Chapter 932: Chapter 928: Gradual Progress (3)

Back then, the late Empress did not die of childbirth but was murdered by the Third Prince. Fortunately, the child in her womb was not harmed and was secretly rescued and raised by the two brothers. However, last month, someone in the court learned of this news and repeatedly dispatched assassins to Fujian to ambush the two brothers. The Eldest Prince was lost among the civilians amidst numerous escapes. I request the Emperor to send forces to find the Eldest Prince.

It can no longer be described as mere surprise or shock; no one could have imagined that the late Empress had a posthumous child, not only alive but well in this world.

This news, like a massive bomb, instantly shattered the court into pieces.

The Emperor was the first to react, ordering Shi Shengjie, the commander of the Imperial Army, to search for the whereabouts of the Eldest Prince among the civilians. His action proved he believed in the words of the Fujian Shen brothers.

The Grand Dowager was both shocked and furious, glaring angrily at Shen Ji: "Send someone to Fujian to carefully inquire if Shen An and Shen Ning ever raised a child by their side."

Upon hearing this, Shen Ji shook his head and said, "I have already sent someone to inquire, but the reply was uncertain. Shen An and Shen Ning have always been mysterious in their whereabouts, and I’m not confident if such a child exists."

The Grand Dowager narrowed her eyes in hatred and said, "No matter what, since they said so and the Emperor has this stance, then the child must still be in this world. You must send someone to find him before the Emperor does, no matter the cost."

"I understand," Shen Ji said. Just as he was about to speak, a servant woman outside reported, "Grand Dowager, Master, Nanny Mao from the palace has arrived."

The Grand Dowager nodded and had someone invite Nanny Mao in. Nanny Mao bowed to the Grand Dowager and Shen Ji, saying, "Imperial Uncle, the Empress requests your immediate presence in the palace."

Shen Ji looked at the Grand Dowager, knowing his sister must be anxious about the late Empress’s posthumous child, and nodded, "Please inform the Empress that I am heading to the palace now."

Nanny Mao acknowledged and left.

The Grand Dowager called Shen Ji back, "Tell the Empress not to lose her composure, lest those with ill intent see a joke in it. After all, she still has a brother, let her maintain her composure." After a pause, she added, "Go tell Lord Zhang to write a memorial, stating that Shen An and Shen Ning are deceiving the Emperor with no evidence or credibility regarding the late Empress’s posthumous child!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Ji immediately nodded and added, "Lord Zhang has been overwhelmed with the matter concerning Lord Wang recently; I’m afraid we’ll need to choose someone else for this task." The Grand Dowager’s face showed dissatisfaction upon hearing this, "That old fool, to get himself entangled over a mere prefect of Zhejiang, let him deal with it himself."

Naturally, Shen Ji wouldn’t speak to Lord Zhang in such a way, but he nodded in agreement and turned to leave.

The issue of the Eldest Prince’s posthumous child brought mixed feelings in the court. After all, if the child is of legitimate birth as the true Eldest Prince, his return would foreseeably cause chaos in the court, and some might even consider stepping back or being reassigned elsewhere. This muddy water is best avoided.

Yet, whatever one thinks, those involved cannot withdraw anymore.

Just like Lord Zhang, after receiving Shen Ji’s message, he worked overnight to draft a memorial to impeach Shen An and Shen Ning. He intends to push this matter into the spotlight, to force out the Eldest Prince, and to divert attention from Lord Wang’s affairs.

Tong Shen Zhi hurried to the mansion; Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao’s family were having a meal. Seeing Tong Shen Zhi arrive, Xiqiu put down the bowl and stood up: "Brother, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? Join us here."

Min and Zhi stood up to greet Tong Shen Zhi with formal courtesy.

Tong Shen Zhi, uninterested in eating, waved his hand, "I’m not hungry; I came to discuss matters with the Great Governor, and I’ll return after that. Father is waiting for me."

Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu exchanged a glance, stood up, and nodded: "Wenxian, come with me to the study." Then, he said to Xiqiu, "Have the kitchen prepare some food and send it over; we’ll eat and talk at the same time."

Xiqiu acknowledged, and Fourth Master Xiao and Tong Shen Zhi went to the study. As soon as they entered, Tong Shen Zhi asked, "Are you aware of the late Empress’s posthumous child?" Essentially asking if Fourth Master Xiao orchestrated this behind the scenes.

"Have a seat," Fourth Master Xiao invited Tong Shen Zhi to sit opposite him, then nodded. Tong Shen Zhi, having verified, asked again, "What is your aim? The impeachment memorial against Lord Zhang at the Imperial Censorate is prepared, yet now we have to delay it. Father sent me to ask you, what is the connection between these two matters."

Fourth Master Xiao had never disclosed Min’s true identity to Tong Shen Zhi, not out of fear of startling him and the First Master. Now that they were involved, and knowing any fabricated reason wouldn’t deceive Tong Shen Zhi and the First Master given their intelligence, he thought for a moment and said, "It’s for Min."

In Tong Shen Zhi’s mind, pieces came together, like broad daylight, slowly exploding and then assembling, as he listened quietly to Fourth Master Xiao recount the past, too shocked to speak.

"We can’t afford delays with Lord Zhang’s matter. The Fujian Maritime Trade Bureau is indispensable to the Ministry of Industry’s achievements. The Emperor also holds your father-in-law in high regard..."

It indicated to Tong Shen Zhi that if Lord Zhang is removed from the Cabinet, the First Master is undoubtedly the most favored candidate to enter next.

Knowing this was already anticipated by Tong Shen Zhi, he wasn’t surprised. His mind kept replaying Fourth Master Xiao’s words: "Min is not my illegitimate son but the child I took from the Second Prince Mansion back then."

No wonder he was so insistent on sending Min to the palace; no wonder he felt Min bore some resemblance to the Emperor, even Father once had such suspicions...

It was not them overthinking, but the facts were clear all along.

Tong Shen Zhi found it difficult to accept at once. He stood up and bowed to Fourth Master Xiao, "Let me think it over carefully; I’ll also go back and talk to Father. The impeachment memorial will be submitted as planned. I’ll need you to inform Lord Pang." Pang Guibin is an adviser at the Ministry of Communication, and secret memorials go through him. Shen An and Shen Ning’s memorial was also submitted to the Emperor through the Ministry of Communication.

"Alright, I’ll wait for your news," Fourth Master Xiao said as he saw Tong Shen Zhi out. Just outside the door, he saw Xiqiu standing there smiling brightly. He paused, realizing Xiqiu must have already known about this matter.

He turned back to glance at Fourth Master Xiao, who was wearing the same smile.

For the first time in his life, he felt like he had boarded a pirate ship. He nodded lightly, said no more, and left the mansion.

"Does Brother know?" Xiqiu walked over and took Fourth Master Xiao’s hand. Fourth Master Xiao nodded, "It’s a bit hard to accept, but I’m sure he’ll understand by tomorrow."

Xiqiu sighed lightly, "I wonder if Father and Brother will resent us for not telling them the truth earlier." Fourth Master Xiao replied, "Even if we had told them sooner, we couldn’t have avoided today. It makes no difference." Saying this, he took Xiqiu’s hand and returned to Chongen Residence.