National Division

Chapter 117 Lanxi Shen Clan: Could it be that they've come to deliver an imperial decree?
Kirin Court

Shen Xian led Jiang Rui to the fourth floor, where they sat down. Shen Xian looked at the bright-eyed young man and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.

Jiang Rui's eyes showed gratitude as he said, "Scholar Shen, the palace eunuchs said that you have transferred me to the Qilin Pavilion for another purpose?"

He was deeply grateful and didn't know what to say, so he simply kept the kindness in his heart and vowed to repay it in the future.

"The Empress Dowager has ordered me to go to Anzhou on official business in two days. I think Lord Jiang is well-versed in criminal law and is a brilliant judge. Why don't you come with me to Guhe County?" Shen Xian said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Rui's expression turned solemn, and he cupped his hands and said, "This humble official is at the beck and call of Scholar Shen. However, I am so skilled at solving cases that I dare not accept such praise. I am merely acting with a impartial mind."

Shen Xian smiled without saying a word, handed the newspaper proof to Han Yi, and asked, "Do you know anything about Cui Xu, the Prefect of Anzhou?"

Jiang Rui pondered for a moment, carefully choosing his words, and said, "This person is a member of the Cui clan of Boling, ranked ninth. He has served as the magistrate of Ningyang County, the judicial officer of Qingzhou, and the chief secretary of the Youzhou governor's office. He is currently serving as the governor of Anzhou. It is said that he is lazy and indolent. According to the Dali Temple's security assessment, Anzhou ranks last among the hundreds of prefectures in the country."

"The magistrate of Ningyang County?" Shen Xian frowned, catching a key piece of information. He looked at Xue Zhihua beside him and asked, "Wang Shence disappeared in Ningyang, right?"

Xue Zhihua nodded.

"It seems that Ningyang County is quite remarkable." Shen Xian looked thoughtful and said, "We'll set off in a couple of days."

As she spoke, she looked at Jiang Rui with concern and asked, "Is your body able to handle such a sudden situation?"

Jiang Rui hurriedly replied, "I was in the Dali Temple, and apart from the initial torture, I have not suffered any further and have fully recovered."

The scholar Shen in front of him rescued him, clearly intending to use him for his own purposes. How could he delay any longer?
Xue Zhihua nodded and said, "Let's prepare some things at the Vermilion Bird Blessed Land first, and then we can set off after we've made all the preparations."

Upon returning to Guhe County in Anzhou, if Shen Xian were to continue his martial arts training, he would need to prepare all the necessary martial arts supplies to avoid any unforeseen circumstances while traveling.

Moreover, they also need to recruit martial arts masters, so how can they do without elixirs and cultivation techniques?

Shen Xian thought for a moment and said, "That's fine too."

He also wanted to find another earth-elemental cultivation method and related martial arts techniques, and to integrate and refine them to make the cultivation system more complete.

Some time ago, I was in a hurry to compete with the disciples of the Cui and Lu clans, so I didn't have time to frequently switch between different techniques and didn't integrate the earth element technique. Now I finally have some free time.

Well, in this respect, no girl like Xue Zhihua is as thoughtful.

Shen Xian nodded and said, "It's getting late, Lord Jiang. You should go back and rest well. We will send someone to inform you when it's time to depart."

Jiang Rui cupped his hands in greeting and replied, "Then this humble official will take his leave."

Jiang Rui left not long ago.

Xue Zhihua asked, "These past two days, I've been gathering information on the local officials in the various prefectures and counties of Hebei Province so you can keep track of them on the road and prepare accordingly."

Shen Xian pondered for a moment and said, "Also, request a copy of the information on the demonic cultivators from the Vermilion Bird Division so I can review it."

If he can successfully establish the Demon-Slaying and Evil-Pacifying Offices upon his return to Anzhou this time, and strike at the demons and evil spirits in Hebei, his official position will surely be promoted, possibly to Grand Academician of the Zhaowen Hall.

That means that if one is promoted to the fourth rank, one can enter the Council of State Affairs by being appointed as the Chancellor. In fact, officials of the fifth rank and above can also be granted this title, but it is not common.

