Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

Early the next morning, news spread from the palace that the young emperor had bestowed upon Princess Wenfu the title of Princess Wenfu Zhenguo, in charge of all matters related to the transport of the grain supplies, which would depart in three days.

The news caused an uproar throughout the city. Such an important matter was entrusted to a woman. Moreover, what merit did she possess to be bestowed the title of Princess Zhenguo by the Emperor? She had already received the title of princess by the late Emperor's grace of being adopted and raised, which was already an incredible honor. Yet, in such a short time, she was further granted the title of Princess Zhenguo! Such favor made many people green with envy.

Inside the scholar's residence, Shen Jingheng was having dinner with Madam Jiang when he heard the news. Madam Jiang was so angry that she slammed her chopsticks on the table.

"This emperor is too outrageous. She's just a village girl, yet he's making her the Princess Who Protects the Nation? Even the late emperor's own princesses didn't receive this treatment. He's clearly never seen the world before; he's already lost his mind about how to use the power he's gained."

"Madam, please be careful with your words. How can we presume to comment on the Emperor's decisions!" Shen Jingheng felt extremely uncomfortable with Jiang's tone. He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and spoke to Jiang in a somewhat cold tone.

"Husband, you are the Grand Tutor and the minister entrusted by the late Emperor. How can you not advise the Emperor against such reckless behavior?" Madam Jiang suppressed her displeasure and tried to make her voice sound as calm as possible.

“I know about this imperial edict. Not only do I know about it, but the Empress Dowager and General Jiang also know about it. They have both agreed that Madam should focus on her pregnancy and not worry about things that have nothing to do with her.”

Shen Jingheng's voice was gentle, but there was little concern in his words. Jiang was momentarily stunned by his words.

"You're saying my sister and older brother both knew about this? Then why didn't anyone tell me?"

Shen Jingheng glanced at her indifferently, without answering her question. That single glance was enough to make Jiang feel utterly ashamed. The meaning in his eyes was clear.

Why didn't anyone tell you? Does it even need to be said? Because you're insignificant.

After finishing the porridge in his bowl, Shen Jingheng put down the bowl and spoon, washed his hands with the help of a maid, and then looked at Jiang Shi, who was on the verge of tears, across from him.

"Madam, you no longer need to worry about the affairs of the court. You are now the head wife of the Shen family. Just manage the affairs of this household for me. You no longer need to interfere in matters of the court."

"What does my husband mean by this?" Jiang Xue stared at Shen Jingheng's gentle yet indifferent face with her beautiful eyes.

"Madam, you should think carefully about what Madam Jiang said. If you continue to be so stubborn, the Jiang family will not want a daughter who attempts to disrupt the court. Madam, you'd better think carefully about what you've said." The last few words contained a subtle threat.

Looking at that handsome face and hearing the words he uttered, Jiang Xue felt a sudden surge of resentment. She reached out and smashed all the plates and bowls in front of her to the ground, shattering them into pieces. The servants inside, witnessing this scene, lowered their heads and remained silent, not daring to utter a sound. Even the two personal maids that Jiang Xue had brought from her maiden home were trembling with fear.

Shen Jingheng glanced at the servants around him and gave the order.

"Everyone, please leave. I have something to say to the madam."

Upon hearing his words, the servants filed out as if granted a pardon. The two maids glanced at their young mistress with some concern, but when Shen Jingheng swept his gaze over them, the two quickly lowered their heads and followed the others out.

Shen Jingheng glanced at Jiang Xue's belly, sighed silently, and softened his tone.

"Madam, what is there to be dissatisfied with in your life now? Your sister is the Empress Dowager, ruling from behind the curtain. Your brother holds military power and is the Emperor's most trusted advisor. Your husband is the Grand Tutor, the Emperor's most trusted confidant. Your status among the women of Da Huai is already extremely noble. Why can't you be content with your lot in the inner quarters? Regardless of why the Jiang family arranged your marriage, we are now both ministers entrusted with the care of the late Emperor. Protecting the new Emperor is our shared responsibility. Why must you be an enemy of the Jiang family and me!"

"The two people you sent to the palace have been secretly executed by me. Don't try anything again. If anything happens to Luo'er, even if the ministers in the court choose someone from the imperial family, they won't let the princess sit in that position. No one will support you, including me."

Having said that, he didn't look at Jiang Xue again, lifted his foot and left the room, completely ignoring the sound of the table being overturned behind him. Although the news from the palace said they wouldn't depart for three days, that was to mislead the enemy. In fact, Princess Wenfu would be leaving for Jialing Pass today with the secret guards he had sent, and he was going to see them off.

Just as he stepped out of the mansion, he ran into Shen Jingxun jumping off his horse.

"Third Brother, I heard that Princess Wenfu is going to Jialing Pass this time. Is this news true?"

"Yes, it is true." Shen Jingheng said to him as he walked towards his carriage.

"Third Brother, Princess Wenfu is a woman. How can we let her go on such a dangerous mission? Could we ask the Emperor to send someone else? If that's not possible, I'll go myself!"

"What about your safety in the capital and the palace?" Shen Jingheng stood by the carriage, looking at him, wondering why his cousin was being so careless today.

"Aren't Lord Murong and Lord Jiang still in the capital? Why don't I escort the princess there? I'm really worried about leaving her alone."

Shen Jingheng, who was about to board the carriage, stopped in his tracks at his words. He turned to look at Shen Jingxun and saw the worry and suspicious blush on his face.

"You are in love with Princess Wenfu?" Shen Jingheng suddenly asked.

Upon hearing his words, Shen Jingxun reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He excitedly looked around to see if anyone had heard them. Only after confirming that no one was paying attention to them did he feel slightly relieved.

"Shh... Third Brother, keep your voice down. What if someone hears you and it gets back to the princess?"

Shen Jingheng stared at him for a while, confirming that his guess was correct, before speaking.

“You two are not a good match. If you want to get married, I will tell your uncle and ask him to find you a good match.”

After saying that, he got into the carriage and didn't say anything more to him.

"Hey, Third Brother, what do you mean? What do you mean I..." At this point, Shen Jingxun looked around furtively like a thief before muttering a complaint in a low voice.

"What do you mean I want to get married? I just... just... love her, and I don't want her to be in danger."

Shen Jingheng's cold voice came from inside the carriage.

"You two aren't a good match. She's not someone you should marry. Since your feelings for her aren't too deep yet, you should find someone else you like." After saying that, he knocked on the side of the carriage, signaling to the driver that they could leave.

Shen Jingxun watched the carriage disappear into the distance, and in anger, he threw the riding whip in his hand to the ground.

'I am, after all, a direct descendant of the prestigious Shen family. Why can't I like Princess Wenfu? And why do I like someone else? Are feelings so easily controlled?'

Seeing the carriage disappear around the corner, Shen Jingxun angrily picked up his whip from the ground, mounted his horse, and went home to find his father.