace who had long served Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma, how could he not recognize Zhu Xiongying?

Looking at the boy before him,

His resemblance to the late Zhu Xiongying was unmistakable—not ten percent, but seven or eight; it was as if carved from the same mold.

“Your Excellency.”

“Shall we go now?” Shen Yuer asked gently, watching the dazed Yun Qi.

That voice

snapped Yun Qi back to himself—he immediately nodded: “Lady Zhu, please step into the carriage.”

Beside them,

an Imperial Guard immediately placed a step and pulled back the carriage curtain.

Shen Yuer climbed in, carrying Zhu Xiongying.

But Yun Qi’s expression remained dazed.

“So similar.”

“Truly carved from the same mold.”

“The world is vast, full of wonders beyond imagining.”

“There exist two people so alike in all the world.”

“Had I not seen the Crown Prince’s eldest son with my own eyes… sigh, I might have sworn this was the Crown Prince’s eldest son as a child,” Yun Qi thought inwardly.

Looking at the carriage before him,

Yun Qi felt a new worry: “I only hope the Emperor, upon seeing this child, will not be overcome with grief.”

At this moment,

Yun Qi could not help but overthink.

But he quickly shook himself free of it.

He immediately climbed into the carriage himself—personally escorting them.

With Imperial Guards escorting them,

the journey was completely unobstructed.

But the Shen family, who had been closely monitoring the Zhu mansion, immediately received word.

“Master.”

“Our spy outside the Zhu mansion has news.”

“Shen Yuer has been summoned to the palace.”

“And… and we’ve also received word from court.”

“The Northern Yuan capital has fallen to the northern expeditionary army—henceforth, the Northern Yuan dynasty no longer exists; it has reverted to its former nomadic state.”

“It is said… it is said the general who shattered the Northern Yuan capital was Zhu Ying.”

Shen’s steward entered the inner hall, his face grim as he reported to Shen Wansan.

At these words,

Shen Wansan’s face turned ashen.

Every time Zhu Ying achieved victory, every time he shone brightly, it only deepened Shen Wansan’s unease.

“Sigh.”

Shen Wansan sighed: “Shen Yuer still refuses to accept our overtures, then?”

“Master.”

“We have tried many times—sent gifts repeatedly—but the Zhu household, upon hearing it was the Shen family, immediately drove us out with sticks.”

“Shen Yuer has made it clear: she wishes no further ties to our family.”

“Now… because of Zhu Ying, the Zhu family has become a favorite at court; many now know of their connection to us. To curry favor with the Zhu family, many have severed ties with us.”

“Now… I don’t know what to do,” the steward said with a bitter smile.

In response,

Shen Wansan’s face was filled with regret and a deep, suppressed fury from repeated humiliation.

“Zhu Ying. Shen Yuer.”

“We should have cut them off completely from the start.”

“Had we done so, none of this would have happened,” Shen Wansan said coldly.

Realizing reconciliation with the Zhu family was impossible, Shen Wansan now regretted not having struck decisively earlier.

“How are our business affairs in Beiping?” Shen Wansan asked.

“They are dire. Over the past year, all our trade routes in Beiping have been cut off; our businesses there now suffer losses—textiles, jade, tea, everything is being targeted.”

“And… and even when we use other families to transport goods, the bandits seem to have received advance intelligence—they always strike with perfect precision.”

The trade routes of Beiping Prefecture have been completely cut off.

“And… and the authorities have no way to deal with these bandits—they simply can’t stop them,” said Shen the steward with a bitter smile.

“If the Beiping trade routes are blocked, then abandon them,” said Shen Wansan through gritted teeth, full of resentment.

“Master.”

“Should we first make this matter public, preferably bringing it to the imperial court?”

“If His Majesty learns that such rampant bandits exist within the Great Ming, he will surely be enraged,” suggested Shen the steward.

“But this might offend the Prince of Yan?”

“After all, Beiping Prefecture is his fiefdom,” said Shen Wansan, hesitating.

“Now that you’re even considering abandoning your business in Beiping, what does it matter if you offend the Prince of Yan?”

“Moreover.”

“Our family’s most profitable liquor sales in Beiping have suddenly been taken over by new taverns—and especially by the Zhu family’s taverns. If there’s no shadow of the Prince of Yan behind this, I simply wouldn’t believe it.”

“Then so be it.”

“Might as well go all the way.”

“Let the court learn of these bandits, and use the court’s power to crush them—this will also deal the Zhu Ying a heavy blow,” said Shen the steward coldly.

Hearing this,

Shen Wansan wore a thoughtful expression.

Finally,

he nodded.

“You’re right.”

“Since we can no longer do business in Beiping,”

“then let’s go all the way.”

“Didn’t Zhu Ying raise these bandits to strike at my Shen family?”

“Then I’ll make sure every last one of them dies,” said Shen Wansan coldly.

“Master, wise indeed,” said Shen the steward immediately.

“And…”

Shen Wansan’s face twisted into a cold smile as he added: “Send men to spread rumors in Ying Tianfu that Lady Shen Yuer, wife of the Marquis of Champion, disrespects filial piety, disobeys her father, and dishonors her kin.”

“Master.”

“If we do this, though it may tarnish the Zhu family’s reputation, it doesn’t seem to accomplish much else.”

“And it will make the Zhu family our sworn enemy.”

“Moreover… if we examine it closely, Shen Yuer isn’t even one of us Shen,” said Shen the steward hesitantly.

