Shen Mu looked awkwardly at Grand Eunuch Wang Defu and could only step forward to thicken the red envelope further!
Wang Defu maintained an apologetic smile, not daring to show any anger—this one was also someone to be revered. He led his entourage away in a grand procession.
Seeing them depart, Shen Mu pulled Shen Mingzhu aside and said,
"Good daughter, Eunuch Wang is the Chief Steward of the Inner Court, a favorite in front of His Majesty. Even ministers and imperial consorts show him some respect. You must be careful when dealing with him in the future, understand?"
"Mother, I understand! Hehe "
Seeing her daughter's smile, Shen Mu walked alongside her and asked with concern,
"Mingzhu, I haven't asked you yet—how was your first day at court?"
"It was alright!"
Shen Qinghong looked at Shen Mingzhu and, as her elder brother, sternly advised,
"Mingzhu, you now hold an official position. You must cherish it, stop daydreaming all the time, work diligently, and live up to His Majesty's expectations."
"Understood, elder brother,"
Shen Mingzhu replied obediently.
Shen Qinghong nodded with satisfaction.
Immediately after, Shen Mingzhu's inner thoughts echoed:
"Blah, blah, blah—what nonsense are you spouting! Right now, besides Father, I'm the first in the Shen family to hold an official position, and it's a sixth-rank Hanlin Academy Compiler—the treatment of a top scholar! When you enter the court, you'll probably have to start from the ninth-rank, a petty official. Little sister here is a full three ranks above you—you've got some catching up to do!"
Shen Qinghong was so furious he nearly jumped!
Ungrateful wretch!
Watching her eldest son storm off in anger, Shen Mu covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
She took Shen Mingzhu to the main courtyard and attentively cared for her daughter.
Thinking of the sweet potatoes,
Shen Mingzhu asked Shen Mu,
"Mother, did Father take all the sweet potatoes and sweet potato seedlings I brought back?"
At this question, Shen Mu replied seriously,
"Mingzhu, your father came back and took all the sweet potatoes and sweet potato seedlings!"
"Mother, it's fine. I still have a little left here—I'll give them to you!"
After saying this, Shen Mingzhu exchanged the points she earned from afternoon gossip for sweet potato seedlings and a net bag of sweet potatoes.
"Mother, plant these sweet potato seedlings at our own estate. Tonight, I'll use the sweet potatoes to make a few dishes for everyone to try!"
"Mingzhu, you know how to cook?"
"Mother, I learned to cook a long time ago when I was in the countryside."
"Good daughter, you really suffered back then!"
The thought of her young daughter having to gather firewood and cook filled Shen Mu with heartache and guilt.
Her treasured daughter had endured hardship.
Shen Mingzhu composed her expression and returned to her own courtyard.
Shen Mu, meanwhile, directly planted the sweet potato seedlings at the hot spring estate in the suburbs.
Mingzhu had said that sweet potatoes grow best at temperatures around 15°C – 20°C. It was a bit late for planting now, but since the hot spring estate was warmer than other places and had suitable land, they could still harvest one season.
This time, the number of sweet potato seedlings Mingzhu provided was much smaller…
It wasn't that Shen Mingzhu didn't want to give more—she simply didn't have enough points.
[Gua Gua, I don't feel like moving at all.]
[Host, then go lie down on the bed.]
[But I still have to go to the kitchen to make candied sweet potatoes, sweet potato congee, sweet potato glutinous rice cakes, steamed pork ribs with sweet potatoes, sweet potato pancakes, roasted sweet potatoes, and more!]
[Host, you're so capable!]
Shen Mingzhu lay lazily on her bed, unaware that her inner thoughts had been completely overheard by the fourth son of the Shen family, Shen Qingbo!
Originally planning to go out tonight to recite poetry and discuss scholarly matters with classmates, he decided to stay home for dinner upon hearing about the novel delicacy of sweet potatoes.
…………
Shen Changyuan returned just in time—Shen Mingzhu had just brought the last baked sweet potato to the table when he arrived!
Seeing the dishes on the table, he asked cheerfully,
"What are these dishes today? I've never seen them before."
Shen Mingzhu looked at Shen Changyuan with clear displeasure.
[Others have fathers who cause trouble for their children, but in our family, it's the father causing trouble for his daughter! Without a word, he took my sweet potatoes and sweet potato seedlings to offer as tribute!]
Shen Changyuan felt somewhat awkward, but there was nothing he could do about it.
It was an oral decree from the Jingyuan Emperor.
But this matter couldn't be explained to Mingzhu.
He smiled and said,
"Mingzhu, as officials, we naturally offer good things to the court first, especially when they benefit the nation and its people. Don't you agree?"
"Yes, Father, you're absolutely right!"
Shen Mu pinched Shen Fu and said with a laugh,
"Mingzhu, your father said you can pick whatever you want from his private treasury as an apology."
"Really?"
[Great! Fantastic! The Shen family is a Marquis Estate, a centuries-old noble house—there must be plenty of treasures. I'm going to pick several items, hehe～～～]
Hearing his daughter's inner thoughts, Shen Changyuan smiled.
