He was appointed to a critical mission amidst a change in the imperial court.
Less than three months after Shen Jiye parted ways with Qin Feng in Jiangnan, while the borders were no longer plagued by war, a quiet change was taking place in the court. The old emperor, due to his advanced age, abdicated in favor of the crown prince. After ascending the throne, the new emperor was determined to reform the government and pacify the surrounding areas. However, the south was suddenly hit by a once-in-a-century torrential rain. After days of torrential downpours, rivers swelled, dikes collapsed, and several prefectures were turned into a vast expanse of water. People were displaced, and urgent reports of the disaster rushed to the capital like snowflakes.
The new emperor summoned his ministers for a meeting, where heated debate raged in the Golden Palace. Some advocated adhering to established laws and waiting for the disaster to subside on its own; others proposed conscripting manpower to repair the dikes, but this was opposed due to the enormous cost. Shen Nianqing, over seventy years old, leaning on a cane, slowly stepped forward, his white hair and beard concealing a piercing gaze: "Your Majesty," he said, "the people are the foundation of the nation. The people of the south are now suffering from floods and droughts. If they are not treated promptly, there is a risk of popular uprising. General Shen Jiye has guarded the border for many years. He is not only brave and skilled in battle but also understands the hardships of the people. He once organized the people to build water conservancy projects on the border, demonstrating considerable talent in governance. I am willing to guarantee with my entire family's lives that I recommend him to go south to oversee disaster relief!"
Upon hearing this, the new emperor pondered for a moment. He had long heard of Shen Jiye's illustrious military achievements, his compassion for his subordinates, and his excellent reputation. Now, with the nation in crisis, such a responsible and capable general was exactly what was needed. He immediately slammed his hand on the table and declared, "Granted! Issue my decree appointing Shen Jiye as the Pacification Commissioner of Jiangnan, in charge of the military and political affairs of the southern prefectures. Allocate one million shi of grain from the national treasury, and grant him the authority to act expediently. He must quell the disaster and pacify the people as soon as possible!"
When the imperial decree arrived in Jiangnan by fast horse, Shen Jiye was in the courtyard teaching his son, Shen Nian'an, spear techniques. Receiving the bright yellow imperial edict, his expression solemn, he immediately knelt to accept it: "Your subject, Shen Jiye, obeys! I will certainly not fail in my mission and will save the people from their suffering!"
As he rose, he looked at Liu Shi beside him, his eyes filled with guilt. Liu Shi gently took his hand: "Husband, go in peace. The country is the most important. I will take good care of Nian'an and manage the courtyard, waiting for your triumphant return." Shen Jifang also stepped forward and handed him a heavy medicine box: "Brother, this contains medicine to prevent the plague and ointment to treat external injuries. The environment in the disaster area is harsh, so you must take good care of yourself. I will manage the affairs of the clinic and will also take my apprentices to the disaster area to support you as soon as possible."
Shen Jiye nodded, keeping in mind the concerns of his wife, children, and sister. He immediately handed over the relevant affairs in Jiangnan, selected a group of capable soldiers, and the next day, he set off for the disaster-stricken areas in the south with Liu Shi and Shen Nian'an. The sound of hooves was rapid as they traveled south, encountering only devastation along the way: flooded farmland, collapsed houses, displaced people, and sorrowful faces that weighed heavily on Shen Jiye's heart.
He reined in his horse, gazing at the murky floodwaters in the distance, a resolute glint in his eyes. His grandfather, Shen Chengyou, had taught him that the descendants of the Shen family should prioritize the nation and its people. Now that the people were in distress, it was time for him to fulfill his vow. No matter how difficult the road ahead, he would do everything in his power to protect this land and its people.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com