I am keenly aware that as a member of the imperial family, I must prioritize the nation and its people. Shen Zhi's actions clearly demonstrate a blurring of public and private ties, violate ancestral rules, and betray my trust and the people's expectations. To set an example for others and uphold the dignity of the imperial family and the laws of the court, I have no choice but to make this painful decision.
Effective immediately, Prince Rui, Shen Zhizhi, is stripped of his title and demoted to commoner status. He is ordered to immediately relinquish his military power, return to his palace, and reflect on his actions in seclusion. Without my permission, he is not to leave even a step. Furthermore, relevant officials are ordered to thoroughly investigate this matter, and any accomplices or those found negligent will be severely punished.
I hope Shen Zhi can deeply reflect on his mistakes. If he can reform himself and regain the trust of me and the people, I will not hesitate to pardon him. However, this punishment is intended to warn the world, and I hope all princes and ministers will take this as a warning and never repeat the same mistake.
The imperial edict caused a stir in the court and among the people, and a murmur of dismay filled the hall.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Shen Hanshan spoke in a loud voice, his knees slightly bent. After performing the grand ceremony, he slowly rose and gently stroked the intricate embroidery on his official robes. This magnificent robe, a symbol of power and status, carried countless past glories and burdens. Finally, he gently placed it on the tray of the attendant beside him.
The beaded curtain on the official's hat rustled softly.
Shen Hanshan tilted his head slightly, letting the hat fall into the servant's hands with a smooth and decisive movement, without the slightest hesitation.
From then on, the Zhao family's empire had nothing to do with the Shen family.
This title of prince, bestowed upon him by the retired emperor, was stripped of by his grandson in the main hall today.
In the instant he lowered his eyes, a barely perceptible bitter smile flashed across Shen Hanshan's gaze.
The air in the hall seemed to freeze instantly.
Everyone held their breath and watched as Shen Hanshan straightened his back, strode up the white marble steps, and walked out of the palace.
This young general, who made a name for himself at the age of 12, and this prince of a different surname who had been arguing with the former Grand Secretary Zhao Shouzhen every day since he appeared in the Golden Palace, today repeated the same action as the Grand Secretary Zhao, leaving the Golden Palace and the center of imperial power.
Outside the palace gates, sunlight streamed down, and Shen Hanshan's shadow gradually lengthened. He took a deep breath of the free air, and the huge weight in his heart finally lifted, bringing an unprecedented sense of ease to his heart.
He closed his eyes and shouted in his heart, "Zhizhi, wait for me, I'm coming to find you!"
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