Dad, open the door. I'll bring your mistress back for you.

"Wan'er isn't the only one hoping for Grandma's death."

"Don't talk nonsense." Old Madam Shen beat her chest again and again.

Seeing this, Shen Jingwan showed no fear at all. Instead, she took a step forward, a faint smile still on her face, and said, "Oh, Grandmother, please don't be angry. The truth is always unpleasant to hear, but it is the truth. The Third Prince is waiting for Wan'er at the mansion right now. Wan'er dare not keep him waiting for too long, so she won't stay at home any longer."

Before she finished speaking, she turned around and left Songhe Hall without looking back.

At this time, the only sounds in Songhe Hall were Madam Shen's suppressed sobbing and whimpering, echoing in the empty room along with gusts of cool breeze.

Shen Chuning, who had been standing in the corridor, quietly watched Shen Jingwan's figure gradually walk away, thinking about something in her heart...

Qixia beside him asked, "Miss, do you want to send someone to check what Miss Wan said in Songhe Hall?"

Shen Chuning shook her head. "Don't ask anymore. Let's go to mother's place and ask her to prepare for the funeral."

After she finished speaking, she looked up and said with a smile, "Aunt Qixia, you have finally avenged your great hatred."

……

Generally speaking, if a prime minister's wife unfortunately passed away, he should observe mourning according to convention, but the emperor would usually deprive him of his position and let him stay on on the grounds that he was busy with state affairs.

However, this time the situation is different.

Since Prime Minister Su resigned, only Prime Minister Shen Huaizhong was left in the court to hold absolute power, and almost all major state affairs were decided by him alone.

The vacant position of Left Prime Minister was also recommended by Shen Huaizhong and taken over by Zuo Jiange, the Minister of Personnel.

In this way, it can be said that all affairs of the court are under Shen Huaizhong's control.

Emperor Jing wanted to find Shen Huaizhong's faults in order to curb his arrogance.

It’s a pity that Shen Huaizhong has always been cautious and careful, so it is difficult for others to find any evidence against him.

However, this time, a rare opportunity finally came - the news of Shen Huaizhong's family's death reached the palace.

When Emperor Jing learned about this, he acted decisively and without hesitation granted Shen Huaizhong nine months of bereavement leave so that he could focus on handling family affairs.

Xiao Yuanlang, who had been waiting for an opportunity, seized the opportunity and climbed up the pole.

He decisively recommended the Minister of Revenue Jin Jimin to Emperor Jing, hoping that he could temporarily take over the position of Prime Minister.

After receiving the recommendation, Emperor Jing did not agree immediately, but instead sent someone to conduct a secret investigation.

After in-depth investigation, Emperor Jing discovered that the Minister of Revenue had differences with Shen Huaizhong in many political views.

In this way, Emperor Jing felt a little relieved, thinking that there should not be too many problems in placing him in the position of prime minister, so he finally agreed to Xiao Yuanlang's proposal with confidence.

Although Shen Huaizhong has stayed away from court disputes, his influence in the court has not diminished in the slightest.

As his confidant, Zuo Jiange would send someone to copy down in detail what happened in the court every day and send it to the Shen Mansion.

Not only that, those responsible for delivering the message also brought back Shen Huaizhong's opinions and views on various matters intactly.

Over time, the Shen family began to operate like a small court.

All government decrees are only eligible to be presented to Emperor Jing after being reviewed and approved by Shen Huaizhong.

Shen Chuning was worried about this.

She knew very well that if this situation continued, it would sooner or later arouse Emperor Jing's suspicion.

"Grandfather, the frequent visits of so many ministers to the Shen Residence recently are not a good idea. If this continues, it will inevitably cause His Majesty to become suspicious!"

Hearing this, Shen Huaizhong couldn't help but sigh and slowly explained, "Chu Ning, Your Majesty is fully aware of everything Grandfather has done. His Majesty's health is deteriorating, and his energy is far less than before. It's truly difficult for him to deal with the mountains of memorials. As Your Majesty's uncle, Grandfather should step forward and help him solve his problems."

However, Shen Chuning's concerns were not dispelled by his grandfather's words.

She frowned and continued to persuade, "Even so, Grandfather should make some choices and try to avoid those matters that can be avoided. Empress Su and Concubine Qin have already formed an alliance, and you firmly support the Fifth Prince's faction. Under these circumstances, they will undoubtedly regard you as a thorn in their side and want to eliminate you as soon as possible. Although His Majesty may still trust you now, there are always those who are good at sowing discord in the palace. As long as there are people who constantly slander and whisper in His Majesty's ear, there is no guarantee that His Majesty will not change his mind in the future and become suspicious of you!"

In fact, the latest news from his fourth uncle showed that Emperor Jing had already complained to Concubine Wei many times about his grandfather's excessive interference in court affairs.

Just as the two of them were talking, a eunuch from the palace hurried into the Shen family residence.

The eunuch held the imperial edict in his hand and read aloud, "The Emperor, by the order of Heaven and the Mandate of Heaven, orders Shen Huaizhong to enter the palace to appear before him immediately!"

Upon hearing this order, Shen Chuning couldn't help but show worry. She looked at Shen Huaizhong and opened her red lips softly: "Grandfather..."

However, Shen Huaizhong remained calm and composed. He smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry. I think it's just that Your Majesty has encountered some difficulties and needs to ask an old fellow like me for advice."

She leaned close to Shen Huaizhong's ear and lowered her voice to continue persuading him, "Grandfather, your granddaughter really can't let it go. After you enter the palace today, why don't you find an excuse to put all those things off? Emperor Jing granted you such a long bereavement leave, obviously with the intention of keeping you away from the core of power. But why would he suddenly ask you to come back to the palace to help with court affairs?"

In fact, even Shen Chuning herself felt very confused.