Chengyou met his beloved, and they pledged their lives to each other.
Upon returning from disaster relief, Shen Chengyou, still covered in dust from his journey, went straight to the palace to report. In the Golden Palace, he presented the accounts of the disaster area's reconstruction and the thank-you letters written by the people, detailing the entire process of repairing the canal and providing disaster relief. In his words, he showed no sign of seeking credit, but only concern for the livelihood of the people in the disaster area.
After reading the decree, the emperor was greatly pleased and immediately issued an edict: "Shen Chengyou has rendered meritorious service in disaster relief and is upright and courageous. He is hereby promoted to Academician of the Hanlin Academy and awarded one hundred taels of gold and one thousand bolts of silk!" All the ministers in the court offered their congratulations. Even the old ministers who had previously looked down on him now showed their approval—this young man is not only talented but also has a calm and humble demeanor, truly worthy of being a descendant of the Shen family.
The victory banquet was held in the Imperial Garden. The night was as dark as ink, palace lanterns shone brightly, and the aroma of wine mingled with the fragrance of flowers. Shen Chengyou, dressed in a brocade robe bestowed by the emperor, stood under the eaves, his gaze fixed on the graceful lotus flowers in the pond, his thoughts still preoccupied with the harvest of the disaster-stricken people. Suddenly, a clear, elegant zither melody drifted from behind the artificial hill. The tune was melodious and poignant, carrying a hint of sorrow, a stark contrast to the boisterous atmosphere of the banquet.
He followed the sound and saw a woman in a moon-white dress sitting on a stone bench, playing the zither under the moonlight. Her fingertips lightly plucked the strings, her expression focused. The woman had beautiful features, gentle and graceful, yet a faint trace of melancholy lingered between her brows, like a white lotus just beginning to bloom in a pond, pure and moving.
The music stopped abruptly. The woman looked up and saw Shen Chengyou. She nodded slightly and greeted him, "Lord Shen." Her voice was clear and melodious.
"You flatter me, young lady," Shen Chengyou bowed in return, his gaze sincere. "I just heard your music, which seemed to express your concern for the people. May I ask what troubles you?"
The woman was none other than Wang Ruoxi, daughter of Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites. From a young age, she was well-versed in literature and had a heart full of concern for the world. Having just heard of Shen Chengyou's disaster relief efforts, she was deeply moved and began to express her feelings by playing the zither. Upon hearing this, she softly said, "Minister Shen has worked tirelessly for the people in the disaster area, saving countless lives from suffering. I deeply admire him. However, there are still displaced people in the world, and unresolved troubles on the borders; it is inevitable that I feel concerned."
Upon hearing this, Shen Chengyou's heart stirred slightly. He had seen many delicate women confined to their chambers, but he had never met one with such a heart for the world. The two chatted amiably, discussing everything from the people's livelihood in the disaster area to the advantages and disadvantages of the court, from classics and historical texts to poetry and songs. The more they talked, the more they found themselves congenial, and they didn't even realize that dawn had broken.
From then on, Shen Chengyou frequently visited Minister Wang's residence under various pretexts, either to discuss current affairs with the minister or to read and enjoy tea with Wang Ruoxi. Wang Ruoxi was not only gentle and intelligent but also possessed unique insights, often offering guidance to Shen Chengyou when he was in trouble. Once, when Shen Chengyou was troubled by factional infighting at court, Wang Ruoxi softly said, "My lord, you only need to remember that unwavering commitment is the key to success. The people have their own scales of justice, and His Majesty has a clear eye; there is no need to be troubled by trivial matters."
A few words were enough to awaken him from his reverie. Looking at the woman before him, Shen Chengyou felt a deep affection growing within him. He knew that this well-educated, virtuous woman, with a heart for the world, was the one he wanted to spend his life with.
Shen Nianqing and Li Yanran had already discerned their son's intentions. Seeing that Wang Ruoxi was virtuous, talented, and beautiful, they were very satisfied and asked a matchmaker to propose marriage to Minister Wang's residence. Minister Wang and his wife had also long heard of Shen Chengyou's talent and character and gladly agreed to the marriage.
Upon learning of this, the emperor was overjoyed and personally bestowed a marriage upon the two. He also wrote the four characters "A Perfect Match" on a plaque and bestowed upon them a generous dowry and betrothal gifts. This became a celebrated story in the capital.
On the wedding day, the Shen residence was brightly decorated and filled with joy. Shen Chengyou, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, rode a tall horse and led a grand wedding procession to the Wang Minister's residence to fetch his bride. The streets were packed with onlookers who praised the couple as a perfect match, a match made in heaven.
As the bridal sedan chair arrived, Shen Chengyou personally lifted the curtain. He saw Wang Ruoxi dressed in a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, her face shy yet her eyes full of anticipation. He reached out and grasped her fingertips, feeling the warmth of her touch, and his heart was filled with certainty.
On their wedding night, the red candles burned brightly, filling the room with warmth. Shen Chengyou sat by the bed, gently removing his wife's phoenix crown, and said softly, "Ruoxi, from this day forward, you are my wife. I, Shen Chengyou, hereby swear that I will never leave you, protect you, and work with you to bring happiness to the country and its people."
Wang Ruoxi raised her head, tears welling in her eyes, yet smiling brightly: "Chengyou, I believe in you. For the rest of my life, whether in wealth or poverty, through thick and thin, I will stay by your side and be your strongest support."
The flickering red candlelight illuminated the two people's clasped hands, and also lit up a new chapter in the Shen family's legacy of passing on its torch.
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