I wonder if the Empress will change the name of the Secretariat-Chancellery to Phoenix Pavilion and Luan Terrace in the future, which would mean she would be the same as the Chancellor of Phoenix Pavilion and Luan Terrace.

If a third-rank official is not from one of the three provinces, and enters the Council of State Affairs to participate in state affairs, then he is equivalent to a third-rank official of the Secretariat and the Chancellery.

This was part of the expansion of the prime ministerial system during the reign of Emperor Dajing, so that the emperor could promote his confidants to important positions and share the power of the prime minister.

Shen Xian said, "We can also recruit articles for the Qilin Daily from the public. After returning to the capital, I would like to start another newspaper."

His inspection tour of local areas and his rewards and punishments of officials will inevitably involve political affairs, so newspapers like "Da Jing Chun Qiu," which are positioned as two newspapers and one journal, can be launched in a timely manner.

"We should also recruit people from the Guhe Newspaper," Xue Zhihua said.

Shen Xian said, "After I return to Guhe County, I will find some classmates at Qingyang Temple to edit articles. The articles from the county can serve as a small-scale pilot project."

He's been away from Guhe County for over half a month now, and he wonders how his father is doing.

Thinking back to the days when I studied at Qingyang Temple, I still find it quite unforgettable.

A minor official came in and reported, "Scholar, there is a steward outside who claims to be from the ancestral home of the Shen family in Lanxi. He says he has something to ask you to see."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xian was slightly surprised and looked at Xue Zhihua standing to the side.

After thinking for a moment, he had some guesses in his mind and said, "Bring the person over."

Before leaving the capital, he should have bid farewell to his uncle, Shen Qian, in person.

As for the Shen clan members, although they may have made minor mistakes, they have not suffered any major moral transgressions.

He didn't really bother arguing with Shen Zhai.

A short while later, a servant came up to the Qilin Pavilion. Upon seeing Shen Xian, he bowed deeply and said, "Young Master, the Master has prepared wine and dishes in the room and said he would like you to come over."

Shen Xian said, "Go back and inform them first, I'll be there shortly."

The servant accepted the order and left.

Xue Zhihua said, "I wanted you to go back for dinner."

“In this world, one can never escape these social niceties,” Shen Xian said.

As they spoke, Xue Zhihua got up and, accompanied by Zhang Rong and a group of Thousand Bull Guards, rode away from Qilin Pavilion.

The Shen residence was brightly lit, with many people moving about.

Besides Shen Lin, Shen Zheng, Shen Zhai, Shen Qian, and others, Shen Zheng's eldest son, Shen Jun, also returned from the Imperial Academy today. He, along with Shen Zheng's second son, Shen Dai, and Shen Qian's son, Shen Zheng, who is currently serving in the Left Guard, all three of them waited respectfully.

It can be said that all members of the Shen clan were present, making it a veritable family reunion.

Shen Lin, dressed in casual clothes, sat on a rosewood armchair. He picked up a teacup, sipped the fragrant tea, and showed anxiety on his aged face. He said, "Boyan, it's getting late. Let someone go and ask again."

Shen Zhengdao: "Father, I have already sent someone over there."

"Master, master, a lot of Imperial Guards have arrived outside." Just then, a young servant rushed into the hall.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall was startled, their eyes wide with surprise, exchanging bewildered glances.

What are the Thousand Ox Guards here for?
Could they be here to deliver an imperial edict?
Shen Qian said, "It should be my nephew Xian. Doesn't he have the Imperial Guards by his side during the day? Those are sent out by the empresses in the palace to protect him."

"It's the young master who's back."

Sure enough, a steward entered the courtyard and excitedly reported to Shen Lin.

Upon hearing this, Shen Lin's face lit up with joy, and he called to the Shen clan members, "Follow this old man to greet them."

As he spoke, he led a group of Shen clan members out of the hall to greet them.

Shen Xian and Xue Zhihua had already arrived at the door.

Compared to the first time Shen Xian visited the Shen family ancestral home and was stopped by a servant, no one was blocking Shen Xian's way this time.

On the contrary, as Shen Xian arrived at the door, the servants were overjoyed and reported into the house: "Young Master has returned."

Suddenly, with a creak, the main door swung open, and servants on both sides carried lanterns to announce the news, causing a commotion.

