Chapter 81 Deepest Affection

In the Imperial Study, Consort Shen knelt on the ground, sobbing and weeping.

Even though she was almost forty, her pitiful appearance remained undiminished.

The emperor, with a stern face, asked, "You want to see me, but you don't say a word after you see me. What's the point of all this?"

Consort Shen was dressed in plain clothes today, looking nothing like her usual charming self.

It has a completely different flavor.

Consort Shen gently wiped away her tears. "I am deeply ashamed and indignant that my maternal family has done such a thing. It is all my fault for failing to restrain them. I just hope Your Majesty will not let them upset you. I have been worried about Your Majesty day and night these past few days, but I am also afraid that Your Majesty does not want to see me."

The emperor asked, "Then why have you come to see me again?"

Consort Shen immediately burst into tears, as if she could no longer hide her grievances. She cried pitifully, like a little girl, "Your Majesty, I miss you so much. It has been several days since Your Majesty last saw me."

The emperor sighed as if in despair, "You, what am I supposed to do with you?"

When Consort Shen saw that the Emperor had lost his temper, she immediately stood up and came to his side with a pitiful expression, saying with tears in her eyes, "Your Majesty thought you never wanted to see me again!"

The emperor reached out and pulled the person into his arms. "I am angry with your father for spoiling Shen Huan so much that he has become so lawless and has so many lives on his hands! If Shen Huan is not punished, how can I explain this to the people of the world?"

Consort Shen seemed to have learned her lesson this time.

"Your Majesty knows, but I never imagined that Father would let Shen Huan be so lawless!"

Even if I am his aunt, I cannot tolerate him wantonly harming the people!

His father is still protecting him! His Majesty deserves to punish him.

"Your Majesty, I have already given him a stern reprimand. I implore you to calm your anger and take care of your health."

The Emperor looked at Consort Shen and said, "You don't blame me for punishing you so severely, even stripping you of your title of Imperial Consort?"

Consort Shen immediately said, "This matter was originally my fault for not restraining Your Majesty properly. How could I blame Your Majesty? As long as I can stay by Your Majesty's side, I would be willing to be demoted to a lowly concubine, let alone a noble consort."

The emperor's expression softened considerably. "I knew it! Of all the people in the palace, you have shown me the deepest affection!"

Shen Mingtang stepped out of the emperor's embrace and said as if she had made up her mind:

"Your Majesty, I believe that the Shen family's current predicament is entirely their own fault!"

Over the years, because of His Majesty's favor towards me, he has promoted and protected the Shen family in many ways.

But the Shen family is ungrateful and has done something that so offends the emperor.

Your Majesty should issue a minor punishment as a warning, so that the Shen family will always remember Your Majesty's grace!

The emperor asked in surprise, "Oh? What do you mean by that, my beloved concubine?"

A dark glint flashed in Shen Mingtang's eyes.

"Many members of the Shen clan have held important positions in the capital in recent years due to His Majesty's favor, which has given Shen Huan the capital to act lawlessly."

Why doesn't Your Majesty dismiss some members of the Shen clan from their posts and send them back to Jiangnan?

This way, a minor punishment can serve as a warning, and His Majesty can also give an explanation to the people of the world.

"Your Majesty's reputation as a wise ruler will not be tarnished because of the Shen family!"

The emperor was deeply moved and said, "I am truly touched that my beloved concubine is willing to share my burdens to this extent!"

"I am willing to do anything to share Your Majesty's burdens."

Family influence was an important manifestation of the power of concubines in the harem.

Normally, Shen Mingtang would never touch the power of his family.

But now, the Shen family in Jiangnan, seeing that she has lost power, considers her and her son to be stumbling blocks on the Shen family's path to advancement.

If it weren't for her, the Shen family wouldn't be so prosperous all these years!

Since that's the case, then she'll let them know who the Shen family is really relying on!

Qin Jinzhi's words immediately alerted her; the Shen family had treated her like a discarded pawn.

