The capital of Dingjing never lacked fresh gossip.

Whenever something happened yesterday, by the next day it would spread like wildfire. If it involved someone famous, people would certainly discuss it for three days and three nights.

Among these topics of discussion, some were seen as amusing spectacles, while others genuinely sympathized with those being talked about.

Today’s hot topic was about the Great General of Martial Valor, who was unrivaled in Mingqi.

Defeating the Japanese pirates, fighting the Huns, campaigning in the northwest year-round, never claiming credit, never arrogant, with brilliant military achievements, protecting the country and defending the homeland. This was the Shen family of the military lineage.

Since the time of Old General Shen, the Shen family had earned prestige among Mingqi’s common people through their illustrious military achievements. Unfortunately, among the old general’s three sons, only the eldest, Shen Xin, inherited his mantle and continued on the path of a military official. Fortunately, a tiger father doesn’t beget canine sons—Shen Xin didn’t fail to live up to the reputation of the Great General of Martial Valor. Even Shen Xin’s legitimate son, Shen Qiu, was also a brave young commander on the battlefield.

Brothers fight tigers together, father and son battle side by side. Shen Xin had no airs in the army and charged at the forefront in battle. His union with the tigress of a military family, Luo Xuenian, was considered a legendary match of its time. The common people of Mingqi sincerely respected Shen Xin. If there was anything negative to say, it was that Shen Xin’s legitimate daughter hadn’t inherited any of her parents’ excellence and was instead incompetent.

But even with an incompetent legitimate daughter, whenever Shen Xin was mentioned, the common people were still supportive and admiring.

However, now that the accusation of deceiving the Emperor had been brought against him, the commoners were stunned.

This wasn’t a minor issue or a household problem—from the outset, it was about deceiving the Emperor, which could result in the severe punishment of having one’s family seized with just a small misstep. Early in the morning, court officials had already surrounded the entrance of the Shen residence, reportedly to collect evidence. The commoners only knew that Shen Xin had committed the crime of deceiving the Emperor, but they didn’t know exactly what the charge was, or how he had deceived His Majesty.

“How could General Shen deceive the Emperor? He’s such a good person.”

“Indeed, last time my child was mischievous and startled Madam Shen’s horse, but Madam Shen not only didn’t blame us, she even apologized to us. For such good people, could His Majesty be mistaken?”

“Heh, what mistake? I heard this time it’s an ironclad case, with evidence and all.” Someone said in a low voice, “Although I don’t know exactly what it is, I heard that Prince Ding personally accused General Shen.”

“Prince Ding?”

“Yes, think about it, Prince Ding wouldn’t make false accusations. Perhaps it’s because the Shen family’s Fifth Miss once had feelings for Prince Ding and was humiliated, so General Shen did something against His Majesty to avenge his daughter.”

“Ah, that does seem possible. Poor General Shen’s family has been ruined by that legitimate daughter.”

These voices from the commoners weren’t soft, and Shen Miao, standing at the gate of the residence, could hear them. Everyone from the household stood at the gate to let the officials enter and search. Shen Yue pretended to be afraid and hid behind Chen Ruoqiu, looking sympathetically at Shen Miao: “Fifth Sister, how could these people say such things about you? What does what Uncle did have to do with you?”

Shen Miao looked coldly at the fierce-looking officials, but merely smiled at Shen Yue’s words. Being blind once and forever branded as “the incompetent girl who admired Prince Ding”—it was truly disgusting.

Seeing that Shen Miao didn’t respond, Shen Yue thought she had nothing to say and momentarily showed smugness in her eyes, but remained silent. Old Madam Shen, having confirmed that Shen Xin’s troubles wouldn’t implicate her, relaxed and assumed the posture of a proper matriarch with upright family values, angrily scolding: “How could the eldest son’s family do such a thing as betraying the Emperor? My Shen family has been loyal for generations. We don’t have such shameless people. This has completely disgraced the Shen family! If the General were still alive, he wouldn’t stand to see the eldest son’s family ruining our reputation this way!”

Hearing this, Shen Miao felt a twinge in her heart and looked toward Old Madam Shen: “Grandmother, what are you saying? Father is also a member of the Shen family. The Shen family and Father are one entity, how can you not support Father at this time? Previously, when Father was praised and rewarded by His Majesty, didn’t Grandmother say that the Shen family was blessed to have such a son? Words once spoken can’t be taken back, has Grandmother forgotten this time?”

