Chapter 55: Imperial Decree Naming a Consort

The news from outside the palace quickly spread inside, and Ji Jin remained silent for a long time upon hearing the report from the eunuch.

The eunuch knelt with a heart in turmoil, his face pale with anxiety.

“The Regent didn’t say anything, and the Princess just returned on her own?”

“Yes, I heard it all clearly.” The eunuch replied nervously. “The Princess only had the guard inquire about the Prince Regent’s well-being. The Regent replied with a simple ‘regards,’ without any further words. After a moment’s thought, the Princess left on her own.”

Seated on the dragon throne behind the royal desk, Ji Jin’s eyes were slightly closed, his profile shadowed in the dim light. His gaze fluctuated, revealing no clear emotions of joy or anger.

A chilling air seemed to linger in the hall.

After a while, Ji Jin spoke calmly, “You may leave.”

“Yes.”

“Black Forest Guard.”

A figure in black attire appeared as if from nowhere, prostrating on the ground, “Here.”

“Did the Regent take the antidote yesterday?”

“I do not know.” The Black Forest Guard on the ground replied tensely, sounding fearful. “Informants mentioned that the Regent’s consort took the antidote to the main residence of the Regent’s estate, where the Regent usually experiences the poison attacks, but…”

Ji Jin narrowed his eyes slightly, “But what?”

“The Regent’s consort requested a set of silver needles from the guards.”

Silver needles?

Ji Jin furrowed his brow slightly, “What is the purpose of the silver needles? To test for poison or as an antidote?”

“I’m not entirely sure.” The Black Forest Guard replied, “The Regent’s consort also purchased various medicinal herbs yesterday, over thirty different kinds.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Jin sneered coldly, “Is she trying to concoct an antidote? Quite presumptuous.”

“That does seem suspicious.” The Black Forest Guard startlingly remarked. “The Regent’s consort was never known to be skilled in medicine before. However, I checked yesterday, and although she bought a wide variety of medicinal herbs, seventeen of them are ingredients commonly found in antidotes. To be able to discern the components of an antidote in such a short time is quite unusual.”

“She may have stumbled upon some of the herbs among the thirty she purchased, that’s all.” Ji Jin dismissed, clearly not convinced of a sheltered noblewoman’s medical expertise. “Besides, even if she had all the ingredients, she wouldn’t be able to create an antidote.”

Rather than believe that Shen Ning possessed medical skills, Ji Jin preferred to think that the Regent secretly consulted a physician to identify the antidote’s components. This deliberate act might have led Shen Ning to buy the herbs to confuse their judgment.

After all, the Regent’s high status made it easier to seek renowned physicians, while Shen Ning, as the legitimate daughter of a Duke, living a secluded life, having no chronic illnesses, and never having studied under renowned physicians due to any special circumstances, would not have acquired such advanced medical skills.

Yet, the Regent’s condition today was indeed abnormal.

Ji Jin remained silent, his eyes reflecting deep thoughts. After a while, he turned and instructed, “Zhou Fang.”

“Here, Your Highness.”

“Draft an edict immediately. Name Shen Yan, the second daughter of the Duke of the State, as the Virtuous Consort. Select two palace matrons to educate her on etiquette at the Duke’s residence for half a month, and have her brought to the palace on the second day of the next month.”

“Yes, I will attend to it right away.”

Ji Jin stood up and walked to the window, standing with hands behind his back, his figure tall and straight.

In that posture, in that stance, he bore a striking resemblance to that man who held military power, exuding a sense of nobility and aloofness.

Yet, the youth’s figure was somewhat slender, lacking the towering stature and robustness of an adult man, as well as the commanding presence of a military general holding power in his hands.

Zhou Fang withdrew his gaze, lowered his head, and went to draft the edict.

…

The edict naming the consort spread to the Duke’s residence, instantly lifting the subdued atmosphere that had persisted for almost half a month.

Mrs. Shen knelt on the ground in disbelief, almost thinking she had misheard something. It was Shen Yan who reacted first, lifting her head in astonishment to the eunuch delivering the edict, “The Emperor is naming me as a consort?”

The eunuch nodded, “Yes, congratulations, Miss Shen.”

This was wonderful news!

Shen Yan couldn’t contain her joy and excitement, quickly accepting the edict and slipping a packet of silver to the eunuch, “Thank you, sir.”

“Not at all.” The eunuch pocketed the silver, offered further congratulations, and then took his leave.

