Chapter 57 – The Emperor’s Summons

In the study, after Shen Hui left, Xia Tian didn’t hurry to return to Jinglan Courtyard.

Shen Nian briefly explained the tasks he had been busy with these past few days.

It turned out he had sent people to gather evidence of the poisoning by the Liu family and the assassination attempts against him.

Both believed that in order to completely bring down the Liu family, they needed to start with her maternal family, the Lingxiu Marquis’s estate. Otherwise, even if there was enough evidence, it would eventually be downplayed.

Xia Tian also reminded Shen Nian to be cautious when collecting evidence, including for Mu Lin and the others.

There is an old saying – “A gentleman takes revenge, even if it takes ten years.” Four years had already passed, so what was a few more years?

Furthermore, Liu Shi had now learned that Shen Nian had completely recovered from the poison. It was uncertain whether she would try other malicious tricks in the future.

To be on the safe side, she asked Shen Nian to take out a water pouch, fill it with diluted spiritual spring water, and keep it in the carriage, just in case of an emergency.

Both of them understood the secret Xia Tian was referring to, but neither of them made a move to expose it.

To show her gratitude, Shen Nian often gave Xia Tian silver, jewelry, and other gifts. Whether there were personal feelings involved, only Shen Nian knew.

But that was another matter.

After explaining his busy tasks, Shen Nian mentioned another matter.

“The emperor has summoned me to an audience tomorrow morning.”

“The emperor?” Xia Tian widened her eyes, curious.

“Yes, I used to serve as the emperor’s companion in reading,” Shen Nian nodded.

Since he was a child, he had served alongside the current Emperor, who was originally the Crown Prince, as his companion in reading. He had done so until he was in his twenties, a full ten years.

The current Emperor was only two years older than Shen Nian. When the previous Emperor passed away, the Emperor was only eighteen years old. After he was poisoned, Shen Nian had hardly seen the Emperor again.

Xia Tian was truly surprised. She hadn’t expected Shen Nian to have such a relationship with the Emperor!

“Why has he summoned you? Do you know?” Xia Tian asked, puzzled. Shen Nian didn’t hold an official position, so did the Emperor simply want to reminisce?

“I don’t know,” Shen Nian shook his head. He would only find out tomorrow when he went.

Xia Tian figured there was no need to worry now. She would know the situation when Shen Nian returned tomorrow, so she put the matter aside.

After chatting for a while, Ning Yue came in to announce that dinner was ready, so the two of them went together to the main hall to eat.

After dinner, Xia Tian stayed in Shen Nian’s study to borrow two books, then took Ning Xiang and Ning Xue back to Jinglan Courtyard.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, at the Imperial Palace.

After the morning court session, the Emperor summoned Shen Nian to the Imperial study.

“Minister Shen, I pay my respects to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!” Shen Nian kneeled and performed the formal salutation.

“Rise. Chu Xuan, I heard that your health has fully recovered. Is that true?” The Emperor asked with concern.

Chu Xuan was Shen Nian’s courtesy name.

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Shen Nian replied.

“I also heard that you’ve brought back a country girl and plan to make her your heir’s wife?” The Emperor asked with curiosity.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Shen Nian responded seriously.

The Emperor smiled and walked over from behind the desk to stand before Shen Nian.

“Don’t be so formal. You can be more relaxed, just like before,” the Emperor said.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Shen Nian lowered his gaze respectfully.

“Are you truly planning to marry this girl to be your heir’s wife?” The Emperor asked, intrigued. After all, it was unusual for the talented and distinguished heir of the Marquis of Wu’an’s family to choose her over the many noble ladies from renowned families. “Yes,” Shen Nian replied firmly.

“I see. I was thinking of asking you if you had a lady in mind in the capital, to grant you a marriage. But now, it seems I shouldn’t meddle,” the Emperor said with some regret.

