A stable court ensures a long and prosperous era.
Shen Chengyou served as Minister of War for many years, during which time the military strength of the Great Jing Dynasty grew increasingly robust, and the borders were no longer plagued by war. Domestically, he worked diligently with virtuous officials to implement policies that improved people's livelihoods and education, resulting in a prosperous nation characterized by full granaries, abundant food and clothing, and flourishing social order. The court was characterized by a clean and honest atmosphere, with officials diligently fulfilling their duties and rarely engaging in corruption or dereliction of duty. This was not only a result of Shen Chengyou's iron-fisted reforms but also a testament to his exemplary conduct and impartiality.
As the emperor grew older, he relied more and more on Shen Chengyou, consulting him on many important military and national affairs, and even exceptionally allowing him free access to the palace. Some ministers privately advised Shen Chengyou that "his achievements overshadow the emperor's, and he should temper his brilliance," but he calmly replied, "My actions are all for the sake of the country and its people, not for personal honor or disgrace. If I were to neglect state affairs to avoid suspicion, I would be betraying Your Majesty's trust and failing the people's expectations." These words reached the emperor's ears, further increasing his trust and reliance on him.
Shen Chengyou's impartiality and incorruptibility were widely praised in the court. Once, his cousin was investigated for embezzling local taxes, and his family pleaded with him to show leniency, even invoking Shen Nianqing's name to intercede. While Shen Chengyou was moved by family ties, he remained steadfast in his principles: "Before the law, everyone is equal. If I abandon public duty for private reasons, how can I face the people? How can I gain their respect?" Ultimately, he personally impeached his cousin, bringing him to justice according to the law. This act earned him even greater respect from the court and the public.
Meanwhile, the younger generation of the Shen family gradually began to distinguish themselves. When Shen Jiye turned fifteen, he was admitted to the most prestigious Imperial Academy in the capital. He inherited the wisdom and responsibility of his grandfather and father. He was not only proficient in classics, history, philosophy, literature, military strategy, and tactics, but also organized a "Youth Military Society" at the Imperial Academy, leading his classmates to study martial arts and discuss border defense strategies. His insights were unique and even the professors at the Imperial Academy praised him highly.
On one occasion, the Imperial Academy organized a debate on "border defense." Shen Jiye proposed the viewpoint of "defense as the foundation, peace as the priority, and military preparedness as the means." He elaborated on a strategy combining strengthening border defenses, establishing trade relations with neighboring tribes, and cultivating elite cavalry. His arguments were clear, insightful, and to the point, winning thunderous applause. When this reached the imperial court, the emperor summoned Shen Jiye to discuss important military and national affairs. Impressed by his maturity beyond his years and his exceptional eloquence, the emperor was delighted: "The Shen family has produced a worthy successor; truly a blessing for our Great Jing!"
Shen Jifang, though thirteen years old and not yet an official, was quite renowned in the capital. She inherited her great-grandmother Su Yunqing's medical skills and her mother Wang Ruoxi's intelligence. Having studied medicine with Wang Ruoxi for many years, she could not only identify thousands of herbs but also independently diagnose and treat common ailments. She often accompanied her mother to the Huimin Pharmacy in the suburbs to provide free medical care and medicine to the people, especially skilled in treating children's and women's illnesses, earning her the affectionate nickname "Little Divine Doctor" from the locals.
Once, a small-scale plague broke out in the outskirts of Beijing, mostly affecting children with peculiar symptoms, leaving local medical officials helpless. Shen Jifang accompanied Wang Ruoxi to treat the children. She carefully observed their symptoms and reviewed the medical manuscripts left by Su Yunqing, discovering that the plague was related to the bites of a rare mosquito. She proposed a treatment plan of "clearing heat and detoxifying, expelling insects and preventing disease," personally going up the mountain to collect herbs, brewing decoctions for the children, and instructing the people to clean their homes and burn mugwort to repel insects. In just ten days, the plague was brought under control, and Shen Jifang's medical skills and courage spread throughout the capital.
The outstanding performance of the Shen siblings further solidified the Shen family's philosophy of "passing on the torch and ensuring the perpetuation of family and nation" in people's hearts. In the imperial court, ministers praised Shen Chengyou for his "effective parenting and excellent family traditions"; while ordinary people regarded the Shen family as a role model, emulating their methods of educating their children and advocating the values of "integrity, honesty, and service to the country and the people."
As time passed, the emperor's health deteriorated, and he began to consider the matter of succession. The crown prince was kind but lacked decisiveness, so the emperor entrusted Shen Chengyou with the task: "When the crown prince ascends the throne, you will be needed to assist him, uphold your original aspirations, and protect the long-lasting prosperity of the Great Jing Dynasty." Shen Chengyou knelt and kowtowed, solemnly promising: "Your subject will certainly devote himself to the utmost, even unto death, to live up to Your Majesty's trust and the people of Great Jing!"
Not long after, the emperor passed away, and the crown prince ascended the throne smoothly, becoming known as Emperor Mingzong. After his accession, Emperor Mingzong honored Shen Chengyou as "Regent Minister" and continued to implement the previous policies. Shen Chengyou showed no signs of being a powerful minister, diligently assisting Emperor Mingzong. He always consulted with his ministers on important matters and never acted arbitrarily. He was strict with his juniors, often instructing Shen Jiye: "An official should prioritize the interests of the people and the safety of the country. He should not forget his roots because of power, nor should he become arrogant and extravagant because of wealth and honor."
Under Shen Chengyou's guidance and leadership, the prosperous era of Dajing lasted for decades. The borders were peaceful, the people lived in contentment, the economy flourished, and culture thrived. Neighboring countries sent envoys to pay homage, establish friendly relations with Dajing, and exchange goods. Shen Chengyou's name, along with his grandfather Shen Qingci, was recorded in history and hailed by later generations as the "Twin Jewels of Dajing." Their story and family tradition became the most vivid testament to the prosperity of Dajing.
On this day, Shen Chengyou and Wang Ruoxi stood side by side on the city wall of the palace, looking down at the bustling capital city, their hearts filled with satisfaction. Shen Jiye was accompanying Emperor Mingzong to handle state affairs, while Shen Jifang was providing free medical care to the people at the Huimin Pharmacy. The family's legacy had been passed down, and the peace of the country had been safeguarded.
"Ruoxi, look, this prosperous era is just as we wished." Shen Chengyou's voice carried the vicissitudes of time, yet remained firm.
Wang Ruoxi smiled slightly, her eyes full of tenderness: "Yes, this prosperous era is what we have been pursuing all our lives, and it is also the expectation of the Shen family for generations. As long as our family traditions continue and our original aspirations remain unchanged, the prosperity of Dajing will surely last forever."
As the sun sets, its golden rays bathe the majestic palaces and bustling marketplace, painting a picture of a prosperous and peaceful nation. The story of the Shen family will be passed down through generations on this land, forever etched in history.
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