Chapter 68 Chapter 68 [VIP]
The Shen family had been in poverty for many years. Although the confiscated land and silver deposits were returned, there were inevitably many unexpected losses in the process.
Even if they were acquitted, it would be impossible for them to return to their former glory. The clan declined, and officials guessed the intentions of the nobles and became much more dismissive.
The mansion in Chang'an City has been given to someone else, and the precious calligraphy and paintings are also damaged. Shen Yupu and Bai were lucky to have survived. They lost their only biological son and were willing to return home. Although the eldest son stayed in the capital, he lived a simple life and rented a small courtyard.
When Aye was freed, Shen Youyi heard the prince talk about some family matters. He was still unaware of Xiao Che's feelings for him, and he wanted to take some credit in front of her. He teased her and tried to teach her to act coquettishly and flatteringly, and then he promised to make up for the missing property for her.
But she had already secretly harbored resentment at that time, and was unwilling to humble herself to the prince for these material possessions and ask him for help. So she virtuously taught him not to worry too much about these little things and to look at the long-term.
She doesn't even want to be the Crown Princess anymore, so the house can belong to whoever wants to.
She almost forgot how many people had lived in that house and how many happy times she had spent there, or she subconsciously avoided these memories.
So when she was half asleep at night, Emperor Yuan Shuo returned to the bedroom and suddenly asked her if she wanted to go home. She thought he was talking about the old house in Luzhou, so she said yes.
Being pregnant, she was watched even when she walked and ate. Even if she wanted to, could Emperor Yuan Shuo still take her back?
However, only after a few days, she got up and unexpectedly saw him sitting beside the couch, holding a book in his hand, his eyes looking at her.
As the floor heat grew, she slept even more. Even when the emperor took the initiative to behave himself at night, he would often not wake up until the morning. When he opened his eyes, he would still wonder, "Even if Your Majesty didn't have a morning court, at this hour, shouldn't he be in the Jiade Hall with the Empress Dowager, or in the Western Palace practicing martial arts and archery with his ministers? Why is he still here watching me sleep?"
Emperor Yuan Shuo waited for her to be helped by her servants to change into light and warm winter clothes. Seeing her confused and puzzled look when she first woke up, he smiled and said, "I heard from Envoy Song that Yi Niang's pregnancy is stable. It would be fine for her to go to the Shen residence for a while."
The owner of that house was related to the Yang family and was dismissed from office due to the Yang family's downfall, so the house was returned to the government.
Emperor Yuan Shuo ordered people to renovate the mansion and gave it back to Shen's father and son. Although he could definitely give them a more grand mansion to live in, he wanted to see the place where she had lived for a long time.
Her belly finally began to bulge, indicating the presence of the child. Her cheeks also gained a little more flesh. Even because the baby was not too far along, she did not feel chest tightness or shortness of breath after walking for a while.
Shen Youyi hadn't asked about the family's situation for a long time. Her brother didn't like official social engagements very much. Now that she had returned to the palace, Emperor Yuan Shuo had gotten his wish. He would probably let the Yulin Army that had detained her relatives escort her father and mother back to their hometown, so that her brother could accompany them until the end of their lives. Unexpectedly, he still brought them to live in Chang'an.
Until the emperor's carriage left the Taiji Palace, Shen Youyi looked at Chang'an after the first snow and whispered: "Father has no intention of pursuing a career in politics, and brother has also resigned from his official position. Teach them to return to Luzhou and become rich. Brother will not bully men or women."
There is only one purpose for keeping many relatives by marriage in the capital. The relatives of the emperor's wives and concubines are powerful enough to act tyrannically if they are left in other places, but there are so many nobles in the capital, all under the control of the emperor, so the relatives by marriage will be more restrained if they stay in Chang'an, but these things do not happen in her family.
Emperor Yuan Shuo squeezed her palm and said helplessly, "Yi Niang thinks about others, why don't you think about yourself?"
