Husband and wife united, overcoming difficulties together
Their married life was as gentle as a spring breeze in March. Shen Qingci would go to the Hanlin Academy for his duty every morning and return late at night, his desk always piled high with the compilation of national history and court memorials. Su Yunqing, on the other hand, meticulously managed the household affairs, keeping the Shen family in perfect order. Knowing her husband's busy schedule, she would personally prepare a calming soup for him every day, still warm when he returned. The tea on his desk was always promptly replaced, and the faint scent of ink became a comfort to Shen Qingci as he unloaded his weariness.
Although they didn't spend much time together, they understood each other perfectly. Shen Qingci would quietly recount his observations from the court, and Su Yunqing would listen attentively, occasionally offering insights from a woman's delicate perspective. When Su Yunqing encountered creative blocks while drawing, Shen Qingci would put down his books and stroll with her in the courtyard, finding inspiration amidst the blooming and fading flowers. These days of mutual support were simple yet fulfilling, making Shen Qingci increasingly convinced that with such a wife, what more could a husband ask for?
However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease. After being turned away, Li Linfu harbored deep resentment and secretly laid obstacles. Several memorials submitted by Shen Qingci, beneficial to the country and its people, were repeatedly intercepted and altered by Li Linfu; some of his colleagues in the Hanlin Academy, under Li Linfu's instructions, also secretly ostracized and harassed him, spreading rumors detrimental to him. Although Shen Qingci was upright and honest, he could not escape being troubled by these overt and covert attacks.
That night, when Shen Qingci returned, his brows furrowed with undisguised weariness. Seeing his unusual expression, Su Yunqing warmed some wine and sat with him in the study. "Brother Qingci, has something happened at court?" she asked softly, her fingertips gently smoothing his furrowed brow.
Shen Qingci sighed and recounted Li Linfu's obstruction and the undercurrents in the court. Su Yunqing, though worried, remained calm. After a moment's thought, she said, "Although Li Linfu wields great power, he is not without flaws. He forms cliques, is corrupt by nature, and will inevitably leave incriminating evidence. For now, you only need to calm down, do your job well, and not give him any opportunity. At the same time, secretly keep an eye out for evidence of his crimes. When the time is right, you can bring him down in one fell swoop."
As she spoke, she took out a brocade box from her dressing case, inside which were several yellowed pieces of paper: "This is a list of officials and accounts that my father compiled back then. It mentions that Li Linfu was suspected of embezzling taxes when he served in local government in his early years. Perhaps this can serve as evidence in the future."
Shen Qingci looked at the note in his hand, then at his wife with a determined gaze, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He held her hand and said solemnly, "Yunqing, with you by my side, I have nothing to fear. You're right, we can't sit idly by and wait for our doom. We must not only uphold our principles but also learn to fight back."
That night, the candlelight in the study burned until dawn. Together, they analyzed the political situation at court, examined the network of Li Linfu's faction, and noted down possible countermeasures. Though a storm raged outside, the couple inside were of one mind, their eyes meeting with unwavering courage and conviction. They knew that this struggle against the powerful minister was destined to be long and arduous, but as long as they stood shoulder to shoulder, no obstacle was insurmountable.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
