RWNEFE -Chapter 297 The Wu Family!

“Those of you who have been assigned residences in the capital may go today to take possession of your mansions. The rewards given by His Majesty should be displayed and used publicly, in front of all the people of the capital.”

“Yes!”

Shen Lanxi continued, “Those assigned official posts, once your families are settled, you may proceed to fulfill your duties.”

Qian Feng and Xiao Fang: “Yes!”

Shen Lanxi’s gaze then fell on Yan Huai and Sun Qian. Her tone became a warning: “The mastermind behind the Wei family army incident is likely hiding somewhere in the capital. You two should avoid appearing in public for the time being.”

“Yes!”

Shen Lanxi thought it best that Zhou Tianzi not make a move. If he did, even the tiniest trace—like a single strand of hair—she would unravel it thread by thread and expose the culprit behind it.

News of the broad reopening of the imperial examinations quickly spread throughout the empire, bringing the greatest joy to the scholars. Having studied in cold, lonely conditions all their lives, they finally had a chance to shine and bring honor to their families.

The civil service exams had been suspended for six years. Scholars had grown disheartened, and now, with the realm finally at peace, many of them wept in the streets with joy, disregarding all etiquette.

Among those rejoicing was even Shen Congwen.

“His Majesty has reopened the imperial examinations. You who have studied diligently now have the opportunity to demonstrate your talents. From today until two days before the exams, you are not to leave your residence. All the maids in your rooms are to be dismissed and replaced with competent ones. If you are missing ink, paper, brushes, or books, go purchase them immediately. I have collected rare editions and my own annotated copies of the Four Books and Five Classics for you to study at home.”

After court, Shen Congwen immediately returned home and gathered his sons who were studying to deliver this instruction.

After listening for a while, Shen Yuanqing and the others began to drift off mentally. They knew that Shen Yuanjing had brought his wife and children back from outside the city, yet Shen Congwen did not stop.

The matriarch, Old Madam Shen, was already waiting in the main hall with the family. This was the official wife that the eldest son’s family had married from the Northwest—a marriage bestowed by His Majesty. Kang Zhu, the wife, was a Wala princess, symbolizing the alliance of two states. Old Madam Shen naturally attached great importance to the occasion.

“Mother, Yuan Tang and the others went to fetch the princess some time ago. Should we send someone to hurry them along?” Madam Liu said, only to be glared at by the matriarch.

“Your sister-in-law is not for you to manage.” The matriarch could see the situation clearly.

Madam Liu, Madam Miao, and Madam Tian all pouted in displeasure. The matriarch’s obsequiousness was far too obvious, as if she feared no one would notice her opportunism.

Shen Lanxi accompanied Shen Yuanjing to meet Kang Zhu and her child outside the city. They traveled swiftly, enduring exposure to wind and rain; the child could hardly bear it.

“Xiaomei, let Auntie see if you’ve grown a bit.” Shen Lanxi looked at the little girl, who giggled upon seeing her, and couldn’t help but smile beautifully herself.

“Look at what Auntie brought you.” Shen Lanxi beckoned, and Wei Dongzhu took out a string of golden wind chimes from a box.

Shen Yuanjing and Kang Zhu were immediately delighted; such delicate craftsmanship!

The work was so fine, inlaid with gemstones—certainly very precious.

Shen Lanxi: “From now on, while the little one is awake, hang this chime by her bed. Its gentle tinkling will surely delight her.”

“Thank you, big sister!” Kang Zhu carefully took the wind chime. The golden thread to hang it was as fine as a hair, a feat only top artisans could achieve.

Shen Yuanjing’s eyes moved between his eldest daughter and Wei Dongzhu, his smile deepening.

“Let’s head back to the residence to talk.”

~

Since Zhou Xinrou had not yet returned, the return of Kang Zhu and her child was not considered an official family banquet. Old Madam Shen had arranged it as a small family gathering so that the household could reunite.

“Pay respects to grandmother!” Kang Zhu, having been taught the proper etiquette of the capital, performed her bow correctly, without a single error.

Old Madam Shen, seeing Kang Zhu dressed as a proper Central Plains lady and showing respect to her elders, nodded approvingly and immediately had her personal maid present the gifts that had been prepared.

“These bracelets are cherished by me. Consider them a gift for my granddaughter-in-law upon meeting you.”

Kang Zhu looked to Shen Yuanjing, who nodded, and only then did she accept them.

“Thank you, grandmother, for your kindness.”

Old Madam Shen then gifted a longevity lock to the child, and other branches of the family followed suit, presenting their own gifts.

Kang Zhu also reciprocated, and after the exchange of gifts, as seating was being arranged, noise erupted from the back courtyard.

“Why can’t my child and I sit? I am also a daughter-in-law of the Shen family. My son is the legitimate grandson of the second branch. Let me in…”

Old Madam Shen’s face immediately darkened.

“Damn it! Wasn’t she supposed to be locked in her room? How did she get out?”

Madam Liu was embarrassed and about to stand and check, but was stopped by Shen Conglian.

“Which second branch of the Shen family? I’m not home—whose child is this?”

Old Madam Shen’s face darkened further. The second son, foolish as ever, did not realize this was a family banquet, not his personal playground.

Madam Liu quickly explained while trying to shield her son: “It’s Wu from Yuanxu’s household.”

Shen Conglian shouted: “Which Wu—” then realized halfway who it was.

“Why did you bring her into the house?”

Madam Liu desperately looked to the matriarch for help, and Old Madam Shen’s expression turned uneasy.

“Second son, sit down. You all sit. Madam Liu, you explain to them.”

Madam Liu, under her son’s dark glare, dared not lift her eyes to the eldest son.

“Mother, didn’t I say not to let you control things?” Shen Yuanxu gritted his teeth.

Madam Liu, feeling wronged, decided to go all out.

“It’s that Wu woman. She knew I would be softhearted and knelt in front of me with the child. Seeing the child so sick, I momentarily relented…”

Shen Yuanxu, furious: “Mother, Wu and I had already divorced. Why did you bring her back? What would outsiders think?”

Madam Liu bowed her head, heart full of grievance: “I’m not pitying Madam Wu; I pity the child. Yuanxu, no matter Madam Wu’s character, the child is still Shen family flesh and blood!”

Shen Yuanxu’s veins bulged with frustration. He quickly looked at Shen Lanxi.

She smiled faintly and gave a reassuring glance.

“This Wu woman is indeed malicious. She came to ruin Yuanxu’s marriage deliberately because his future looks bright.”

Madam Liu was taken aback.

Old Madam Shen’s expression also changed.

Shen Lanxi: “When our Shen family was exiled, the women severed ties, divorced, or broke engagements. Now that the Shen family has risen again, these people cling to us, thinking we are spineless?”

Old Madam Shen looked at Shen Lanxi intently: “Second son, have Wu sent back to her family.”

Madam Liu quickly asked: “Mother, what about the child?” The child belongs to the Shen family and cannot be sent away.

“Mother…” Shen Yuanxu called softly.

Madam Liu panicked. Why is my son calling me? She was protecting her son’s flesh and blood. Did they misunderstand? Was her son wanting Wu to stay?