RWNEFE -Chapter 480 The Supplementary Appointments Leave the Ministers Speechless!

A woman as emperor?

A woman could be emperor?

They had previously argued that women could not serve in the army. Yet their Lord not only commanded troops, she also held the position of Supreme Commander of all the armies in the realm.

Their Lord had once inherited a noble title as a marquis, later became a first-rank Duke Protecting the Nation, served as General of the Guard, then became a Regent of a different surname, and now even governed the state.

Any one of these titles alone was something most men could not achieve in a lifetime of battles, yet their Lord—a woman—held them all steadily.

Talented, militarily formidable, versed in strategy and governance, and only lacking in one aspect: being female. Otherwise, their Prince was clearly a destined person worthy of universal acclaim.

Moreover, does being a woman hinder her in any way?

No!

After the court session, everyone’s mind was consumed by this thought. They tossed and turned at night, unable to sleep.

…

Zhou Ruyuan had thought Shen Lanxi would take this opportunity to abuse her power and punish Bai Qingling cruelly. So when he went to retrieve Bai Qingling, he brought doctors, convinced she would have been tortured beyond recognition.

Yet Bai Qingling was only slightly pale, a little weak, with no external injuries.

“Prince, I knew you would come to save me!” Bai Qingling threw herself onto Zhou Ruyuan, crying uncontrollably.

Zhou Ruyuan stiffened awkwardly for a moment, then immediately relaxed.

“You’re unharmed, that’s good. Return for now.”

Bai Qingling, thinking the Prince was concerned for her, immediately nodded softly and smiled as she was helped into the carriage.

This scene did not go unnoticed. Soon, the news of Zhou Ruyuan using military merit to save Bai Qingling’s life spread widely.

Along with this news came praise for Shen Lanxi: that she was magnanimous, forgiving, and able to put the greater good above personal grievances.

Shen Yuantang was still dreaming of being the official wife. Hearing that the Prince had returned, she immediately ordered the child to be brought to see him.

Yet what she saw was Zhou Ruyuan supporting Bai Qingling as she entered.

“Prince, wasn’t she sentenced to execution after the autumn? How is she back?” Shen Yuantang demanded angrily.

For some reason, Zhou Ruyuan felt a pang of guilt. He dodged the question, speaking vaguely instead: “Return to the residence first. Standing at the gate—what kind of appearance is that?”

These days, Shen Yuantang had assumed the role of official wife. With Zhou Ruyuan away quelling rebellions, and Shen Lanxi in the picture, she effectively ruled the residence as she pleased.

So hearing Zhou Ruyuan’s impatience, her fury flared instantly.

“Prince, she is a criminal of the residence! What if allowing her inside brings blame from the palace?” She blocked the gate.

Zhou Ruyuan’s gaze darkened as he looked at Shen Yuantang strangely.

The palace? Who’s left in the palace now? The entire palace was under Shen Lanxi’s control. Was she using Shen Lanxi’s influence to pressure him?

“Are you threatening me?”

Shen Yuantang’s heart skipped. She looked at Zhou Ruyuan in disbelief.

“Prince, I’m helping you! Helping our residence! If others find out we’re harboring a criminal, what will the ministers and citizens think of us?” How could the Prince speak to her like this? Didn’t he understand her intentions?

Zhou Ruyuan’s face darkened. He hated being threatened, especially over household matters.

“You needn’t worry. Qingling is no longer a criminal. No one will fault the residence for this, nor implicate you,” Zhou Ruyuan said, ignoring Shen Yuantang as he supported Bai Qingling into the residence.

Shen Yuantang was stunned. She had been trying to analyze pros and cons, maintain the residence’s reputation, and yet the Prince dismissed her.

Surely Bai Qingling must have slandered her in front of the Prince.

Impossible—she had to go and explain to the Prince herself.

“Prince…”

Shen Yuantang, full of grievance, hurried after them.

…

Shen Lanxi began addressing the lingering issues from the Eight Princes’ Rebellion.

“The territories of the Eight Princes require trustworthy individuals for management. Ministers, are there suitable candidates?”

“My words remain the same: if someone is truly talented, appoint them regardless of family connections!”

The ministers’ minds began to churn.

Shen Lanxi added: “For those you recommend, my office will investigate thoroughly. Please consider carefully before proposing anyone.”

Those who had wanted to recommend sons or nephews hesitated.

Shen Lanxi smiled lightly: “No one has a recommendation?”

After deliberately waiting fifteen minutes and seeing no one speak, she raised her hand.

Wang Bao immediately presented a memorial.

“Since the ministers have no capable recommendations, I will select talent from previous supplementary appointments.”

The ministers immediately thought: Oh no, Shen Lanxi is going to appoint her own people.

“Zhu Zhongyi, Jinshi of Renxiao Year Two, sixth in the palace examination, personally appointed by His Majesty to the Hanlin Academy as compiler, served for two years, then transferred out of the capital as magistrate of Qingshui County, where he has served for nearly twenty years. Under his governance, Qingshui has been prosperous, safe, and well-fed. Students from the county consistently succeed in imperial exams—proof that Zhu Zhongyi governs effectively and cultivates talent for the court…”

The ministers analyzed each name carefully.

Renxiao Year Two—there must have been a shortage of talent then. Despite entering the Hanlin Academy, he was transferred to a remote county and stayed there for so many years—clearly, he had offended someone in the capital.

How did Shen Lanxi know of him?

“Sun Zhongtang, Jinshi of Renxiao Year Ten, twenty-fourth in the palace exam. At the time, there were no vacancies in the court. He has been waiting in the capital for over ten years ever since.”

Ministers: Is this true?

To wait over ten years for a posting? Clearly, someone had offended powerful figures, intentionally kept from office.

“Chen Qinxue, Jinshi of Renxiao Year Nine, third place in the top three, now in the Ministry of War overseeing horses.”

“Zhang Liang, magistrate of Shitou County for ten years, encourages farming and commerce; Shitou County is now the wealthiest of ten surrounding counties.”

“Wang Min, Renxiao…”

“Liu Geng…”

“Jiang Nian’en…”

“Zhou Hong…”

After reciting the list, Shen Lanxi closed the memorial.

“Arrange these officials first. Once the Ministry of Rites completes the compilation of all marquis positions and officials who have governed effectively for many years, we will assign them one by one. Ministers, any objections?”

The court fell silent.

Shen Lanxi continued: “These officials have already been thoroughly investigated. If any of you find them unsuitable, you may verify the records in the Ministry of Rites.”

The ministers were dumbfounded.

Before they could even think of objections, Shen Lanxi had already preemptively silenced them.

What could they say?

“Regent is wise and heroic!”

“Grateful to the Regent for giving those previously overlooked officials a chance to demonstrate their talents!” Mei Nanhua clasped his fists and bowed.