Chapter 374
**Chapter 372: Punishment**
Li Yuanjing's expression was grim. After contemplating Shen Wei's words, he waved his sleeve at Li Chengxuan and said, "You may return. I will spare your mother’s life."
Li Chengxuan was overjoyed, repeatedly bowing in gratitude before leaving.
The side hall fell silent.
Shen Wei prepared to take her leave. "Your Majesty, please continue with your matters. I shall return to the palace to handle the affairs—"
But Li Yuanjing grasped Shen Wei's arm, pulling back the intricately crafted sleeve of her Shu brocade robe to reveal six white chess pieces that she had stealthily taken.
Shen Wei's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Li Yuanjing smirked, "Continue playing chess with me. No more regrets or stealing pieces."
Shen Wei: ...
This man was relentless!
Suppressing the urge to flip the chessboard, Shen Wei patiently played chess with Li Yuanjing for the entire afternoon. After nightfall, they had dinner together and then enjoyed the cool evening air in the waterside pavilion.
The pavilion was adjacent to a pond where lotus flowers bloomed in the summer, their fragrance wafting through the air. After the flowers wilted, Shen Wei had the palace maids collect the lotus pods, as she quite enjoyed eating lotus seeds.
Especially the ones she peeled herself.
Li Yuanjing watched as Shen Wei popped one lotus seed after another into her mouth, showing no signs of stopping. He pressed down on her hand, saying, "Lotus seeds are cooling; too many aren’t good for your stomach."
Shen Wei smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Your Majesty need not worry. I am strong and healthy; a few lotus seeds won't harm me."
Li Yuanjing questioned softly, "When you asked me to be gentle and slow last night, you didn’t seem so ‘strong and healthy.’"
Shen Wei nearly choked on a lotus seed.
Despite being over forty, Li Yuanjing was still strong from years of horseback riding and archery, his stamina rivaling that of his youth. If it weren't for Shen Wei's commitment to fitness, she might not have been able to keep up.
Fortunately, the arrival of Deshun broke the awkward atmosphere in the pavilion. Deshun respectfully reported, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, the Eighth Prince has arrived."
Li Yuanjing raised an eyebrow. "Let him come in."
Moments later, Li Changtai entered Yongning Palace, dressed in a black and gold brocade robe. He walked steadily, wearing a jade crown, his youthful face still somewhat boyish, with features resembling Li Yuanjing.
The palace lanterns illuminated the pavilion as Li Changtai greeted his father and mother.
Shen Wei smiled and asked, "Have you had dinner?"
Li Changtai nodded. "Replying to Mother, I have already dined." His gaze fell on the white jade plate on Shen Wei's table, which held three peeled lotus pods and their cores.
Li Changtai's expression turned serious as he advised, "Mother, the imperial physician said lotus seeds are cooling and should not be eaten in excess. Last summer, you ate too many and developed a stomach ailment, which frightened Sister Leyou to tears. Have you forgotten about that?"
Shen Wei was at a loss for words.
At such a young age, he spoke like a wise old headmaster.
Li Yuanjing couldn't help but chuckle as he took away the few unpeeled lotus pods. "Listen to the child."
Shen Wei felt a mix of emotions and picked up a nearby unfinished novel, preparing to read some folk tales.
Li Changtai said, "The wind is strong in the pavilion, and the candlelight flickers. Mother, reading here could strain your eyes."
Shen Wei tossed the novel aside. "Bring me tea! I want some calming tea!"
The maidservant brought the tea.
Li Yuanjing nearly burst out laughing. Shen Wei was stubborn, and sometimes he found himself at a loss with her. Fortunately, Li Changtai could manage her a bit.
Seeing Shen Wei settle down with her tea, Li Changtai turned to Li Yuanjing and said, "Father, today I reviewed the 'New Laws of Daqing' sent by the Ministry of Justice. I believe some of the laws are not rigorous enough, and I would like to discuss them with you. A country has its laws, and a family has its rules. If the laws are not strict, the people will not be at peace."
Li Yuanjing pointed to an empty chair beside him, feeling quite pleased. "Sit down and tell me more."
As the tea steam rose, Li Changtai and Li Yuanjing began their discussion.
Shen Wei sipped her calming tea, occasionally glancing at the father-son duo engaged in conversation.
The waterside pavilion of Yongning Palace transformed into a court, with the two of them exchanging words like father and son, like sovereign and subjects, like a wolf king and his pack of young wolves.
Shen Wei marveled quietly; Li Changtai was indeed her son, showing signs of a diligent scholar at such a young age, a born workaholic.
Of course, he also maintained a good balance between work and rest, not overexerting himself.
After their discussion, Li Changtai stood to take his leave. "The law must not spare the powerful, and promotions and demotions must not be based on personal connections. I will discuss the 'Qing Laws' with the officials of the Ministry of Justice tomorrow. I take my leave now; Father and Mother should rest early."
As Li Changtai was about to leave, Li Yuanjing suddenly called out to him, "Next year, you will preside over the spring imperial examination."