In his view,

if they continued to offend the Zhu family and Zhu Ying, the outcome would be hopeless.

“Even if she isn’t one of us Shen, she was raised in our household.”

“In Huaxia, filial duty comes first.”

“I intend to ruin Shen Yuer’s reputation.”

“Whether it works or not—we’ll see.”

“Since it’s already a fight to the death, even if it fails, I’ll make them suffer,” said Shen Wansan coldly, brimming with hatred.

In his view,

he had yielded many times already, yet Zhu Ying and Shen Yuer had refused to accept it—this naturally filled him with resentment.

If so,

then let the feud continue to the end!

Though the Shen family has been merchants for generations, they have no external weaknesses. Even if Zhu Ying holds an official post, under the laws of the Great Ming, he cannot touch him.

“If we abandon the Beiping business, where should we relocate?” asked Shen the steward.

“Datong Prefecture, Anding Prefecture—either will do.”

“Gradually shift the center of operations,” sighed Shen Wansan.

…

Within the Imperial Palace!

Though the Eastern Palace lies within the palace grounds, it has never been deeply entered.

But today,

riding in a carriage, enjoying a privilege even ordinary ministers could not attain, the carriage passed straight through the palace gates and arrived at the Wenyuan Pavilion.

This was where Zhu Yuanzhang routinely reviewed memorials.

Soon!

When the carriage halted,

“Madam Zhu, we have arrived,” said Yun Qi with a smile.

He then stepped down first and drew back the curtain.

Shen Yuer, nervous and uneasy, stepped down with Zhu Xi holding her hand.

But Zhu Xi was unafraid of the grandeur.

His small head curiously scanned the surroundings.

His little head curiously looked around.

“This place is huge.”

“And there are so many soldiers.”

Zhu Xi’s big eyes widened as he spoke in a child’s innocent tone.

“Xi’er, this is the Imperial Palace—the place where the greatest power in the world resides. You must not speak carelessly. Do not open your mouth unless I give you permission,” Shen Yuer said sternly, fixing him with a sharp gaze.

Seeing his mother’s stern expression, Zhu Xi nodded, though reluctantly.

Seeing his mother’s serious expression, Zhu Xi nodded, though reluctantly.

“Your servant has brought Madam Zhu and her son,” said Yun Qi respectfully from outside the hall.

“Enter,” came the old, commanding voice of Zhu Yuanzhang from within.

“Madam Zhu, go in,” said Yun Qi, turning with a slight smile.

“Huh.”

Shen Yuer steadied her breathing, yet still felt an indescribable tension.

She gripped Zhu Xi’s small hand tightly and walked slowly toward the grand hall ahead.

Entering the hall,

an overwhelming sense of solemn authority struck her at once.

It was surely due to Zhu Yuanzhang’s presence, radiating an unspoken, crushing pressure.

Where the Emperor dwells, there lies the Mandate of Heaven.

How could Shen Yuer not be nervous!

As she stepped fully inside,

she glanced sideways.

Inside the hall,

Zhu Yuanzhang sat upon the Dragon Throne, reviewing documents at his imperial desk, while Zhu Biao stood beside him, assisting and offering his own objections.

When Shen Yuer entered,

“Your servant’s wife, accompanied by my son, pays homage to Your Majesty,” said Shen Yuer, her voice trembling as she bowed slightly.

Because she held a noble title, she was not required to kneel.

Zhu Xi, meanwhile, curiously observed everything and mimicked the bow—but when he lifted his head to look, Shen Yuer immediately pressed it down.

Right now, Shen Yuer feared only that her son might anger this Emperor.

After all,

rumors had already taken root in her mind.

In her heart, Zhu Yuanzhang was the kind of ruler whose moods shifted unpredictably.

Zhu Xi curiously observed, mimicking the bow, but when he lifted his head to look, Shen Yuer immediately pressed it back down.

Beside her, Zhu Biao wore a warm smile.

Hearing the words,

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly raised his head. A faint smile appeared on his aged, imposing face, yet it still carried an unmistakable aura of authority.

“Rise,” said Zhu Yuanzhang, raising his hand.

“Thank Your Majesty,” said Shen Yuer immediately, rising slowly but keeping her head bowed.

Beside him, Zhu Biao wore a warm smile.

At the sound!

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly raised his head, a faint smile appearing on his stern old face, yet still radiating an indescribable aura of authority.

"Rise and be at ease," Zhu Yuanzhang said, raising his hand.

"Thank Your Majesty."

Shen Yuer immediately thanked him, slowly straightening up but keeping her head bowed.

Shen Yuer held down Zhu Xi’s head as well, afraid the child might offend the Emperor’s presence—children didn’t understand such things, and gazing directly upon the Son of Heaven was disrespectful.

Shen Yuer knew these rules well.

Zhu Yuanzhang regarded Shen Yuer with a hint of curiosity.

Her appearance was indeed outstanding, and her bearing was acceptable.

“Good.”

“Zhu Ying has found a good wife,” Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

“Thank Your Majesty for the praise.”

Shen Yuer replied at once, answering nervously, daring not to show disrespect.

But at that moment!

Zhu Xi, whose head had been pressed down by his mother for so long, finally couldn’t bear it anymore and said, with a touch of childish annoyance, “Mother, you’re crushing my head—it hurts.”

That clear, childish voice immediately drew Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze to Zhu Xi.

“Behave yourself.”

“This is the imperial palace.”

Shen Yuer whispered.

…

(End of Chapter)