The next day, the Empress summoned Shen Du to the palace. One could easily guess the reason.
In the Imperial Study, the Empress’s demeanor was imposing. Besides the palace maids and eunuchs, a female official was also present.
Xiu Zhaorong, courtesy name Xiu Wan, was highly valued by the Empress and managed the imperial edicts. She enjoyed great prestige in the Great Zhou and had once helped Shen Du leave the imperial harem. However, Shen Du knew well that her actions were not without self-interest.
The Empress’s intention was clear: she wanted to entrust this case to Shen Du for investigation.
Shen Du furrowed his brow slightly. After some thought, he tactfully declined the Empress, “Your Majesty, this subject has been feeling unwell recently and fears he cannot shoulder such a heavy responsibility.”
“Oh?” Upon hearing this, the Empress showed no doubt, but rather concern. “Has Official Shen experienced any unusual health issues?”
Shen Du, slightly concealing his breath, indeed looked somewhat pale. As he cupped his hands in salute, bandages were visible on his hands. “It’s nothing serious, just that during training, I accidentally injured my internal organs. I need a few days of rest to recover.”
The Empress remained silent. Shen Du was one of her trusted officials, but now that he was unwell and seemed to be refusing this task, she was momentarily at a loss.
At this point, Xiu Wan respectfully bowed to the Empress and said, “Your Majesty, when I visited a temple to pay homage to Buddha some days ago, a high monk kindly gave me some self-developed miraculous medicine. Since Official Shen is unwell, it would be perfect for his recovery. This way, his health would improve, and the case investigation wouldn’t be delayed.”
“That’s excellent,” the Empress was pleased with Xiu Wan’s suggestion and turned her gaze to Shen Du. “Official Shen, this case is no ordinary matter, and those involved are all nobles of high repute. No one is more suitable than you. Why don’t you go with Official Xiu, take the miraculous medicine, and then handle this case?”
Shen Du was perplexed. The Empress had initially seemed ready to not assign him the case, but after Xiu Wan’s intervention, she had changed her mind.
Xiu Wan had saved his life before, and Shen Du was clear about their relationship on this point.
He glanced at Xiu Wan, who nodded to him. Shen Du then accepted the imperial order with gratitude.
On their way out of the palace, Shen Du voiced his confusion to Xiu Wan, “Why did Xiu Zhaorong recommend me for this case? Knowing I didn’t want to accept it, yet still advocating for me to the Empress. What is Xiu Zhaorong’s intention?”
Xiu Wan remained calm, having anticipated this question. “I was just worried that if you didn’t take this case, you would regret it later.”
“What do you mean?” Shen Du asked, puzzled.
Xiu Wan seemed to know something, a confident curve on her lips as she said, “I’ve heard about the case, and I also know there must be some inside story to the Shen family’s false accusation years ago. If you handle this case, you might make some unexpected discoveries. Does Official Shen still want to refuse?”
“What exactly does Madam Xiu know? Please tell me frankly.”
Shen Du realized the complexity of the situation, and that Madam Xiu before him seemed to know some inside information.
“There are some things I cannot disclose. Official Shen will need to investigate carefully.”
With these words, Xiu Wan had already arrived at the carriage waiting at the palace gate.
As she boarded the carriage, Xiu Wan lifted the curtain and looked at Shen Du, “I wish Official Shen success in his investigation.”
As the carriage rocked away, Shen Du stood silently in place. If Xiu Wan couldn’t tell him directly, he would have to find out for himself.
At the Shen residence, Zhu Yan, thinking of her shocked third sister, decided to visit her.
However, upon arriving at the Zhu residence, she heard from the steward that someone from the Shen family had already come to offer condolences and brought gifts.
Zhu Yan was surprised that Shen Du had done all this without telling her. What exactly was he planning?
As she entered the storehouse and picked up the gifts Shen Du had sent, Madam Jin appeared at the door. “What are you doing?”
Zhu Yan shook the gifts in her hand and said to her mother, “I’m taking these gifts back to ask him what he’s up to.”
Madam Jin was confused, “How can you return gifts that have been sent? Have you gone mad, girl?”
“Mother, we can keep gifts from some people, but not from others. When something unusual happens, there must be a reason. Don’t you find it strange that he’s suddenly being so kind to our Zhu family?”
Madam Jin seemed to understand Zhu Yan’s point but was still reluctant. “Regardless, the gifts have already been delivered to the Zhu residence. They belong to us now. How can you just take them back?”
“Don’t worry about this. I have my plans,” Zhu Yan said, ignoring her mother’s objections and taking the gifts back.
This incident angered Madam Jin, but she also felt that ultimately, it was Shen Du’s fault.
If Shen Du hadn’t been oppressing Zhu Yan all along, why would Zhu Yan be so afraid of him?
Thinking of this, Madam Jin couldn’t contain her anger and cursed Shen Du, saying he was destined to be lonely all his life.
Hearing Madam Jin’s harsh words, Zhu Yan could only shake her head helplessly.
It was only because Shen Du wasn’t present that she dared to curse him so. If Shen Du were to appear at the Zhu residence, she probably wouldn’t have the courage.
As Zhu Yan was about to leave the Zhu family with the gifts, her fifth brother, Zhu Mojie, quickly approached from somewhere.
“Sixth Sister.”
Zhu Mojie took the gifts from Zhu Yan’s hands. Initially, Zhu Yan thought he wanted to take the gifts back, but to her surprise, his steps aligned with hers, both heading out of the Zhu residence.
“Where is Fifth Brother going?” Zhu Yan asked, puzzled.
Zhu Mojie, with an excited expression, replied, “To the Shen residence, of course. You’re going back now, aren’t you? It must be tiring carrying so many things. Let me share the burden.”
Offering help for no reason, he must have an ulterior motive.
Zhu Yan saw through her fifth brother’s intentions at a glance. “Is there something you want to say?”
“No, no,” Zhu Mojie quickly denied. “What could I possibly have to say?”
Seeing that Zhu Mojie wouldn’t speak, Zhu Yan didn’t press further. She knew he wouldn’t have any major issues, and she was getting free help, so why not accept it?
But as soon as they entered the Shen residence and saw Shen Du standing not far away, Zhu Mojie shoved all the gifts into Zhu Yan’s arms and ran towards Shen Du.
Zhu Yan was stunned. So this was her fifth brother’s ultimate goal.
Zhu Yan handed the gifts to the Shen family servants and also walked towards the two men. As she got closer, she could faintly hear their conversation.
“Didn’t you say you would send me to the Hongwen Academy? Why haven’t you done it yet?”
Shen Du was exasperated. Why had this person latched onto him?
“I said I would let you go, and I will. It’s just not the right time yet,” Shen Du said evasively.
Zhu Mojie, seemingly not detecting the evasion, persisted, “So many days have passed without any news. You’re not deceiving me, are you?”
“When I, Shen Du, speak, my word is my bond. I won’t deceive you. When the time is right, someone will take you there.”
“He has given his word and cannot go back on it,” Zhu Mojie said, then turned and left excitedly.
Zhu Yan was very confused. Why did Shen Du want to send her fifth brother to the Hongwen Academy?