Chapter 71: Imperial Censor

Upon closer inspection, Shen Shilang and Shen Liangyu bore no resemblance whatsoever.

When the Shen family was exterminated, the bodies of all the children were recovered and accounted for. Thus, Emperor Jiacheng had never suspected that anyone from the Shen family might have survived.

His heightened attention towards Shen Shilang was merely due to his surname and exceptional talents, which were remarkably reminiscent of Shen Liangyu’s own qualities. These similarities involuntarily stirred memories of the late Shen Liangyu in the emperor’s mind.

“Your Majesty, indeed. For these years, I have resided at the Wei family residence under General Wei’s care. Only through his benevolence have I had the opportunity to pass the imperial examinations,” Shen Shilang responded humbly, his head lowered.

“You seem to be one who knows gratitude,” Emperor Jiacheng remarked, his tone carrying a hint of mockery as his fingers tapped silently on the table. “Yet I hear your life in the Wei residence was far from pleasant?”

“When you left the Wei family to take the examinations in the capital, it wasn’t on good terms, was it?” the emperor added pointedly.

Shen Shilang timely adopted a surprised expression and quickly lowered his head, saying, “Your Majesty’s wisdom is unparalleled. I… I am truly grateful for General Wei’s protection. Without him, I might still be laboring merely to survive, with no means to study for the examinations. Thus, I dare not claim to have quarreled with the Wei household. Besides…”

Shen Shilang gave a self-deprecating smile. “What significance do I hold that I would dare declare a falling out with the Wei family?”

“Before me, do not speak falsely,” Emperor Jiacheng said coldly.

“Your Majesty, I wouldn’t dare utter a single falsehood,” Shen Shilang replied, his face showing sincere trepidation. “Although my relationship with Madam Wei and the second young master is strained, I remain genuinely grateful to General Wei. After all, he provided me with shelter. Without his support, pursuing the imperial examinations would have been far more difficult.”

“You are truly one who knows how to repay kindness,” Emperor Jiacheng said with a half-smile that betrayed his skepticism. “However, having achieved such an important honor as top scholar, why haven’t you sent a letter to Wei Zhaoxian? Especially given how much you owe him.”

Shen Shilang appeared genuinely shocked, instinctively looking up at Emperor Jiacheng in disbelief. Seeing the emperor’s knowing expression, he quickly lowered his head in panic, as if exposed.

Emperor Jiacheng was satisfied with this reaction and listened as Shen Shilang spoke, his voice trembling slightly: “Your Majesty, I… I do harbor some resentment. Yet I dare not forget General Wei’s kindness. Orphaned at a young age, though life at the Wei residence wasn’t ideal due to my status, I always understood my position.”

“However… however…” Shen Shilang pressed his forehead deeply to the ground. “Having studied the sage teachings, I aspire to achieve something in court. I dare not become an ungrateful wretch.”

The implication was clear—despite any grievances, he would not risk his career prospects.

Emperor Jiacheng finally seemed somewhat satisfied with this response; it rang truer than the others. He then declared, “Since you remember Wei Zhaoxian’s kindness so well, you shall lead the relief effort in response to his plea for reinforcements.”

Shen Shilang was visibly taken aback and quickly replied, “But… I am merely an editor at the Hanlin Academy. How could I possibly…”

“That’s simple,” Emperor Jiacheng said dismissively. “I will promote you to Imperial Censor. You’ll accompany the army as a military inspector.”

The emperor gazed deeply at him and slowly added, “You’re now in the spotlight; everyone at court knows of your connection to Wei Zhaoxian. Supporting him will prove beneficial for you.”

Realizing the emperor’s intentions, Shen Shilang immediately prostrated himself, declaring, “I thank Your Majesty for this great honor!”

“Go then, prepare well. Do not disappoint me,” Emperor Jiacheng instructed.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I take my leave,” Shen Shilang replied. He rose slowly, bowing deeply, and retreated facing the emperor until he reached the door of the imperial study before turning to leave.

After walking some distance, when there were no more palace attendants within earshot, Su Jinshi finally spoke: “Could it be that Emperor Jiacheng wants you to use this opportunity to build your reputation?”

“Everyone knows Wei Zhaoxian has shown you great kindness; now you’re going to support him out of gratitude,” Su Jinshi frowned. “Is Emperor Jiacheng really so benevolent as to help you enhance your reputation?”

Su Jinshi shook her head and added, “If he were truly that kind-hearted, he wouldn’t have demoted you from first place to third in the examinations.”

Shen Shilang’s lips curved slightly as he said softly, “He certainly isn’t that benevolent.”

“He first inquired about my relationship with the Wei family and whether I resented Wei Zhaoxian; he was testing my stance towards him.”

Su Jinshi suddenly understood. “So when you initially claimed no resentment towards Wei Zhaoxian, he didn’t believe you. Only after you hinted that for your future prospects you couldn’t appear ungrateful did he seem pleased.”

“Precisely.” Shen Shilang nodded. “In his eyes, I must be a shrewd and calculating person now. However, given Emperor Jiacheng’s suspicious nature, he wouldn’t trust me so easily. That’s why he’s sending me to lead this mission to support General Wei.”

“He wants to see exactly how I’ll handle it,” Shen Shilang said solemnly.

Regardless of what he says, only his actions will matter.

“What do you plan to do?” Su Jinshi asked. “You surely can’t betray Wei Zhaoxian just to gain Emperor Jiacheng’s trust.”

As they walked, Shen Shilang gazed toward the palace gates and replied, “General Wei should retire while he still can. Otherwise, given Emperor Jiacheng’s attitude, I fear he won’t have many good years left.”

Shen Shilang lowered his eyes slightly. “I’ll think of something.”

At that moment, Su Jinshi spotted Grand Tutor Liu approaching from afar.

A palace attendant walked ahead of Grand Tutor Liu, bowing and guiding the way.

As they drew near, Shen Shilang bowed respectfully, saying, “Lord Liu.”

“I’ve heard the news,” Grand Tutor Liu said with a warm smile. “Congratulations on your promotion, Lord Shen.”

“I dare not accept such praise,” Shen Shilang replied, lowering his head humbly.

After bidding farewell to Grand Tutor Liu, Su Jinshi clicked her tongue twice and remarked, “Do all you officials here have eight hundred layers of scheming in your hearts?”

“How so?” Shen Shilang asked with a smile.

“Grand Tutor Liu had barely entered the palace gates before knowing about your promotion,” Su Jinshi pointed out. “Isn’t he telling you that his eyes and ears are everywhere? It’s quite possible your promotion was even the result of discussions between him and Emperor Jiacheng.”

Shen Shilang listened to Su Jinshi with a gentle smile, his gaze growing increasingly warm.

Admiration flickered in his dark eyes.

“He deliberately mentioned it for your benefit. If you’re clever enough, you’d certainly understand and become even more respectful or even fearful of him. If you didn’t catch on, you’d be deemed a fool not worth his attention.”

“You criticize us, yet haven’t you seen through it all clearly yourself?” Shen Shilang said with a laugh. “It shows you’re no less perceptive.”

“I’m not,” Su Jinshi said, resting her chin on her hand. “I’m merely a bystander with a clear view. Because I’m not personally involved, I can analyze things more easily. If I were in the situation myself, it wouldn’t be so simple to react.”

…