The summer night breeze stirred, causing Li Changtai's sleeves to flutter. He paused, his brows furrowing slightly. "The spring examination?"
Shen Wei was equally surprised.
To preside over the spring examination meant that all the successful candidates would be "students of the Son of Heaven," becoming Li Changtai's "students."
Shen Wei sensed that Li Yuanjing seemed to be paving the way for Li Changtai's future.
Li Yuanjing took a sip of his calming tea and replied nonchalantly, "In ancient times, Gan Luo became a prime minister at twelve. You will be thirteen next year; presiding over the spring examination is not a difficult task."
Li Changtai quickly accepted the idea, responding calmly, "I accept the decree."
As the night breeze blew, Li Changtai turned to leave. He had grown taller, and his silhouette appeared particularly steady under the moonlight.
In the pavilion, Shen Wei expressed her concern, "Your Majesty, presiding over the spring examination is no small matter."
Li Yuanjing replied calmly, "I see him as a serious child, always so mature for his age. Letting him preside over the spring examination is not a difficult task—Weiwei, who do you think this child resembles? I certainly wasn't this serious when I was young."
Shen Wei spread her hands. "I don't know either."
As night deepened, Shen Wei and Li Yuanjing returned to their quarters to rest.
In the four-sided ice basin of the sleeping chamber, the ice slowly melted, bringing a refreshing coolness.
Shen Wei changed into a scarlet silk nightgown, the fabric cool against her skin. She leaned against the bed, continuing to read a novel, a new release from the bookstores of Yanjing, which was quite popular in the city with an exciting plot.
With the country prosperous and the people well-off, the citizens began to seek spiritual fulfillment. Bestselling novels, performances in the city’s music halls, and new plays in the pear gardens became the people's entertainment during their leisure time.
Shen Wei keenly seized this opportunity, prompting Manager Ye to establish a "cultural and entertainment industry," making a significant profit.
When Li Yuanjing entered the room, his gaze roamed over Shen Wei's new nightgown.
Clearing his throat, he took hold of Shen Wei's delicate hand. "Weiwei, you’re not keeping your promise."
Shen Wei was puzzled. "What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
Li Yuanjing took the novel from her hands, his tone discontented. "I have already sent Chengyou to Liangzhou. Weiwei, you promised me to keep Leyou away from that boy from the Liang family."
Yet yesterday, Leyou had sneaked out of the palace again to row on Luoyue Lake and gather lotus pods.
Leyou was not a strong swimmer, and the Liang boy had disguised himself as a guard to protect her.
Upon learning of this, Li Yuanjing was furious.
Shen Wei blinked innocently. "I have kept my promise; I have not deceived you."
Li Yuanjing lightly rubbed the corner of Shen Wei's eye. "You’re talking nonsense."
Shen Wei placed the novel on the table. "Your Majesty, think carefully. That night, I promised you—[that Leyou would not go hunting in the Nanshan Mountains with the Liang boy]. Leyou did not go hunting; she went to Luoyue Lake."
Li Yuanjing was momentarily speechless.
He found himself at a loss for words.
Shen Wei said earnestly, "I have kept my promise; I have not broken my word. It’s late; I need to rest now."
With that, she lay back on the cool white jade mat.
Li Yuanjing grasped Shen Wei's wrist. "Weiwei, you’re being stubborn! The Liang boy is taciturn and dull; how could he be a suitable husband for Leyou? She is a princess of noble birth; her husband must be a dragon among men..."
Seeing that Li Yuanjing was still rambling on without any intention of stopping, Shen Wei sighed, her delicate hand tugging at Li Yuanjing's collar, her crimson lips drawing near.
Her inky black hair cascaded over her shoulders.
Shen Wei blinked, her raven-like lashes fluttering like little fans, a teasing breeze blowing toward Li Yuanjing.
Having maintained her beauty through careful upkeep and regular exercise, Shen Wei's appearance had not diminished with age; her features now held a rare charm. With just a gentle nudge, Li Yuanjing was set ablaze.
Knowing it was a beauty trap, Li Yuanjing still found it impossible to resist.
He tightened his grip around Shen Wei's waist, wanting nothing more than to devour her whole.
...
...
The next day, in the Xiangyun Palace where Qiao Pin resided.
Liu Qiaoer sat under the parasol tree, sewing clothes, her mind racing with thoughts on how to outmaneuver Shen Wei.
Outside, the sound of shuffling footsteps reached her ears. Liu Qiaoer looked up to see Deshun leading a few young eunuchs toward her.
She set down her needle and thread, rising to greet him. "Deshun Gonggong, what brings you here?"
Liu Qiaoer held a low opinion of eunuchs.
However, Deshun was the head eunuch in the palace, a favored figure close to the Emperor, highly regarded by Shen Wei. As a lowly concubine without favor, Liu Qiaoer dared not offend someone so close to the Emperor, so she maintained a relatively polite demeanor.
Deshun replied, "I have come to deliver the Emperor's decree."
Liu Qiaoer suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.