Shen Youyi had of course thought about it, and Wei Shi had suffered for a while because of her, but this was a common thing and did not affect the expectations of the Duke of Yan's Mansion for her: "Your Majesty likes me and wants to elevate my family. Doesn't that mean he also wants the Duke of Yan to recognize me as his adopted son?"
Emperor Yuan Shuo did have this intention, but no matter how good the Wei family was, they could not compare to her real relatives. He taught Shen Youyi to lean on his arms and said gently: "Since Yi Niang chose to return to my side, she should know that these things are not up to them to be happy or not."
He had thought before that Yi Niang was his favorite concubine, and the future prince and queen, as his son in old age, would probably only receive a fiefdom and generous rewards. If her real relatives had ambitions, he could promote one or two of them. If they had no ambitions, it would naturally be best for them to be a comfortable rich man.
But now, even if the Shen family father and son want to be indifferent to fame and fortune, they have no choice.
"Yi Niang is pregnant, which is a very rare thing. They should naturally accompany her and wait for the palace to summon them at any time."
Emperor Yuanshuo thought that, based on her petty calculations, having this child would bring great honor to the Shen family, and naturally he would ask for her parents' full support, and her brother would be more useful. However, the young lady's attitude was exactly the opposite. He said, "I plan to ask my mother-in-law to come to the palace to accompany you after the New Year's Day. Isn't Yi Niang happy?"
Shen Youyi's eyes lit up. She tilted her head back and pecked his cheeks a few times, leaving behind some fragrant aroma. Of course, she preferred to be accompanied by her own family, but she was still a little reserved and said some sweet words to him: "This child is ours. I am already satisfied with His Majesty's company."
Emperor Yuan Shuo would not expose her on this point. His eyes revealed a hint of joy as he said softly, "It is I who want Yi Niang to be happier."
The Queen Mother gave birth to many children. He knew from childhood that although the imperial palace was well-off, it was still very dangerous for concubines to give birth to children. Therefore, he was never stingy in rewarding the concubines who had made contributions. This should be enough to soothe their emotions and comfort them for the hard work they put into giving birth to children.
But after Yi Niang became pregnant, in addition to joy, a feeling of uneasiness also came with it. The child was very healthy and the imperial concubine was in good health, but she would occasionally moan at night.
In addition to those rewards that came like water, he also wanted to make her happier.
Shen Youyi lowered her eyes and lay in Emperor Yuan Shuo's arms for a while. Of course, he wanted to make her happy.
Although the Purple Palace was airtight, there was never a single unpleasant word around her. Even when she occasionally visited the empress dowager, the mother-in-law was always very kind. But outside the palace, the rumors never stopped.
Different from the restrictions on concubines and relatives in the past, when the emperor visited the Shen family, he would stay for dinner, reward her parents and brothers, and perhaps even stay overnight, using his power to bring glory to the Shen family... a regret for many years.
The door to the Shen Mansion was wide open, and the atmosphere was refreshing. Shen Yupu, Shen Huaian, and everyone else in the mansion had been waiting outside the door.
Emperor Yuan Shuo got off the car first, turned around and supported Shen Youyi, whispered "be careful", and waited until she was safe and sound before he and Shen Yupu and his wife supported each other and told everyone to stand up.
Shen Yupu and Bai had met Emperor Yuan Shuo before, and the emperor was quite tolerant and polite to them at that time. However, when U'er was sent to the temporary palace, they were inevitably trembling with fear. Now that the imperial concubine was by her side, they could feel a little relieved.
I returned to His Majesty and persuaded the King to change his mind...and she was pregnant.
Shen Youyi's gaze fell on Shen Huaian. She didn't know if she was being overly suspicious, but her brother was also looking at her. His usual sternness seemed to reveal some different emotions.
She said softly, "Brother, you've worked hard along the way."
Shen Huaian looked at her for 7 seconds, then finally bowed his head and said respectfully, "Thank you for your inquiry, Your Majesty."
Emperor Yuanshuo had originally wanted to give his beloved wife a face by accompanying her on her visit, and he didn't want to be formal. He was casual and intimate, saying, "Today, I'm just accompanying the Imperial Concubine for a walk. Why bother Lord Shen and Madam Shen with waiting so long? It's so cold, and if you get sick from the cold, the Empress will blame me."
