Chapter 550 You can no longer have any contact with military power!
Hu Jinyu thought to herself, even if it was a subsidy, it was paid out of their own pockets by the second branch of the family, without touching a single penny of the public funds. A significant portion of it was her dowry.
Although she had to bring her dowry, she was happy to accept it. But wouldn't it damage the reputations of both her husband and son if she, his former "legal wife," was now betrothed to his son?
Has Your Majesty not considered these things? Why make such an arrangement?
After seeing Wu Qingyu off, the next step was the betrothal of several younger members of the Shen family.
Even a childhood betrothal is still a relationship, and according to custom, gifts and formalities are exchanged. The family that arranged the engagement clearly took it very seriously, offering the finest gifts and holding a very lively ceremony.
However, no arrangements were made for the child in Shen Yuanjing's room. Shen Lanxi's reason was that she needed to ask Shen Yuanjing's opinion.
Shen Yuanjing is now a powerful official stationed in the Northwest, and with his parents' wishes in place, the Empress cannot overstep her bounds.
There were some unexpected incidents during the flower viewing party.
Madam Shen specially arranged for the young master on the wedding invitation to come to the mansion to admire the flowers, ostensibly to admire the flowers, but in reality to find a match.
Shen Yuanxin thought that the matter she wanted to see was over. She had asked someone about the people on the matchmaker's post, and they were either impoverished families with titles but no real power, or illegitimate sons or concubines. None of them were the people she wanted.
She had already clearly refused, but her grandmother still made arrangements.
Throughout the entire flower-viewing banquet, her face remained dark from beginning to end, even during the engagement banquet for the younger generation in her family.
The married daughters of the Shen family took this opportunity to return to the mansion for a temporary stay.
The once spacious courtyard suddenly became overcrowded.
The Shen family's series of happy events aroused unease among many officials.
Those with quick wit and resourcefulness immediately submitted their petitions.
"A country cannot be without a ruler for a day, nor can a harem be without a mistress for a day. Your Majesty, I humbly request that you establish a harem!"
All the officials stared wide-eyed at the person who had offered the advice.
He's a young official, that makes sense!
You're still too young!
Don't forget their emperor's title, Emperor Chongwu. If there's a disagreement, blood will be spilled on his hands.
It seems that His Majesty's blade will soon add another soul to the list of the dead.
Shen Lanxi glanced at Wei Dongzhu, their eyes meeting, and she smiled.
"We did not discuss this matter before because our Great Zhou was beset by internal and external troubles, but the situation is now different. Our Great Zhou is strong and well-equipped, the world is at peace, and the people live in peace and contentment, with no one starving to death anymore. I am at ease and very pleased."
"Such achievements will allow me to give an account to the ancestors of the Great Zhou Dynasty after my death!"
The officials were barely able to suppress the urge to get goosebumps.
Look at what Your Majesty is saying, so grand and dignified. I wonder which ancestor Your Majesty is referring to.
"I am all alone, and even on a cold night, I cannot help but feel lonely!"
"I am deeply grateful for the concern shown by my officials today; it warms my heart!"
Officials: "..."
"Our Great Zhou Dynasty is united as one, surpassing even the previous dynasty. It will surely be a dynasty that will shine brightly throughout history!"
The officials were speechless. They remained silent when asked.
"I have received your sentiments. I will make a decision in court tomorrow. My ministers, please wait patiently!"
Today, the court was unusually quiet, with no endless arguments, no discord in government affairs, and no memorials to the emperor.
The officials fled the palace in a chaotic manner, as if they were running for their lives.
After court, some officials would gather in small groups of two or three.
"Is it General Wei? It must be General Wei, otherwise why would he be the only one left in the capital when all the other military officers have been sent out?"
"Our Emperor is unprecedented and unparalleled. Could it be that he intends to follow the example of men and establish a large harem?"
This question once again left the officials speechless.
"A man is a man, and a woman is a woman; how can they be the same?"
"Since ancient times, it has been normal for men to have three wives and four concubines. For women to be promiscuous is called attracting bees and butterflies, being fickle and unfaithful!"
If Her Majesty weren't a woman, they would have certainly hurled even harsher insults.
"His Majesty took all our guards, servants, and soldiers last time, why hasn't he said he'd return them?"
This question voiced the thoughts of everyone.
"Why don't you go and ask?"
"Bah, you go if you want, don't even think about pushing me out to my death."
Today's events quickly spread throughout the capital. Naturally, they also reached the ears of the Shen family.
If Shen Lanxi is to be with a man and have children, wouldn't the great empire fall into the hands of outsiders?
But what if that man is General Wei?
Wei Dongzhu served Shen Lanxi diligently and made great contributions to her.
Some members of the Shen family were anxious, some wanted to watch the show, and some were filled with hatred.
After the court session, Wei Dongzhu was summoned to the rear palace by Shen Lanxi.
“We’ve come all the way from Dongchuan to where we are now, and I will give you an explanation!” Shen Lanxi said earnestly to Wei Dongzhu.
The latter was secretly delighted; no one knew how long he had been waiting for this moment.
"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."
Shen Lanxi: "There's only one condition: after we get married, you can no longer touch military power. Do you agree?"
Wei Dongzhu was taken aback.
She continued, "At the same time, you will also relinquish your military post and, like the students of Qinglan Academy, only handle domestic affairs!"
And they don't yet have the final say.
Wei Dongzhu had waited too long for this moment; he would agree to whatever she said.
"Okay, I'll do whatever you say."
Shen Lanxi raised the corners of her mouth: "The same ceremony that emperors of all dynasties used to marry their empresses should be used for our wedding."
"Although I am the emperor, I am a woman, so I will wear women's clothing. You are a man, and apart from me, you are the most honored person in the Great Zhou. I grant you a four-clawed python robe."
Wei Dongzhu was moved and excited. His heart, which had been wavering and uncertain, finally settled down at this moment.
She knew that Shen Lanxi had plans for their future.
"Okay, whatever you say."
Shen Lanxi: "I demand of the Shen family sons to be devoted to one person for life, and naturally I will demand the same of myself."
Wei Dongzhu's eyes flashed, and then he said, "Me too."
Shen Lanxi smiled and said, "Go back to your residence today. You don't need to be on duty tomorrow. I will send someone to your residence to deliver the imperial edict and the python robe."
Wei Dongzhu's eyes lit up.
Shen Lanxi explained, "As early as when I ascended the throne, I had already ordered people to prepare the four-clawed python robe, which was only completed five days ago."
Wei Dongzhu's eyes welled up as he looked at Shen Lanxi.
"I'll go back and wait there."
Shen Lanxi smiled as she watched Wei Dong being expelled from the Hall of Diligent Governance.
As night falls, people who have been busy all day slowly open their eyes, their weariness showing.
...
"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! Someone has abandoned a mother and child who are unconscious at the palace gate."
"The mother and child were drugged and thrown into a carriage, which then walked to the palace gate by itself."
"There was a letter in the car that said the mother and child were General Wei's woman and child!"
After the guard announced the news, he immediately lowered his head.
Che Mingyuan took the letter in his hand and frowned as he carefully read it.
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