RWNEFE -Chapter 478 Shen Lanxi Governs the State!

Liu Mingxin was utterly puzzled. When he saw the soldiers being led to the palace prison, a troubling thought suddenly struck him.

Why were there so few soldiers? Why was there no sound of resistance? Why had Shen Lanxi not mentioned what would be done with them?

It was as if he had glimpsed some terrible truth—the cold sweat on his back drenched him.

…

“Grand Tutor, has His Majesty’s health improved?” Shen Lanxi asked Song Daoxi.

Now, Emperor Renxiao had returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, with Wang Bao and the palace attendants from the hall at his side.

Song Daoxi, expressionless and hands behind his back, replied: “There has been some improvement. I already have a plan for the antidote. Within two months, it will surely be developed.”

Shen Lanxi asked: “His Majesty’s body?”

Song Daoxi: “With this Grand Tutor present, His Majesty’s health will be fully safeguarded!”

Only then did Shen Lanxi exhale in relief.

Wu Yanzhi said: “Heaven protects the righteous!”

Mei Nanhua sighed: “May His Majesty recover quickly and return to the throne soon.”

Liu Mingxin lowered his gaze, silent.

Shen Lanxi said: “After a day and night of turmoil and fear, I suggest the ministers return to rest. Tomorrow there are still state affairs to handle.”

The ministers gradually departed.

The next day, when Emperor Renxiao regained consciousness, he issued an imperial edict:

“…The Sixteenth Prince is to be stripped of his title and demoted to commoner status, and along with his mother, buried in the common grave. The consorts and their children who perished shall be immediately interred in the imperial mausoleum. From this day forward, the Regent King shall govern the state, fully managing all imperial affairs on my behalf…”

The ministers had long since abandoned resistance. After all, His Majesty had previously issued similar decrees, allowing Shen Lanxi to handle state affairs. The only difference this time was that she would regulate the state as regent.

Throughout history, the heir apparent traditionally governed as regent—never had a woman done so!

Some harbored resentment in their hearts but dared not express it.

Externally, there was the rebellion of the Eighth Prince; internally, the palace coup had just been quelled. Who, at such a time, had the ability to shoulder the state’s burden?

Was it the Left Prime Minister? The Grand Tutor? Or the Grand Secretary?

Any of them would face immediate opposition from the other factions.

But Shen Lanxi…

No one opposed her.

Shen Lanxi stood before the court, first furiously denouncing the atrocities of the Sixteenth Prince, then striking down the Wang family.

“The Wang family harbored ambitions beyond measure, their crimes enraging both men and gods. I hereby decree that all adult males of the Wang clan be beheaded publicly, the eligible females scattered and sent into exile, and their properties confiscated. Part of the confiscated assets shall be distributed to the families of the consorts killed by the Wang family; the remainder shall be deposited into the national treasury!”

“Generals who followed the Wang family in rebellion and refuse to repent shall be punished likewise, with utmost severity!”

“Does any minister object?” Shen Lanxi lowered her gaze to the ministers.

“No objections, Your Highness!”

…

Afterward, Shen Lanxi began managing state affairs. Reports from the battles with the eight princes gradually arrived.

Within half a month, five of the eight princes had been defeated; Wei Dongzhu and others returned to the capital victorious.

As news of victories poured in, Shen Lanxi began reforming the laws:

“From this day forward, women may establish households, engage in commerce, serve as imperial merchants, take the imperial examinations, conduct business outside the home, inherit property like men, enter government service, and even join the military. Any profession open to men shall be open to women, with equal treatment!”

Upon this decree, the ministers immediately rose in opposition.

“How can women take such a public role? The Regent King alone has this privilege because she has rendered outstanding service to Great Zhou. A woman of such talent is a rare exception, impossible to replicate!”

“Regent King, reconsider! Not all women are as accomplished as you. Most women still remain at home, attending to family duties.”

“The ancestral system cannot be overturned. Women may engage in commerce, but under no circumstances should they enter government service.”

Since the Regent King herself was a woman, it was clear she was biased. If women could enter government, what room would be left for men in the court?

Shen Lanxi sat beside the dragon throne, calm and unhurried: “So, according to you, if those women were as capable as I am, equally skilled in both civil and military affairs, then you would allow them into the court?”

Of course, they were not serious.

They only spoke that way because Shen Lanxi sat above them, because they feared her ruthlessness and her disregard for kin when executing justice.

In all the world, how many are like Shen Lanxi? One would be enough to shame them!

Suddenly, a voice rang out: “I, minister, agree with this!”

Before it was finished, another stood up: “I agree as well!”

“I agree too…”

“Me too…”

Those in favor sprang up like bamboo shoots after rain.

Liu Mingxin looked back at the rising young officials who had emerged in recent years; his heart raced.

Soon, even some veteran ministers stood up.

The Minister of Justice Wei Jie, the Ministry of Revenue official Liu Yanhu, the Ministry of Rites clerk Chen Wei, the Vice Minister of Personnel…

More stood, and Liu Mingxin’s brows furrowed in alarm.

Mei Nanhua: “I too find this feasible. It is not favoritism toward women, but Great Zhou must use capable talent, regardless of trivial distinctions!”

Wu Yanzhi: “I also approve trial implementation. If it fails, it can always be rescinded.”

Liu Mingxin’s brow throbbed; cold sweat drenched him.

When had Shen Lanxi won over the ministers? Why had he not noticed at all?

Shen Lanxi: “Lord Liu, do you still have objections?”

Liu Mingxin trembled, clenching his fists: “I… I also agree, Your Highness.”

Shen Lanxi nodded, smiling: “With all ministers of Great Zhou united and enlightened in thought, and with your assistance, our nation will surely regain its former glory!”

Liu Mingxin did not dare wipe his cold sweat. That evening, after returning home from court, he developed a high fever and requested leave for half a month.

By the time he stepped out again, the streets were filled with women conducting business: women walking with swords at their waists, groups buying books from shops. Women queued at government offices for household registration, merchant permits, and divorce proceedings, stretching dozens of meters.

Most striking was a grain shop run by a woman named Song. It displayed types of grain never seen in the capital before, of high quality and low price, supplied in unlimited quantities.

Liu Mingxin stood at the entrance, watching carts of grain unloaded. Citizens filled carts and baskets, paying only a few coins for enough food to feed a family of four for half a month.

After this, Liu Mingxin never spoke another word in court against Shen Lanxi’s decree regarding women.

In the blink of an eye, the rebellion of the Eight Princes was fully quelled. Zhou Ruyuan also received intelligence of the palace coup.

Jiang Wuyai: “Fortunately, Noble Consort Shu and the Empress were unharmed!”

Zhou Ruyuan stared at the secret dispatch, deep in thought.

“Mr. Jiang, now I am the best candidate for the crown prince position!”

Jiang Wuyai’s eyes flickered, then he warned: “Your Highness, precisely at times like this, you must not let your guard down.”