RWNEFE -Chapter 296 Shen Lanxi Belongs to the Empress!

“Trivial matters, these are all trivial matters. The real big issue is the spring imperial examinations. Have you heard what Grand Tutor Mei intends? I suspect he came well prepared today!”

“You mean, this time Grand Tutor Mei wants to serve as chief examiner?”

“Ah, I never said that…”

After Shen Lanxi finished morning court and was about to return, a junior eunuch from the Empress’s palace arrived with an imperial summons—The Empress wanted to see her.

Many things had happened over the years she was away from the capital, especially in the inner palace, each more dramatic than the last. Most notably, Beauty Lin secretly gave birth to a prince, intending to use him to gain favor and rise in rank. But cleverness backfired—she was accused of plotting against the imperial heir and thrown into the cold palace.

That same day, Beauty Lin went mad, and within a few days she was found drowned in the lotus pond of the cold palace.

The Empress, feeling pity for the young child, took him in and raised him herself. Though he was not officially recorded under her name, in everyone’s eyes, the Eighteenth Prince was already half a legitimate son.

Now, the Renxiao Emperor was in the prime of his strength; if no misfortune befell him, he would reign for at least ten to fifteen more years—enough for the Empress’s adopted son to grow to adulthood.

Shen Lanxi had little social contact with Qi Yingqun and no friction. Qi Yingqun summoned her, intending to curry favor.

“Lanxi, you child, so busy outside, yet you still thought to have something sent to me. How thoughtful of you!”

Shen Lanxi first performed the proper greeting, then smiled: “Your servant knows well that in the palace over these years, it is thanks to Your Highness’s care that I’ve come to repay you with all my heart.”

Qi Yingqun’s face radiated dignity and kindness; after all these years holding the phoenix seal, she had perfected her composure.

“You are beautiful and loyal. No wonder His Majesty often praises your filial piety in my presence!”

Shen Lanxi smiled: “His Majesty and Your Highness are a loving couple. If my uncle knew I gave him gifts but not his maternal aunt, he would surely be angry and punish me!”

Qi Yingqun cast her a subtle glance but maintained the gentle, caring expression befitting an elder.

“You child, you’ve even learned to joke about me and His Majesty.”

Had anyone else said that, they would surely be punished for great disrespect. Everyone in the palace knew the emperor had not visited her chambers for a long time. Only Shen Lanxi, fresh from returning to the capital, oblivious to palace etiquette, dared to flattery so recklessly.

“You are a good child. Although these gifts were sent by His Majesty, I do not count them as his. If thanks are due, I thank you myself!” Qi Yingqun deliberately smiled and teased.

Shen Lanxi caught the words steadily: “Your Highness and His Majesty are one; there’s no need for thanks. His Majesty’s gifts are yours as well.”

Qi Yingqun deliberately adopted a stern tone: “You may say that here in my palace, but don’t let it be heard outside. If someone with ill intent overhears and reports it, you’ll be in trouble.”

Shen Lanxi: “I’m not afraid. With His Majesty and Your Highness protecting me, I fear no one.”

Qi Yingqun thought: And what about Zhou Ruyuan—are you not afraid of him? There’s no need to leave a handle for others to grasp.

“You’ve been away so long and still act like a child. Earlier, I had the Ministry of Internal Affairs make several sets of fine headdresses, using the bright gemstones young girls like. Take them back and wear them daily, changing as you like!”

Six treasure boxes were brought by palace maids, opened and placed before Shen Lanxi.

The headdresses inside were each lavish, exquisite, and intricately crafted. Even one set would require a team of artisans working for months.

“These headdresses are too precious. I feel unworthy!” Shen Lanxi gazed at them with longing, reluctant to part from any.

Qi Yingqun noted her expression, and a trace of contempt involuntarily flashed in her eyes.

Wasn’t Shen Lanxi supposed to be a female general, unlike ordinary women? And yet, in truth, she was just like any other girl.

“Take them without worry. No matter how precious, they cannot compare to your constant concern for me and His Majesty from the Northwest. Every time His Majesty receives something from you, he praises you in my presence and remembers it for a long time!” Qi Yingqun emphasized the display of intimacy between herself and the emperor, regardless of what Shen Lanxi might hear later.

Shen Lanxi reluctantly moved her gaze from the headdresses: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s and Your Highness’s generosity. I will accept them with all due respect.”

Qi Yingqun: “I know you’ve just returned to the capital and must be busy. I’ll have my palace attendants escort you out. If anyone in the palace tries to trouble you, they will shield you.”

Shen Lanxi’s eyes flickered, then she smiled: “Thank you for your care. I truly want to return to the marquisate His Majesty has granted me. The hurry in returning yesterday left many things unpacked.”

Qi Yingqun personally had the senior eunuch escort Shen Lanxi out of the palace.

Chaoyun Hall

“Your Highness, the Empress commanded the senior eunuch to personally escort Shen Lanxi out. Our people didn’t dare intervene!”

Concubine Fei, Zhou Ruyuan’s mother, darkened her face, sneering: “What use is it if she tries to win over Shen Lanxi? After all, she’s not something born from her own body. How filial could she really be in the end?”

“Your Highness, if the Eighteenth Prince learns his birth mother was killed by the Empress, it’ll be even more dramatic.”

Concubine Fei laughed madly.

“Qi Yingqun fakes madness and folly, but wait until the Eighteenth Prince grows older. When her devoted care is returned with enmity and revenge by the child she raised, let’s see if she can still pretend!”

The palace maids chuckled: “She’ll truly go mad then…”

…

Shen Lanxi was personally escorted out by the Empress’s palace attendants. Within an hour, the news spread throughout the capital.

Among ministers and noblewomen, nearly half now believed Shen Lanxi was aligned with the Empress.

After leaving the palace, Shen Lanxi had some of her gifts sent to the Shen family, then went straight to the Northern Marquisate.

“General.” Wei Dongzhu and the others had been waiting a long time.

Shen Lanxi briefly summarized the morning court proceedings.

“Spring examinations?” Che Mingyuan frowned in thought.

Liu Yanhui was more concerned about the emperor’s arrangements for them.

“General, may I not return to the Ministry of Revenue?” He wanted to remain with the Northern Army.

Shen Lanxi denied without hesitation: “No. You go to the Ministry of Revenue; I have tasks for you there.”

Liu Yanhui, who had hoped to negotiate, immediately sat back down.

Having tasks to do was fine!

Shen Lanxi said: “His Majesty has reopened the imperial exams. This benefits the nation and the people, and strengthens the state. Mr. Che, if you wish to participate, you may go freely.”

Che Mingyuan shook his hand: “I’ll pass. I suspect His Majesty is tired of the obstinate old ministers, especially the supervising censors—few have ever been favored by emperors.”

Shen Lanxi made no comment and continued making arrangements.