Xiqiu also felt a heaviness in her heart, like a piece of paper for a window, if the truth is never told to Min, it would be somewhat unfair to him. But if she tells him, can he accept his own identity, does he have the ability to handle it? She is not sure, after all, compared to the already mature Shen family, he, without the protection of maternal relatives, has a status that could directly threaten the Eldest Prince; the Shen family’s influence is like a mountain that could at any time bring him to destruction. Does he have the ability to protect himself?

There are many choices, but behind each choice, danger coexists!

Every step is perilous.

"Fourth Master." She held Fourth Master Xiao’s hand, looking at him with determined eyes: "No matter what decision Min makes in the future, I will always support you!" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Fourth Master Xiao embraced her, raised a hand to rub the top of her head, pressing his chin against her head, and whispered: "Silly girl, I don’t want to tell you because I’m afraid you’ll overthink. No matter what happens, I’m here." After speaking, he looked down at her, solemnly saying: "Court affairs are unpredictable, who can foresee the outcome of tomorrow." His tone, however, was full of confidence.

In Shen Mansion, Old Madam Shen was talking to Shen Ji and Madam Shen. She asked in doubt: "How long did the Emperor stay?"

"About an hour." Shen Ji confidently replied, then added: "In the study, I’m not sure what was discussed. When he came out the Emperor seemed very happy and rewarded Fourth Master Xiao’s eldest son with a watch, which has probably now been sent to the palace."

Madam Shen replied: "It’s that child Min, right... I’ve heard he is quite obedient and sensible, his studies are also very good at a young age." With a hint of envy, she sighed: "Fourth Madam has taught that child extremely well."

Old Madam Shen did not look at her and asked Shen Ji again: "Only that child was rewarded? I remember Fourth Master also has another legitimate son, was he rewarded?"

Shen Ji shook his head: "I’ve heard only that child was rewarded." After a pause, he continued: "It’s said the Emperor asked what he had learned, the child said he had learned Analects, yet the Emperor asked an unrelated question... the child answered excellently, and in a moment of happiness, the Emperor rewarded him."

Old Madam Shen’s eyes showed doubt, the Emperor is not someone who acts on a whim, why would he suddenly test a child, so she asked Shen Ji to explain the situation in detail. After listening, she squinted her eyes, appearing thoughtful. Shen Ji didn’t understand why his mother had such a serious attitude: "Mother, is there a problem?"

Old Madam Shen held her tea, not speaking, only feeling something strange yet unable to pinpoint the issue, so she waved her hand: "Forget it, let’s not discuss this. Tell me, is the court still talking about the fishery tax these past two days?"

"Lord Wu still stubbornly clings to it!" He spoke with some annoyance: "That old stubborn, he really shouldn’t have been allowed into the cabinet!"

"What’s the use of saying this!" Old Madam Shen said: "Tonight, go to Lord Zhang, he will know what to do. Also, for the fishermen and merchants at several ports, it’s time to give them a heads-up..." Shen Ji listened with bright eyes and asked: "Mother means to let the fishermen react more intensely?" Giving them a sense of unrest before the policy is implemented, the Emperor will surely have second thoughts.

Old Madam Shen nodded, waved her hand: "You go rest, I have to enter the palace tomorrow!" Madam Shen was surprised and asked: "Mother, do you want me to accompany you?"

"No need, I’ve heard the Emperor has been resting in Le’an Palace these days, I’ll go see the Empress." Old Madam Shen said indifferently.

Madam Shen furrowed her brows, muttering: "The Emperor too, Consort Le is pregnant, why does he still go to her every night!" Ignoring so many beauties in the palace, yet staying with a pregnant woman, truly infatuated with Le Xiu’s beauty.

Old Madam Shen glared at her: "What do you know, it’s better this way. That Le Xiu is pregnant yet so indiscreet, if the Emperor truly cared for her, he shouldn’t go to her palace now. What he’s doing is putting Le Xiu in the tiger’s mouth, I see he’s not protecting, but testing."

Madam Shen was stunned, somewhat confused, while Shen Ji seemed to understand, nodding his head thoughtfully, as Old Madam Shen already stood up, holding the hand of the attendant beside her: "The days are long, let her peacefully nurture the pregnancy first..." As she walked outside, she turned back to the couple: "Go rest!"

Shen Ji and his wife stood up to see her off, as Old Madam Shen walked to the door, she suddenly halted, her gaze sharply on Shen Ji: "Have you seen Fourth Master’s eldest son?"

"No!" Shen Ji shook his head, while Madam Shen nodded slightly: "I’ve seen him, he is keen and composed with thick brows and big eyes."

Old Madam Shen seemed thoughtful, nodding, muttering to herself: "He should be about seven years old..." Saying this, she left.

Shen Ji and his wife didn’t understand her meaning and exchanged puzzled glances.

The next day, Han Cheng was organizing his court dress, the concubine who attended him last night handed him his official hat, supporting Han Cheng out the door. Han Cheng looked back at her and said: "Since you are with child, rest well in the room, no need to see me off."

"I understand, Master, take care!" She curtsied gracefully saying this!

Han Cheng nodded, striding out of the courtyard.

After Han Cheng left, the maid beside the concubine came to support her, smiling: "Concubine, you are now with child, Master loves you even more than before, he has been accompanying you these past days." The concubine covered her face with a smile, scolding: "Master gives equal affection, if someone hears this they’ll think I’ve used witchcraft on the Master."

The maid repeatedly said: "I deserve to die, I won’t dare say it anymore." But her tone was smiling, and she leaned close to the concubine’s ear: "Concubine, you come from a good background, even compared to the late Madam, your status is unmatched, she was just a soldier’s daughter, you say the Master hasn’t remarried for years, recently finally had thoughts, yet it ended fruitlessly... Concubine, why don’t you push a bit, maybe..." pointing to the main room: "That could be yours."

"Nonsense!" the concubine glared at the maid, yet seemed thoughtful.

The two entered the room, and immediately outside the courtyard, a maid called out: "Concubine, you have instructions."

Han Cheng went all the way to the court, once he finished there, he went with Fourth Master Xiao, Shen Ji, Lord Wu, and Lord Zhang to the Imperial Study Room, where the Emperor noticed Han Cheng’s weary look, raised an eyebrow, asking: "Old Han, I remember Madam Han has been gone a few years, right?"

Han Cheng was startled, clasping his fists in reply: "Your Majesty, it’s been three years."

The Emperor nodded slightly, teasingly raising an eyebrow: "Why haven’t you remarried? You are one of my favored ministers, how can I allow your household to go unmanaged..." After a pause he asked: "Is it because there’s no suitable match, how about I find someone for you?"

"Your Majesty shouldn’t be concerned with my personal matters." Han Cheng hurriedly replied: "I’ve not remarried due to difficulties in forgetting my late wife, besides, I’m no longer young, those romantic pursuits hold no interest for me. I only wish to loyally serve Your Majesty!"