RWNEFE -Chapter 386 Zhou Ruyuan Questions His Father for the First Time

The Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review had already come to an agreement.

“Your Highness, the confession states that it was Zhou Yunyan alone who pushed Princess Yunxue into the water, and it has nothing to do with the Ping Mansion.”

Hearing this, the Ping Mansion people immediately rejoiced:

“Your Highness, if it’s confirmed that it has nothing to do with our Ping Mansion, then our household bears no responsibility.”

“The Ping Mansion is busy; we won’t disturb you further in handling the case.”

Then, turning to Zhu Ping, they said:

“As for Zhou Yunyan’s funeral arrangements, since she was married into your Zhu family, she belongs to your household now. Handle it as you see fit; there’s no need to involve our mansion further.”

Even if they were called, the Ping Mansion would not send anyone.

Seeing them leave, the Crown Prince did not ask them to stay—they left faster than rabbits.

“Since the case is solved and Zhou Yunyan is dead, I will report back to the Emperor first before taking further action.”

The Ministry of Justice and Court personnel escorted them respectfully.

…

“Father, it has been confirmed: the person who pushed Princess Yunxue into the water was Zhou Yunyan, the illegitimate daughter of the Ping Mansion,” Zhou Rulin reported.

Emperor Renxiao, after reading the confession and repentance notes, felt a deep sense of concern.

“Out of jealousy toward Yunxue’s legitimate birth, she committed such a vile act to ruin another’s reputation. This Zhou Yunyan truly has a cruel heart.”

Shen Lanxi said, “Uncle, since Zhou Yunyan has already been executed, I wish to request that Yunxue formally separate from the Fang family of Xishan, and have Prince Zhen’nan bring Yunxue back to the capital for burial.”

Emperor Renxiao frowned: “Lanxi, Yunxue is already gone. Why insist on formal separation?”

“Even in a separation, it should be initiated by the Ji Mansion. Afterwards, burial would also be an issue—married daughters cannot be buried in their birth household.”

Shen Lanxi: “I know my position isn’t suitable, but what if the Ji Mansion initiates it?”

Emperor Renxiao: “Then it would naturally be proper.”

“Very well, I will go to the Ji Mansion shortly.”

Emperor Renxiao: “I heard you had conflicts with the Ji Mansion. It’s better to have the Crown Prince accompany you.”

Shen Lanxi: “Thank you, Uncle, and thank you, Crown Prince.”

Seeing her obedient demeanor, Emperor Renxiao nodded in satisfaction.

…

Xishan

“Your Highness, did the Emperor say whether we should return?” asked one of Zhou Ruyuan’s subordinates.

Zhou Ruyuan’s face was cold: “Yes. He wants us to bring back Princess Yunxue’s dowry along with her body to the capital.”

But the problem arose:

“The Fang estate is burned to the ground. There’s no way to identify Princess Yunxue’s body.”

“And what dowry? Everything was destroyed in the fire.”

The Emperor really knew how to give their Prince a difficult task.

They were generals who fought on the battlefield, not clerks handling investigations.

What did the Emperor think of them?

Zhou Ruyuan’s face darkened. This time, being sent out of the capital, he sensed something was off.

Such a task could easily have been assigned to others—there was no need for him to go personally.

Even if it were to gain merit from his father, the reward from this case would be minimal.

Coming to Xishan, he was basically doing errands. Any merit would rightfully go to the chief investigator.

And the chief investigator was none other than the Crown Prince.

For the first time, Zhou Ruyuan questioned his father.

“Your Highness, this matter seems unusual. We should return to the capital as soon as possible.”

Zhou Ruyuan glanced at Bai Qingling and silently nodded.

Bai Qingling had followed him to Xishan on the third day. Initially, he had thought the return would be quick, so her pursuit was somewhat inconvenient.

Unexpectedly, they had been there for over two months.

“Princess Yunxue’s dowry was looted by bandits, but fortunately, the estate had already recorded the items. We can return with the list to report properly.”

“As for her body… the bandits were ruthless, burning the Fang estate to ashes. Take a handful of soil from her chamber and bring it back!”

“Yes!”

Finally, they would return to the capital. Yet Zhou Ruyuan felt a lingering unease—he sensed something in the capital had changed.

Early that morning, Emperor Renxiao had received dispatches reporting that Zhou Ruan had decisively defeated the pirates at Nanning, forcing them into retreat. A report of his success would soon arrive.

“Your Majesty, have some ginseng tea!” Wang Bao brought the tea.

Emperor Renxiao, scowling, initially tried to push it aside, then hesitated halfway. In the end, he drank it all.

“After the pirate raids, the people of Nanning must be struggling. Let the Second Prince assist in rebuilding their livelihoods.”

Wang Bao: “Your Majesty is wise!”

Emperor Renxiao also worried about one thing: allowing Zhou Ruan to return would enable him to regain command of the army. Denying him return risked leaving him entrenched with military power, potentially becoming a second Zhou Ruyuan.

“Your Majesty, you haven’t taken a midday rest for over a month. Please take care of your health!”

Emperor Renxiao waved him off: “Now is the best time to consolidate political and military authority. How can I rest? Enough talk—bring the remaining memorials!”

Wang Bao replied anxiously: “Yes.”

…

“Lanxi, pay respects to Mother!” After performing the formal greeting, Shen Lanxi glanced at Shen Yuantang beside her mother.

She must have been exhausted over the past few days.

“I’m fine. Go tend to your own matters,” Zhou Xinrou said softly, leaning on the pillow.

Shen Lanxi: “I received many rewards from the Emperor for solving Princess Yunxue’s case. I brought some for you.”

Shen Yuantang, while Shen Lanxi spoke with Zhou Xinrou, cast a burning gaze at the embroidered box behind her.

“You’re thoughtful!” Zhou Xinrou coughed twice after speaking.

Shen Lanxi: “Unfortunately, all the precious medicines from last time have been distributed. Next time, if someone brings anything, I’ll keep the herbs for Mother.”

Zhou Xinrou turned, her tone slightly stern: “You needn’t worry about such trivial matters. Focus on your duties.”

Shen Lanxi: “Yuanxin’s wedding is soon. The Emperor granted me a few days off to help at home.”

Zhou Xinrou: “No need. Someone else can manage things at home. You just focus on your responsibilities, and don’t forget to practice martial arts diligently.”

Shen Lanxi lowered her head, eyes half-closed, hiding all sharpness.

“I understand, Mother. I won’t neglect my current duties.”

For a brief moment, she suspected her mother might know something—then she dismissed the thought.

“Mother, have you caught a cold? Has the imperial physician come?”

Turning away, Zhou Xinrou’s expression grew cold: “I am fine. You needn’t concern yourself with such trivial matters.”

“Since you have the ability to reach your current position, you must firmly consolidate your foundation.”

Shen Lanxi’s eyes flickered. This was the first time she had heard her mother speak to her in such a tone.

“Lanxi will remember Mother’s teaching.”

Zhou Xinrou, weary, waved her hand: “From now on, don’t concern yourself with household matters. Focus on your own affairs.”

Shen Lanxi: “Yes!”

She withdrew and stood in the courtyard for a while.

Voices from inside carried clearly to her ears:

“Mother, why are you so partial?”

“Eldest sister is also a Shen. Why don’t you let her help the family?”

“Every time I come these past few days, Grandmother, openly or subtly, wants me to pay money to help the family.”