RWNEFE -Chapter 538 Shen Yuantang Meets Wei Dongzhu

“Who did it?”

The person reporting hesitated, unsure how to refer to the culprit, but before he could decide on a suitable title, Shen Lanxi had already spoken the name.

“Was it Shen Yuantang?”

“Your Majesty is truly perceptive!”

Shen Lanxi took a deep breath and asked, “Does she have anything to say to me?”

Guard: “She asked General Wei to investigate the matter. She said she doesn’t trust anyone else—only General Wei.”

Shen Lanxi let out a cold laugh and had Wei Dongzhu summoned.

The latter looked puzzled. “Why does she want me to go?”

Shen Lanxi said expressionlessly, “Do you want to go?”

Wei Dongzhu fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll go and see what she’s up to.”

Shen Lanxi said, “All right.”

It was also time for her to return to the Shen family.

The two set out together, parting at a fork in the road—one heading east, the other west.

The former Prince of Zhennan’s residence, now the Residence of the Criminal Prince, was still heavily guarded, with strict security.

“General!”

Wei Dongzhu presented the imperial edict. After verifying it, the guards allowed him to enter.

Zhou Ruyuan’s wife and children were living here; even Wei Dongzhu needed Shen Lanxi’s order to enter.

The news of Zhou Ruyuan’s illegitimate son’s death had been kept within a very small circle—apart from Shen Lanxi’s close attendants, only the guards here knew. And the guards responsible for this place were all personal soldiers personally trained by Shen Lanxi.

Passing through three layers of security, Wei Dongzhu finally reached the inner courtyard and met Shen Yuantang.

“General Wei.” Shen Yuantang did not rise, merely greeting him.

“Princess Consort.” Though she bore the title of a criminal’s wife, Shen Yuantang was still the emperor’s younger sister, so Wei Dongzhu addressed her politely.

Shen Yuantang chuckled softly, then called toward the inner room, “Come out.”

When Wei Dongzhu saw the figures who emerged—one adult and one child—his pupils shrank.

Hadn’t they returned to the northwest?

“General.” Qiao Niang, seeing Wei Dongzhu, quickly brought the child over.

Wei Dongzhu felt no joy—only as if a huge stone were pressing on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

“Father.” Wei Yan was old enough to remember; upon seeing Wei Dongzhu, he immediately recognized him.

That single word, Father, felt like a second massive stone, making Wei Dongzhu’s face turn pale.

A mocking laugh rang out. Shen Yuantang laughed louder and louder, tears almost forming.

“General Wei, I didn’t expect your child to be this old already. Does my good sister know?”

Wei Dongzhu’s body stiffened.

“Judging by your expression, my sister doesn’t know, does she?”

“Oh my—General Wei hides things quite deeply. With my sister’s current power, it must have taken great effort to keep this secret, hasn’t it?” Shen Yuantang watched like a spectator, her gaze cold and disdainful.

Wei Dongzhu held himself rigid, gritting his teeth. “What do you want?”

Shen Yuantang sneered. “I don’t want anything. I’m just a criminal—what could I possibly want?”

Wei Dongzhu kept a stern face, his eyes full of cold scrutiny.

He did not believe a single word she said.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take them away.”

Shen Yuantang dropped her mocking smile. “You’re just going to leave? Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell my sister?”

Wei Dongzhu’s eyes were filled with struggle—and resolve.

“What exactly do you want?”

Shen Yuantang stopped teasing him and stated her purpose directly.

“I’m Shen Lanxi’s own sister. She becomes emperor, yet I am a criminal consort, imprisoned in this tiny place. Why?”

Wei Dongzhu replied, “You know very well why.”

As long as it was to protect her—even if it meant exposing the truth—he would have no regrets.

“I want to leave this residence and return to the Shen family. I want to divorce Zhou Ruyuan.”

Wei Dongzhu’s gaze flickered as he carefully considered her request.

“I will report it to His Majesty. Whether she agrees—I cannot guarantee.”

Shen Yuantang threatened coldly, “If she refuses, I’ll reveal the matter of this mother and son. If I can’t live well, no one will.”

How ironic—talk of shared hardships, of loyalty and devotion, of silent support, of unwavering love. All false. Her sister should see what a man’s true face looks like.

“General, the Princess Consort is a good person. She never harmed me or the child,” Qiao Niang said softly.

Wei Yan cautiously reached out and grasped Wei Dongzhu’s finger with his small hand.

“Father, Yan’er wants to go home.”

Wei Dongzhu stood there for a long moment, took a deep breath, and finally took the child’s hand.

“I will do my best. You know her temper.” Even he doubted whether anyone could sway Shen Lanxi’s decisions.

Shen Yuantang said, “If I haven’t reached the Shen family within five days, you must come here to see me again.”

“All right.”

After saying that, Wei Dongzhu left the Residence of the Criminal Prince, leading the child, with Qiao Niang following behind.

Meanwhile—

“Grandmother, I wish you good health!”

Today Shen Lanxi had left the palace in plain clothes, bringing only a few close attendants.

Old Madam Shen had received the news only a quarter of an hour earlier; she had not even finished putting on her formal attire when Shen Lanxi entered.

“Lan… Your Majesty, let this old woman take a look at you. You’ve grown thinner—you must be overworked with state affairs.” It was the first time she had looked so closely upon the emperor’s face.

The blood of the Shen family now ruled the world; from now on, the realm bore their surname.

That robe truly carried an imposing air, and the crown even more so. If only she could see her granddaughter wearing the dragon robe at home.

Old Madam Shen happily held Shen Lanxi’s hand, asking after her with endless concern.

“I am well, truly well. Thank you for worrying, Grandmother.”

“There is still a powerful enemy not yet eliminated, and some remnants not yet cleared away. Lanxi is not at ease bringing Grandmother to live in the palace yet. Once the hidden dangers are removed, I will personally escort Grandmother into the palace.”

Hearing her granddaughter explain matters patiently, Old Madam Shen’s lingering resentment eased somewhat.

“Lanxi, you must pay attention to your safety in the palace.”

“Rest assured, Grandmother. The palace is undergoing a thorough search—hall by hall, every roof, even three feet underground. Every inch of land is being inspected.”

Old Madam Shen parted her lips slightly in surprise.

No wonder so many assassins had appeared before the enthronement ceremony—could there be secret tunnels or hidden chambers leading outside the palace?

“It must indeed be checked thoroughly,” she said. “When I was in Jiangnan, I saw people digging holes under water jars to hide, or inside stoves to conceal things. Even flowers and trees should be dug up and inspected.”

After years in the capital, she had heard enough about the dark schemes of inner households; if such tricks existed in small homes, the imperial palace must be even worse.

“Grandmother’s advice is wise. When I return to the palace, I will give those orders.”

“This time I have brought two imperial physicians from the palace; they will reside here permanently. And the Longevity Pills sent by Medicine King Valley at the enthronement ceremony—I have brought them for Grandmother and the elders to take.”

Seeing her granddaughter so gentle and filial, Old Madam Shen silently praised her.

“Grandmother, I still need to visit Father and Mother, and then I must return to the palace to handle affairs of state.”

Old Madam Shen nodded. “Go quickly, go quickly—don’t delay important matters.”