“Elder brother, did you hear that? I’ve been named a consort!” Shen Yan turned to Shen Shian, unable to contain her happiness, “I am the Emperor’s consort now, Shen Ning will have to kneel and kowtow to me when she sees me—”

“My dear, be cautious with your words.” Mrs. Shen urgently reminded, “A consort entering the palace should not be as reckless in speech and demeanor as you are.”

Shen Yan quickly restrained her overly excited expression, “Mother, I was just too happy! I’ve become the Emperor’s consort, and the Duke’s residence is now related to the Emperor—”

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Mrs. Shen’s expression darkened, “The Emperor’s uncle is the brother of the Empress Dowager, the one related to the Emperor, not you. You are just a consort, do not speak recklessly.”

Reprimanded for her repeated outbursts, Shen Yan’s complexion soured. To avoid further mistakes, she chose to remain silent.

“No need to worry, Mother. The eunuch just mentioned it, didn’t he? There will be palace matrons coming specifically to teach Sister etiquette.” Shen Shian reassured in a soothing tone. “Even if the Duke’s residence is not the Empress’s family, we are now genuine royal relatives. If Sister gains favor in the palace, considering our family background, it’s not impossible for her to be named Empress in the future.”

Mrs. Shen’s tone carried a warning, “Such words may be spoken at home but should never be uttered outside.”

Shen Shian nodded, “I understand, Mother.”

The mother and son continued their conversation as they walked.

However, Shen Yan was thinking about Shen Ning.

Although the Regent currently held considerable power, the realm still belonged to the Emperor. Once she entered the palace in the future, her status would be far more prestigious than Shen Ning’s. With a simple command, Shen Ning would have to obediently pay her respects to her.

If the Regent fell from power, it would be even better.

Without the Regent’s protection, what could Shen Ning do to compete with her? If she ordered Shen Ning to enter the palace, she would have to comply. If she commanded her to kneel, she would have to kneel.

If Shen Ning proved defiant…

Thinking of Shen Ning’s cold and defiant temperament, a sinister smile played on Shen Yan’s lips. It would be best if Shen Ning continued to display her defiance, giving Shen Yan a legitimate reason to refine her, crush her pride and temperament, and make her crawl on the ground like a dog.

Shen Yan raised a hand to touch her face.

The pain and humiliation from the slap she received that day lingered, and she was determined to seek justice for it.

Shen Ning, I will make you pay back for everything you have done to me, tenfold and a hundredfold.

“This edict naming Yan as consort feels a bit hasty.” Mrs. Shen’s forehead creased with worry. Finally expressing her unease, “The Emperor clearly wants the Duke’s residence to wholeheartedly support him, using us to counterbalance against the Regent. But even though the Duke’s residence is prominent, it may not be enough in the face of the Regent.”

In these past few days, Mrs. Shen had come to understand that even the Emperor, as the ruler of the nation, was not entirely free to act. In such a situation, what significance did the Duke’s residence, standing behind the Emperor, truly hold?

If the Emperor successfully seizes power, all will be well, they will prosper alongside him. However, if the Emperor is destined to be a puppet, then the Empress Dowager and all those behind the Emperor are destined to be mere pawns.

Once Shen Yan enters the palace, the Shen family will have no room for regret.

“Mother, why are you so pessimistic?” Shen Yan frowned, her good mood shattered by her mother’s words. “The Emperor is the ruler, the master of this realm. The Regent is merely overseeing state affairs on his behalf, and besides, he is poisoned. Who knows how long he will live?”

Shen Shian’s expression changed slightly as he sternly intervened, “Yan.”

“Regardless, the edict has been issued. Let’s discuss this further when your father returns.” Mrs. Shen, somewhat unsettled, continued, “Whether the Regent survives is a matter for later. Currently, he wields great power, and the Emperor has no choice but to listen to him. Whether this marriage decree will come to fruition remains uncertain.”

Hearing this, Shen Yan almost tore the handkerchief in her hand.

Are her mother and brother always the ones to pour cold water on things?

When Shen Ning married the Regent, they didn’t show such concern. Now that she is to become a consort by the Emperor’s decree, they seemed more worried than happy, almost as if a great disaster was looming.

Can’t they just wish her well?

Shen Yan thought darkly. She was determined to marry the Emperor. She wanted Shen Ning to kneel before her, address her respectfully as “Madam”, and humbly admit her past wrongdoings, begging for mercy.

She vowed to crush Shen Ning underfoot and finally let out her pent-up resentment.