"Of course, Mingzhu, just go and choose from Father's treasury!"
[That's more like it.]
Shen Mingzhu was finally happy.
The atmosphere at the table was quite pleasant.
Especially when everyone learned that this sweet potato feast was personally prepared by Shen Mingzhu, Shen Changyuan was extremely excited!
He couldn't wait to taste the flavor of this miraculous sweet potato.
"Truly excellent! Soft, glutinous, and delicious—suitable for all ages!"
It was indeed a miraculous food!
Even Shen Qinghong and Shen Qingbo enjoyed it greatly, particularly when they heard about the sweet potato's yield. Their astonished expressions mirrored those of Manchao Wenwu when they first heard the news.
After dinner, Shen Mingzhu returned directly to her courtyard.
She needed to sleep early tonight; otherwise, she wouldn't be able to wake up in the morning!
After Shen Mingzhu left, the entire family held an internal meeting about her inner thoughts, chaired by Shen Changyuan.
At the same time, a message was conveyed: All of Shen Mingzhu's inner thoughts were true, and not a single word could be leaked.
This was the Emperor's oral decree—violators would face execution of nine generations!
Although they couldn't speak about Shen Mingzhu's inner thoughts, certain actions and glances could hint at them. The Jingyuan Emperor's intention was clear: not a single flaw could be revealed.
"We understand, Father."
Shen Changyuan looked at his two sons and nodded with satisfaction.
Then, as if remembering something, he stared at them and said,
"Jiaojiao seems different from the person we knew before. I hope you both think carefully before taking any action. I don't want to see siblings in the Shen family turning against each other."
If he remembered correctly, their Shen family had become quite accomplished—divided into three factions.
The Imperial Loyalists, the Crown Prince's faction, and the Second Prince's faction!
It was truly an eye-opener!
"We understand, Father!"
"Watch your steps carefully!"
"We understand, Father!"
Shen Qinghong and Shen Qingbo bowed their heads in agreement.
Seeing their demeanor, Shen Mu said,
"Go back now and think it over carefully."
"Yes, Mother."
Soon, the two left the main courtyard.
"Sigh… sons grown up no longer heed their mother's words!"
Shen Mu sighed with emotion.
"Alright, my dear, we still have Mingzhu!"
Watching Shen Changyuan's expression, Shen Mu explained about the Little Ice Age that would strike Great Yan this winter.
"His Majesty already knows!"
Xie Qinghuan said, "That's good!"
This way they could prepare in advance.
But Shen Changyuan was troubled at this moment!
The national treasury was empty!
The next day, Shen Mingzhu was still carried onto the carriage by two elderly maids.
Shen Changyuan was no longer surprised by this!
Father and daughter rode together in the carriage heading to the palace.
"Mingzhu, we've arrived!"
"Mingzhu, we're here!"
[Sigh… so soon! Ever since taking this lousy official position, I can't even sleep peacefully.]
While complaining inwardly, Shen Mingzhu obediently followed Shen Shangshu off the carriage.
After exchanging a few greetings with several colleagues, they all entered the palace for the morning court session.
Due to Shen Mingzhu's contributions yesterday, all Manchao Wenwu now treated her with "national treasure" level courtesy.
Soon everyone took their positions, and the court assembly began!
They were discussing something unimportant up front.
Meanwhile, Shen Mingzhu was feeling rather bored.
[Gua Gua, which one is Prince An, Yan Lingfeng? Let me see.]
Prince An: ?
Where did this little girl come from? How audacious to make noise in the court hall.
And daring to address him by his full name – does she have a death wish!
Prince An had taken leave yesterday due to family matters and didn't know about Shen Mingzhu's peculiarities.
Crucially, because of Shen Mingzhu's inner voice yesterday, all Manchao Wenwu had been busy the entire day. Being the emperor's younger brother, no one would casually go to his home to inform him!
Thus he was caught completely off guard!
He couldn't speak!
Feeling like he was seeing his great-grandfather!
Royal Brother, save me!
"Prince An, take deep breaths, think of happy things in life!"
Finally, Prince An's breathing returned to normal.
He looked at Jingyuan Emperor with shocked eyes, and Jingyuan Emperor nodded in response.
Then a new voice came through.
[So, that fair-skinned, plump man in front is Prince An!]
[Oh oh, so he's Zhou Daren's biological father. Doesn't look like Zhou Daren at all!]
[Host, Prince An was also elegant and extraordinarily handsome when he was young. He's just gained weight with age!]
Prince An: … Could she speak properly!
And who is this Zhou Daren?
Good news: He gained a son!
Bad news: He didn't know which Zhou Daren it was.
Grand Scholar Su from Hanlin Academy watched Prince An's reaction while secretly laughing.
[Gua Gua, do you think Prince An would acknowledge this son if he knew about him?]
[Host, who knows!]
Prince An: Who bore him this son?
Someone tell him!
Prince An Yan Lingfeng looked at Jingyuan Emperor, demanding an answer.
