RWNEFE -Chapter 604 Shen Yuantang Admits to Poisoning

“Now you’ve seen it. You can eat.”

Shen Yuantang’s hand trembled, nearly dropping the pastry to the floor.

“The lotus in the household pond is an early-ripening variety. The family dotes on the younger generation, so most of the cakes made end up in the children’s mouths.”

“And because the cook has a special method—so that the entire cake carries the fragrance of lotus seeds—she boils the whole lotus pods in water to produce a green broth. That way, even if lead powder is mixed in, no one would notice.”

Shen Lanxi coldly laid out the truth.

At this point, even if Shen Yuantang refused to eat, the Shen family understood what had happened.

“Yuantang, I never thought your heart could be so vicious!”

“Yuantang, has this family ever treated you poorly?”

“You insisted on marrying on your own. The family didn’t blame you and even prepared a generous dowry. When you divorced and returned home, we welcomed you back. How has the Shen family wronged you, that you would harm the children?”

“They’re your nephews and nieces. When they call you Aunt, how can you answer them?”

Shen Yuantang hadn’t expected her meticulous plan to be exposed so easily.

Yet she dared not act rashly. If she did, Shen Lanxi might bury her just as she had buried their father.

“Yuantang, speak!” Shen Congwen’s face was filled with disbelief.

How had his daughters all become so cruel?

“Since His Majesty has said so, what crime can’t be imposed? If you wish to accuse me, I’ll accept whatever charge you give!”

The Shen family looked at her with heartbreak.

“Even now, you refuse to repent and still argue shamelessly. You’re beyond redemption!” Shen Conglian’s anger surged.

No wonder little An had been so difficult to soothe lately—it was all her doing.

“Your Majesty, quickly summon the imperial physicians to treat the children!”

“Their parents are stationed elsewhere. If something happens in the capital, how are we elders supposed to answer for it?”

“Please let nothing happen to the children!”

“Don’t tell the old madam—she won’t be able to bear it!”

Shen Lanxi calmed the panicked crowd.

“It’s fine. I’ve already had the imperial physicians examine them. Fortunately, they ate only small amounts and not for long. After taking some detoxifying prescriptions, they’ll recover in time.”

“How long is ‘in time’?”

“Will it affect their health in the future?”

“Will it affect their ability to have children?”

“It won’t affect their health. Rest assured.”

“That’s good, that’s good!”

Once reassured the children were safe, the elders turned all their fury on Shen Yuantang.

“Elder Brother, she’s done something so vicious. What should be done?”

“Your Majesty, how should she be punished?”

Shen Congwen’s face was icy. He raised his hand and slapped Shen Yuantang hard enough to knock her to the ground.

“You wretched thing! To harm your own family—such a curse doesn’t deserve to live!”

Shen Yuantang touched her face. Even exposed, she showed no panic.

“Then send me to the Turks for the marriage alliance. From this day on, I sever all ties with the Shen family. Life or death will have nothing to do with you.”

Shen Congwen’s vision darkened. He staggered back, hitting his lower back against the table corner.

“Elder Brother—!”

After a flurry of chaos, Shen Congwen finally steadied himself.

“Since she wants to go for the marriage alliance, then send her!”

“Foolish and poisonous—utterly ungrateful!”

He raged repeatedly. The other branches of the family, filled with resentment, offered no plea for her.

Shen Lanxi asked, “What did Yuanjing and the others say?”

“I’ll write to them personally to explain,” Shen Congwen replied.

Shen Lanxi rose.

“Very well. Then tomorrow I shall issue the decree.”

As for how the Shen family would deal with Shen Yuantang after she left, that was no longer her concern.

No sooner had she departed than the Shen family confined Shen Yuantang in the household’s Buddhist hall.

If not for the fact that she was to be sent for a marriage alliance—and thus must bear no visible injuries—they would have beaten her to vent their anger.

…

“Your Majesty, news has arrived from Jinmen.”

Shen Lanxi read the secret letter.

“On the surface, Zhou Ruyuan reigns as emperor in Jinmen. In reality, they have begun governing independently. Zhou Ruyuan has trapped himself in his own scheme.”

“Our people have already persuaded several thousand to defect. If not for fear of alerting Jinmen, they would have already joined Great Zhou’s army.”

Shen Lanxi nodded, very satisfied with the situation.

Early the next morning, the imperial edict formally appointing Shen Yuantang as a marriage-alliance princess was delivered to the Shen residence.

No one in the family was happy. Instead, unease spread.

“Shen Yuantang is terrifying—she actually dared poison her own family.”

“How do you know?”

“Never mind how I know. Just know that being named a princess isn’t a good thing!”

“I’m getting married next month. I hope nothing happens before then.”

“I’m marrying a month after you. I hope the household stays peaceful too.”

Before returning home, they had thought the Shen family was wonderful in every way. Now that they were back, they regretted it deeply.

It felt as though someone might harm them at any time.

After the decree arrived, Shen Congwen took it and went alone to the inner courtyard.

“Princess Consort.”

Zhou Xinrou calmly poured tea, as if he weren’t there.

“Princess Consort, Yuantang is still our daughter. Please—help her.”

Zhou Xinrou’s expression remained cold.

“She brought this upon herself. As her mother, I’ve already helped her enough.”

Shen Congwen felt a stabbing pain in his head, throbbing like a needle piercing it.

“Have some tea. It will steady your nerves.”

He drank without suspicion.

“The court is still negotiating with the Xiongnu. Whether Yuantang will truly be married off is uncertain. Perhaps Lanxi only wants to teach her a lesson.”

Whether it was her words or the warmth of the tea, Shen Congwen felt the pain ease.

“Princess Consort… you really think so?”

“They are sisters of the same mother. Lanxi is not heartless.”

He was still uneasy.

“She committed the crime of harming family. She must be taught a lesson. Otherwise, how can we answer to the rest of the household?”

He nodded. If he defended Yuantang, his three younger brothers would never agree.

Their children had been poisoned too.

“She truly deserves some punishment.”

Zhou Xinrou’s voice seemed to drift to him through layers of gauze.

“You’ve rested here for a long time. Shen Yuantang’s affair has made you very angry. For the next half month, you will stay in your study, shut yourself in, and not go out.”

Shen Congwen’s expression grew dazed. He nodded stiffly.

“Yes… I’m very upset. I’ve rested long enough here. I’ll return to my study now.”

“Go.”

He rose and left.

After he departed, someone whispered:

“Princess Consort, Shen Congwen seemed a bit off just now. Could he have remembered something?”