Shen Xian's eyes flickered when he saw this.

In secret, one must be arrogant at first and then obsequious; even one's own clansmen are not immune to this custom. Therefore, Su Qin said: "When one is poor, one's parents disown him; when one is rich, one's relatives fear him. In this world, can power, position, wealth, and honor be ignored?"

Before they could even climb the steps, Shen Lin, along with the brothers Shen Zheng and Shen Zhai, had already greeted them at the gate, while Shen Qian was also not far away, looking at Shen Xian with excited eyes.

Under the eaves, the light from two lanterns illuminated the Shen clan, making them appear as a large, bustling group.

The Shen family members looked at the young man being protected by the Thousand Bull Guards on horseback. The Thousand Bull Guards' uniforms were magnificent and elegant, and their imposing aura made them dare not look at them.

"Admire it."

Having experienced much, Shen Lin's expression remained largely unchanged. He gazed intently at the young man in the blue robe, his aged eyes filled with excitement. He quickly took a few steps and called out, "Mu Zhi."

Shen Zheng looked at the young man with a smile on his face, his eyes filled with joy and enthusiasm.

Shen Qian had already approached and said with a smile, "Nephew, you've finally returned."

Shen Xian smiled and said, "Uncle, it's been a while since we last met."

Then, his gaze fell on Shen Lin and Shen Zheng, and also on Shen Zhai's face, meeting the latter's forced smile.

"Uncle." Shen Xian walked up and looked at Shen Lin politely.

It's not that I have no opinion about Shen Lin at all. My father has served as the county magistrate of Guhe County for many years and has never made any moves to get things done. My uncle, Shen Qian, is also a low-ranking officer in the Guard's Office.

However, both the legitimate and illegitimate branches of the family rely on their own abilities; it's better to rely on oneself than on others.

The Shen family of Lanxi had limited resources, which could only support one person, Shen Zhai, to serve as the Imperial Censor.

However, Shen Zhai was clearly not a very good leader of the Lanxi Shen clan.

It is conceivable that without his appearance, with Shen Linyi's retirement, the Shen family of Lanxi would have fallen to the level of a low-ranking noble family, or even a county magnate below the seventh rank.

There are no more high-ranking officials of the fourth or fifth rank from prominent families.

Now that their lineage is gaining power, they will definitely prioritize helping their own branch, regardless of personal relationships.

My uncle's martial arts cultivation is probably stuck at the Innate Realm because of insufficient martial arts resources. He still has some pills for the first and second realms to help him advance to the peak of the Innate Realm, or even the Grandmaster Realm.

As for the Shen clan members, it depends on their fortune and abilities. Shen Zheng is of average appearance, and Shen Zhai is narrow-minded. The rest depends on whether the third generation has the opportunity and ability.

He's not exactly a pushover either.

Shen Lin breathed a sigh of relief, his face kind as he nodded repeatedly, saying, "It's good that you're back. Your grandmother has prepared some good food and wine for you in the backyard. Let's eat together first."

As long as one recognizes the Shen clan of Lanxi, minor disagreements within the clan can be resolved gradually.

Shen Xian said, "I will stay at the manor tonight, and I will go to the Qilin Pavilion to work tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lin asked in surprise, "What do you mean?"

"I am on official business by order of the Empress Dowager. An imperial edict should be issued tomorrow," Shen Xian said softly.

Shen Lin didn't ask any further questions, and smiled, saying, "We should go back to our residence and rest properly first."

As they spoke, the group arrived at the hall in the back courtyard, which bore the inscription "Tangdi Tongxin" (meaning "fragrant and harmonious families"), and began to sit down and chat. Servants served fragrant tea and then slowly withdrew.

Accompanied by her daughters-in-law Zhou and Guo, Old Madam Shen came from the back house. Looking at the young man, the old woman's aged but kind face was full of smiles as she said, "Xian'er has grown so much."

As she spoke, she said to Zhou and Guo, who were standing to the side, "I even held Xian'er when he was little."

The Zhou and Guo families all smiled and seemed to be enjoying themselves.

At this moment, Old Madam Shen noticed the beautiful woman beside Shen Xian and asked, "Who is this? She looks familiar."

