The little bull was beaten.

The bleak autumn wind blew across the palace walls, swirling up a few withered leaves, but it could not dispel the decadent music that permeated the air, so incongruous with the national mourning.

The sounds of stringed instruments and lively music drifted faintly from the brightly lit side hall, quite jarring.

The young bull was on duty today, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails almost dug into his palms.

He stared intently at the direction of the palace gate, his eyes reddening.

The late emperor's voice and smile, and the empress dowager's constant concern for Xuelang Shuangren, seemed like they were just yesterday.

"Hey, this thing is shiny, take it back and show it to my wife!" A rough, hoarse voice rang out, with a heavy accent.

Little Bull suddenly turned his head and saw a drunken man dressed in the clothes of a court official, holding the white jade ruyi that the late emperor had cherished most, gesturing wildly, and about to put it into his pocket.

"stop!"

The boy's clear voice became sharp with anger. He rushed forward and grabbed the official's wrist tightly. "This is a relic of the late emperor. How dare you desecrate it!"

The drunkard, stopped, turned furious and shoved the man away, yelling, "Where did this brat come from? Get out of my way! His Majesty said that we brothers can take whatever we like from this palace!"

Several officials, also from Changyi, gathered around, shoving the young bull with grins: "Kid, don't you know the rules? Don't spoil the fun for us gentlemen and ruin His Majesty's enjoyment!"

"rule?!"

The little bull trembled with rage, pointing at the white banners lining the palace, "This is the proper way! During the national mourning period, you all drink and make merry here, forcibly seizing the late emperor's relics. What is your punishment!"

"Hey! You think you're so tough, huh?" The drunkard, enraged, threw a punch. "I'll teach you a lesson for your parents!"

As the fists whizzed by, the young bull dodged to the side, instinctively using the grappling techniques his mother had taught him to block. But he was young after all, and two fists were no match for four hands; his opponents were several people swarming him, their punches and kicks raining down like raindrops. He was quickly forced into a corner, protecting his head and face, but still couldn't escape several heavy blows. His lip immediately turned red, and his eye sockets instantly swelled up with bruises…

The Earl's mansion remained silent, save for the ticking of the water clock.

Suddenly, a series of hurried and frantic footsteps broke the silence.

The guards helped the staggering boy rush into the main hall.

"Lord! Madam! Young Master, he..."

Shen Yan, who was playing chess with Ling Zhan, looked up and saw his son's bruised and battered face. His hand holding the chess piece froze in mid-air.

Clang—

A white jade chess piece fell onto the chessboard, shattering the silence. Shen Yan slowly stood up, his usual lazy smile vanished without a trace, and a black storm seemed to be gathering deep in his eyes. He walked to Little Bull and lightly touched his son's bruised eye with his finger.

"Who did this?" The voice was calm, yet chillingly cold.

The little bull took a breath, enduring the pain, and said in a hoarse voice, "The people from Changyi in the palace... I struck first, but they insulted the late emperor, I..."

Ling Zhan had silently arrived at her side, took out her personal medicine, and gently but quickly treated her son's wounds. Her face was calm as water, but a layer of frost had formed in her always cold eyes.

"Prepare the car." Shen Yan uttered two words and turned to walk out.

After finishing the last bit, Ling Zhan patted his son on the shoulder and said succinctly, "Follow up and identify him."

The carriage was stopped in front of the palace gate.

The official on duty had clearly been replaced by a new face from Changyi, and his tone was curt: "The palace gates are locked; no one may enter without an imperial edict!"

"Dad, this kid just punched me several times," Little Bull gritted his teeth.

Shen Yan didn't even get out of the carriage. He simply threw out a gleaming golden token from the window. It was a "Palace Travel" token specially bestowed by the late emperor, which also represented his status as a member of the imperial clan. His voice was as cold as ice: "Earl of Anping, Shen Yan, has urgent business to attend to the emperor! Open the door!"

The official paused for a moment when he saw the token, clearly recognizing its importance, but a troubled look appeared on his face as he hesitated.

"My lord... His Majesty... His Majesty is currently feasting and has ordered that he not see anyone..."

"Smack!"

A riding crop, like a venomous snake, lashed out from the carriage window, striking the official's face precisely and leaving a bloody welt. Shen Yan's patience had run out: "Get out of the way! Either open the door, or I'll step over your dead body!"

