The Empress's awakening immediately shocked the entire nation.
Jiang Wang then issued a general amnesty and threw a grand banquet, making it seem like the whole world was celebrating. Even those who stayed indoors knew about the news.
Shen Mingzhuang had just woken up and was still a little disoriented.
She slept for several years, and when she woke up, she found that such a big change had happened around her, and she needed some time to accept it.
Her son had to study with the Grand Tutor every day, but whenever he had a spare moment, he would run to the Jiaofang Palace to play with her.
She gradually became familiar with her son. The little guy seemed afraid that she would fall asleep again and not wake up. Every day he would bring things to see her. One moment he would say, "Mommy, this red bean glutinous rice cake is so delicious. I think it's very good, so I brought some for you too."
One moment it's: "Mother, this warm jade chess piece was a gift from Father. If you're bored, Mother, why don't you play chess?"
...
Many things were sent over, and Shen Mingzhuang felt warm inside. She never expected that the child she had risked her life to give birth to was not a creditor, but a healer.
She had heard a lot of news from Man Huan these past few days.
She was surprised to find herself all alone in the palace. Had Jiang Wang not had a woman by his side to serve him all these years?
Man Huan shook her head. "The Emperor has been a different person all these years. He defied the advice of all the officials to make the Empress the Empress. Some officials even committed suicide by hitting their heads against a pillar. After that, the Emperor seemed to have become a different person. He began to work hard to govern the country. In just two or three years, he completely changed the situation in Jiangnan. Your Majesty, just watch. Your awakening will surely bring many neighboring countries to congratulate you."
Hearing Man Huan's confident tone, Shen Mingzhuang was somewhat surprised.
What do you mean?
Man Huan smiled and explained, "Your Majesty, this is the result of His Majesty's hard work and dedication to the affairs of the court and the country over the years. His Majesty's birthday celebration a few days ago saw all nations come to pay tribute. Today, Tian Zhong's army is strong and powerful, and he has already made others wary of him without shedding a drop of blood."
Upon hearing this, Shen Mingzhuang smiled, feeling very happy for Jiang Wang.
His ability to open up such a new world in just a few years, to change the situation in the court, and to create such a good situation today is all a testament to his hard work.
What's even more remarkable is that he truly remained chaste in bed, not straying from her affections during her unconscious period, which filled her with intense joy.
On the second day of the third month, a group of female relatives of the Shen family, along with the Duchess of Rongguo and the married Hanlin scholar Madam Shen Ming'e, came to the palace to pay their respects to her.
Shen Mingzhuang was playing chess with his son in the Jiaofang Palace. The little guy, whoever he learned chess from, was only five years old, but he could set up and move pieces quite skillfully. Shen Mingzhuang had to be on his toes when playing chess with the little guy, otherwise he might accidentally fall into the traps set by the little guy.
When the Shen family arrived, Shen Mingzhuang had just lost a game. Jiang Xuan snuggled into his mother's arms with a smile, looking lazy. The sun was shining brightly outside. The little guy had a rare day off and rarely had time to spend with his mother, so he was in a good mood.
Hearing that his maternal grandparents' family had come to pay their respects to his mother, the little guy became somewhat unhappy.
He muttered to himself, "Why did they have to pick today of all days? I finally got a day off from school."
Shen Mingzhuang couldn't help but laugh, and reached out to pat his son's head, "Have you ever seen your Aunt Rong?"
The Aunt Rong she was referring to was Shen Mingrong. She still remembered and would never forget the kindness that Shen Mingrong and Lu Ming had shown by risking their lives to enter the palace to rescue her. Regardless of whether they succeeded or not, at least when they did it, they had already given up everything for her, and this kindness should not be forgotten.
Jiang Xuan scratched his head and nodded. "I've met her before. She even gave me a bag of melon seeds last time, saying she was my aunt. But I rarely see her and haven't spoken to her much."
Upon hearing this, Shen Mingzhuang felt a warmth in his heart and smiled as he took his son's hand and led him to the main hall where guests were being received.
Shen Ming'e supported her waist with one hand while looking towards the courtyard, unable to sit still. If someone came, they would be able to see their figure from this side. Shen Mingrong couldn't help but laugh and said, "You're so pregnant and you're in such a hurry to come in. Even if you didn't come, Ninth Sister wouldn't blame you."
Shen Ming'e wouldn't listen. She pouted and said, "That's different. It's such a big deal that she's woken up. I'm so happy for her. How can I not come to the palace to congratulate her?"
As Shen Mingrong watched, she couldn't help but be affected by Shen Ming'e's emotions. In the past, several people had learned manners from her mother, but she liked Shen Mingzhuang the most. She felt that Shen Mingxi was too scheming, Shen Mingshu was too domineering, and Shen Ming'e was too brainless. Only her ninth sister, Shen Mingzhuang, had the most moderate temperament.
Looking back now, I realize that I was too subjective in my judgment of people and things back then. In fact, everyone has their merits; it just depends on whether you can see those merits from your own perspective.
Man Huan personally came out and invited the group of people into the hall.
This was Shen Mingrong's first time visiting Jiaofang Palace. As expected of the Empress's residence, Jiaofang Palace was furnished in a grand and dignified manner, yet also reflected the owner's personal preferences, making the entire palace come alive.
Seeing her former sisters and the little kids, Shen Mingzhuang felt a deep sense of emotion.
She sat on the Empress's throne, and everyone, according to age and rank, came forward to pay their respects to her before taking their seats in turn.
Jiang Xuan sat beside her mother, looking at these people who were somewhat familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar, and couldn't help but feel curious.
Shen Mingzhuang glanced at Shen Mingrong, who was accompanied by a little girl about the same age as Jiang Xuan. The little girl looked seven or eight parts like Shen Mingrong, with her hair in two buns and adorned with pearl hair ornaments. Her face was slightly chubby, and her eyes were big, beautiful, and very bright.
Shen Mingzhuang took a liking to the little girl at first sight. She beckoned the girl to her side. The little girl glanced at her mother with some fear. Shen Mingrong smiled, took her daughter's little hand, and walked slowly to Shen Mingzhuang. Just as she was about to bow, Shen Mingzhuang gave her a look, and Manhuan stepped forward and helped her up.
"The Duchess need not stand on ceremony."
The Duke of Rongguo passed away two years ago. Now, Lu Chengye has inherited the title of Duke of Rongguo and become the youngest Duke in the capital. Shen Mingrong has also risen in rank and become the youngest Duchess.
"Yan'er, quickly call her Auntie!"
So the little girl's name was Lu Yan, and her name, Yanran, was indeed very fitting for her beautiful appearance.
"This is for you." Shen Mingzhuang reached out and took off the red gold necklace inlaid with colorful gemstones from around Lu Yan's neck, and helped her put it on. The little girl liked the beautiful and exquisite necklace very much, but she didn't know whether she should put it on or not. She looked up at her mother, waiting for her mother's instructions.
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