Hearing this, the onlooking commoners’ gazes shot toward Old Madam Shen.

In the past, when the Great General of Martial Valor had outstanding military achievements and received rewards from the Emperor, Old Madam Shen certainly didn’t speak like this. As family members, they should share both glory and hardship, but Old Madam Shen now seemed to only share in prosperity but not in adversity. As soon as she saw that her family was in trouble, she hastily distanced herself from them—how could this be right?

Old Madam Shen also realized that the crowd was looking at her with unfriendly gazes. She became furious with embarrassment but didn’t know how to respond, so she turned to look at Chen Ruoqiu.

Shen Gui and Shen Wan had gone to court, so Chen Ruoqiu was the only one who could handle matters independently. Chen Ruoqiu smiled: “Fifth Miss, that’s not what the Old Madam meant. The Old Madam is just upset. You know that our Shen family has always been upright, never deceiving the Emperor. If the Old General knew about this in the underworld, he would also blame your father. Your father has done such a thing, how will the Shen family face others in the future?”

Seeing Chen Ruoqiu come to her aid, Old Madam Shen felt more confident and looked at Chen Ruoqiu with increased favor. She nodded: “That’s right. Your father committed a wrong, and now he can’t even be criticized?”

Shen Dongling and Concubine Wan stood to the side. They typically didn’t have the right to speak, so they just watched silently.

Shen Miao said: “In that case, does Grandmother intend to draw a clear line between herself and my father, to expel my father from the Shen family before being satisfied?”

As she said this, Chen Ruoqiu thought, “This is bad,” but before she could intervene, Old Madam Shen’s eyes lit up, and she indignantly said: “Such an unfilial descendant should naturally be expelled from the Shen family!”

“Is Grandmother truly so heartless? My father is currently imprisoned, and Grandmother won’t help intercede?” Shen Miao lowered her eyes.

Seeing Shen Miao lower her head in apparent weakness, Old Madam Shen immediately felt a surge of satisfaction. The frustration she had felt in recent days from being pressured by the First Branch was instantly swept away. The more pleased she felt, the more righteous her tone became: “The Shen family has been loyal for generations. Even if I must bear the accusation of being heartless, I must make this decision on behalf of the Old Master. Such people cannot enter the Shen family ancestral hall. From today onwards, Shen Xin’s branch is expelled from the Shen family!”

Old Madam Shen spoke with satisfaction but didn’t notice Chen Ruoqiu’s suddenly changing expression. Although distancing themselves from Shen Xin was necessary, Old Madam Shen’s explicit declaration was simply too foolish. Such behavior, seen by the common people—and the commoners weren’t stupid—would not garner support for the Shen residence.

Thinking of this, Chen Ruoqiu smiled apologetically to Shen Miao: “Fifth Miss, the Old Madam doesn’t mean this. She’s just angry with your father right now, which is why she’s speaking this way. Fifth Miss, after a few days, when the Old Madam’s anger subsides, she won’t be like this.”

Shen Yue couldn’t understand why her mother would say such things. Wouldn’t it be better to let Old Madam Shen drive Shen Miao away? Now that Shen Xin and his family were accused of deceiving the Emperor, even if they ultimately escaped the death penalty due to their years of meritorious service, they would still face lesser punishment and inevitably live in decline. Driving away, this declining family might leave them without even a place to stay—just thinking about it made her happy.

“Third Aunt, there’s no need to say more.” Shen Miao said loudly, “Since the Old Madam values the Shen family’s reputation so much that she doesn’t even consider family bonds, what do I have to fear? It’s better to separate now, to part ways amicably, each finding our happiness, rather than tarnishing the Shen family’s reputation.” She spoke with sarcasm and continued, “But moving out on such short notice is difficult. Once the officials finish their search, I will pack my belongings and move out as soon as my parents return. I will no longer defile any part of the Shen family.”

She spoke with anger, and at first glance, she appeared to be a haughty young lady driven to speak impulsively. But listening carefully, there was no room for reconciliation in her words.

Shen Xin and his wife were both doting parents. If they knew that during their trip to the palace, their daughter had been driven to the point of almost being expelled from the Shen family, they would surely settle accounts.