The guards behind him simultaneously drew their swords and stepped forward, exuding murderous intent.

The official covered his face, looking into Shen Yan's cold eyes, and finally felt a chill. He waved his hand sullenly, signaling the guards to open the palace gates.

The carriage sped along, only to be stopped again at the entrance to the inner garden.

The head of the guards here was an old man from the palace who recognized Shen Yan. His attitude was respectful but firm: "My lord, you can't go in like this... His Majesty... Alas, you're putting me in a very difficult position..."

Shen Yan got out of the carriage and stared at him: "Commander Wang, my son was on duty inside and was beaten by the group of people His Majesty brought from Changyi. His life is now unknown. I am his father, and I am here to demand an explanation. Are you going to stop me from saving my son?"

Commander Wang's face turned pale. He knew all too well that this man, though seemingly easy to talk to, was capable of anything when he got into trouble.

He gave a wry smile and said in a low voice, "My lord, please...please hurry...don't make too much noise..." He then stepped aside to make way and waved for the guards behind him to step back.

Shen Yan snorted coldly and strode inside with Ling Zhan and Little Bull.

The closer one got to the side hall, the clearer the noise became.

Upon reaching the entrance of the side hall, the last guards were several personal bodyguards from Changyi, who were even more arrogant and drew their swords, shouting: "Halt! His Majesty has ordered that no one is to disturb him!"

This time, before Shen Yan could even speak...

Ling Zhan moved.

Everyone only saw a blur before their eyes, and in the flash of blades, several muffled groans were heard. The guards' swords were already out of their hands, and their vital points had been struck, leaving them frozen in place, unable to move, their eyes filled with horror. The entire process was silent, not even silencing the commotion in the hall for a moment.

Ling Zhan withdrew his hand, as if he had merely brushed off some dust.

Shen Yan didn't even glance at them before kicking open the door to the side hall!

"Your Majesty!" His voice boomed like thunder, instantly shattering all the noise in the hall.

The side hall of the Imperial Study in the palace reeked of alcohol.

The new emperor, Wei Jie, leaned against the soft couch, watching the old officials dancing wildly in the palace, and laughed heartily.

Shen Yan, dressed in casual dark-colored clothes, stood with his hands behind his back at the door.

Behind him stood Ling Zhan, dressed in simple, close-fitting clothes, and Xiao Man Niu, whose face was bruised.

The warm light inside the hall shone on his expressionless face, making him appear even colder than the autumn wind outside.

"Your Majesty is in a very good mood."

Chen Yan's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly penetrated everyone's ears, carrying a biting sarcasm.

Wei Jie, his eyes glazed with drunkenness, looked over and let out a hiccup: "Oh... it's the Earl of Anping? Come... come and have a drink with me..."

Shen Yan didn't even look at him. His gaze was like a knife, slowly sweeping over the few somewhat flustered Changyi officials in the hall. Clearly, they had been attacked. Finally, his gaze settled on Wei Jie's face.

"Your Majesty, I have come to seek your counsel." His tone was calm, yet every word carried immense weight. "My son, Shen Niu, was ordered to stand guard in the palace, dissuading those who overstepped their bounds and disrespecting the late Emperor's relics. I do not know which palace rule or national law he violated, that he was beaten to this extent by Your Majesty's men?"

A seemingly leading courtier, forcing himself to remain calm, stepped forward half a step, smiling obsequiously at Wei Jie, but actually speaking to Shen Yan: "Your Majesty is wise; it was merely a young man's ignorance that offended Your Majesty and your ministers. It was a minor friction, and it has already passed..."

Did I ask you?

Shen Yan abruptly interrupted him, her gaze shooting out like cold lightning.

"His Majesty hasn't even spoken yet, how dare you, you filthy fool, interrupt? Get out!"

The courtier was so humiliated by the scolding that his face turned pale, and he trembled, unable to utter another word.

Wei Jie sobered up a bit and, unable to save face, stammered, "My dear minister... why be angry... they are all... all my old ministers, who lost their composure while drunk, it was just a joke... just a joke... let's just drop this matter, how about it?" He tried to smooth things over and save face.

"Should we just give up here?"

Shen Yan repeated it, then suddenly chuckled softly, but there was no warmth in his laughter, only endless coldness.

He suddenly pulled something from his robes; the bright yellow scroll was dazzlingly bright under the light—

It was a copy of the "Edict of Self-Reproach" and the Imperial Jade Tablet!

