Noble Son-in-Law - Chapter 59.2

Chapter 59.2

The next day

Shen Qingqing learnt that Li Zhi had sent Jiang Yiyue to the Fahua Temple in the suburbs to become a nun, instructing her to pray for the Empress Dowager. 

‘Being a nun… But it is better than marrying an eunuch.’

Later that evening, Eunuch Wan arrived with a letter.

Li Zhi was the only one who could send Eunuch Wan on errands.

Curious about the contents of Li Zhi’s letter, Shen Qingqing asked Yu Chan to entertain Niuniu while she carefully opened the envelope. Inside was a single thin sheet of rice paper with a couple of lines written in small characters.

“Once you have seen the sea, all other waters are but puddles; once you have seen Mount Wushan, all other mountains are but mounds.”

Seeing that, Shen Qingqing was taken aback.

‘Did Li Zhi really think that by dealing with Jiang Yiyue and writing me a poem, I would be swayed?’

She placed the rice paper back in the envelope and burnt both the paper and the envelope before heading to bed.

After receiving Li Zhi’s letter, Shen Qingqing felt a bit anxious that he might keep bothering her. However, to her surprise, for the next month and a half, aside from sending Eunuch Wan to pick up Niuniu daily, Li Zhi didn’t feign illness or send her any more poems. 

After the Dragon Boat Festival, Shen Qingqing’s mother, Mrs. Chen visited the palace to inform her of the family’s happy news.

Shen Su, Shen Qingqing’s older brother, was set to get married last June, but unexpected changes happened, such as the Shen family losing a queen and a crown prince, leading Shen Qushenge and Shen Tingkai to step down from their official roles and head back to their hometown. Now that things had calmed down, the two families had picked a new date for the postponed ceremony. 

“It’s such a shame I won’t be able to see my brother lift the veil,” Shen Qingqing said with an unhappy expression. She was curious to see how her usually serious brother would act on his wedding day.

Mrs. Chen chuckled and replied, “Why the rush? The day after the wedding, they’ll come to the palace to pay their respects to you. Once the emperor leaves, you’ll have plenty of chances to tease your brother.”

Shen Qingqing was really looking forward to that.

Glancing around the room, Mrs.Chen leaned in and asked her daughter quietly, “Did you manage to get the emperor to write the decree by throwing a little tantrum?” 

‘Decree?’ Shen Qingqing looked puzzled and asked, “What decree are you talking about?”

Mrs. Chen glanced at her daughter and realised what was going on. Feeling a bit puzzled, Mrs. Chen started to explain. “This all started before the Dragon Boat Festival. That morning, someone suggested to the emperor that he should choose concubines to fill the harem. The emperor then issued a decree stating that he felt compelled to take the throne as per the previous emperor’s wishes, even though he believed he wasn’t fit for the role. He promised that once he became emperor, he would strive to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor by being diligent in governance and caring for the people, but he would never misuse his power for personal gain. While selecting concubines is within his rights as emperor, he vowed not to indulge in it. He also said that when he was an official, he promised to grow old with you and remain loyal, and he intends to keep that promise as emperor; otherwise, it would be disloyal and unjust.” 

Shen Qingqing was taken aback by this revelation. 

‘Li Zhi actually issued such a decree?’

The emperor’s edicts were known far and wide, destined to be recorded in history for generations to come. Now that Li Zhi had declared he wouldn’t select or take concubines, he had to live with that decision if he ever regretted it, or else he would be ridiculed by the world and future generations. 

‘What could have motivated Li Zhi to make such a choice?’

Seeing the happiness in her mother’s eyes, Shen Qingqing felt a wave of emotion wash over her. Just moments ago, her heart felt stagnant, but now it was bubbling with life, like a fresh spring. 

Li Zhi handled Jiang Yiyue’s matter, but there could be many more like her in the future, so Shen Qingqing remained calm. With Li Zhi cutting off any chance of betrayal, if she chose not to trust him, her mother would likely scold her for being unfeeling. 

But why had Li Zhi waited to share the news with her? As that thought crossed her mind, she glanced at her mother and quickly reconsidered. It wasn’t that Li Zhi was avoiding the spotlight; he was aware that his mother would definitely bring it up once they entered the palace. When she did, it would only highlight his devotion even more!

Additionally, Li Zhi’s decree not only brought her joy but also showcased his respect for the late emperor and his struggles with taking the throne, proving that his rise to power was not an act of rebellion. What a clever strategist he was! 

Since he had it all figured out, Shen Qingqing decided to keep up the act of ignorance. It would be interesting to see just how long Li Zhi could maintain his composure!

End of chapter 59

Have a nice day!