Rebirth: So what if my husband is a little crazy? He loves me.

Chapter 421 The Grand Secretary Resigns

"Then Father Emperor will have a reason not to agree to the marriage. He will only tell Fourteenth Brother that the Grand Secretary insists on marrying his daughter to the person you have chosen."

"Now that things are stable in the court, it's not impossible to replace the chief minister." Emperor Cheng was tempted.

Although Shen Zizai was the best candidate for Grand Secretary, he did threaten his power, so it was better to replace him with someone more obedient.

Moreover, the ministers who can enter the cabinet are all capable of governing, and even if they are slightly less capable, it will not have a significant impact in this peaceful and prosperous era.

"That's an idea." Emperor Cheng looked at Li Rui with satisfaction: "Rui'er, you've also seen the situation in the court. How about coming to court to help your father?"

"Father, please don't make things difficult for me. I'm not cut out for this." Li Rui said with a bitter expression.

Emperor Cheng had no choice but to give up and continued to ask, "Then you should get married by now. Is there a girl you like? Your father will bestow a marriage upon you."

"Your Majesty, I am confined to the palace all day long and have no opportunity to meet any girls. I will search outside the palace and bring any I like to see."

"Alright." Emperor Cheng did not intend to interfere with Li Rui's marriage.

Since he's not the heir, let him choose whatever he wants; it doesn't really matter which family he chooses.

After leaving the Pill Palace, Li Rui frowned when he smelled the scent of pills on his body. He went straight to the Imperial Garden. He didn't particularly like the fragrance of flowers, but anything that could help reduce the smell on his body was good.

He liked to sit by the lotus pond, where it always reminded him of the times he and Shen Li threw stones together when he was a child. His mother was not favored, and Shen Li was the only one who was willing to play with him during his childhood.

He usually didn't think much about it, but Li Che's behavior made him feel extremely regretful. If he had been braver back then, would the outcome have been different?

He unconsciously tossed pebbles into the lotus pond, his carefree expression gone, his handsome features even showing a hint of gloom. Lost in thought, he was completely unaware that someone had arrived beside him.

"Your Highness." A soft, charming female voice came, which made Li Rui frown slightly.

He turned his head and saw a woman in her early twenties dressed in the attire of a palace concubine. She seemed to be one of his father's concubines, but he did not recognize her.

"And you are?" he asked after giving a slight bow.

"I am His Majesty's concubine, Lady Chen. I met His Highness at the palace banquet." Lady Chen smiled gently: "Your Highness is truly a person of high status with a short memory."

Li Rui remained vigilant throughout, because he noticed that Consort Chen was alone, without any palace maids by her side, which was clearly unreasonable.

"Farewell." Li Rui said nothing more and walked away.

If you don't know the situation, it's best to stay away.

"Instead of being saddened here, Your Highness, why not take the initiative? With your current prestige, what can't you get?" Consort Chen said calmly.

Li Rui's heart skipped a beat. He had a feeling that this woman he had never met before knew his secret.

But how could that be?

In an instant, he realized he had been careless; he shouldn't have stopped, which was tantamount to admitting it.

"Giggle." Consort Chen giggled. "Your Highness, there's no need to hide it from me. I know who your beloved is. I just don't understand why you can't fight for her?"

Li Rui finally turned to look at her: "Who are you?"

“My master said that we should be completely honest with His Highness the Ninth Prince.” Consort Chen said as she moved gracefully in front of Li Rui, lowering her voice: “I am a person of the Great Liang, serving Princess Hu Ji.”

Li Rui was taken aback when he heard about Princess Hu Ji. He knew how formidable Hu Ji was, but he never expected that she would leave and still have such a person planted in the palace.

"Princess Hu Ji has met with you many times. Do you think you can keep it from her?" Consort Chen laughed: "I might as well speak frankly. No one in this world can keep a secret from Princess Hu Ji."

"I don't know what you're talking about. Goodbye." Li Rui didn't want to get involved.

"How can Your Highness know that Lord Shen has no feelings for you if you don't try?" Consort Chen said with a smile.

Li Rui frowned deeply.

Taking advantage of the situation, Consort Chen stepped forward and said, "The princess has instructed me to convey a message to you: as long as you wish to contend for the supreme position, the entire Liang Dynasty will certainly do its utmost to assist you."

"Please have some self-respect, beautiful lady," Li Rui said in a deep voice, then stopped walking.

Consort Chen still chuckled lightly: "If Your Highness changes your mind, you can come to me anytime. I will be waiting for Your Highness."

The princess said he would definitely fall in love, and the princess has never been wrong.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Li Che had not eaten for three consecutive days, and Emperor Cheng also summoned Shen Zizai on this day, still in the alchemy room.