"His Majesty!"

Shen Yan's voice suddenly rose, filled with thunderous rage, "In terms of patriarchal law, my son is a hundred times more noble than these ignorant fools in the palace! Does Your Majesty intend to chill the hearts of all the royal family members by protecting these madmen who insulted the late Emperor and beat up relatives?!"

The light emanating from the jade disc and Shen Yan's imposing aura made Wei Jie breathless. His face turned deathly pale, his lips trembled, and he couldn't utter a single word.

"Fine! What a fine 'let's call it quits'!" Shen Yan was furious and shoved the jade disc back into his bosom.

Almost the instant he finished speaking, Ling Zhan beside him moved.

Without uttering a single wasted word, his figure appeared like a ghost.

"Snap!"

"ah--!"

"Bang!"

The crisp cracking of bones breaking, the piercing screams, and the heavy thuds of people falling to the ground instantly replaced the previous sounds of music—

It immediately set the stage for a cruel symphony.

The crowd was dazzled and couldn't make out Ling Zhan's movements at all. She moved like a tiger among sheep, each strike precise and ruthless, hitting vital points directly. Her fists, palms, elbows, and legs were all techniques for killing, but at this moment she used only the force to incapacitate her.

All the officials from Changyi who had just laid a hand on him and uttered disrespectful words were like fallen leaves swept by a whirlwind, screaming and rolling to the ground, clutching their arms and legs, none of them able to stand again. The whole process was breathtakingly fast.

The hall was deathly silent. You could hear a pin drop.

Ling Zhan finished his stance, his breathing steady, as if he were merely brushing the dust off the corner of his clothes.

She walked back to the little bull's side, her cold gaze sweeping over the terrified Wei Jie.

“Since Your Majesty is unwilling to discipline, I will take over.” Her voice was as cold as ice. “I have disturbed Your Majesty’s presence, so I will take my leave.”

Shen Yan snorted coldly, walked up to a minister who was clutching his arm and screaming in pain, squatted down, patted his tear-streaked face, and said in a thuggish tone: "You dog, remember this, you can't beat a dog without considering its owner. If you touch my son again, it won't just be your arm that falls off."

Having said that, without giving the pale-faced new emperor another glance, the family of three walked away in a deathly silence and painful groans.

The family had just walked out of the side hall not far.

An elderly woman dressed in dark palace attire, with an anxious expression, rushed over and blocked the way. She was an old servant of the Empress Dowager.

"Lord, Madam, Young Master, please wait!" the old nanny said urgently.

Her gaze fell on the wounds on Xiao Manniu's face, and her eyes were filled with heartache. "The Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager have both heard about what happened in the side hall. They were shocked, angry and worried, and immediately sent me to invite the three of you to Chang Le Palace for a meeting."

Shen Yan and Ling Zhan exchanged a glance, understanding each other perfectly.

With two of the most honored women in the harem appearing at the same time, this was no small matter. He nodded.

Inside Chang Le Palace, the atmosphere was solemn and oppressive, permeated with a heavy sorrow.

The Empress Dowager sat on the throne. Although she was old and dressed in plain clothes, her brows still carried the dignity of someone who had weathered many storms and the fury she felt at that moment. The Empress Dowager, who was only fifteen years old, sat below her, dressed in white mourning clothes. Her eyes were red and swollen like peaches, making her look particularly delicate and helpless.

When the young Empress Dowager saw Xiao Manniu, who had a bruised face and was being helped in by Ling Zhan, she immediately covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and tears rolled down her cheeks silently.

The Empress Dowager slammed her hand heavily on the armrest of her phoenix throne, her voice filled with suppressed anger: "This is utterly lawless! During the national mourning period, to be so disrespectful before the late Emperor's spirit, and even dare to beat a member of the imperial family! Wei Jie, he... he..." She was so angry that she didn't know how to reprimand the new emperor for a moment, and finally let out a long sigh, "I've wronged Niu'er... Quick, come here and let me see him!"

The little bull stepped forward and respectfully bowed to the two empress dowagers.

"Greetings, Empress Dowager. Your Majesty. Your Majesty, I am...I am fine."

The young Empress Dowager looked at the wound on his face and choked up, "This is called nothing?! If the late Emperor were here... if he were here..." She couldn't finish her sentence and began to sob softly. Her gaze fell on the white jade ruyi that the little bull clutched tightly in his hand even though he was injured—it was the late Emperor's most beloved possession.

