Chapter 115 Leader of the Forbidden Army

Shao Siyi expressed his concerns, “Mother, we can’t send my sister to Prince Ming Ge. If it becomes a leverage against me in the future, will I remain loyal to the Emperor or consider my sister’s life?”

Shao’s mother was conflicted, “But Simin is determined to marry. If we don’t stop her, she might not give up.”

She continued, “Prince Ming Ge might not necessarily…”

“You’re confused!”

“Are you willing to gamble with your sister’s life?”

Shao’s mother asked, “Then what do you suggest?”

Shao Siyi coldly replied, “Let her starve. When she’s extremely hungry, she’ll naturally eat.”

Shao’s mother, resolute, said, “She seems soft on the outside but is actually stubborn. She hasn’t eaten for two days. Ordinary people can’t endure this. She might indeed starve herself to death. If she wants to gamble, let her be.”

“If there’s a way to help in the future, you, as her brother, can assist. If it’s not appropriate to help, let her be. Life and death are fated!”

After some hesitation, Shao Siyi saw that his sister still refused to eat, not even drinking water. With a sigh, he decided to follow Shao Simin’s wishes.

Shao Simin cried tears of joy, “Thank you, Brother.”

Shao Siyi didn’t respond and silently took care of everything.

A few days later, news spread in the capital that Miss Shao had passed away!

When the news reached the Palace, Shu Yuwan was still in disbelief.

Shao Simin was dead?

How could this happen so suddenly?

Qing Dai speculated, “Did Miss Shao do something scandalous, and to protect the family’s reputation, they took Miss Shao’s life?”

Shu Yuwan inquired, “Is there anything unusual at the Shao family?”

Qing Dai shook her head, “The maid who bribed was just a maid from Miss Shao’s outer courtyard. She doesn’t know much, but she mentioned that Miss Shao wasn’t sick and was confined in her own courtyard, refusing to eat.”

“Miss Shao has been pretending to be ill for some time now. So, although people are surprised, they aren’t overly suspicious.”

Shu Yuwan was puzzled.

She said, “Investigate the recent activities at the Shao family in detail.”

“Yes,” Qing Dai acknowledged and immediately went to investigate.

After a few days of investigation, nothing unusual was found. It was all ordinary and logical activities. The Shao family was arranging Miss Shao’s funeral, dismissing some of her maids, and Shao’s mother looked extremely distressed.

The Crown Prince curiously asked, “Why are you so concerned about the Shao family? Is there something suspicious about Miss Shao’s death?”

Shu Yuwan didn’t know how to explain.

She couldn’t say she dreamt of Shao Simin marrying the Crown Prince.

Finding it amusing, she replied, “Firstly, Shao Siyi is the leader of the Forbidden Army, which is crucial. Secondly, Miss Shao’s death was quite sudden, so I paid attention.”

The Crown Prince nodded, “Indeed, the Shao family is important. I’ve also taken notice.”

Shu Yuwan was pleased. If the Crown Prince intervened in the investigation, it would be best.

After much deliberation, Shao Siyi finally arranged for Shao Simin to assume the identity of a commoner woman from Shu County. He arranged for skilled individuals to follow her discreetly, ensuring her safety, and sent her to Shu County.

Although it seemed like a clean break on the surface, in reality, Shao Siyi and Shao’s mother arranged for loyal and trustworthy individuals to follow closely behind, heading to Shu County. Once Shao Simin entered Prince Ming Ge’s mansion, they would blend in, protect her in secret, and perhaps save her life in critical moments.

After all this, Shao Siyi felt that he had done right by his sister. As for the future, as his mother said, it was up to fate!

Shao Siyi went on duty with a sense of peace.

Unexpectedly, one day, after reporting to the Emperor about the Forbidden Army’s situation, the Emperor suddenly asked, “Why did you send your sister to Shu County?”

Shao Siyi was shocked and immediately knelt down, saying, “Your Majesty!”

The Emperor waved his hand, saying, “I have no doubts about your loyalty.”

Shao Siyi breathed a sigh of relief.

After calming down, he explained, “My sister admired Prince Ming Ge, but Mother disagreed. My sister gave up her status and chose to accompany Prince Ming Ge. I let her abandon her status and go with him.”

The Emperor nodded, somewhat understanding the situation.

However, he added, “Although I trust you, as the leader of the Army, the protector of the Imperial City’s security, if your sister is with Prince Ming Ge, and if the Crown Prince ascends the throne, you are no longer suitable to hold this position.”

Shao Siyi replied, “Your Majesty, I am loyal to you and loyal to the Crown Prince! My sister is no more. She was buried a few days ago!”

The Emperor sighed, “I said I trust you, but now that I know about this, I can’t allow you to remain as the leader of the Army. You will be transferred to a civil official position. With your abilities, you can also benefit the people!”

Shao Siyi breathed a sigh of relief and even felt happy!

Initially, he had no choice but to enter the military.

Throughout the generations, the Shao family had a lineage of scholars. Deep down, he was a refined scholar of the Shao family.

The Emperor pondered, “You shall go to serve as the magistrate in Yue Xi County.”

“As you command!”

Shao Siyi returned home and instructed Shao’s wife and mother to pack their belongings. After making the necessary arrangements, they were ready to depart for Yue Xi County.

Shao’s wife nervously asked, “Why suddenly go to such a remote place like Yue Xi?”

“Mother, rest assured. Although Yue Xi is remote, being a county magistrate is a significant position. This time, it’s a twist of fate, and I’ve gained an opportunity.”

Shao Siyi was very satisfied.

Becoming a magistrate meant that the Emperor didn’t suspect him because of Shao Simin’s situation. Going to Yue Xi would keep him away from court disputes and far from Prince Ming Ge’s desires.

Moreover, in Yue Xi, he could hone his skills and potentially achieve political success. This could lead to further development for the Shao  family, fulfilling his father’s wishes.

Shao Siyi thought for a moment and added, “This way, Simin will be safer with Prince Ming Ge.”

After a moment of contemplation, Shao’s wife understood the reasoning behind this decision.

With her son no longer the leader of the Forbidden Army, Prince Ming Ge wouldn’t dare to threaten or manipulate them. As a magistrate, Shao Siyi held a respectable position, and Prince Ming Ge wouldn’t mistreat Simin too harshly.

Excitedly, she said, “Great, I’ll get things in order and manage our properties, preparing to go to Yue Xi.”

On the other side,

The Emperor summoned the Crown Prince to the Palace.

“Jin Er, I intend to appoint Shao Siyi as the magistrate of Yue Xi County. Do you have a suitable candidate to recommend for the position of the leader of the Army?”

The Crown Prince looked surprised, “Father?”

The Emperor smiled casually, “I plan to abdicate and pass the throne to you. As for the leader of the Army, you can decide.”

The Crown Prince asked, “Why? Your health is almost back to normal.”

Pretending to be angry, the Emperor said, “You unfilial child, do you want me to work myself to death? Can’t I take a break while I still can move around?”