Chapter 572 Song Daoxi appears in the imperial court and declares the reduction of the power of the princes!
Because the Liu family had not handled things properly, Shen Yuanxin returned home in anger.
She naturally dared not bring her anger home, so upon entering, she immediately became cautious and performed all the proper rituals for returning to her parents' home.
Because of Zhang Chuchu's matter, Zhou Xinrou went to the temple to offer incense again, and the arrangements for her return to her parents' home were all handled by the second branch of the family.
Because of Zhang Chuchu's matter, Liu Shi did not get enough rest. Hu Jinyu also wanted to repay Shen Yuantang's favor, so she took the opportunity to hand over the arrangements for the homecoming banquet to Shen Yuantang.
As soon as Shen Yuanxin entered the room, she saw Shen Yuantang standing next to Liu Shi. The position of the mistress of the house was empty, and Shen Congwen was not there either.
"Greetings to Uncle and Aunt!"
Lady Liu gave Shen Yuanxin the gifts from the palace, thus fulfilling the proper etiquette.
Shen Yuantang looked at Shen Yuanxin with a half-smile: "Some things have happened at home. If we still hold a big banquet, we might give others something to hold against us. After discussing it with the elders, I think we should have a simple meal. Afterwards, you can take the children back to the Liu family!"
Liu Yun gave Shen Yuantang a strange look. He knew Shen Yuantang; she had been very famous before and was praised by many people.
Why is she speaking? Could it be that she's in charge of the household?
He knew his wife was a concubine's daughter, but he didn't expect her to be pampered like a legitimate daughter. Shouldn't he at least show her the most basic respect?
Today is her homecoming, and how the Shen family arranges this homecoming banquet will reflect their attitude towards him as her son-in-law.
Looking at it now, it seems so perfunctory.
Shen Yuanxin asked awkwardly, "Where are Father and Mother? I'm returning to my parents' home today, so I must pay my respects."
Shen Yuantang gave her a disdainful and provocative look and said, "No need. Father is at the old house, and Mother went to the imperial temple to offer incense. They each have important things to do and don't have time to wait for you."
Liu Yun felt a little embarrassed and was about to stand up for his wife when Shen Yuanxin interrupted him.
“With something like this happening in the family, my father and mother definitely need to work together to make arrangements. As a member of the Shen family, I naturally understand the need to respect the deceased.”
"Uncle and Aunt, Yuanxin hasn't seen the child for several days and misses him terribly. She's going to see the child right away!"
Liu also felt that Shen Yuantang's words were a bit sharp.
"Go on, Zhang is gone, and we don't know if Yuanhao will survive. The family has been shrouded in gloom these past few days. I'll make it up to you in a few days!"
Upon hearing this reason, Liu Yun's resentment lessened somewhat. After exchanging a few polite words, the two went to pick up their child.
After the two left, Liu made a comment.
"Yuan Tang, Yuan Xin is still a member of our Shen family. No matter what mistakes she has made, we can't let her lose face in front of outsiders!"
Shen Yuantang's attitude changed, and she said aggrievedly, "Second Aunt, I'm just so angry. I heard that it was because her wedding coincided with Zhang Chuchu's that Zhang Chuchu died so tragically!"
Liu immediately glared and looked around.
"You can't say things like that carelessly. If the third branch of the family hears this, they'll hate you and Yuan Xin!"
Shen Yuantang said reluctantly, "It's not just me saying that, everyone else is saying the same thing!"
Liu ignored her; she had to go take care of her mother-in-law.
With such a commotion at home, it's impossible to hide it.
Upon hearing the devastating news, Madam Shen fell ill immediately. Yesterday, she developed a high fever, delirious with her eyes closed, and now requires constant care.
Zhang Chuchu just had an accident, the old lady can't afford to have another one happen to her.
"Master, could it be that Yuanxin's marriage really clashes with ours?"
Upon hearing Liu's words, Shen Conglian immediately frowned and reprimanded her.