The surrounding commoners immediately erupted in whispers, surprised to witness such a scene. Old Madam Shen’s behavior was truly displeasing, while the so-called incompetent Fifth Miss of the Shen family, with her delicate and appealing appearance, was being forced into such a predicament, arousing sympathy and inclining people to side with Shen Miao.

Chen Ruoqiu was secretly alarmed. She looked at Shen Miao without speaking, knowing it was too late to say anything now. Arguing in front of so many commoners meant that within half a day, the entire capital would know about this incident. Although separating the Shen family from Shen Xin now benefited the Shen family, Chen Ruoqiu still had a vague feeling of unease.

Shen Miao had been leading everyone by the nose the whole time. Whether it was getting Old Madam Shen to declare Shen Xin’s expulsion from the family, or now having the public’s sympathy lean toward her, but why would Shen Miao do this? Why did it now seem as if Shen Miao, using Old Madam Shen’s words, was promoting Shen Xin’s separation from the Shen family?

Chen Ruoqiu couldn’t help but think of the First Branch’s recent clamor to separate from the family. Old Madam Shen naturally didn’t want to let the First Branch leave with their wealth, but Shen Xin and his wife’s decision was irrevocable. They had already agreed and had gone to look at other residences, but then this incident occurred. They thought the family separation matter would be dropped, but unexpectedly, it had been brought up again now.

And with everyone watching, it would be impossible to go back on the decision in the future.

Old Madam Shen was displeased that Chen Ruoqiu had spoken up for Shen Miao, but seeing that Shen Miao was ungrateful and spoke as if there wasn’t a shred of affection left for the Shen family, she was satisfied. She snorted coldly, ignoring the contemptuous gazes of the commoners outside, and went inside with her maids. Chen Ruoqiu hesitated for a moment before taking Shen Yue’s hand and following.

Concubine Wan had also wanted to follow them inside, but she saw Shen Dongling let go of her hand and walk directly to Shen Miao’s side.

“Fifth Sister,” Shen Dongling called to her.

This seemed to be the first time Shen Dongling had called her since leaving her courtyard. Shen Miao lowered her eyes and responded faintly: “Third Sister.”

“Fifth Sister, don’t worry.” Shen Dongling looked gentle and fragile, but her smile was soft and warm. “Uncle will be fine. Uncle isn’t someone who would deceive the Emperor. The truth will eventually come to light.”

Shen Miao’s expression remained unchanged as she said, “Thank you, Third Sister.”

Shen Dongling smiled again, then turned and walked to the stunned Concubine Wan’s side, pulling her toward the door.

“Young Miss,” Jingzhe came over and asked, “What did Third Miss mean?”

Just now, Shen Miao had acted so haughtily, almost declaring a broken relationship with the rest of the Shen family. Yet Shen Dongling came to show goodwill—wasn’t she afraid of being blamed by Old Madam Shen?

Shen Miao said nothing, watching Shen Dongling and Concubine Wan’s retreating figures, shaking her head thoughtfully.

Inside, seeing that no one was around, Concubine Wan whispered, “Dongling, what were you doing just now? How dare you show goodwill to the Fifth Miss? If the Old Madam sees it and tells your father about it…” Shen Gui didn’t look favorably upon the First Branch, and if Shen Dongling went out of her way to curry favor with them, Shen Gui would be anything but pleased.

“Don’t worry, Mother,” Shen Dongling smiled. “They can’t defeat Fifth Sister.”

“What?” Concubine Wan was startled.

Shen Dongling pressed her lips together and pulled Concubine Wan forward. “Don’t ask, let’s go back.”

With such a major incident at the Shen residence, even disturbing the common people, naturally, the court was currently in a highly charged atmosphere.

In the Imperial Hall, Emperor Wenhui sat high on the dragon throne, his expression so gloomy it seemed water could drip from it. Looking at the assembled ministers in the hall, he threw the petition in his hand at the face of the nearest official with a “slap.”

That official, struck in the face by the petition, didn’t dare say a word and immediately knelt.

Since entering the palace, Shen Xin, his wife, and Shen Qiu had not left. Outside, no one knew exactly what had happened, but the ministers were well aware—Shen Xin and his wife had been detained by Emperor Wenhui. Why would the Emperor detain his subjects? That was obvious—the subject had problems, and the Emperor intended to deal with him.

