RWNEFE -Chapter 425 The Shen Family Moves into the Protectorate Duke’s Residence!

Emperor Renxiao let out a long sigh. “Lanxi has been wronged.”

Wang Bao curled his orchid-like fingers and said disdainfully, “What a mess the Shen family is!”

The emperor’s gaze deepened as he thought for a moment. “Lanxi dared to strike Yun­sui—what do you think of that?”

Wang Bao lowered his head and replied in a peculiar tone, “Isn’t it because she relies on Your Majesty’s favor and therefore acts without restraint? Isn’t she afraid that the court officials will impeach her if they learn of it?”

After a moment, Emperor Renxiao laughed.

“I have indeed favored Lanxi somewhat of late.”

Wang Bao gestured delicately. “People shouldn’t be indulged too much. Once they are, their behavior becomes ostentatious.”

The emperor said thoughtfully, “A bit of ostentation is good.” Better than those who pretended to be gentlemen in public but were villains in private—those were the ones who truly needed to be guarded against.

“Still, this has given the Shen family an excuse to move into the Ducal residence.” In his eyes, everyone in the Shen family was greedy; not one of them seemed decent.

Wang Bao reported cautiously, “Even while recuperating, Shen Congwen hasn’t been idle. His room is crowded with pretty concubines and maids, and even his illegitimate sons and daughters are scrambling to show filial piety.”

The emperor’s face turned cold again.

“Arrange a time for her to enter the palace.”

It was obvious who “her” referred to.

“This servant will make the arrangements at once.”

It was again time to flip the green plaques. Remembering the pleasures of the previous night, Emperor Renxiao selected two in succession and ordered Wang Bao to arrange things in secret.

…

Zhou Yunsui had never expected that after making such a great sacrifice, her father would show no regard for her dignity and drive her out of the palace.

Hadn’t it been Father Emperor who told her to go to Shen Lanxi’s residence to gather intelligence?

She had been unable to plant anyone there, so she resorted to schemes involving Shen Congwen—she had been forced into it.

They were merely expedient measures. Why could Father Emperor not understand her intentions?

“Princess, shall we return to the Shen residence now?” a maid asked.

Aside from the Shen family, they had nowhere else to go.

Zhou Yunsui looked toward the palace with hatred in her eyes. She had sacrificed her own marriage to carry out her father’s orders. Since he was so heartless, she saw no reason to remain obedient.

It was all Shen Lanxi’s fault for making her lose face like this. She would never let Shen Lanxi off.

“Let’s go back.”

Yet when they were about to reach the Shen residence, Zhou Yunsui hesitated, unable to swallow her pride.

When she finally entered the gate, she saw servants hurrying about packing belongings; the Shen household was in complete chaos.

“What’s going on?” a palace maid stopped a servant to ask.

The servant replied, “Old Madam has ordered everything packed—we’re moving to the Ducal residence!” He left smiling.

The status of the Protectorate Duke’s residence was so high that once outsiders knew they belonged there, they would be regarded with far greater respect.

Zhou Yunsui nearly exploded with anger.

After all the turmoil, they were moving to the Ducal residence anyway.

The Shen family was clearly benefiting from her.

As soon as Zhou Yunsui entered the house, word was reported to Old Madam Shen.

“Did she say anything?” the old lady asked.

“No, she went straight back to her courtyard.”

Old Madam Shen pondered. With Zhou Yunsui’s temper, if she had gained the emperor’s backing, she would have caused a great uproar upon returning. Since she had come back quietly, she must have been dismissed by the emperor without support.

Hmph—just an unfavored princess.

“Inform the princess’s courtyard to pack. They will move to the Ducal residence tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

When Zhou Yunsui received the message, she was furious. She had so many belongings—how could everything be packed in a single night?

The old lady was clearly making things difficult for her.

“Princess, shall we call an imperial physician to look at the Prince Consort’s injuries?” a maid reminded her.

Zhou Yunsui cast a sinister glance at her. “What, does his injury make your heart ache?”

The maid was so frightened she immediately knelt, but Zhou Yunsui kicked her.

“You lowly dog of a servant—if I hear you speaking on Shen Yuanxin’s behalf again, I’ll flay you alive!”

…

Early the next morning, Old Madam Shen rose at dawn to oversee the move.

Recently she had accumulated quite a few valuable items in her private stores; to prevent damage, she personally supervised the servants as they replaced the packing.

Hu Jinyu had sent word to Shen Yuanxu overnight, and he returned under the stars.

“Yuanxu, get up quickly. We’re moving today—there’s much that needs supervision,” Hu Jinyu said, rubbing her aching waist while forcing herself to dress.

Shen Yuanxu leaned against the bed, watching. “What’s the hurry? There’s a whole day—are you afraid it won’t be finished?”

“Grandmother is already up. How can we juniors remain in bed?”

Shen Yuanxu laughed softly, went to the dressing table, and helped place a jade hairpin in her hair.

“The courtyards haven’t even been assigned yet, and Grandmother is already busying herself.”

Hu Jinyu turned, her eyes bright. “Where do you think our courtyard will be?”

Shen Yuanxu thought to himself: at least it wouldn’t be near Shen Lanxi’s quarters.

He still didn’t understand her intentions. The Shen family was large and complicated—how could they simply move into the Protectorate Duke’s residence?

“You finish getting ready. I’ll go to the Ducal residence and take a look,” he said, dressing quickly.

“Alright. Try to avoid Grandmother—she might catch you and put you to work.”

“I know.”

Protectorate Duke’s Residence

“My Lady, everything has been prepared.”

Shen Lanxi said calmly, “This residence has long been watched by countless eyes. Letting them move in will help divert some attention from us.”

“Should your courtyard be separated from the others?”

She shook her head. “The residence guards will be enough.”

The Ducal residence was enormous; even with the entire Shen family moving in, it would not feel crowded.

Shen Yuanxu arrived.

“My Lady, should we change the place where we hold our discussions?” he asked cautiously. He knew Zhou Yunsui had ill intentions, and some of their affairs could not be revealed to outsiders.

“It’s already been changed,” Shen Lanxi replied. “We’ll meet in the courtyard I used to live in at the Shen residence.”

Shen Yuanxu was stunned—what a clever tactic. No one would ever imagine that Shen Lanxi would use such a “hidden in plain sight” strategy.

Shen Lanxi continued, “Once the family moves out, the Shen residence will be locked. Only a single gatekeeper will remain, with occasional inspections.”

Shen Yuanxu thought to himself that it couldn’t be safer.

“Have the courtyards been assigned? Is there anything I can help with?”

“They were assigned long ago,” Shen Lanxi replied. In fact, she had arranged them when she first moved in.

Shen Yuanxu took the list of courtyard assignments back to the Shen residence.

Old Madam Shen’s courtyard was already piled high with large chests. She was now in Shen Congwen’s room, urging the servants to pack.

Shen Congwen’s high fever had subsided the day before, but he still seemed weak. During the day he tried asking his son about his condition, but was brushed off.

No one told him that even after recovery, he would likely walk with a limp.

His official career was over.

“My eldest son, once you move to the Ducal residence, you’ll be able to recuperate properly. With me watching over things, no one will disturb your rest again,” Old Madam Shen said.

Shen Congwen held his head, feeling a dull ache.

He was not a man given to excess, yet that day he had suddenly felt desire. Now he finally understood—he must have been set up.

“Thank you for watching over things, Mother,” he said.

He did not ask about the maid who had climbed into his bed. To him, she was nothing more than a disposable bed-warmer—if he wanted one, they were easy enough to find.