Xue Zhihua said in a clear voice, "Madam Shen, daughter of the Duke of Xue, Xue Zhihua."

Upon hearing this, Old Mrs. Shen was startled and exclaimed in surprise, "So it's Miss Xue! You are truly a distinguished guest."

Although the Shen family is known as the Shen family of Lanxi, a prominent family in the prefecture, when has a daughter of a duke ever visited?
The Shen family's situation has improved.

Shen Lin's expression also changed slightly, his aged eyes filled with surprise, thinking to himself, "I didn't expect her to be the daughter of the Duke."

Indeed, it is quite common for the Empress to host a banquet and for the Duke's daughter to accompany him.

Before he knew it, Shen Xian was associating with dukes, nobles, prime ministers, and high-ranking officials.

In fact, Shen Xian was accompanied by the Thousand Bull Guards just now, and his demeanor was so outstanding that he attracted everyone's attention. He alone stole all the attention, so how could the members of the Shen clan see anyone else?

Therefore, he was so engrossed in talking to Shen Xian that he didn't ask about Xue Zhihua.

"I apologize for my rudeness, but I wonder how Duke Xue is doing these days?" Shen Lin asked.

Xue Zhihua said softly, "Lord Shen, my father is leading troops at the front. Everything is fine, and he should be returning to the capital in a while."

Shen Lin nodded, stroking his beard, and praised, "Old Duke Xue is a brilliant general, still vigorous in his old age, and young Duke Xue is a tiger cub from a military family, even more capable in battle. The success in quelling the Qing rebels this time is entirely due to the efforts of the two of you."

"You flatter me, Elder Shen," Xue Zhihua said modestly. "It is also thanks to the Empress's holy protection and the soldiers' valiant efforts on the front lines."

Shen Lin smiled and said, "Miss Xue is right."

He thought to himself, "Truly worthy of being from a prestigious family, his words are impeccable."

Looking at Shen Xian beside him, he thought to himself, "What a pity. If it weren't for the marriage agreement with the Yu family, if Mu Zhi had married the daughter of the Duke of Xue, it would have been of great benefit to his career."

Unfortunately, Mu Zhi insisted on fulfilling his marriage agreement with the Yu family. As for whether the daughter of the Duke of Xue would not be his legal wife, well, don't even think about it.

Shen Linxiang invited Xue Zhihua to sit down, and then, seemingly casually, asked, "Miss Xue, how come you're with Mu Zhi?"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall pricked up their ears to listen.

Xue Zhihua said, "I now serve in the Vermilion Bird Division. Scholar Shen is the Commander of the Vermilion Bird Division. I am here by order of the Empress to escort Scholar Shen to Anzhou on official business."

"Don't sit here anymore, let's eat in the main hall in the back." Old Mrs. Shen smiled and said, "Zhou, go and keep an eye on things in the kitchen."

Madam Du then took over the conversation, saying, "Mother-in-law, let my sister-in-law keep her company while I go."

She would ask her husband later what exactly happened.

Madam Shen nodded, gesturing for Madam Du to come over.

As everyone talked, they walked along the covered corridor, through the moon gate, and arrived at the back hall.

Shen Lin walked alongside Shen Xian and said, "Mu Zhi, the governor of Anzhou, Cui Xu, is a member of the Cui clan. He has been deeply rooted in Anzhou for many years, and many people speak up for him. When you go to Anzhou on official business, you should be careful."

Clearly, this old man, who had experienced the ups and downs of officialdom, had a keen understanding of the current political situation and had guessed the purpose of Shen Xian's trip.

Shen Xian nodded, but did not elaborate. Instead, he asked, "Uncle, do not worry, I have already made a plan."

Shen Lin smiled and said, "After we finish eating, let's chat in the study. I have two acquaintances in Anzhou."

Shen Lin had been an official for many years and had naturally accumulated a lot of connections. However, most of them were of the same rank, and there was no one in the central government to unite them.

Shen Xian nodded. Having an elder in the family is like having a treasure. He would need to consult Shen Lin about some court affairs later.

This trip to Anzhou will begin here and then extend to the entire Hebei Province.

(End of this chapter)