Such simple logic was understood by all the ministers. Generally, it was best to remain silent. But today, Emperor Wenhui’s demeanor seemed somewhat unusual.

“Earl of Pingnan, you speak,” Emperor Wenhui pointed.

The Earl of Pingnan, Su Yu, felt a jolt through his body. Other court officials all turned their gazes toward him. Su Yu thought of what Su Mingfeng had told him last night, and immediately, without further hesitation, took a petition from his sleeve and respectfully presented it to the eunuch beside the Emperor, who then handed it to Emperor Wenhui.

“In response to Your Majesty, this lowly minister also believes that the Great General of Martial Valor’s actions are audacious and disrespectful of the imperial family. I request that Your Majesty severely punish Shen Xin and execute his nine clans.”

Execute the nine clans? The ministers who were on good terms with Su Yu were fine, but those who had little interaction with him in daily politics were extremely surprised. All along, the Earl of Pingnan had been moderate in his approach at court and could be considered a nice person. Who would have thought that he would immediately call for Shen Xin’s entire branch to be executed? His words were too harsh.

Emperor Wenhui’s hand trembled as he took the petition, his gaze like a torch as he stared at Su Yu.

Su Yu raised his head, appearing to be in a state of righteous indignation.

“Your Majesty,” from another side, the Marquis of Lin’an, Xie Ding, who had been silent until now, also said, “Shen Xin relies on his military power and even dares to defy Your Majesty’s orders when away. I fear he has long harbored treasonous intentions. This minister also agrees with Lord Su’s statement—execute the Shen family’s nine clans.”

Everyone’s gaze turned toward Xie Ding and Su Yu. Everyone knew that the Su and Xie families had always been close friends, while the Shen family had a clear division from these two families. Now that Shen Xin was in trouble, the Su and Xie families were in the same boat and would certainly want to add fuel to the fire.

Emperor Wenhui’s expression fluctuated between dark and light.

The evidence that Fu Xiuyi had presented was very satisfactory to him. He had been eyeing the Shen family’s power hungrily but hadn’t found an opportunity. Fu Xiuyi’s evidence, regardless of anything else, at least made it easy to reclaim the Shen family’s military authority. However, when he brought up this matter early this morning at court, the ministers unexpectedly all expressed that Shen Xin must be severely punished.

Shen Xin had campaigned in the northwest for years and didn’t have deep relationships with these court officials. Emperor Wenhui had anticipated that many would look unfavorably upon Shen Xin, but he hadn’t expected it to be to this extent. Meanwhile, those pleading for leniency for Shen Xin were very few.

The heart of an emperor is full of suspicion. If many ministers had spoken up for Shen Xin, Emperor Wenhui might have suspected that Shen Xin was privately close to these ministers. But the more ministers who condemned Shen Xin, the more reassured Emperor Wenhui felt about him. A subject with rebellious intentions wouldn’t make so many enemies for himself.

If the ministers’ unanimous condemnation of Shen Xin had only made Emperor Wenhui somewhat hesitant, then the Earl of Pingnan and the Marquis of Lin’an’s call to “execute the nine clans” had aroused his suspicion.

The Shen, Su, and Xie families were all thorns in Emperor Wenhui’s heart. It wasn’t about the ministers themselves, but simply about the prestige and military power these great families possessed, which made Emperor Wenhui sleep uneasily. “How can one sleep soundly when others occupy the same bed?” Emperor Wenhui would not allow any family to rise above imperial power.

The Su and Xie families were like twisted ropes, but fortunately, the Shen family was at odds with both, otherwise, they would truly become a major concern for Emperor Wenhui. If he were to follow the Su and Xie families’ suggestion and execute the Shen family’s nine clans, there would be no force within the Mingqi empire that could counter the Su and Xie families’ influence. Allowing the Su and Xie families to grow stronger would only make his dragon throne more unstable.

For the first time, Emperor Wenhui felt trapped. He had only wanted to reclaim part of Shen Xin’s military authority. Keeping the Shen family around could still balance the Su and Xie families, but now, with not a single person willing to speak up for Shen Xin, Emperor Wenhui’s temple throbbed with pain.