Shen Youyi recalled that Emperor Yuan Shuo had intended to recruit her brother as a son-in-law. The favored relative became her father-in-law, and she faintly smiled. However, the strength from her arm warned her not to think too much.
Shen Yupu and Bai accompanied Emperor Yuanshuo and the Imperial Concubine on a leisurely stroll. Bai was more familiar with the affairs in the inner palace and talked about the lively times of the past from time to time. Their fathers were discussing matters in the hall, while the Imperial Concubine's sisters were commenting on the young man behind the screen. Yiniang was locked up in the study by her brother to practice calligraphy and read, looking pitiful.
These words were mostly spoken to the emperor. Bai recalled the time when Yiniang followed her father to his post. They often attended banquets and socialized, and went on outings to the mountain villas. He even taught her, as a mother, to find a few women who were good at dancing to teach them. At that time, neither she nor her husband could have imagined that Yiniang would find such a husband in the future. They tried their best to accommodate her wishes: "If I had known that you would have the honor of serving Your Majesty, I and your husband would definitely not have spoiled her so much."
Huai'an didn't allow Yinian to hide behind the screen and watch people, but when she arrived in Yuezhou, she was able to meet more men, and they were more active in thinking and would not only listen to her brother.
Emperor Yuan Shuo's attitude was naturally friendly, but he was not completely convinced that Yi Niang was not among the girls hiding behind the screen and peeping at her husband: "There is nothing wrong with the imperial concubine. Madam is too modest."
Shen Youyi's words really sounded heartfelt. Her father-in-law and mother hoped that she would marry a good husband, so they were a little strict with her. However, Emperor Yuan Shuo's indulgence towards her was almost doting. She probably really felt that her brother was strict with her.
The Shen family was informed of the Emperor's concubine's arrival only the day before, but the Bai family did not need to worry about the banquet at all. The Imperial Concubine's diet was now the top priority. Even if she stayed for a meal, she would not eat outside food. The officials of the Imperial Food Bureau had arranged everything in the morning. Even the cups, bowls, and chopsticks were the ones used in the palace. They were wrapped in layers of silk cloth and brought in in a wooden box.
Everyone ate at separate tables, and young people from the opera theater played peaceful music. Emperor Yuan Shuo was a good drinker, but he seldom drank at ordinary family banquets. Seeing that Yi Niang's father was restrained, he ordered people to serve some fine wine.
Shen Yupu had been staying indoors for several months. It was rare for the emperor to ask him about his rice so patiently. He gradually lowered his guard and talked about his feelings about farming.
He stayed indoors these days. Anyone who had any dealings with the Shen family in the past was eager to meet them and get some information from him, his wife, his son, or even the doorman about the emperor's intentions.
He had seen many such sudden enthusiasms, but the gender of the heir in Yi Niang's womb was unknown, and his aptitude might not be good. He had seen what happened to Yang, and did not want to act like a father-in-law from then on. Although he talked a lot after drinking, he was also cautious and respectful.
Emperor Yuan Shuo was very interested in the cultivation of new varieties he mentioned. For example, Yuezhou is located at the confluence of rivers, the land is moist and warm, and rice can be harvested two to three times a year. Although Luzhou is adjacent to the mountains and is located in the north, the Lu River is surging, and many farmers also grow rice. Although the rice in these places can only mature once a year, it has experienced locust plagues, droughts and floods, and is even more vigorous and gratifying.
The Shen family no longer needed to rely on farming to make ends meet. Shen Yupu hoped to achieve something different. However, he asked people to get rice seeds from all over the place and tried many methods, but after only one or two years, he still had not been able to fully cultivate the stable rice seeds that he wanted.
Shen Yupu did not care about official affairs and was obsessed with agriculture. He wrote few articles, but was very keen on studying the "Qimin Yaoshu" of the previous generation. He had a lot of discussions on the agricultural affairs in Luzhou, but he was much more tactful when it came to the taxation government.