Recently, Emperor Cheng has been particularly neglecting state affairs, spending his days in the alchemy room. He is thin but has excellent energy and spirit, and his face has an unhealthy flush.

"This elixir from the Daoist is truly extraordinary; it invigorates the spirit," Emperor Cheng said with a smile.

"Amitabha Buddha." Bai Wuyou ignored him, uttered the Daoist name, and continued meditating.

The more he acted this way, the more Emperor Cheng felt that this person was capable, and he relied on him very much, almost to the point of obeying his every word.

Emperor Cheng often wanted to get some guidance from Bai Wuyou, but Bai Wuyou was very sparing with his words, and had only given him advice once in the six months since he entered the palace.

"Your Majesty, Lord Shen has arrived."

"Summon." Emperor Cheng shook the Taoist robe he was wearing.

Shen Zizai was a few years younger than Emperor Cheng, but judging from his face and body, he looked more than ten years younger. Shen Zizai had a full black beard, handsome and well-proportioned features, and an upright posture that exuded righteousness.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Shen Qing, there's no need for such formalities. How have you considered Yue'er's matter?" Emperor Cheng got straight to the point.

Upon hearing this, Shen Zizai lifted his robe and knelt down: "Your Majesty, I have failed to live up to your good intentions. I do not wish to choose any of them."

"Minister Shen, you have truly failed me." Emperor Cheng narrowed his eyes, and this time he did not help Shen Zizai up.

"Your Majesty, I know I have failed you and have no face to see you again. I beg Your Majesty to grant me permission to return to my hometown to live out my days in retirement." Shen Zizai took out a prepared resignation letter from his sleeve.

This surprised Emperor Cheng. He hadn't expected that Shen Zizai would resign before he had even said anything, which seemed to indicate that he had been prepared for this all along.

"What do you mean by this, Minister Shen?" Emperor Cheng seemed displeased. "Are you threatening me with your resignation?"

"Your Majesty, I dare not, but I am truly powerless to do so. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your order." He handed the list back as well.

His attitude was firm to the point of being somewhat forceful.

Emperor Cheng knew he had let his old friend down, but he didn't hold his attitude against him and signaled the eunuch to put away the memorial and the list.

"I will not allow it. Here's what we'll do: temporarily put aside your current affairs and go back to reflect on your actions. Come back in three months and tell me whether you still want to insist on resigning," Emperor Cheng said.

Although he said that, Shen Zizai knew that handing over the power in his hands would mean that the position of Grand Secretary would be nominal.

If Emperor Cheng truly doesn't allow it, he won't let him go home.

This was a show of face for the world, to prove that Shen Zizai was determined to resign, and not that he, as emperor, was intolerant of others.

"Your subject obeys the decree." Shen Zizai kowtowed in gratitude.

At that moment, his blood turned completely cold. Imperial power was far colder and more ruthless than he had imagined.

"Get up." Emperor Cheng stepped forward and helped the person up, asking, "Have you heard anything interesting about the inner palace lately?"

"I've heard a little about it," Shen Zizai said calmly. "How is His Highness the Fourteenth Prince?"

"He threatened that he would not live if he could not marry your second young lady. I really can't do anything about him. Do you think you can agree to this marriage?" Emperor Cheng asked.

Shen Zizai was taken aback for a moment, then looked up: "Your Majesty is not joking with me, is he?"

He never imagined that his resignation from his official post would not only help his daughter avoid those纨绔 (playboys) but also facilitate a happy marriage.

For a prince like Li Che to do so much for Shen Yue, his true feelings are truly precious.

"I was just joking, but Che'er can't wait any longer. This marriage is just waiting for Minister Shen's approval."

"Your Majesty, I am willing and thank you for your great kindness."

Emperor Cheng nodded, and the two chatted about everyday matters with feigned camaraderie before Shen Zi finally left.

The imperial decree for the marriage was scheduled to be issued early the next morning, but that very night the emperor had it delivered to Fengxiang Palace, as he did not want his son to starve to death.

Li Che had lost weight in the past three days, and when he saw the imperial edict, he only smiled faintly, as if it was not unexpected.

She fainted after just one glance.

The imperial physician was summoned from Fengxiang Palace.

Emperor Cheng was alarmed; when he arrived, the imperial physician had just finished taking his pulse.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, His Highness is simply weak from not eating for several days. I will prescribe some medicine to help him recover and he will be fine after resting," said Imperial Physician Jiang.

Empress Ning was relieved.

The emperor looked at Li Che, whose face was pale, on the bed and felt somewhat incredulous. This child was far too stubborn.

However, he possessed a remarkable tenacity that was not found in other princes.

"Take good care of him. I'll leave the engagement to the Empress." Emperor Cheng instructed the Empress before leaving.

