It's all their mother and daughter's fault.
Otherwise, she could have become Yun Xuan's principal consort.
Although the side consort is also recorded in the imperial genealogy, the title sounds respectable but is essentially equivalent to a noble concubine—still a concubine at the end of the day.
But what's done is done, so she could only quickly step forward to express gratitude for the imperial favor.
After Jingyuan Emperor had the Shen family return to their original seats, he exchanged a glance with Empress Lin Wanrou. Having been married for years, Empress Lin naturally understood his meaning and said with a smile,
"Today, I have acquired a red coral half a person's height. All the ladies and young misses shall accompany me to the side hall for some tea and to admire it."
"We respectfully obey Her Majesty the Empress's decree."
After speaking, the female relatives rose and followed Empress Lin Wanrou to the side hall.
As for Second Prince Yan Yunxuan and the Shen family members, these individuals and matters would be dealt with afterward.
Once everyone had left, Changping Marquis Shen Changyuan led his eldest son Shen Qinghong, fourth son Shen Qingbo, second branch's Shen Changshan, and sole son Shen Qingyan to kneel in the center of the main hall.
"Your Majesty, please forgive our offense!"
After speaking, they remained kneeling motionless.
The Jingyuan Emperor above looked at the Shen family without speaking, allowing them to remain kneeling, then addressed the assembled ministers,
"Those who can hear, stand to the right. The others to the left."
Some ministers didn't understand what the Emperor meant, but others quickly moved to the right side, while the rest naturally stood on the left.
Seeing that most ministers, especially important officials like the Six Ministries' ministers, the Chancellor, and the General, were on the right, he nodded and ordered those on the left to exit the main hall and wait in another side chamber.
The ministers complied accordingly.
After everyone had left the main hall, Jingyuan Emperor looked at Changping Marquis Shen Changyuan and said,
"Speak."
Only then did Shen Changyuan slowly begin to recount the story.
Your Majesty, ever since my daughter Shen Mingzhu fell into the water during her Hair-Pinning Ceremony, a system named Gua Gua has appeared, frequently chatting with Shen Mingzhu.
I have carefully observed that the maids, matrons, guards, and servants in the manor cannot hear my daughter Shen Mingzhu's inner thoughts.
Only family members can hear her inner voice.
Therefore, our family was actually quite at ease.
We never expected that today in the main hall…
The outcome speaks for itself.
The key point is, at home, Shen Mingzhu merely gossips about trivial matters like which steward embezzled funds or which matron bullied others. We verified these, and they were all true, leading Changping Marquis Manor to punish a group of servants.
Regarding Changping Marquis Manor's disciplining of servants, other officials in the capital had heard some rumors, but since these were private household affairs, no one paid much attention.
So this was the root cause.
According to Changping Marquis Shen Changyuan's account, they originally intended to warn Shen Mingzhu, but the words stuck in their throats—the more they tried to speak, the more suffocated they felt. With no alternative, and since only family members could hear, they let her be.
Who would have thought that today Shen Mingzhu would deliver them a major shock!
Potentially leading to complete annihilation!
Knowing others' secrets, especially the imperial family's hidden affairs, would surely bring fatal disaster!
After hearing this, Jingyuan Emperor initially considered eliminating Shen Mingzhu as a demonic entity, but then he saw his great-grandfather!
Jingyuan Emperor: …Can't touch her!
Suddenly, he thought of Second Prince Yan Yunxuan and smiled meaningfully.
Watching the Jingyuan Emperor's smile, the Shen family felt chills down their spines.
They couldn't shake the feeling that their heads were about to roll.
Meanwhile, Shen Mingzhu was happily sipping Mingqian Longjing tea and enjoying various pastries.
Li Consort Su Bao'er looked at Shen Mingzhu with disgust. Eating, eating, all she knew was eating. Truly a country bumpkin who'd never seen fine things before.
How unfair this was to her dear Xuan'er!
To think he was betrothed to such a person!
But considering she was the biological daughter of Changping Marquis and General Xie's legitimate granddaughter, she'd have to endure it.
Once Xuan'er achieved his great ambitions, they could just make her a consort and keep her in the rear palace. It wasn't like they couldn't afford an extra bowl of rice.
Empress Lin watched Shen Mingzhu's excellent appetite with a kindly smile. Such a good eater—what a blessed young girl.
As if remembering something, a faint worry appeared on her face.
Soon, Grand Eunuch Wang Defu from beside the Jingyuan Emperor entered and whispered a few words to the Empress's head maid Baizhi. Then the Empress smiled and addressed everyone,
"Let us go. The Mid-Autumn banquet should begin."
"As Your Majesty commands."
The party then returned to the main hall, which had been restored to its original state.
Yet Shen Mingzhu felt something was strange, along with a sense of foreboding.
Soon her premonition came true!
The Jingyuan Emperor at the highest seat took a sip of tea, and Grand Eunuch Wang Defu beside him announced loudly,
"Prince Xuan, step forward to receive the imperial decree!"
"By the Mandate of Heaven, carrying the Emperor's will, it is proclaimed: The second young lady of Changping Marquis Manor, Shen Jiaojiao, is dignified and virtuous, diligent and gentle, harmonious and pure in character, mild-tempered and virtuous, well-versed in domestic duties, possessing admirable virtues. She is hereby appointed as Xuan Prince Side Consort. So ordered!"
After reading the decree, Prince Xuan Yan Yunxuan's heart sank.
He had originally intended to delay and negotiate with his father to secure the principal consort position for Jiaojiao.
Now with the imperial decree issued, it was settled.
He glanced guiltily at Shen Jiaojiao—he had promised her she would be principal consort!
It seemed he had broken his word!
Moreover, the shocks tonight had been too great!
With the unexpected developments regarding Shen Mingzhu, he had wanted to investigate further, but never expected his father would issue the decree directly.
Prince Xuan Yan Yunxuan and Shen Jiaojiao stood to express gratitude.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's great kindness."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's great kindness."
They exchanged a glance, full of tender affection.
As soon as they returned to their seats, people came forward to offer congratulations and auspicious words. Shen Jiaojiao glanced at Shen Mingzhu with a slight smile, a flash of triumph in her eyes.
Soon, Wang Defu took out another imperial decree.
"Eldest daughter of Changping Marquis Manor, Shen Mingzhu, receive the decree~"
Hearing her name, Shen Mingzhu hurried forward to receive the decree.
She guessed it must be the emperor's compensatory decree for her.
After all, Prince Xuan had been betrothed to her, but now the marriage had been given to Shen Jiaojiao to satisfy his son. Surely he needed to appease her.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, carrying the Emperor's will, it is proclaimed: The Shen family's eldest daughter Shen Mingzhu is gentle, virtuous, and graceful, dignified and wise, self-disciplined and cautious, harmonious and pure. She is hereby appointed as Crown Prince Principal Consort, effective immediately. So ordered!"
Shen Mingzhu was stunned!
Many ministers quickly understood the emperor's intention upon brief reflection.
Shen Mingzhu's mind raced with thoughts.
[The emperor is truly cunning, with eight hundred schemes in his mind! To bestow such a fine young woman as me to his precious Crown Prince. Indeed, the child born of true love is different—even lying in bed, the old father's devoted love for his son drives him to seize the best girl for him!]
"Ahem, ahem~~"