Chapter 72: Shen Shilang Feared Only for Others

“When facing Emperor Jiacheng, I doubt I’ll be nearly as quick-witted,” Su Jinshi said, suddenly exclaiming, “Aiya!”

“What is it?” Shen Shilang instinctively turned toward the sound. Though he couldn’t see Su Jinshi, he sensed that if she were visible, she’d be to his left.

“Grand Tutor Liu has entered the palace, and he knows everything about your appointment as Imperial Censor to support Wei Zhaoxian,” Su Jinshi explained. “Don’t you think he’ll discuss this with Emperor Jiacheng in the Imperial Study? They might even scheme against Wei Zhaoxian.”

Shen Shilang’s expression shifted subtly. “It’s certainly possible.”

“Listen, you head back first. I’ll eavesdrop and report back to you.” Before Shen Shilang could respond, Su Jinshi had already switched scenes.

“Jinshi…” He called out several times, realizing she had already vanished. “Such impatience…” he murmured, resigned.

Left with no choice, he decided to return home to wait. Lingering outside the palace would only invite suspicion.

Su Jinshi returned to the Imperial Study, waiting until Grand Tutor Liu arrived. After paying his respects to Emperor Jiacheng, Liu inquired, “Your Majesty, why send Shen Shilang to assist Wei Zhaoxian?”

“If Wei Zhaoxian has shown him kindness, what if Shen Shilang wholeheartedly tries to save him out of gratitude?” Grand Tutor Liu feigned ignorance.

To serve as Grand Tutor under Emperor Jiacheng, one had to provide sufficient emotional validation, ensuring the Emperor felt intellectually superior to his subordinates. True to form, Emperor Jiacheng’s lips curled in a confident smile, as if everything was well within his grasp. “His gratitude to Wei Zhaoxian is merely superficial. Between his future and Wei Zhaoxian, he’ll choose his future.”

“This is also my test for him—to see if he truly means what he says,” the Emperor continued. “Ambition is written all over Shen Shilang’s face. I don’t fear ambition in my officials; I fear incompetence.”

Clasping his hands behind his back, he declared, “If Shen Shilang can successfully resolve the Wei Zhaoxian matter for me, I’ll grant him significant advancement in the future.”

“But Your Majesty,” Grand Tutor Liu cautioned, “Wei Zhaoxian has shown him kindness, yet he’d readily betray him. Might not such an ungrateful person one day prove disloyal to you as well?”

Emperor Jiacheng responded with unwavering confidence, “The entire world is mine. Before absolute power, do I need to fear his loyalty?” He had never worried about these people’s loyalty; he wanted only their obedience, like well-trained dogs.

“Even if they merely pretend to comply, as long as they obey, I can tolerate them,” he stated. Shen Liangyu and Wei Zhaoxian had simply been too headstrong, always presuming to influence his decisions. Why keep disobedient dogs? “If they won’t obey, they can be killed,” the Emperor concluded coldly.

A chill ran through Grand Tutor Liu’s heart, though outwardly he affirmed, “Shen Shilang will surely remain under Your Majesty’s control.”

After hearing everything, Su Jinshi hurried back to relay the conversation to Shen Shilang. “You were right—Emperor Jiacheng means to test you while using you against Wei Zhaoxian.”

“Emperor Jiacheng no longer wishes to tolerate General Wei,” Shen Shilang said in a deep voice. “This serves as both a test for me and a means to achieve two goals. Should I fail to handle General Wei as he desires, I’ll become useless to him—a discarded pawn. He’ll simply find someone else to eliminate General Wei.”

“How can he treat a loyal minister like this!” Su Jinshi fumed. “It’s only because of the foundation laid by the previous emperors that Great Xi is stable. With his approach, even if he’s not a ruler who loses the country, the ancestral legacy will start to decline under him.”

Contemplating Emperor Jiacheng, Shen Shilang’s expression hardened. “At least he chose me for this test.” He could protect Wei Zhaoxian; anyone else would only complicate matters.

Soon after, the imperial decree was issued, appointing Shen Shilang as Imperial Censor to monitor the military alongside Wei Zhaoxian. His unknowing colleagues envied his rapid rise to favor, advancing directly from sixth rank to Imperial Censor. When they came to offer congratulations, however, they found his doors firmly shut, all visitors turned away.

Rumors spread quickly among his peers that success had changed Shen Shilang, making him too proud to associate with former friends. “Who would have thought Shen Shilang was such an opportunist?” “Indeed, he seemed so humble and agreeable when we first met him at the inn. How quickly people change!”

“Perhaps he was always thus,” one analyzed. “He was friendly then because we were all mere candidates. He wouldn’t have wanted to make enemies of any who might outrank him later.” The speaker gave a bitter laugh. “Who could have guessed he’d outshine us all, becoming a Hanlin Editor before leaping to Imperial Censor? Such rapid advancement is unheard of. As long as he avoids mistakes, none of us will surpass him—naturally, he need not concern himself with such small figures anymore.”

“Brother Lu, careful!” another warned in hushed tones. “How dare you question His Majesty’s judgment?” The man blanched, glancing anxiously about for any who might have overheard.

Both Su Jinshi and Shen Shilang knew of these rumors. When Shen Shilang was on duty, even his seniors treated him coldly. Who would befriend someone who abandoned old ties once successful? Such a person seemed unworthy of friendship.

Shen Shilang offered no explanations, quietly focusing on his duties. But Su Jinshi understood—Shen Shilang feared only for others. Originally, he was willing to socialize with those he got along with, slowly forming his own network. But now he faced Emperor Jiacheng’s command to eliminate Wei Zhaoxian. Though Su Jinshi didn’t know how Shen Shilang would protect the general, he would certainly appear to satisfy the Emperor’s wishes.

Once that happened, Shen Shilang would have no friends left at court. Wei Zhaoxian’s reputation in Great Xi was formidable; bringing him down would make Shen Shilang a target of universal contempt, branded forever as a treacherous official.

…