He slowly asked in return, “Execute the nine clans?”

With such a question, ministers would typically recognize that His Majesty’s demeanor was off, but Xie Ding today, who knows why, actually stiffened his neck and said, “Yes.”

Emperor Wenhui closed his eyes briefly, and when he looked at Xie Ding again, it was as if he was seeing through Xie Ding’s facade to his predatory ambition.

Su Yu was somewhat concerned, but his expression revealed nothing. He still maintained a demeanor suggesting that Xie Ding’s words were quite reasonable.

Finally, a young commander stepped forward and said, “Although General Shen was willful and presumptuous this time, his crime does not warrant death. He has previously rendered meritorious service to the court and could redeem himself through his achievements. Your Majesty is benevolent, and considering the Shen family army’s years of battlefield experience, protecting the country and guarding the homeland, I hope you will make an exception and issue a lighter punishment.”

This young commander had a good relationship with Shen Xin, and seeing that the situation here was unfavorable to Shen Xin, he finally couldn’t stand by and spoke up for him.

Emperor Wenhui had been waiting for someone to say these words, but unfortunately, Shen Xin, perhaps due to poor personal relationships, had no one speaking up. As soon as this young commander spoke, Emperor Wenhui’s expression relaxed, and he said, “What the minister says is correct. Although General Shen is guilty this time, he has previously established merit. To execute his nine clans would show that I don’t value past loyalty.”

“Your Majesty, you absolutely cannot!” Su Yu quickly knelt. “General Shen could even commit the act of deceiving the Emperor. Who knows what else he might do in the future?”

Xie Ding also hurriedly said, “Exactly, exactly! Your Majesty, please reconsider!”

The more they spoke this way, the more suspicious Emperor Wenhui became. Without looking at these two, he addressed the young commander, or rather, addressed all the court officials: “When Old General Shen was alive, he also accompanied the late emperor through life and death. The Shen family has been loyal for generations, and the Great General of Martial Valor, Shen Xin, was also exceptionally brave in the past. At the end of the year, he returned victorious after defeating the Western Rong, which can be considered redeeming his crime through merit. I am not a tyrant who would implicate nine clans. How innocent are Shen Xin’s family members?”

“Your Majesty is wise,” the young commander quickly knelt and said.

Emperor Wenhui waved his hand and said, “However, Shen Xin must still be punished. Issue the decree—take back the tiger tally of the Shen family army, fine Shen Xin one year’s salary, and allocate only the front section of the Shen family army for his command. The rest will be incorporated into the Imperial Guard.”

Everyone gasped, their gazes somewhat strange.

To say Emperor Wenhui was cruel? He hadn’t harmed the lives of the Shen family. But to say Emperor Wenhui was gentle? From the beginning, he had taken away the tiger tally. The tiger tally commands the three armies, and for a military general, having it taken away is like a soldier losing his life on the battlefield.

The front section of the Shen family army consisted only of some inconsequential mess officers and the like, while the real Shen family army was being absorbed into the Imperial Guard. In other words, the military force that Shen Xin had cultivated over so many years was being entirely appropriated by the imperial family!

The ministers felt a chill in their hearts. No wonder Emperor Wenhui had spoken so generously. The fact was, he had grasped the Shen family’s lifeline. Even if Shen Xin escaped this calamity, the Great General of Martial Valor would be left as just an empty shell with no real power or deterrent. Keeping the Shen family’s reputation was merely to balance other aristocratic families.

After speaking, Emperor Wenhui, feeling somewhat vexed, waved his hand and said, “Court dismissed,” then turned and left with a sweep of his sleeves. Following his words, it wouldn’t be long before the confined Shen Xin, his wife, and Shen Qiu would be released from the palace. But at that time, faced with the deprivation of their military authority, one wonders if the Shen couple would still be able to rejoice at being released.

Emperor Wenhui left with a sweep of his sleeves, leaving the ministers staring at each other.

No one had expected that such a major event would be handled so simply. But to say it’s simple—silently becoming a commander without troops—Shen Xin might curse in frustration.

Su Yu patted the dust off his knees and stood up, just in time to see Xie Ding also tidying his clothes. He walked over to Xie Ding and said in a low voice, “What happened to you just now? How could you suddenly speak up?”

