RWNEFE -Chapter 217 Mutual Maneuvering

Every move Shen Lanxi made was reported daily to Emperor Renxiao, so naturally he knew about how she had used Qiu Mingjue at the Ministry of Personnel to assert her authority.

“You have a clear plan in mind. The Wei Family Army matter entrusted to you puts my mind at ease,” Emperor Renxiao said earnestly.

Seeing him looking fatigued, Shen Lanxi spoke with concern: “Uncle, there is no need to worry. Leave the Wei Family Army matter to me. You should rest and take care of your health—there are still so many important affairs in the court that need your attention.”

Emperor Renxiao sighed deliberately: “The Great Zhou is now fragmented. Just now, a letter came from the northwest. Since Ruoyuan left, the border tribes have begun stirring again.”

Shen Lanxi immediately responded: “I will depart at once for the northwest to negotiate with the tribes.”

The emperor was very pleased with her reply.

This child was filial; even with just subtle hints, she would act without waiting for explicit orders.

“Lanxi, you’ve only been back in the capital for a few days and haven’t rested properly…” Emperor Renxiao’s face was full of concern and reluctance.

“Uncle, besides the Empress Dowager, you are the one who cares for me the most—even more than my own parents. In my heart, you are both uncle and father, closer than my own father. Though I am a woman, I want to share some of your burden. Even a little relief for your shoulders is enough.”

“Lanxi only wishes that you live a long life to protect me!” Shen Lanxi spoke with emotion, moving Emperor Renxiao—and even herself!

The emperor looked at her, deeply touched: “Child, combined, all my other children’s filial piety doesn’t amount to even one ten-thousandth of yours!”

Shen Lanxi: “Uncle, say no more. I will return to pack my things and depart immediately!”

“That’s not necessary,” he said.

“You are going on a diplomatic mission. I have already sent word to Princess. You don’t know when you will return to the capital, so have a proper meal with your family first. Depart first thing tomorrow morning.”

Afterward, Emperor Renxiao rewarded Shen Lanxi with many gifts. She arrived home, and simultaneously, gifts from the imperial harem arrived.

Additionally, there was an imperial edict.

“By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor… orders Shen Lanxi to serve as Minister of Matrimonial Diplomacy, fourth-rank official, overseeing all affairs in the northwest. Her father, Shen Congwen, is upright and just; effective immediately, he will oversee all Household Ministry matters, with a promotion in rank. The senior Madam Shen, for her exemplary guidance of her children, is specially granted…”

As the edict was read, rewards flowed into the Shen household like a stream.

Meanwhile, Zhou Ruoyuan also received an imperial edict.

“The Third Prince Zhou Ruoyuan is appointed Grand General for Pacification. Depart first thing tomorrow morning for Yonglin Prefecture without delay!” Afterwards, Zhou Ruoyuan also received numerous rewards from the imperial palace.

“Your Highness, are we really sending all these items to the Shen household?” the steward asked cautiously.

Zhou Ruoyuan’s face darkened. Without hesitation, he said: “Remember to get a receipt!”

The steward dared not ask further and hurriedly went to handle it.

Since Bai Qingling’s miscarriage, she had been resting in her room. Following etiquette, Zhou Ruoyuan had not entered her chamber, so Bai Qingling knew nothing of the edict or the rewards.

No one had told her.

“Something seems to be happening outside. What’s going on?” Bai Qingling asked.

The maid replied: “Mistress, it’s nothing. I’m just cleaning the courtyard.”

Bai Qingling clearly sensed a change in the attitude of the servants around her. Over the past two days, several had been replaced. Thinking of the possible assassination attempts upon returning to the capital, she dared not speak or act.

If someone in the capital wanted her dead, it would be either Shen Lanxi or the Shen family.

The Shen family’s influence in the capital was deep-rooted. Planting someone in the Prince’s residence would be easy.

Her own poor health was now a burden; even if she wanted to intervene, she would have to wait until she recovered.

She knew Shen Lanxi was jealous that she had borne the prince a child. After returning to the capital, she would undoubtedly target her and the child.

Bai Qingling was fully aware of the methods women could employ.

Fortunately, she had prepared precautions, though she had left no evidence—she could not openly accuse Shen Lanxi to the prince.

Shen Lanxi’s methods were ruthless. Those loyal death-doers were completely devoted to her. If Bai Qingling could also cultivate such loyal secret guards, it would be ideal.

After receiving the edict, Zhou Ruoyuan sat for a while. Several graceful palace maids entered in succession, carrying tea, snacks, sweet soups, and tonics.

“Your Highness, you have been overexerting yourself. Take some supplements.”

These maids were palace gifts. Though sent in the names of the Empress and Noble Consort, Zhou Ruoyuan knew they had been sent by his father.

He had barely left the palace when they arrived—a warning from his father.

“You may leave now. I need to pack.”

The maids all rushed forward: “Your Highness, allow me to help you pack!”

Zhou Ruoyuan said: “My luggage contains critical military documents. Anyone who touches it must be silenced!”

The maids froze, then bowed and withdrew immediately.

Zhou Ruoyuan paused briefly before heading to Bai Qingling.

“Your Highness, it’s filthy inside. You are precious—do not be exposed to it!” Two burly maids blocked his way.

These two were from Chaoyun Hall, granted by his mother upon returning to the capital.

Bai Qingling had been listening. When she heard Zhou Ruoyuan approaching, she shouted:

“Your Highness!”

The two maids stood at the door, blocking his path entirely.

“Your Highness, do not put us in a difficult position. If you are allowed in, we cannot report properly to the Noble Consort.”

“Please have mercy on our families. If the consort is angered, we cannot bear the consequences!”

One maid played the stern face, the other the gentle face, successfully deterring Zhou Ruoyuan.

“I just want to speak to her at the door,” he said.

The two maids exchanged glances and stepped aside, standing to the side but not leaving.

“Your Highness, have you been taking care of yourself? How is our little Yu’er? I really want to see you both!” Bai Qingling’s voice trembled with emotion.

Zhou Ruoyuan’s heart ached—Qingling truly loved him wholeheartedly.

“I just received the edict. I will depart for Yonglin Prefecture first thing tomorrow. You must rest well in the capital. I will soon bring little Yu’er to the Noble Consort.”

Bai Qingling’s heart sank. She wanted to ask about Shen Lanxi. If the prince left, leaving her alone in the capital, Shen Lanxi and the Shen family would undoubtedly act against her.

“Your Highness, Qingling does not want to be apart. I want to go with you!” she said sadly, full of reluctance.

Zhou Ruoyuan’s heart ached, but Qingling’s current condition did not allow her to travel with him.

“Qingling, be obedient. Wait until your health recovers, then come to Yonglin Prefecture to see me!”