RWNEFE -Chapter 467 Shen Lanxi Appointed as Regent Prince

Shen Lanxi looked down with a smile, surveying the court officials below.

“His Majesty has personally chosen Sun Xun as the top scholar of the Golden Examination!”

“His Majesty has appointed Zhou Tingyu as the runner-up of the Golden Examination!”

With each announcement, Shen Lanxi acted as if she were leaning close to the Renxiao Emperor, conveying his orders.

The emperor could still move his fingers, and Shen Lanxi faithfully transmitted his intentions.

In the entire court, the only person he trusted now was Shen Lanxi.

“There must be orders! The Ministry of Rites will arrange the parade for the top three scholars on horseback. Dismiss the court!”

The officials’ hearts pounded. The emperor was clearly present—so why have Shen Lanxi deliver the decree? Was this really the emperor’s will?

Why wasn’t he speaking himself?

During the subsequent Small Cabinet meeting, the three regent ministers once again challenged Shen Lanxi.

“Lord Shen, how is His Majesty’s health?”

Shen Lanxi replied calmly: “His Majesty is well. He said that once he recovers, he will summon the three of you.”

Wu Yanzhi interjected: “Lord Shen, His Majesty’s appearance doesn’t look like he’s in good health.”

Shen Lanxi arched an eyebrow, a faint, teasing smile playing on her lips: “According to the Left Chancellor, what should His Majesty look like?”

Liu Mingxin took the cue: “Previously, His Majesty was vigorous, his voice full of strength. During court meetings, he would often stand to stretch his muscles.”

Not like now—he looks like a mere decoration.

Hearing the word “decoration,” the court officials began to tremble inwardly.

Shen Lanxi said: “His Majesty is in good health. Rather than wasting time speculating about him, it would be better to complete the tasks he has assigned. This way, if His Majesty is ever displeased, you won’t be accused of dereliction!”

The officials glared at Shen Lanxi in anger but dared not speak.

How arrogant! With the emperor in this condition, the court situation clearly could not last like this forever.

Once the old and new powers shift, let’s see how she can continue smiling!

The next day, edicts regarding the Crown Prince piled up like snow in the Small Cabinet.

The three regent ministers, working in tacit agreement, had a whole table of memorials brought before Shen Lanxi.

Shen Lanxi sneered, then presented the memorials to the Renxiao Emperor.

The emperor, angered, felt his blood boil, coughed up a mouthful of blood, and fell into a coma.

“Lord Shen, should we continue administering the medicine?” Wang Bao asked uncertainly.

“Yes, these were personally prepared by the National Preceptor day and night for His Majesty. They must be cherished!”

…

As soon as the Renxiao Emperor regained consciousness, he received two pieces of news that could have cost him his life:

“Your Majesty, the Second Prince has rebelled in Nanning!”

“The Green Silkworm poison points to the Empress’ palace!”

The emperor blacked out again, only waking two hours later.

“Uncle, the National Preceptor says you must not be further agitated. In the future, do not hear such news. Leave all matters to the court to handle!”

The emperor struggled to lift his hand and, with great effort, pointed toward Wang Bao.

Wang Bao carefully retrieved a scroll of the imperial edict from beneath the dragon bed.

When the emperor’s arm fell back, he was panting heavily.

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: From this day forward, Shen Lanxi is granted the title of Regent Prince. Shen Lanxi understands the will of the throne and should comprehend my intentions!”

Thus, Shen Lanxi became the first woman of a different family to hold the title of Prince in the history of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

“Lanxi accepts the decree. Uncle, I understand your intentions. Before the return of the Chen Prince, I will hold the capital!”

The Renxiao Emperor exhaled, as if finally relieved.

When the Chen Prince returns, there are still two imperial edicts: one to enthrone the Chen Prince, and another to execute Shen Lanxi.

“May my son wield this edict like a sharpened blade!”

…

The officials were curious. Could it be that His Majesty had recovered so fully that he summoned the court himself?

Some speculated it might be about announcing the Crown Prince.

Unexpectedly, none of these—Shen Lanxi was being appointed as Regent!

“How can a woman serve as the Regent of Great Zhou? His Majesty is confused to issue such a decree!”

“I demand to see His Majesty! If I cannot see him, I’d rather die in this hall!”

The Censor was about to charge forward. The officials pulled him back, simultaneously persuading and criticizing Shen Lanxi.

Shen Lanxi stood beside the dragon throne, looking down, as if watching a farce unfold.

“Lord Shen, where is Father? I must see him,” Zhou Ruyuan demanded.

He could not believe his father would issue such an edict. Surely, Shen Lanxi had taken advantage of the emperor’s illness to fake the decree.

Wang Bao replied: “His Majesty is resting. Any matters will be delivered to the Zhen’nan Prince. Focus on the investigation; nothing else is required.”

Zhou Ruyuan felt like he had been slapped. Wang Bao was the emperor’s personal attendant. Could he have been bribed by Shen Lanxi?

“Eunuch Wang, how could Father issue such an edict? This is absurd!” Zhou Ruyuan exclaimed.

Wang Bao said calmly: “I personally prepared the ink for His Majesty and watched him write this. Prince, if you doubt it, once His Majesty recovers, the truth will be revealed.”

Zhou Ruyuan glared at Shen Lanxi. She dared even to accept such an edict—what was she planning?

Shen Lanxi lowered her eyes and said coldly: “His Majesty received news that the Second Prince Zhou Ruan was plotting rebellion in Nanning. Angered, he ordered the officials to swiftly capture Zhou Ruan. Gentlemen, the court’s military is limited. Who do you propose should handle this?”

Most of the officials were distracted.

“The Second Prince is rebelling? Since when?”

“First it was the Fifth Prince, now the Second Prince. Our Great Zhou… must not fall into chaos!”

Shen Lanxi looked at Zhou Ruyuan: “The Zhen’nan Prince was personally appointed by His Majesty as a war god. He is the brother of the Second Prince. Why not let him volunteer for this mission?”

Zhou Ruyuan’s expression changed. He thought carefully.

With the complex situation in the capital—external princes coveting power, and Shen Lanxi controlling the court—he was the only person capable of opposing her. She would never be able to draw him out of the capital.

Zhou Ruyuan immediately objected: “Father is not yet recovered. As a prince, I must attend him. I am the only capable adult prince in the capital; I cannot leave now.”

Shen Lanxi had already anticipated this.

“Then designate another. Ministers of the Ministry of War, perhaps you can propose a suitable candidate!”

The Vice Minister of War did not want to get involved. Most of the capital’s troops were stationed in the fields. Where could they deploy forces?

Bandits were rampant in Nanning, and Zhou Ruan had a strong foothold there. Sending troops now would be a death sentence.

Shen Lanxi said: “Since Zhou Ruan is a prince, I suggest first attempting to pacify him. If that fails, then send troops. Ministers, what do you think?”

The Vice Minister’s eyes brightened as he saw the person blocking him.

“I have a suitable candidate: Marquis of Yong’an, Zhao Zheng.”

Zhao Zheng, being named, froze, then turned his head.

“Vice Minister, everyone knows I hold only an honorary title in the Ministry of War. Recommending me for this mission—is this a grudge?”

The Vice Minister was ready with his justification.

“As Madam Shen said, we first attempt pacification. Your status, Marquis of Yong’an, is sufficient to take on this responsibility!”