In the third year of Yong'an of the Great Jing Dynasty, Shen Qingci was unjustly accused during the imperial examination and exiled. Su Yunqing held her hand and waited; they fought against tre...
The siblings share a deep bond and support each other.
Shen Nian'an held a position in the capital, while Shen Jifang managed a medical clinic in Jiangnan. Although the siblings were separated by thousands of miles, their affection remained deep. They frequently corresponded, sharing their lives and work, encouraging and caring for each other.
Shen Nian'an, serving as an official in the capital, was well aware of the complexities of officialdom and often encountered thorny issues. Whenever this happened, he would write to his younger sister for advice. Although Shen Jifang lived in Jiangnan, she was experienced and insightful, always able to analyze problems from different perspectives and offer sound advice. She often reminded her brother in her letters: "The officialdom is treacherous, and people's hearts are unpredictable. You must be careful in your words and actions, uphold your principles, and never associate with corrupt officials. No matter what difficulties you encounter, remember that your family will always be your support."
That year, Shen Nian'an was retaliated against for impeaching a powerful and corrupt official. The official fabricated charges and, together with some officials in the court, impeached Shen Nian'an, accusing him of forming cliques, abusing his power, and trying to remove him from office or even put him to death.
Shen Nian'an knew that the other side was powerful and that he was powerless against them, so he was very anxious. He immediately wrote to his sister, telling her about his predicament and hoping that she could find a way to help him.
Upon receiving the letter, Shen Jifang was extremely anxious. She knew her brother was an upright man and would never do such a thing; he must have been framed. She immediately put aside her medical affairs, gave a few brief instructions, and hurriedly set off for the capital with her apprentice.
Upon arriving in the capital, Shen Jifang did not act rashly. She first sought out Qin Feng, her father's old comrade-in-arms, explained the situation to him, and hoped he could help. Qin Feng was now a high-ranking official in the court. Upon learning that Shen Nian'an had been framed, he was furious: "Nian'an is a promising young man, upright and capable. How could those people frame him like this! Jifang, don't worry, I will definitely help him clear his name."
With Qin Feng's help, Shen Jifang began to travel around collecting evidence. She visited many people related to the case, reviewed a large number of case files, and finally found the key evidence that the powerful figure had fabricated charges to frame Shen Nian'an.
Subsequently, Shen Jifang presented the evidence to the emperor and detailed the whole story. The emperor was furious upon reading it and immediately ordered a thorough investigation. The investigation confirmed that Shen Nian'an had indeed been framed, and the powerful official and those involved in the impeachment were severely punished.
Shen Nian'an's name was cleared, and he was reinstated. Holding his sister's hand, his eyes were full of gratitude: "Sister, I owe you so much this time. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would never have been able to do anything for the country and the people again."
Shen Jifang smiled, her eyes full of tenderness: "Brother, we are siblings, and we should support each other. You must be careful in the capital. If anything happens in the future, be sure to tell me in time, and don't bear it alone."
The brother and sister spent a few days together in the capital before Shen Jifang had to return to Jiangnan. Shen Nian'an personally saw her off at the ferry, saying with reluctance, "Sister, take care on your journey. When you get back, please give my regards to our parents and tell them that I am doing well so they can rest assured."
Shen Jifang nodded: "Brother, you must take care of yourself too. Remember, no matter when, the family is always waiting for you to come home."