Chapter 312: Chapter 310: Cui Ji Never Intended to Acknowledge Him as His Father
Lu Yu looked at Cui Ji.
When his gaze landed on that strand of white hair at Cui Ji’s forehead, he already knew who he was planning to recommend.
His expression darkened.
He had to admit, that little Shen Yinning was truly clever. Seducing both his sons wasn’t enough; even the child he had left outside the family was completely under her spell. Willing to risk everything as her loyal servant might’ve been tolerable, but recently, he even went so far as to reveal his own identity to get her a stalk of Volcanic Ganoderma.
This brat Cui Ji had always been unbearably arrogant and never even acknowledged him as his father.
It could be said that, without Shen Yinning, he might never have discovered he still had a son like Cui Ji in Gan State.
He had decreed the execution of her father and brother, so was she now determined to set herself against his sons for the rest of her life?
Yet apart from Shen Yinning, Lu Yu couldn’t think of anyone else capable of cutting down the influence of the women from Yan Country.
After a long silence, Lu Yu resigned himself to his fate and said lightly, "Speak freely, my loyal subject."
"The former Duke Mansion’s young lady, Shen Yinning."
At Cui Ji’s words, the entire hall fell into silence.
Shangguan Min lowered her gaze and chuckled.
Perhaps there truly exists a certain kind of woman in this world, destined to be the center of attention. Back in the days of her family’s prosperity, she was surrounded by praise and admiration. Now, even in the midst of her family’s downfall, she remains the topic of conversation. Without her presence at this feast, it feels as though the palace banquet is missing its most essential piece.
It’s as though this grand banquet was held for her from the start.
Lu Ying toyed with his tea cup.
Only now did he fully grasp Shen Yinning’s plan.
She wasn’t merely relying on Yan Zheming to clear her name—she wanted more.
He leisurely took a sip of tea, his calm state of mind allowing him to appreciate the robust sweetness of the aftertaste. The unique lingering aroma pierced through the harsh bitterness, leaving a subtle, elusive fragrance on his palate—captivating, just like that vixen.
Listening to the chatter around him, he had no intention of intervening.
Within the boundaries of his principles, he silently tolerated Shen Yinning’s audacious schemes.
Now, he was eager to enjoy whatever performance the vixen had prepared next.
Shen Yunxi was the first to object: "She is the daughter of a criminal! How could she make an appearance at the palace banquet?! Are we saying that in the grand Capital, there is no one more presentable than her?!"
Lu Jiazhe sneered: "If Imperial Sister-in-law has better candidates in mind, why not say so outright?"
Shen Yunxi pressed her lips together, stubbornly refusing to back down: "She stands accused of murdering my elder brother, and it’s been less than a month since his death—his body is barely cold—yet she has paid no price for her actions! Until this case is thoroughly investigated, she cannot be released! Great Zhou is a noble kingdom—how could we allow a prisoner to compete against foreign nations? It would be a disgrace!"
"Heroes come from all walks of life," Lu Jiazhe retorted. "Compared to being ridiculed by the Yan people, I’d rather have Sister Shen represent us in the competition!"
Most of the attendees seemed to share this view.
After all, Shen Xinglei was hardly a virtuous man. A wanton murderer who oppressed the people—his death was simply deserved.
Other than the Shen Family, no one else truly mourned his loss.
Madam Chen, who always enjoyed opposing Shen Yunxi, spoke up respectfully: "Your Majesty, this humble servant believes the Heir of Prince Su has a point. The law presumes innocence; while the Shen family accuses Madam Shen of plotting against Shen Xinglei, they’ve yet to produce any evidence after more than half a month. Instead, they abuse their power to imprison her in the Imperial Prison without reason. In this servant’s view, the case should already be closed!"
Shen Yunxi was visibly enraged.
That old hag—just because she lost a tooth to an Eastern Palace cherry, she’s been holding a grudge until now!
Lu Yu nodded: "Pass on my decree. Summon Shen Yinning to the palace for an audience."
Ministry of Justice.
At dawn, Shen Yinning was already up, bathing, dressing, and adorning herself with great care—more meticulously than ever before.
Haitang came to tend to her, puzzled: "Madam, you live alone in the government office—why are you suddenly dressing so exquisitely? Is the Crown Prince coming today? Or...is it because of Lord Cui? Madam, the Crown Prince dislikes your close association with Lord Cui. Who knows if he has spies planted in the Ministry of Justice? You should be cautious!"
She was genuinely terrified.
These past days, she had witnessed her mistress conspiring alone with Cui Ji, and the way Cui Ji stared at her mistress was anything but innocent!
If the two of them were to cross the line and the Crown Prince found out, not only would they maids be punished, but it was her mistress who would face dire consequences!
Through the bronze mirror, Shen Yinning caught Haitang’s anxious expression and couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
She said, "Don’t worry. It’s not for Cui Ji. Today, someone will come and invite me to the palace feast. Do you believe me?"
Haitang was intrigued: "Is it the Empress Dowager?"
"Not her. You’ll find out shortly."
As Shen Yinning anticipated, an hour later, Cui Ji personally arrived with a palace eunuch.
Their gazes met briefly, and with a slight nod from Cui Ji, Shen Yinning understood their plan had succeeded.
Eunuch Liu recounted the matter of the palace feast with a smile, then respectfully said, "If Madam Shen performs well today and defeats the Yan Country woman, not only will she clear her name and leave the Ministry of Justice, but she’ll also be granted the title of Commandery Princess and receive a Red Book Iron Certificate! This is a fortune many dream of but can’t attain—Madam, you must seize this opportunity!"
Shen Yinning remained seated, composed, her voice crisp and clear: "Please convey to His Majesty that as a woman under criminal charges, I fear I would sully the Golden Hall and dare not enter the palace lightly. My cousin fabricated false charges against me, personally sent me to prison, orchestrated a Three Courts Joint Tribunal, and wished nothing more than to have me executed. I am overwhelmed with fear and dare not face the Emperor."
"This..."
Eunuch Liu appeared outwardly troubled but inwardly understood completely.
This Madam Shen was demanding His Majesty clear her name before she would enter the palace.
Few in this world dared negotiate terms directly with the Emperor; this Madam truly was extraordinary.
He thought for a moment, then decided to return to the palace first.
Upon hearing that Shen Yinning refused to appear, Shen Yunxi was furious: "What fear, what criminal charges—she’s blatantly putting on airs! She tortured my elder brother beyond recognition, and now she dares act self-righteous?! Father personally gave the order—her refusal to comply is direct defiance of an imperial decree! Eunuch Liu, you should have executed her on the spot!"
Eunuch Liu didn’t dare respond, only lowered his head and waited for the Emperor’s instructions.
Lu Yu felt a stir of irritation.
He well understood the enmity between Shen Yinning and the Shen Family.
It was a trivial matter, yet the Shen Family girl had made such a fuss over it.
He waved his hand: "Shen Hanlin, go to the Ministry of Justice personally. Explain to her that the matter with your second brother was a misunderstanding. Apologize sincerely and persuade her to quickly enter the palace."
Shen Xinghan lowered his head.
Once again, he experienced firsthand Shen Yinning’s meticulous scheming and merciless thirst for revenge.
She had killed his younger brother, yet now she demanded his apology.
If he refused, he would defy both the Emperor and Great Zhou.
Undisguised pressure—blatant provocation.