These past few days, the Empress had often mentioned her niece, and the Emperor had been thinking of playing matchmaker. But now that Shen Nian already had someone in mind, he wouldn’t bring it up again.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Shen Nian said sincerely, lifting his gaze slightly.

“Next time, bring your wife to the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager,” the Emperor said, patting Shen Nian on the shoulder.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Shen Nian understood that this was the Emperor’s way of giving him face.

“Now, to business. Since you’re fully recovered, help me with some work,” the Emperor pondered for a moment. “Go to the Ministry of War and serve as the Officer in charge of the Imperial Carriages. It’s a fifth-grade position. Are you willing?”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my best,” Shen Nian knelt on one knee, clasping his fists in gratitude. He hadn’t expected the Emperor to directly assign him a position, and it was a fifth-grade position at that.

“I know that with your talent, serving as an officer in the Ministry of War is somewhat beneath you. But you came from the imperial examination system, so I’m sure you’re capable of more. For now, start there, and in the future, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to rise,” the Emperor added with a smile.

Shen Nian bowed again. “I understand, Your Majesty. Thank you for your promotion.”

He knew very well that the Emperor was showing him favor. He had entered the civil service through the imperial examination at the age of sixteen, and his future had seemed bright until he was poisoned and had to give up his position. Now, after four years, the Emperor still remembered him and had arranged a fifth-grade position for him. Shen Nian would never forget the Emperor’s kindness.

Once the official business was concluded, the Emperor invited Shen Nian to play a game of chess.

The court eunuch set up the chessboard, and the two of them sat down to play, chatting while they played.

“Do you know? When you were away seeking medical treatment for half a year, your uncle, the Marquis of Wu’an, had already considered offering the position of heir to Liu Shi’s son, Shen Ke. It was I who stopped it and didn’t approve,” the Emperor said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for protecting me,” Shen Nian’s eyes narrowed slightly. He had expected this. With someone like Liu Shi, his uncle was no longer the same person.

“Mm, I just wanted you to know about this, so you can be aware,” the Emperor said. Both had grown up in an environment full of intrigue, so it was clear what was going on.

After that, they focused on their chess game.

When Shen Nian returned from the palace, Xia Tian was preparing to have lunch.

“Eh? You’re back already, Brother Shen? Didn’t you go to see the Emperor? Why are you back so soon?”

“Mm.”

“Have you eaten? If not, come have some food with us?”

“Alright,” Shen Nian sat down next to the dining table.

“Ning Xiang, set some chopsticks for the young master,” Xia Tian said, seeing that Shen Nian hadn’t eaten yet.

Ning Xiang quickly set the table, and Xia Tian served a bowl of soup, placing it in front of Shen Nian. “Brother Shen, have some soup to warm up.”

Shen Nian smiled and picked up the bowl.

Xia Tian noticed that Shen Nian seemed to be in a good mood. Could it be that something good had happened?

“Brother Shen, what did the Emperor want with you today?” she asked curiously.

“The Emperor assigned me a job—Officer in charge of the Imperial Carriages at the Ministry of War.”

“Officer in charge of the Imperial Carriages? What is that? What rank is it?” Xia Tian was curious. Her knowledge of ancient official titles mostly came from TV dramas, so she only knew that the highest rank in the six ministries was the Minister, but not much else.

“I’m in charge of the Imperial Carriages at the Ministry of War, a fifth-grade position. I’ll be responsible for the horse administration, carriages, military supplies, and preparing the Emperor’s ceremonial processions,” Shen Nian patiently explained his duties to Xia Tian.

“A fifth-grade position? That’s not small!” Xia Tian was surprised. She hadn’t expected Shen Nian to be appointed to such an important position right away. Normally, someone who entered the government through the imperial examination would start with a sixth or seventh-grade position, right? So, a fifth-grade position should be quite significant.

“Well, we should celebrate! How about this evening, I’ll cook for you, Brother Shen?” Xia Tian said happily.

“Alright.” Shen Nian’s expression softened a lot.