Jingyuan Emperor sat calmly on the throne, completely ignoring him.
Suppressing his complicated emotions, Prince An listened attentively, ready to hear who his new son was.
Zhou Daren wasn't qualified to attend court, but this morning, he became the most notable figure in the entire hall.
He had made it!
Never expected that relying on his father would pave his way one day.
Within a quarter hour of court, Prince An gained a son!
Listening to the deathly quiet hall, Shen Mingzhu looked down at her clothes.
[Gua Gua, I've been attending court for two days now. Why hasn't my official uniform been made yet? The palace's efficiency is really lacking. Negative review!]
Jingyuan Emperor: … This matter had truly been forgotten!
Shen Mingzhu was still wearing the clothes of Shen Qingbo, the fourth son of the Shen family!
The Shen family thought it inconvenient for Shen Mingzhu to wear women's ruqun, so they dressed her in men's clothing for practicality and convenience.
With a single glance from the Jingyuan Emperor, Wang Defu immediately issued orders to ensure Minister Shen's garments were completed and delivered to his residence that very day.
【Gua Gua, this is so boring. Serve up some gossip! The last piece was utterly dull!】
【Right away, Host!】
【Let's continue with Prince An, Yan Lingfeng's story—he's actually got quite the background!】
【Agreed!】
【So about this Prince An—he's a total brother-con!】
Brother-con?
The entire Manchao Wenwu: What kind of "con" is a brother-con?
【He's been like this since childhood—always clinging to his brother, whining "Gege hold me," "Gege carry me," "Gege I wet my pants!"】
Prince An's face flushed crimson with embarrassment!
What nonsense was this!
Those were just childish antics!
He's a grandfather now!
He scanned his surroundings, trying to identify the speaker.
Unfortunately, positioned at the very front with Shen Mingzhu far behind and separated by crowds, he couldn't see her at all.
【Gua Gua, why is Prince An craning his neck and peering around up front? So disrespectful to the ministers discussing state affairs! He can't just act this recklessly because he's the emperor's brother!】
Prince An: Which of us is truly being reckless here?!
He was fuming!
He felt ready to burst like an overinflated ball.
The Second Prince Yan Yunxuan beside him tugged at his sleeve.
【Oho, Host, look—the Second Prince is pulling Prince An back. Prince An turns out so foolish later! He mistakenly believes the Jingyuan Emperor actually intends for the Second Prince, Prince Xuan Yan Yunxuan, to inherit the throne. To fulfill his brother's wish, he helps him succeed in the succession struggle!
What a pity—he ends up dying horribly!】
Jingyuan Emperor: Lingfeng died horribly!
His expression shifted momentarily before returning to normal.
The entire hall fell dead silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Yan Yunxuan: …Shen Mingzhu, what absurd nonsense are you spouting?!
He felt she was going to be the death of him!
The Third and Fourth Princes nearby watched him with smug schadenfreude.
Oho, his wolfish ambition has been exposed before Father!
【What's wrong with Prince An? Does his IQ vanish when he's not with his brother?】
【Host, you're so perceptive!】
Shen Changyuan immediately stepped forward, wiping sweat from his brow before kneeling again.
Shen Mingzhu watched her father kneel and remain prostrate, muttering inwardly.
【Gua Gua, why is Father kneeling again? We should have Mother make him knee pads when we return. Kneeling like this daily will ruin his knees!】
Shen Changyuan: …Thank you so much, my precious daughter!
【It's fine, Host! Your father's probably used to it by now! How many years has he been kneeling!】
【True enough.】
【By the way, Gua Gua, how exactly did Prince An meet his tragic end?】
【Ah… Poor Prince An. After losing his brother, he was deceived by his nephew. When he discovered the truth and tried to restore order, his rebellion was crushed. He was executed by dismemberment—torn apart by five horses!】
Prince An fainted on the spot!
"Prince An! Prince An!"
"Your Highness!"
【What happened to Prince An? Why did he suddenly faint?】
【Host, look how pale and plump he is—probably quite frail. Must be exhausted from standing too long.】
【Sigh… With such poor constitution, he still attempted rebellion. Spent his whole life as a brother-con, always obeying his brother. Without his brother, he lost all direction—failure was inevitable!】
【Indeed, Host. Prince An is a tragic figure!】
【Come to think of it, the Jingyuan Emperor was practically his guiding lighthouse!】
【Absolutely!】
The Jingyuan Emperor's heart swirled with conflicting emotions.
Touched by his younger brother's unwavering loyalty, yet sorrowful contemplating his tragic fate.
How dare his son treat his own uncle this way, unafraid of future historians condemning him with their pens!
He stared fixedly at his second son Yan Yunxuan, as if trying to see right through him.
Yan Yunxuan also stepped forward and knelt in the main hall.
[Gua Gua, why is this Yan Yunxuan kneeling?]
Manchao Wenwu: What do you think?
Their backs were soaked with sweat.
The Jingyuan Emperor glanced at Shen Mingzhu who remained detached at the rear, then waved his hand, signaling for all of them to rise.