"What nonsense are you talking about? So many people died on the battlefield, but we didn't see anything happen. Didn't the Dali Temple say that?"
"It was an accident, a coincidence, or Zhang Chuchu's own carelessness."
Liu seemed lost in thought, and it was unclear whether she had taken the words to heart.
...
News came from Tianjin that two more descendants of idle princes had joined Zhou Ruyuan's service.
At this time, Song Daoxi made a public appearance in the Golden Palace and made a high-profile speech.
"They are all carrion-eating vultures; they might as well go and join the traitors."
"A motley crew will only divide and weaken the rebels' forces!"
"It would be better if more vultures and wild dogs like these went to join us!"
After Song Daoxi finished speaking, he observed the reactions of the court officials for a while before continuing.
"When the late emperor was on the throne, he treated the idle princes with kindness, to the point that they forgot that the court also had ruthless methods!"
"I suggest that we reclaim their fiefdoms, strip them of their titles of vassal kings, and cut away this rotten, stinking piece of flesh!"
The court officials were in uproar!
Unexpectedly, Song Daoxi didn't show up, but when she did, she made some startling remarks.
"As expected of a disciple of Guiguzi, he actually thought of reducing the power of the feudal lords."
"Indeed, those idle princes have been supported by the imperial court for far too long."
"If we fatten them up, they will become a hidden danger for our Great Zhou!"
"The hidden dangers left by the late emperor should be eliminated by His Majesty."
"Reducing the power of the regional military governors is feasible!"
"feasible!"
Taking advantage of the situation, Shen Lanxi had the Grand Tutor draft an imperial edict to reduce the power of the princes.
"As for the other vassal kings who have not made any moves, as long as they behave themselves, I will not take any action against them."
"The ones being targeted are those treacherous traitors who have defected to Zhou Ruyuan; they are not worthy of enjoying the benefits brought by my Great Zhou Dynasty!"
"Effective immediately, impose sanctions on any vassal kings who have pledged allegiance to Zhou Ruyuan!"
Liu Yanhui advised, "Your Majesty, I request that from this day forward we impose economic pressure on those vassal kings, cut off their trade, and sever their financial resources."
The Ministry of Personnel advised: "Your Majesty, under Your Majesty's leadership, the Great Zhou Dynasty has unified the four seas and all people are subservient. I request that we divide and weaken their population, and under the pretext of war, temporarily relocate them to our side."
Shen Lanxi nodded repeatedly.
"allow!"
The Ministry of Rites stated, "Your Majesty, besides the methods mentioned above, I believe we can also issue official documents and reports to rebuke the vassal kings who aided and abetted the tyranny."
"allow!"
Ministry of War: "Your Majesty, we are bound to have a fierce battle with Tianjin. I request permission to withdraw troops from various places and appoint a special commander. This will allow us to be flexible and adaptable to any situation!"
"allow!"
"Your Majesty, besides the court, I believe we should also involve folk storytellers and schools in this matter, so that more people and students can know the court's benevolence and the treacherous ambitions of the vassal kings!"
"allow!"
"His Majesty……"
The immortals clashed again, and only then did the people of the capital realize that the successor of Guiguzi was still in the capital and had not left.
"I thought they had already gone to Tianjin."
"Even if the Imperial Advisor doesn't go to Tianjin, the disciple of the thatched cottage is no match for him!"
"What nonsense about being a descendant of the thatched cottage? I've never even heard of him before."
"Our Grand Preceptor wouldn't even deign to associate with such a person..."
Amidst the conflicting opinions, Shen Yuanhao quietly returned to the capital.
Upon returning to the capital, the first thing he did was to go to the palace to pay his respects to the emperor.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
Shen Lanxi stepped forward and helped Shen Yuanhao up with both hands.
"You've lost weight, and you've gotten darker!"
The concern from his family brought tears to Shen Yuanhao's eyes.
"Big sister..."
Shen Lanxi: "I'm here!"
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