RWNEFE -Chapter 375 Arrangements for Shen Yuanxu

That night…

“In a few days, I’ll have Mr. Ruohua recommend you to enroll at Bailu Academy. If you don’t want to go, you can tell me now,” Shen Lanxi explained her plan.

Shen Yuanxu was a bit confused—he couldn’t figure out what move she was making.

“Lanxi… I heard you right, didn’t I? You want me to go study?”

Shen Lanxi replied, “You can pursue official exams if you wish.”

Shen Yuanxu exaggeratedly said, “I know I can take the imperial exams, but I can’t pass! I know my abilities—no matter how long I try, I’ll never pass.”

Shen Lanxi calmly said, “I never said you needed to take the exams.”

Shen Yuanxu was more puzzled. She wanted him to go to the academy, but not to take exams? Was she asking him to become a teacher?

No way! Absolutely impossible.

He had no patience for teaching young children, and teaching older ones… he might not even be competent. Books and official ranks were clearly not his path.

Shen Lanxi said, “The dean of Bailu Academy, Sun Daoxue, is already advanced in age. I intend for you to succeed him as the new dean of Bailu Academy.”

Shen Yuanxu was stunned.

Her proposal? She wanted him, a man of martial skill, to become the dean of a scholarly academy? It was the biggest joke imaginable.

“Lanxi… I can’t even read properly! You want me to be the dean?”

Shen Lanxi reassured him, “Don’t worry—the dean doesn’t have to teach classes.”

Shen Yuanxu: “…”

That may be true, but if he really went, who would respect him?

Every scholar in the empire would likely mock Bailu Academy relentlessly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll have people help you!”

Shen Yuanxu felt like he was dreaming, unable to wake up from this shock.

“Think it over. If you agree, give me your answer quickly. If not, you can take a post in the Ministry of Personnel, or just stay home.”

His eyes lit with hope, and he asked, “Can’t I go to the northwest, or take a military post instead?”

Shen Lanxi: “Not yet.”

Shen Yuanxu’s eyes flickered. “Will it be possible later?”

Shen Lanxi said nothing.

Some things had been building inside Shen Yuanxu for a long time. Her words today gave him a clear signal.

“I’ll go to Bailu Academy.”

As long as he didn’t have to stay home all the time, he was fine!

Shen Yuanxu had slipped out and returned through the secret passage quietly.

Madam Hu only knew that he went out for a drink—he had told her that.

But when he returned, there was no trace of alcohol, nor any perfume.

That last point worried Hu Jinyu even more.

“Why are you back so early?” Her father and brothers would normally stay out drinking until well past midnight.

Shen Yuanxu carried a food box inside. Hu Jinyu assumed it contained food, but when she opened it, she found gold, silver, and jewelry.

“Where did this come from, husband?”

Shen Yuanxu thought: Hu Jinyu was already his closest companion; it would be hard to hide things from her. But before revealing everything, he had to test the waters.

“These are things I hid outside, obtained during the campaigns.”

Even Hu Jinyu, who prided herself on her intelligence, was momentarily stunned.

Why all the secrecy?

Shen Yuanxu took Hu Jinyu in his arms and sat down, speaking gently: “You’ve been with the Shen family long enough to notice—every branch keeps a ledger, and nothing leaves the house without permission.”

Hu Jinyu twitched at the corner of her mouth. Earlier, the matriarch had tearfully mentioned that there wasn’t enough silver to prepare the betrothal gifts for Shen Yuanxin, hinting that each branch should contribute. During dinner, Shen Yuanxu had kept her from speaking.

So that was why.

“These things are all kept in a separate house outside. When the family is divided someday, we can move them to our own house.”

Hu Jinyu had no words.

“I’m showing you this only to tell you: there are plenty of wealthy members in this family. Don’t focus only on using dowry money to support the household.”

Hu Jinyu remained silent, gazing at the contents of the box.

“All of our things are kept in the house near the city gate. You’ve seen how closely watched everything is. This is the key—when you have time, you can go see for yourself.” Shen Yuanxu handed the key to Hu Jinyu.

She hesitated: “Your formal wife will grow up someday… shouldn’t these things be for her?”

Shen Yuanxu laughed wryly, pulling her onto his lap: “Do you really think your husband is careless? That child will be raised as ours. When she grows up, who knows who might sit on the Great Zhou throne? Then we’ll find a family of equal standing to marry her off.”

This was the first time Shen Yuanxu openly discussed this in front of her. Hu Jinyu eagerly grabbed the key, her heart warmed.

…

At the next court session, Emperor Renxiao announced he was recalling the Prince Zhen Nan.

Shen Lanxi immediately stood: “I have a memorial to present. I wish to accuse Lady Yunxue and her family, and also her husband, Fang Wenting.”

The court murmured in astonishment.

Shen Lanxi didn’t even have to attend court regularly—just appearing today made a splash!

The emperor thought for a moment: “They are all dead. Why accuse them?”

Shen Lanxi replied, “I accuse the Fang family of deliberately ruining Lady Yunxue’s reputation, forcing her to marry Fang Wenting against her will.”

Thinking of the news from the Crown Princess’ mansion, the emperor’s eyes flickered. “Did Lady Yunxue confide in you when she was alive?”

Shen Lanxi: “She indeed told me many grievances, but I thought she was just venting. I never imagined that once she left, it would be forever.”

Renxiao Emperor: “I remember, she often followed you closely.”

“Yes, it was her. I had almost forgotten. A few days ago, at the Crown Princess’ flower-viewing banquet, the princess brought out a handkerchief I had given Lady Yunxue. Seeing it brought back memories of our sisterly bond. I requested a day off and heard many criticizing Lady Yunxue. She cannot rest even in death, so I wish to seek justice on her behalf.”

The emperor pondered a moment: “Do not let the Prince Zhen Nan return yet. Investigate the Fang family thoroughly in the Western Mountains.”

A cold smile flickered across Shen Lanxi’s eyes.

“The eldest prince has been back in the capital for over a month and is in good health. Let him handle the investigation into Lady Yunxue’s drowning.”

Shen Lanxi: “I, on behalf of Lady Yunxue, humbly thank Your Majesty for your generosity!”

The emperor looked at Shen Lanxi, extremely pleased.

…

“A noble, the matriarch has sent word for you to return to the Shen household for dinner tonight,” reported a personal guard.

After recording Shen Yuanxin as the legitimate son, the next step would be the princess entering the household.

By now, the Shen family storerooms must have been emptied.

When she entered the mansion, she coincidentally encountered the second branch sending off guests.

Hu Jinyu, learning from her maid that Shen Lanxi had arrived, immediately brought fabric to meet her.

“I heard Yuanxu is going to study at Bailu Academy. I’ve specially brought a tailor who makes clothes for Bailu students to take measurements for him.”

Shen Lanxi examined the fabric and nodded.

“This is the same material used for Bailu Academy students!”

The dean of Bailu valued frugality; student uniforms were made from ordinary cloth. Shen Lanxi understood Hu Jinyu’s intention in showing her the fabric.

“Yuanxu is fortunate to have a capable wife like you!”