RWNEFE -Chapter 550 You Can No Longer Hold Military Power

Hu Jinyu thought to herself: even if it’s considered a “supplement,” it’s something the second branch of the family is paying for themselves, not touching a single coin of public funds. Much of it was still her dowry.

Even if it uses her dowry, she was willing. But the question nagged at her—her husband’s former “primary wife” is now being promised to their son. Would this affect the reputations of father and son? Could the emperor not foresee this? Why make such arrangements?

After sending off Wu Qingyu, the next matter was the Shen family’s younger generation and their arranged child marriages.

Even child marriages are formal, and according to tradition, the engagement ceremony must be held. The families involved clearly took this seriously, presenting fine engagement gifts and hosting the festivities with considerable pomp.

However, the children of Shen Yuanjing’s household were not included. Shen Lanxi’s explanation was that they needed to consult Shen Yuanjing first.

Shen Yuanjing, now a regional governor stationed in the Northwest, with parental authority still in place, could not be overridden even by the emperor herself.

There were some minor incidents at the flower-viewing banquet.

Old Madam Shen specifically arranged for the young men listed on the matchmaker’s invitations to visit the house under the pretense of flower viewing—but in truth, it was for assessing potential matches.

Shen Yuanxin thought the matter was already settled. She had previously inquired about those listed on the matchmaker’s invitation. Most were either impoverished nobles with titles, or illegitimate sons—none were candidates she desired.

She had explicitly refused them before, yet her grandmother still arranged the meeting.

Throughout the banquet, her face darkened from start to finish. She did not step away even when the younger generation’s engagement ceremonies were underway.

The Shen family’s married daughters returned home to stay temporarily, taking advantage of the occasion.

The once-spacious mansion now felt overcrowded.

With the Shen family hosting consecutive weddings, many officials muttered among themselves.

Those sharp-minded submitted memorials immediately:

“A kingdom cannot be without a ruler even for a day; the inner palace cannot be without a mistress even for a day. I humbly request Your Majesty to establish the inner palace!”

All the officials widened their eyes, staring at the petitioner.

A young official—that explained it! Too young!

They had to remember the emperor’s title: Chongwu Emperor. A single misstep could bring bloodshed.

It seemed that under the emperor’s blade, another soul might soon be lost.

Shen Lanxi glanced at Wei Dongzhu, their eyes meeting, and she smiled slightly.

“Previously, I did not speak of this because the Great Zhou faced internal strife and external threats. Now the situation is different. Our Great Zhou is strong in arms, peaceful across the seas, and the people live in safety—none starve. My heart is at ease, greatly comforted.”

“With such accomplishments, even after my death, I will have answered to the ancestors of Great Zhou!”

The officials struggled to suppress goosebumps.

His words sounded grand, yet no one knew which ancestor he was speaking of.

“I, alone in the cold night, cannot help but feel lonely!”

“Today, thanks to the concern of the officials, my heart is warmed!”

The officials: “……”

“The Great Zhou court, united as one, surpasses the previous dynasty. In the future, it will shine through history, its name eternal!”

The officials: “……” Not a single word.

“I have received your intentions. Tomorrow, I will announce my decision in court. Be patient!”

Today, the court was unusually quiet—no endless debates, no disputes over state affairs, no memorials.

Officials hurried out of the palace, some in chaotic, almost frantic steps, as if fleeing for their lives.

Some gathered in small groups outside the palace.

“Is it General Wei? It has to be General Wei. All other military commanders have been sent out; why is he the only one left in the capital?”

“Our emperor… unprecedented, could it be that she plans to open the six palaces like men do?”

This question made the officials gasp.

“Men are men, women are women. How can they be the same?”

“Since ancient times, men with three wives and four concubines are normal. Women with admirers are called flirtatious, capricious!”

Had the current emperor been male, their complaints would have been far harsher.

“Last time, the emperor took all our private guards and palace retainers. Why not return them?”

This question voiced what everyone was thinking.

“Why don’t you go ask?”

“Bah! You go. Don’t try to send me to die!”

The news spread quickly throughout the capital. Naturally, it reached the Shen family.

Shen Lanxi intended to be with a man. Once they had children, the realm could fall into the hands of outsiders.

But what if that man was General Wei?

Wei Dongzhu had served Shen Lanxi tirelessly, earning great merit on her behalf.

Within the Shen household, some were anxious, some curious, some resentful.

After court, Wei Dongzhu was summoned to the back hall by Shen Lanxi.

“We’ve traveled from Dongchuan to here together. I will give you an explanation!” Shen Lanxi looked at Wei Dongzhu seriously.

He was secretly thrilled—no one knew how long he had waited for this moment.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he said.

Shen Lanxi continued: “There is one condition: after we are married, you may no longer hold military power. Do you agree?”

Wei Dongzhu was stunned.

She added: “You must also step down from your military post, handling only civil affairs like the students of Qinglan Academy.”

Moreover, he would not have the final decision-making authority.

Wei Dongzhu had waited for this moment so long, no matter what she said, he would agree.

“Very well, I will obey you.”

Shen Lanxi smiled: “In past dynasties, emperors married their empresses with certain rites. We shall follow those rites for our marriage.”

“Though I am emperor, I am a woman, so I will wear female attire. You are a man, second only to me in status in Great Zhou, and I will grant you the four-clawed python robe.”

Wei Dongzhu’s heart raced and his eyes glistened. The uncertainty he had felt for so long finally settled.

She clearly had a plan for their future.

“Good, I will follow you.”

Shen Lanxi smiled: “As I demand a lifetime union for Shen family sons, I will hold myself to the same standard.”

Wei Dongzhu’s eyes flashed: “So will I.”

Shen Lanxi grinned: “Return to your residence today; tomorrow you need not be on duty. I will send the edict and your python robe to your house.”

Wei Dongzhu’s eyes lit up.

Shen Lanxi explained: “When I ascended the throne, I already had the four-clawed python robe prepared. It was only completed five days ago.”

Wei Dongzhu looked at Shen Lanxi, his eyes watering.

“I will return immediately and wait.”

Shen Lanxi smiled as she watched Wei Dongzhu leave the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Night gradually fell, and the day’s laborers finally allowed themselves a moment’s fatigue.

…

“Your Majesty, trouble—someone left a pair of unconscious mother and child at the palace gate.”

“The mother and child were drugged and placed in a carriage, which then rolled to the palace gate on its own.”

“There is a letter in the carriage. It states that the mother and child are General Wei’s woman and child!”

After the guards relayed the message, they bowed their heads.

Che Mingyuan took the letter, frowning as he carefully read it.