Although Su Yu had received Su Mingfeng’s message and had agreed to submit a petition against Shen Xin, he ultimately didn’t want to involve his good friend in this muddy water. The situation facing the Xie family was more complex than his, and if something went wrong, implicating the Xie family, Su Yu would truly feel remorseful. Therefore, Su Yu had informed colleagues with whom he had good relationships, but not Xie Ding. Unexpectedly, today Xie Ding had followed his words, almost incurring Emperor Wenhui’s displeasure.

Xie Ding shook his head: “As soon as you spoke, I knew you had other intentions. Since you wanted to help Shen Xin, I thought I’d help too. But, it was only to help you.” Xie Ding was an old fox who had crawled and rolled around in the court for many years. Compared to Shen Xin, who only knew how to fight, Xie Ding was more adept at understanding the court’s pros and cons. He could see that Su Yu was helping Shen Xin by doing the opposite of what seemed intended, so he added fuel to the fire.

Hearing this, Su Yu felt somewhat helpless. He felt that his friend’s casual and unconstrained personality was like a slap in parallel with Xie Ding’s son, Xie Jingxing. Thinking of Xie Jingxing, Su Yu suddenly started: “By the way, I heard from Mingfeng that Jingxing requested a commander’s order. Is that true?”

“So Mingfeng knows too.” Xie Ding shook his head and sighed: “Yes, it’s true.”

“Has Jingxing gone mad?” Su Yu asked incredulously. “The northern border is not a place to be trifled with. Old Xie, are you really at ease with this?”

“What use is my ease or unease?” Xie Ding was quite helpless: “When has he ever listened to me about decisions he’s made? Now I only pray for his safety. This is all sin I created, and only I can repay it now.”

“This isn’t your fault.” Su Yu felt somewhat distressed hearing this. One wrong step leads to a thousand wrong steps. For years, Xie Ding had been tormented by the events of that year, his conscience uneasy, his son distant. Even as an outsider, it was painful to watch, let alone what Xie Ding himself must feel. He changed the subject: “I heard that the petition with evidence against Shen Xin was submitted by the Ninth Prince, Prince Ding. Why didn’t I see him today?”

“It seems His Majesty sent him to inspect the Ministry of Works,” Xie Ding frowned. “When he learns of this, I wonder what he’ll think.”

“What else would he think?” Su Yu sneered. “He’s gotten what he wanted; whether those few heads stay or go doesn’t matter to him.”

Seeing Su Yu like this for the first time, Xie Ding was somewhat surprised and asked, “By the way, you haven’t said why you suddenly helped Shen Xin. Since when did you have a relationship with the Shen family?”

Su Yu looked around, and seeing that people had walked far away and there was no one nearby, he sighed softly to Xie Ding: “Ah, it’s not me, it’s my son Mingfeng. He told me at night that the Shen family is just an opening for His Majesty, and after the Shen family passes through this, it would inevitably be my Su family next.”

The court’s affairs quickly spread throughout the residence. Emperor Wenhui had spared the lives of Shen Xin’s family, only issuing orders regarding his official duties, making the common people exclaim that the imperial family was indeed merciful. Moreover, seeing Emperor Wenhui’s leniency toward Shen Xin, everyone guessed that Shen Xin’s reputation remained undiminished and that he held considerable weight in the imperial family’s heart, not as bad as previously rumored.

Laymen see the excitement, experts see the essence. The commoners didn’t understand, but officials saw clearly—the Shen family without military authority was like a tiger without teeth, all appearance with no former might.

In the Shen residence, Shen Gui and Shen Wan were recounting this matter. Regarding Shen Xin receiving such an outcome, although it wasn’t the severe punishment they had imagined, the confiscation of military authority satisfied the two men greatly. This meant that Shen Xin’s reputation and prestige were now far below theirs.

In the West Courtyard, when Jingzhe informed Shen Miao of this news, Shen Miao had just finished lunch.

“Young Miss,” Jingzhe, seeing Shen Miao’s leisurely manner, felt somewhat reassured and asked, “Young Miss isn’t worried at all. Is it because losing military authority isn’t as bad as people outside are saying?”

Shen Miao wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and said, “Don’t worry. What’s yours won’t run away, and what’s not yours can’t be seized.”