"Yes." Empress Ning was both surprised and delighted when she received the imperial edict.

She never expected it to turn out this way.

That day, Shen Zizai packed his things and left the cabinet. It was impossible not to feel lonely.

But at the same time, Emperor Cheng was also somewhat anxious, because when he returned to the Dan Palace, he finally obtained the divination he had been dreaming of.

When internal strife is about to break out, the only way to quell the chaos is through the benevolence of the emperor.

This time, Bai Wuyou didn't let him guess but instead told him directly that the emperor had done something wrong and would have to pay the price for it in the future.

Emperor Cheng began to feel as if he were being ensnared by an invisible net. He did not understand what this mistake specifically referred to. Bai Wuyou also told him directly that he should not allow the chief minister to step down and should invite the chief minister back immediately.

Because the hint was so obvious, the emperor began to have some doubts, since he remembered that Bai Wuyou was sent by Shen Li.

It's inevitable that there will be some bias towards the Shen family.

"Can the Taoist priest divine such specific details?" This is a question.

Upon hearing this, Bai Wuyou's once clear face immediately darkened, and he coldly said, "If Your Majesty does not believe me, then pretend I never said anything. I need to rest now. Your Majesty may do as you please."

He said something, flicked his whisk, and left.

Emperor Cheng had never been treated like this in his entire life, and he stood there stunned for a moment.

He was so angry that he wanted to push Bai Wuyou out and kill him, but since Bai Wuyou was a disciple of the Wudang Mountain sect leader and held a high position in the Taoist sect, killing him would probably cause him to lose the support of the Taoist sect.

Moreover, Bai Wuyou's ability to refine elixirs and preach the Dao is indeed much stronger than that of ordinary Daoists. Even if someone were to be handed a head to him, he probably wouldn't be willing to lay a hand on it.

He sighed deeply and decided to be more careful in the future, and simply ignore anything he said about the Shen family.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Shen Li has nothing to do lately and plans to go home early to see her father and comfort him.

After all, her father had spent over twenty years in officialdom, devoting himself wholeheartedly to the country and its people. How could she possibly accept such a desolate end?

Another point is that the father was betrayed by his childhood friend, which would be a thorn in his side for a father who values ​​relationships.

She got into the car and casually picked up the book she had been reading that morning. As she turned the page, she felt something foreign in her hand. Sure enough, when she turned to the dented page, she saw a piece of paper tucked inside.

She was certain that the paper hadn't been there that morning; it only read: 'Please meet Lord Shen at Zuixianlou. I have clues regarding General Xiao's assassination.'

She thought about it for a moment. She didn't know if it was true or not, but even if it was more likely to be false, she still wanted to go and see.

If any clues do leak out, she will be able to catch the unseen mastermind behind it all.

She truly harbored resentment towards that culprit.

"Go to Zuixianlou," she ordered.

She booked her usual private room at Zuixianlou, but she knocked on the door next door instead—a clue left on the note.

She was already prepared for battle, but when the door opened, she saw a familiar face—the familiar scholar's clothes and the familiar goatee.

"Master Gao?" Shen Li's voice was somewhat surprised.

She had dealt with this Master Gao from the Prince Yi's Mansion more than once, so she was naturally very familiar with him. With her keen hearing, she could easily tell that he was the only person in the private room.

It was obvious that this frail scholar posed no threat to her whatsoever.

Lianqiao and Shaoyao stayed outside with peace of mind. In their view, if there wasn't an elephant in the private room, there was almost no chance that it would harm their young lady.

"Please come in, Lord Shen," Master Gao said with a smile, quite pleased with the surprise on Shen Li's face.

"That note was written by Master Gao," Shen Li asked as she entered the room.

"Exactly." Master Gao closed the door tightly behind him.

"I've always heard that Master Gao is skilled in political maneuvering, but I never expected his handwriting to be so mediocre," Shen Li joked.

When Master Gao heard this, he couldn't help but laugh and cry. His calligraphy was considered outstanding among scholars, and almost no one could criticize him in this regard, except for Shen Li.

Shen Li's calligraphy and paintings are worth a fortune, unmatched by anyone in the world. Who can compare to her?

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Lord Shen." He could only manage an awkward smile.

"Master Gao didn't sit in meditation with Prince Yi in the mansion? Is he allowed to come out and move around?" Shen Li asked again.

These were words that struck a nerve; it was certainly not a glorious thing for the King of Chess to be confined to his quarters.

Master Gao could only explain helplessly, "I live outside the mansion and have no need to come in."

Shen Li nodded.

As soon as Master Gao sensed that she was about to speak again, he immediately said, "Lord Shen, I would like to plead for the Prince and ask you to stop targeting him."