Deshun continued, "The Emperor has decreed that Qiao Pin Liu has been making reckless comments about state affairs, plotting treason, undermining the foundation of the nation, and disturbing the palace. From this day forth, she is to be demoted to Guiren, confined for a year, with only one maidservant to attend her. The Third Prince, Li Chengxuan, will move to the Prince's residence."
Liu Qiaoer's face turned pale, as if she had turned to stone.
After delivering the Emperor's decree, Deshun turned to leave. Liu Qiaoer finally snapped back to reality and hurried after him. "Deshun Gonggong! There must be some misunderstanding! I must see the Emperor; someone is framing me!"
Deshun, expressionless, told her, "Please stop, Liu Guiren. The Emperor will not see you."
Deshun left with the group of young eunuchs.
At that moment, Liu Qiaoer's mind went blank. She had endured and bided her time for years, hoping to rise to a higher position. But just as she thought she was climbing out of the mire, the harsh reality pushed her back into the abyss, leaving her with no chance to turn things around.
What had gone wrong?
Just then, Liu Qiaoer's personal maid rushed in, breathless. "Mistress, something has happened! I heard that during the morning court session, the Emperor dismissed your father's official position and demoted several officials to remote areas."
Liu Qiaoer felt her head spinning.
She stumbled to sit down, instinctively touching the half-finished garment she had been sewing, muttering to herself, "My father has been dismissed... He was a fourth-rank official, and the Emperor dismissed him directly..."
Could it be that the Emperor knew about her plotting for the throne?
Being demoted to Guiren was the Emperor's warning to her.
A chill ran through Liu Qiaoer.
"I had private contact with my father; this matter was kept secret. How could the Emperor know?" Liu Qiaoer murmured.
The maid thought for a moment and couldn't help but say, "Mistress, I saw the Third Prince visiting the Emperor at Chang'an Palace yesterday... Perhaps it was the Third Prince who informed the Emperor."
Liu Qiaoer was consumed with rage, tearing the half-finished garment to shreds. "Go fetch Chengxuan!"
About a tea's worth of time later, Li Chengxuan, head hung low, entered Liu Qiaoer's palace.
Liu Qiaoer sat under the eaves, coldly questioning, "Did you report me to the Emperor?"
Li Chengxuan lowered his head deeply, not daring to meet his mother's gaze. "It was... it was me..."
As soon as he spoke, Liu Qiaoer, in a frenzy, grabbed Li Chengxuan's wrist, losing control. "Look at me! Look at me!"
Li Chengxuan, terrified, raised his head, and Liu Qiaoer's gaunt, aged face came into view.
Liu Qiaoer pointed at her own face, her voice breaking. "Back in the Yan Wang Mansion, I was one of the most beautiful women! If it weren't for you, how could I have endured for so many years, turning myself into this old, ugly woman!"
"Look at this desolate, dilapidated courtyard, look at the coarse clothes I wear! All my years of effort have gone to waste!"
Li Chengxuan knew Liu Qiaoer had suffered greatly.
But he couldn't help but say, "Mother! Being an emperor is not easy! The people of the world need a wise ruler. I am incompetent and unworthy; I cannot be a good emperor."
Liu Qiaoer scolded, "What do you care about the people? You are a Liu! The blood of the Liu family flows in your veins!"
Li Chengxuan disagreed with his mother’s words.
He took two steps back and bowed to Liu Qiaoer. "Mother, Father has shown you mercy by sparing your life. I have been recommended by the Empress and will soon go to the Ministry of Works to discuss the southern water conservancy project. I will often be away in the future; please take care of yourself."
Li Chengxuan had no ambition to be emperor; he just wanted to do what he loved.
Hearing this, Liu Qiaoer felt as if she had heard a fairy tale. She scolded, "Recommended by the Empress? Silly child, do you think she truly wants to recommend you? She would be glad to send you away so that no one in the capital would compete with her son for the throne!"
Li Chengxuan remained silent.
Regardless of whether Empress Shen was sincere, at least he could preserve his fragile life and pursue the engineering projects he loved.
In the royal family, managing to keep one’s life was already quite difficult.
Liu Qiaoer continued to assert, "The Shen family will eventually fall out of favor. She is merely lucky; her brother and sister-in-law hold military power, and her younger brother is a powerful minister. The Emperor is only pretending to favor her. Chengxuan, I know the Emperor well; he will surely eliminate the Shen family in the future! Then your opportunity will come!"
Liu Qiaoer rambled on incessantly.
Li Chengxuan didn’t hear a single word.
He turned to leave.
Even if he ended up shattered, at least he was leaving the oppressive confines of the room and seeing the sky outside.
Li Chengxuan had been timid for over a decade; he wanted to be brave just once.
...
...
In Yongning Palace.
Cailian entered the study and informed Shen Wei about Liu Qiaoer's demotion.
Shen Wei set down her brush, stretching her sore wrist. "Qiao Pin—oh no, she is Liu Guiren now. What was her reaction?"
Cailian replied, "Liu Guiren had a fierce argument with the Third Prince, who left resolutely. After crying for a while, she inexplicably calmed down and continued sewing under the eaves."
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