Seeing her deceased husband's beloved possessions, and remembering how they were almost defiled but were saved by the little bull, she was overcome with grief and her cries became even more heart-wrenching.

The Empress Dowager's eyes were also slightly red. She beckoned the little bull closer, examined his injuries carefully, and said with a tone that was both distressed and admiring, "Good boy, you protected the late emperor's beloved possession and upheld the rules of the palace. You have done a great service. This beating will not have been for nothing."

She paused, then turned her gaze to Shen Yan and Ling Zhan, her tone becoming extremely solemn.

“Lord Anping, Lady Ling. I know that Niu’er is a stubborn child with his own ideas. In the past, the late Emperor and I tried several times to give him a proper name, but he refused to accept it and only recognized his name as ‘Little Wild Ox’.”

She looked at the little bull, her eyes filled with affection and a touch of emotion, and slowly said, "But today is different. He has grown up, he is sensible, and he knows what loyalty and filial piety are, what integrity and righteousness are. This beating is for the late emperor, and for the rules of this palace! He can no longer act like he did when he was a child. The Book of Poetry says, 'Look at the Milky Way, it forms a pattern in the sky.' When the late emperor was alive, he often looked at the Milky Way and thought of the eternal stability of the country. I have chosen the character '章' (zhang) for him. I wish him to be as vast and open as the Milky Way, and to have a bright and glorious future."

He then added, “He should possess the spirit of martial prowess and the ambition of a hero. How about we name him Shen Zhangwu? May he be accomplished in both literature and martial arts, possessing both a benevolent heart and the courage and ability to protect his country and its people!”

The young empress dowager also stopped crying, nodded vigorously, her voice trembling with sobs yet unusually firm.

"Mother is right! Niu'er is a hero today, and he deserves a great name worthy of his loyalty and bravery!"

The Empress Dowager looked at Shen Yan and Ling Zhan: "Today, I wish to presume to bestow a name upon him personally. This is not only my wish, but also... something the late Emperor would surely have done if he were still alive. May he receive this name and, in the future, uphold his aspirations, bring glory to his family, and live up to his pride and sincerity. Lord and Lady, are you willing to grant me this wish?"

All eyes in the hall were focused on Shen Yan and Ling Zhan, as well as on Little Bull himself.

Looking at the wounds on her son's face, and then at the two sorrowful and sincere empress dowagers, Shen Yan took a deep breath and bowed first: "The kindness of the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager is a great blessing to my son. Your subject will obey your decree."

He knew that this time, he couldn't refuse, nor should he refuse.

Ling Zhan nodded slightly and looked at her son: "Zhang Wu, thank you." She directly used the name that the Empress Dowager had just thought of to remind him.

Surprisingly, this time, the little bull didn't stubbornly refuse as he had in the past. He touched his burning cheek, then glanced at the cold, hard jade ruyi in his hand, as if he suddenly understood the heavy weight behind the "name." He knelt down solemnly, his voice clear and firm:

"Shen Zhangwu, thank you for bestowing this name upon me by the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty! I will certainly live up to this name, the late Emperor, and Your Majesty's high expectations!"

Hearing that he finally accepted.

The Empress Dowager's face showed a bittersweet smile of relief, and the young Empress Dowager nodded with tears in her eyes.

The Empress Dowager waved wearily, signaling to the palace maid beside her: "Go, bring the best 'Purple Gold Blood-Activating Ointment' from the late Emperor's treasury, and the 'Autumn Water' short sword from my own treasury, and bestow them upon Zhangwu. The medicine will heal his physical wounds; the sword will protect the path in his heart."

The carriage sped off, heading straight back to the West Mountain Villa.

Shen Yan alighted from the carriage and sternly ordered the old steward who came to greet him, "Lock the doors again, everyone retreat to the other courtyard, and keep the doors tightly shut. From this day forward, no matter who comes, I will not see them! Even if the sky falls, don't disturb my peace!"

The heavy wooden door slowly closed with a dull thud, completely isolating the outside world.

Meanwhile, the capital city was in complete uproar because of this shocking incident that took place deep within the palace.

The news that the Earl of Anping and his wife had beaten up the new emperor's close ministers and then stormed off spread like wildfire.

This is the source of the already turbulent undercurrents in this pool.

It was thoroughly cooked into a pot of boiling porridge!

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