Emperor Yuan Shuo didn't mind his offense too much: "Families of high rank and prestige, with bells ringing and tripods feasting on the table, have been rich for generations, and have owned land and slaves, yet they often conceal their identities and take good people into slavery. Taxes are levied on the common people, so often good family children, unable to bear the labor, voluntarily become slaves."
Shen Yupu softly said yes. He used to be an official and he prided himself on loving the people like his own children and being an honest official. However, he was also pleased with his wife's ability and shrewdness. She managed the land and servants for him. In just ten years, she expanded the family business several times, which was enough to support the luxurious enjoyment of the family. However, after he was unemployed at home, he went to the countryside and lived next to farmers, but he found many drawbacks.
"When Your Majesty ascended the throne, the country was somewhat stable. The harsh taxes of previous dynasties were abolished. The rebels often imposed heavy taxes, about one in thirteen. I, following Your Majesty's order, have increased the tax rate to one in forty. In years of famine, the people were allowed to pay taxes with corvée labor. However, when disaster strikes, the poor flee into slavery, and the wealthy seize the opportunity to buy up land. As a result, the rich become richer, and the poor become poorer. The taxes that should have flowed into the national treasury are greatly reduced. In the long run..."
Since the imperial court could not collect enough tax revenue to support its expenditures, it would inevitably have to increase taxes and distribute them to the local areas. The government would have to hold the village heads accountable and recover these vagrant farmers, which would be a waste of manpower and might not yield much results.
After the emperor has pacified the world, he can return home in glory, but the court is taboo about this. County magistrates in various places rarely come from local prominent families. He is a northerner, but most of them come from the rice-producing areas of the south of the Yangtze River, such as the Hedong Road area. Although it is a place that military strategists must fight for, it is not enough to be the granary of the court. Disasters often occur. If the Yellow River floods and changes its course, victims often flock to the nearby Luzhou.
Of course, these people did not have official documents. Emperor Yuan Shuo nodded and said softly, "Does Lord Shen have any good ideas?"
Shen Youyi hadn't thought that Emperor Yuan Shuo would discuss these things with an unemployed official. Asking about his father's favorite farming and sericulture was already considered a close friendship. He whispered, "My dear, you are drunk. Your father has been away from the court for a long time. This is a family dinner. If you want to ask about government affairs, you should do it in the court."
Her father could certainly make some sense, but once these things started, too many things would be involved. The status of the baby in her belly was uncertain, and the Shen family might not be able to bear the consequences.
Emperor Yuan Shuo glanced at her with a smile. Her father had drunk more and was even more drunk. Otherwise, how could she have shown her former arrogance in front of him? "I intend to appoint Lord Shen as the Governor of Yongzhou. Naturally, I should listen to his opinions. Does your concubine think it is inappropriate?"
Yuezhou and Yongzhou are both upper states, but Yongzhou is the birthplace of Emperor Yuanshuo, with many prominent families and new nobles, and the land is flat. However, there are often locust plagues in Guanzhong, and the court often needs to reduce taxes. She has also heard these things with her own ears when the emperor was hunting.
In fact, her father had been a scholar-official for most of his life, and he was not necessarily discouraged from then on. He was just disgusted with the hypocrisy in the past. He did not have enough reliable relatives and friends in the court to support him in doing something extraordinary. He did not have to worry about food, clothing, housing and transportation, and would rather live in peace and quiet in the countryside, imitating Mr. Wu Liu.
But if his daughter were to become the empress, the emperor would have to honor his father-in-law's family for her sake, and he would also need his father-in-law to do his utmost to serve him and become a sharp knife in the hands of the king.
Emperor Yuan Shuo wanted him to go because he wanted her father to achieve some political achievements. Apart from that, everything was naturally up to him.
Shen Youyi stared at him for a long time. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her father beside her, looking a little surprised. She smiled and said softly, "Your Majesty has granted me an official position. Your grace is so great. Aren't you grateful, father?"
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