If they were truly abandoned, the mother and child would have no way to survive!

That night, the emperor stayed overnight at Weiyang Palace.

News of Shen Mingtang's return to favor also reached the imperial court.

Starting the following day, many officials from the Shen clan in the court were transferred back to Jiangnan to assist Pei Jinnian in investigating the flood.

This matter was proposed by Consort Shen, who dealt a heavy blow to the Shen family, leaving them powerless to protest!

What does Consort Shen mean by this?

Each aristocratic family was the main stronghold, but almost only their direct descendants would be recommended to enter the capital and step into the imperial court!

Consort Shen's proposal directly destroyed the Shen family's years of investment!

When Qin Jinzhi left the palace, His Majesty's decree had already been issued.

Shen Mingtang is a ruthless person; he directly sent so many members of the Shen family back to Jiangnan.

Yun Que had been waiting in front of the palace gate for a long time, just as Qin Jinzhi was about to get into the carriage.

A frantic voice called out from behind, "Princess! Princess!"

As Qin Jinzhi turned around, she saw Li Jin, dressed in casual clothes, running towards her with a bundle in his arms.

Li Jin said with a smile, "I made it just in time!"

Qin Jinzhi raised an eyebrow. "Are you on your day off?"

Li Jin said with a fawning expression, "You asked me to consider working for your subordinates, and I have thought it through."

Qin Jinzhi chuckled softly, "Then what is your position in the Imperial Guard?"

Li Jin tossed the bundle over his shoulder and said, “Princess, don’t worry. I resigned early this morning and am just waiting to follow you.”

He had no status or background; being able to get a job guarding the palace gates was already his limit.

But the young princess is known for her generosity. Following her, you'll definitely earn more money than if you were a member of the Imperial Guard. Besides, the young princess has a noble status. Following her might just open up a way out for you!

Qin Jinzhi smiled and said to Yun Que, "Now you know why I like him, right?"

He took the pole immediately; he's very good at assessing the situation.

Such a person is suitable to be used.

She stepped onto the bus. "Are you in time?"

Li Jin immediately sat down in the driver's seat and said to Yun Que, "Sister, please accompany the princess inside and sit down. I, Li Jin, am the most reliable driver!"

Yun Que raised an eyebrow and followed Qin Jinzhi into the carriage.

Qin Jinzhi's voice came out, "Go to Qingshui Lane."

Li Jin immediately turned the carriage around without asking any further questions.

After about half an hour, Li Jin said, "Princess, we have arrived at Qingshui Lane."

Qin Jinzhi got off the carriage and said to Li Jin, "There is a family surnamed Wei living at the very end of Qingshui Lane. I don't care what method you use, if you can get the old man of this family to go back to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion with you within half a month, I will give you a monthly stipend of fifty taels!"

How many!

Li Jin shook his head violently. His monthly salary as a member of the Imperial Guard was only two taels of silver!

The princess just said how much she would give him!

Fifty taels!

We've struck it rich!

Qin Jinzhi smiled and said, "Don't be too happy yet. I don't keep useless people around me. If you can't bring anyone back..."

Qin Jinzhi didn't say what was to come, but Li Jin understood.

If he fails to complete the tasks assigned by the princess, he is not qualified to stay by her side.

Naturally, they should return to where they came from.

But following any big shot won't help you advance your career.

He will definitely complete the mission!

Qin Jinzhi tossed a token into Li Jin's hand.

“This is the pass token of the Prince of Zhenbei’s Mansion. The old man will know you are one of my people when he sees the token. I’m waiting for your good news.”

With that, Qin Jinzhi returned to the carriage.

"Princess, rest assured, I will definitely not let you down!"

Qin Jinzhi then lifted the carriage curtain and said, "That old man has a son. If you can bring him back with you, I'll give you an extra ten taels."

Li Jin's eyes lit up!

He just had to carry the burden!

They all carried the old man back to the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion!