RWNEFE -Chapter 686 I Bring You a Gift!

Shen Lanxi had long anticipated this day. In fact, she had expected it years earlier. Only now was the family splitting—already a bit late.

Though the Shen family appeared flourishing, inside it was a complete mess.

“How do you want to divide things?” she asked.

Shen Yuanjing replied, “The palace you previously resided in was always just temporary. Now it’s time to move out.”

Shen Lanxi nodded. “No single residence among you would suit any one person.”

Shen Yuanxu added, “The old residence is empty. As Your Majesty said, with so many of us, even the old residence can’t accommodate everyone.”

Shen Lanxi said, “The old residence has not changed over the years and should remain as it is. You can visit whenever you like.”

That was agreed upon.

“Have you arranged your new residences?”

Both nodded.

“All is arranged, even for brothers who are not in the capital. Though absent, their children are married and settled here. After the split, we will help arrange their homes as well.”

Shen Lanxi said, “Your planning is thorough. If you need my help, just say so.”

The two thanked her, returned home, and began dividing the family property.

…

“Since our parents are not in the capital, even though we’ve lived together these years, each of us has had our own storeroom. In practice, it’s been like already splitting the family.” Shen Yuanxu presided over the division while Shen Yuanjing listened.

“Our Shen family was once exiled and all property confiscated. You juniors know that, right?”

The juniors nodded; of course, they knew. Their first lesson in school was the founding history of the emperor, the Emperor Chongwu, their aunt.

It began with confiscation and exile.

“What we’ve earned since then is public property, mostly rewards from Her Majesty. Today, we divide those rewards.”

Shen Yuanjing nodded. “Then divide.”

The younger generations, having been entrusted by the elders, took what was assigned without complaint.

Since Her Majesty rose to power, they each had their own storerooms. They understood.

Now that the division was straightforward, it was thanks to Her Majesty’s prior arrangements.

Since the passing of the elders, gifts from the emperor had been rare. The elders’ deaths had been provided for using public funds, so after dividing everything, each person held only a few items.

Once divided, everyone dispersed to gather their belongings.

…

“Husband, it’s a shame to leave such a large house empty!”

“Even if it is a shame, we were only borrowing it. After living here all these years, it’s enough. Don’t be greedy. If you wish to stay, kneel in the ancestral hall. When you’ve made up your mind, you may come out.”

“See, I’m only joking,” she replied.

Similar conversations were happening among the married men in the house.

For most matters, some negotiation was possible. For this, they were sternly reprimanded.

The elders had already informed Her Majesty: if anyone broke the rules, no mercy would be given.

Within three days, the large residences were emptied.

Shen Lanxi, receiving the news in the palace, suddenly decided to visit.

With state affairs delegated, she could simply go.

That afternoon, she appeared outside the old residence.

Shen Yuanjing and Shen Yuanxu received the news two hours later.

“Her Majesty went to the old residence and the main house?”

Recalling how empty the houses had been, both felt a pang of embarrassment.

How could they not have anticipated that Her Majesty would come see?

They hurriedly arrived and met at the old residence gate.

“You heard too?” Shen Yuanxu asked Shen Yuanjing.

The latter nodded grimly. Upon entering, they were stunned.

The old residence was even emptier than the main house; even the large fish tank in the courtyard had been removed.

“Who moved these? Return everything exactly as it was!” Shen Yuanjing fumed.

Her Majesty had come to see the place she lived as a child. Now it was empty, with only four walls left—no furniture, no decorations. Did the Shen family lack furniture or ornaments?

“Such petty behavior—are they really Shen family?” Shen Yuanxu was equally furious.

They immediately notified the younger generation: everything removed from the old residence must be restored exactly.

Anyone hiding items would be disciplined according to family rules.

Did the Shen family have rules? Not really. Only Shen Lanxi’s inherited military regulations remained.

Upon receiving the orders, some juniors were ashamed, some angry, and some hurried to rebuke household members.

By nightfall, all items were returned to both the old residence and the main house.

The spectacle did not go unnoticed by the public.

Officially, no one dared comment, but privately, they laughed at the lack of capable heirs in the Shen family.

The Shen juniors remained quiet for a long time, avoiding public appearances.

Seasons passed. Shen Chengfeng’s generation was now in their forties, and the eldest grandson was as tall as a table.

Shen Lanxi continued her daily sword drills, though her attendants, guards, and strategists had changed over the years.

One day, after her drills, a guard delivered news:

“Your Majesty, Minister Liu is near death and wishes to see you.”

Years ago, she had already begun receiving news of old ministers passing away.

Now, few of those who had followed her on campaigns remained alive.

Half an hour later, Shen Lanxi appeared at Liu Yanhui’s home.

All present knelt, not daring to rise.

Shen Lanxi approached Liu Yanhui and placed an item in his hands.

Liu Yanhui was on the brink of death, eyes wide open, afraid to close them forever.

“I have come!” she said.

In fact, his eyesight was nearly gone. Hearing her voice, tears streamed down his face as he clutched the gift tightly.

Shen Lanxi smiled warmly. “I bring you a gift!”

Liu Yanhui seemed to regain some strength, nodding vigorously, then shouted, “I do not wish to die!”

“I still want to stay with Your Majesty, even if for a year, or half a year!”

She placed a pair of reading glasses on him.

“Can you see clearly now?”

Liu Yanhui struggled to sit up. Shen Lanxi helped him upright.

“Yes… I see clearly. Your Majesty looks just as when young, like when we were exiled to Dongchuan.”

Those kneeling behind him struggled to hold back tears.

How could Her Majesty look the same as in youth? Her hair was gray. Though her face appeared at most forty, she was indeed older.

Their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather described her this way because he was experiencing his final lucid moments.

Shen Lanxi said, “If tired, remember our exile to Dongchuan. Back then, though hardships were many, it was truly happy.”

Liu Yanhui gradually sank into memories, the light in his eyes slowly fading.

It seemed there were still things he had not told Her Majesty.