RWNEFE -Chapter 544 The Shen Family Attends the Palace Banquet

The official prostrated himself on the ground. “I dare not, Your Majesty.”

Shen Lanxi said, “Wait. When I decide, I will announce it here in the Golden Throne Hall and proclaim it to the world!”

The official exclaimed, “Long live our wise Emperor!”

There were no memorials presented during the morning court session. The ministers were all nervous, eager for it to end quickly.

They had a persistent feeling that this matter was far from over.

When court adjourned, the official walked swaggeringly, acting as if he had gained influence.

“Lord Yan, shall we have a drink tonight at the newly opened Red Moon Pavilion?”

The man addressed quickly waved his hand. “The Han River needs a new north-south canal. I must go to the Ministry of Revenue to inspect matters. It’s urgent, so I won’t join.”

The official wanted to insist, but Lord Yan had already walked away.

“Lord Liu, a drink at Red Moon Pavilion?”

“No, no. The Ministry of Revenue is busy, and His Majesty watches over daily. I must go to the Court of Justice to follow up on the concubine tax. There’s no time.”

“Lord Wang, Red Moon Pavilion! My treat!”

“No, no. His Majesty has been closely monitoring the new policies. We must write a detailed memorial. My head is about to split from the work. No time for this!”

He continued to invite over a dozen familiar officials—each refused.

The official snorted, flicked his sleeve, and went alone.

Don’t think he didn’t know what they were thinking. His Majesty was different from them—he had already understood the emperor’s temper.

The emperor admired those who dared to speak frankly. Most officials who dared to remonstrate ultimately followed the path of “death by honesty.” Many officials were remembered in history for it. While he couldn’t go that far, daring to speak when others feared made him stand out among the ministers.

Earning the emperor’s favor, promotion was just a matter of time.

The Red Moon Pavilion had recently welcomed many new dancers. With the soft music and their graceful movements, it was truly enchanting!

The next day, Shen Lanxi received news that the official had died in the pleasure districts.

In court, she was both angry and regretful.

“I never imagined that a seemingly upright and incorruptible official would venture into the red-light districts. A proper court official—such a death is a disgrace to my court.”

Most of the ministers cursed in their hearts: Wasn’t this your doing?

Shen Lanxi’s expression was stern. “This matter must be investigated to maintain the integrity of my court. We cannot allow the people to lose faith in our officials.”

The ministers said nothing; they knew the official’s death was certainly related to Shen Lanxi in some way.

“Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice shall jointly investigate and ensure the culprit is brought to justice!”

Shen Lanxi personally appointed the task, surprising everyone.

Wei Jie of the Dali Temple was famous for his uprightness and stubbornness. A man so righteous that, had he been lenient, he would have been impeached long ago. He had earned the trust of the previous emperor precisely because he never bent to favoritism.

Shen Lanxi entrusted the case of the official’s death to Wei Jie. Could it be that the official’s death truly had nothing to do with her?

After court, the officials of Dali Temple and the Ministry of Personnel remained.

Shen Lanxi spoke directly: “I know what you’re thinking. Here, I can tell you definitively: the official’s death was not my doing.”

This was exactly what the Dali Temple and Ministry of Personnel wanted to ask but didn’t dare. Hearing it confirmed by Shen Lanxi herself, they understood how to proceed.

Shen Lanxi solemnly said, “If it had been me, I wouldn’t have asked you. I’d have sent some ceremonial inspector at random.”

The Dali Temple officials understood even more clearly.

For the first time, they encountered such an “honest and direct” emperor. It greatly reduced the difficulty of the investigation. At least, they no longer had to guess the imperial will.

The official’s death caused only minor ripples, like a gentle breeze across a lake, soon overshadowed by other urgent matters.

For example, news arrived from the Jinmen region:

“Traces of Zhou Ruyuan have been found near Jinmen.”

“Jinmen is a key route in Dongchuan. If Zhou Ruyuan establishes a base there, he will control the region.”

“Your Majesty, Zhou Ruyuan colluded with foreign tribes, enraged the previous emperor, and raised troops in rebellion. His crime deserves execution!”

“We humbly request Your Majesty to dispatch troops immediately to suppress him!”

Attention shifted instantly from the matter of heirs to Zhou Ruyuan.

Shen Lanxi said, “I have already sent scouts to verify. Once confirmed, there will be no mercy.”

The long-missing Zhou Ruyuan had resurfaced. Discussions erupted across the court and the provinces.

Amid the debate, Shen Lanxi finally found time to receive the Shen family.

Under the pretense of her brother Shen Yuanjing visiting the palace, Shen Lanxi hosted a family banquet in the palace.

Previously, palace banquets were usually held at night.

This time, Shen Lanxi deliberately issued an imperial decree: “By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees… considering that Old Madame Shen is elderly, the Shen children are young, and many female members of the family are pregnant, it would be inconvenient at night. The banquet is therefore moved to noon. By imperial command!”

It wasn’t the first time the Shen family had been summoned, but this was far more gracious than before.

Sitting on the dragon throne was a member of the Shen family!

They were imperial relatives; attending a palace banquet was like returning home.

The Shen family had prepared in advance and were unhurried upon receiving the decree.

On the day of the banquet, palace eunuchs and the Imperial Guard arrived early with horses to escort them. Such honor!

“Eldest son, when you see Lanxi later, don’t look so stern, understand?” The old matriarch had warned him eight times already since rising that morning, fearing he might ruin the family banquet.

Shen Congwen, annoyed by the repeated instructions, replied impatiently, “Yes, Mother.”

“Mother, I am already grown.”

Each time he replied, the matriarch would pause and turn her attention to instructing others.

“Watch the children closely. Each maid watches a child. In the palace, don’t break the rules of our Shen family.”

“Yes, Grandmother!”

“Eldest through fourth sons, it’s almost time. Bring the dragon-head cane that Lanxi had sent previously.”

“Oh mother, that cane is so heavy it needs to be carried. Can you even lift it?”

“Tch! Foolish children. That’s a dragon-head cane bestowed by the emperor! Others don’t have it, and you still complain. Eldest, second, third, and fourth sons, your eldest brother has difficulty walking, so you carry it. I want everyone who sees our Shen family to see how magnificent we are!”

That dragon-head cane? It was basically a hammer. When Lanxi sent it, no one knew what she was thinking.

The three sons named sighed and went to their mother’s room to carry the cane.

“Second, third, and fourth sons, His Majesty said it—no matter legitimate or concubine-born, no matter wives or concubines, as long as you are Shen family, you may attend the banquet. Watch your own households carefully. If anyone slips up, see if I don’t chase them out of the Shen family!”

“Yes, Grandmother!”

Thanks to Shen Lanxi giving the Shen family a chance to shine, the household settled into relative peace.

Previously, the jealous quarrels in the inner residence, even in private, dared not escalate too much, fearing Shen Lanxi might intervene harshly.

Before departure, Zhou Xinrou, who was supposed to go, suddenly felt unwell.

The old matriarch was somewhat disappointed but refrained from comment due to protocol.