RWNEFE -Chapter 660 Sowing Discord

The Shen family was grieved, but because of Shen Congwen’s long-standing refusal to heed advice and his reckless drinking, they were able to accept his end more easily than expected.

While discussing the funeral arrangements, Zhou Xinrou privately did not want Shen Lanxi to wear mourning hemp and filial attire for Shen Congwen—but she could not say so outright.

Taking advantage of the moment when Shen Lanxi returned to the palace, she gathered the Shen family members together and hinted at it indirectly.

“Lanxi is very busy.”

Shen Conglian immediately asked, “Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, what does His Majesty intend?”

They dared not make a decision lightly.

Zhou Xinrou was anxious inside. The Shen family had no one capable of pushing matters forward decisively.

“I don’t know what she intends either.”

Shen Congli hesitated. “His Majesty said she would observe filial rites for Elder Brother. Empress Dowager, is that… in accordance with propriety?”

Zhou Xinrou remained silent.

In truth, she had hoped Shen Lanxi herself would decline—but Shen Lanxi had not heeded her earlier discouragement.

“Whatever His Majesty wishes, let her do as she pleases,” Zhou Xinrou said, her tone reluctant and helpless.

Using the excuse of changing clothes, she left the room to allow the Shen men to deliberate.

“What does the Empress Dowager mean?” Shen Conglian whispered. “She sounded so unwilling. Could it be she doesn’t want His Majesty to send Elder Brother off?”

“Hard to say,” Shen Congli replied. “His Majesty has already said she would.”

“His Majesty always emphasizes filial piety before outsiders. Naturally she would complete the rites properly,” Madam Liu remarked honestly.

Madam Miao frowned. “If His Majesty truly dons mourning hemp for Elder Brother, what if someone pursues the matter in the future?”

It would not be the first time such things were used against someone.

“What should we do? We can’t block His Majesty if she insists.”

But they dared not oppose her either.

“The Empress Dowager really should have given us a clear answer.”

“Shh—walls have ears!”

The Shen family wanted Zhou Xinrou to speak first. Zhou Xinrou wanted the Shen family to object first. Each waited for the other.

When Zhou Xinrou returned, no conclusion had been reached.

No—Shen Lanxi must not attend the Shen funeral. This was a perfect opportunity to drive a wedge between her and the Shen family.

That night, a sudden fire broke out at a temple outside the eastern gate of the capital. The building was destroyed, though fortunately no one was injured.

Ordinarily, such a temple fire would not alarm the Emperor.

But this particular temple temporarily housed the remains of the former Crown Prince.

The blaze reduced his remains to ashes.

Now the question was clear: would Shen Lanxi choose her biological father, or her adoptive father?

The matter ignited heated debate in court.

Because of Shen Congwen’s special status, discussion of his funeral was unavoidable.

Some ministers urged Shen Lanxi to first pacify the spirit of the former Crown Prince. Others suggested burying Shen Congwen first.

“Your Majesty, the matters can be prioritized according to urgency.”

The former Crown Prince’s ashes were not going anywhere. But Shen Congwen’s body, if left too long, would decay.

Shen Lanxi said calmly, “It is said that the grace of giving life is greater than heaven. The grace of raising is likewise greater than heaven.”

One sentence—but divided into two meanings.

“Does Your Majesty intend to send Lord Shen to burial first?”

Before she could answer, another minister objected.

“That would be improper. The former Crown Prince died with resentment, and now has suffered calamity again. His spirit may not rest in peace.”

“Lord Shen is different. He has many sons and grandsons. His Majesty may entrust the funeral to them.”

“I believe both the former Crown Prince and Lord Shen would understand in the netherworld.”

Whispers spread among the officials. Shen Lanxi glanced at the speaking minister.

“The former Crown Prince indeed suffered greatly.”

“And Father’s body should not be left long.”

“In that case, we shall first pacify the departed spirit. I will personally visit Father’s grave afterward.”

The Ministry of Rites immediately began preparations.

After Shen Congwen’s funeral, Zhou Xinrou summoned her three sons.

“Yuanjing, Yuanjun, Yuanqing—have you seen?”

“Though you and Shen Lanxi share the same mother, you are not the same.”

The three brothers lowered their eyes, their thoughts unreadable.

“She carries imperial blood. When Shen family matters conflict with imperial matters, the imperial house will always come first.”

“Since ancient times, the royal family is heartless—emperors even more so. Do not devote yourselves blindly. Leave a path for yourselves.”

She looked every bit the mother planning for her sons’ future.

“When you return to your posts, reflect on what I have said today.”

“Shen Lanxi is my daughter—but you are equally my sons.”

“If I must choose, I would naturally choose for you to live safely and long.”

After the funeral, Shen Yuanjing and his brothers could not remain long. Ten days later, they departed for their posts.

Before leaving, each spent a full day instructing their children face to face.

After sending them off, Shen Lanxi began preparations to move the former Crown Prince’s remains into the imperial mausoleum.

Zhou Xinrou could find no reason to oppose it. She could only watch as the mausoleum gates opened—and then closed.

From that moment, the former Crown Prince was formally posthumously honored as the late Emperor.

Two months later, a letter traveled westward and eventually reached Shen Yuanjing.

It contained only four words:

“Your concubine is with child.”

Around the same time, a letter arrived in the capital from Jinmen.

“Xiao Fang and Liu Xian humbly request Your Majesty to grant us marriage.”

Shen Lanxi immediately issued an imperial decree.

“Give it to the Liu family—they are going to attend the wedding anyway. They can deliver it along the way.”

The pale-faced eunuch glanced at the wedding date—September of next year—his expression unchanged.

The Liu family likely would never return from Jinmen.

Months passed. Heavy snow blanketed the capital.

Seeing the thick accumulation at dawn, Shen Lanxi was reminded of the long days she herself had once spent bedridden.

“The snow has come early this year. This winter may be harsh. Are all regions prepared?”

In court, the Ministry of Revenue responded: “Your Majesty, each year beginning in the second month, all regions begin storing charcoal, grain, cotton, and hemp for winter.”

“Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, this has been standard practice. In addition to sufficient yearly use, we have surplus. After rotation, Great Zhou’s reserves can now sustain a population of one million for five winters.”

Shen Lanxi nodded with satisfaction.

“Are prices being controlled?”

“Each winter, local authorities gather merchants to review the Great Zhou Code. Those who inflate prices face capital punishment. None dare risk execution.”

She smiled faintly.

“What does it mean for the people to live in peace and prosperity?”

“It means that in winter, they can eat three meals a day, have three or four sets of padded clothes, possess spare silver, and hang strings of fish and meat from their rafters. When winter ends, they still have surplus. That is peace and prosperity.”

Many officials, having risen from common origins, nodded deeply moved.

“Even with surplus in past years, we must not slacken preparations.”

“We will remember Your Majesty’s teachings.”

After court adjourned, a message reached her.

Wu Yanzhi’s daughter had died of illness.