Chapter 112

Chapter 112

Shen Zhinuo: "What do you mean by 'the same family'?"

System: "Bao is actually the same as Bao, referring to the same surname. Of course, this only refers to Bao Xun's family, not all families with the surname Bao."

The Crown Prince and Emperor Chengwu exchanged glances again, silently confirming their suspicions.

Shen Zhinuo, curious, asked: "Did they change their surname?"

System: "Exactly. Emperor Jing of Yan was born with a frail constitution. Although he had many imperial concubines, he still had few descendants, only two daughters and one son."

Shen Zhinuo, hearing this for the first time, asked: "Who is Emperor Jing of Yan?"

System: "When the Old Emperor was conquering the world, didn't he personally kill the last Young Emperor of the Yan Kingdom? Emperor Jing of Yan was the grandfather of that Young Emperor, the penultimate emperor of the Yan Kingdom."

Shen Zhinuo: "Okay, then what?"

System: "Emperor Jing of Yan's only son was also sickly and died at a young age, leaving only one son, that Young Emperor, Emperor Yanping."

"Emperor Jing of Yan had few descendants, so he doted on his only grandson, truly holding him in his hands for fear of dropping him and keeping him in his mouth for fear of melting him. Originally a relatively healthy child, he was spoiled into a weak, indecisive, and fragile person. In an ordinary wealthy family, this might be fine, but they were the royal family. Such a person inheriting the throne, symbolizing supreme power, was like a child carrying gold into the marketplace, destined to cause chaos."

Shen Zhinuo: "What does this have to do with that Bao consort?"

System: "In the last few years of Emperor Jing of Yan's life, he was constantly bedridden, and his grandson was not capable, so the Bao consort exploited the situation."

Shen Zhinuo: "How did he exploit it?"

System: "This brings us to the princess whom Bao consort married, the eldest daughter of Emperor Jing of Yan, Princess Qingde."

Shen Zhinuo: "Princess Qingde? I haven't heard of her."

System: "Young Master, do you remember the princess from the previous dynasty who liked to host 'flower-viewing banquets'?"

Shen Zhinuo: "I know, my eleventh aunt and thirteenth aunt mentioned that princess at a banquet, saying she was enchantingly beautiful and liked to keep male companions, and even mentioned my twelfth aunt, saying she was also beautiful and might like to keep male companions, which was overheard by Tanhua Wen's mother, who then secretly arranged a marriage for Tanhua Wen."

The little black dog clapped its paws: "Young Master has a good memory, it's her. This Princess Qingde, being the eldest daughter of Emperor Jing of Yan, was doted on and grew up with a self-centered personality, and was also a flirtatious playgirl. Even after marrying Bao consort, she continued her ways, indulging in pleasure every day."

Playgirl? What's that, a queen of the sea? Everyone looked at each other, puzzled.

Shen Zhinuo: "She lived quite freely, but didn't Bao consort mind?"

System: "Whether he minded in his heart is unknown, but outwardly, he did not interfere. Not only did he not interfere, he even occasionally helped Princess Qingde find handsome men."

Shen Zhinuo was shocked: "It could be like this."

She thought only wives would find concubines for their husbands, but never imagined a husband finding male companions for his wife. This Princess Qingde was truly extraordinary.

Everyone also looked shocked and intrigued. They only knew that Bao consort was deeply favored by Princess Qingde, but never imagined it was like this. A man actively seeking to wear a green hat was truly unheard of.

System: "Bao consort's actions, in the eyes of Princess Qingde, showed he knew his place and was considerate. In return, Princess Qingde spoke well of him in front of Emperor Jing of Yan, helping him gain power."

Shen Zhinuo, thinking of her parents' love, couldn't help but shake her head: "They weren't a couple; they were business partners."

System: "Exactly, they used each other, each taking what they needed."

"Emperor Jing of Yan was in poor health, lacking energy, his son died early, his grandson was young, and he trusted his eldest daughter, so power gradually fell into the hands of Bao consort. He controlled the court, stirred up trouble, eliminated dissent, harmed loyal officials, and turned the court and the country into a mess, with the people rising up in rebellion."

"Later, when Emperor Jing of Yan died, Bao consort wanted to change the dynasty and ascend the throne himself. The civil and military officials would not stand for it. Several ministers risked their lives to set a trap, and at a banquet, regardless of rank, everyone rushed forward and beat Bao consort to death. Then they supported the Young Emperor to the throne, but by then, the Yan Kingdom was already on the verge of collapse, beyond saving."

Shen Zhinuo: "What about Princess Qingde?"

System: "After the loyal ministers killed Bao Xun, they forced the Young Emperor to write an edict. Then, they rushed to the princess's residence with the edict and strangled Princess Qingde to death on charges of bringing disaster to the country and its people."

Shen Zhinuo: "As a princess, she allowed her consort to harm the country, so she deserved it. What about the other princess?"

System: "The other princess, younger than Princess Qingde, had not yet married and lived in the palace, rarely appearing in public, so little was known about her."

"Moreover, overshadowed by the 'remarkable achievements' of her elder sister, Princess Qingde, the younger princess had a very low presence in the story, mentioned only in passing. At least in the plot related to Bao Xun, there was no mention of her."

Shen Zhinuo: "Was there no mention of what happened to her in the end?"

System: "It only mentioned that there was such a person, nothing else."

It was normal for minor characters to have little plot, so Shen Zhinuo continued to ask: "But didn't Bao Xun die? Why do you say my fifth uncle is related to him?"

Everyone's gaze shifted back to Bao Xun, who still looked confused. They frowned, unsure if he was genuinely unaware or just pretending.

System: "After the Young Emperor ascended the throne, pressured by the regent ministers, he issued an edict to execute Bao Xun's entire family and exterminate his nine clans."

Shen Zhinuo: "Why do you say it was under pressure?"

System: "The Young Emperor was only thirteen when he ascended the throne. Weak in character and lacking responsibility, his power had been constantly undermined since his ascension. He was a puppet, with all policies and edicts decided by the regent ministers after discussions."

Shen Zhinuo: "So, the Young Emperor didn't want to kill Bao Xun's entire family?"

System: "You could say that. The Young Emperor was the family's only child. Princess Qingde and the other princess doted on their only nephew, treating him almost like their own son."

"Bao Xun, aiming to please Emperor Jing of Yan and Princess Qingde and to win over the future emperor of Yan Kingdom, was exceptionally kind to this simple-minded and non-threatening nephew. From start to finish, he not only never harmed him but never even upset him. Thus, the Young Emperor was very close to his uncle Bao Xun."

"Bao Xun was very adept at pleasing people. Having charmed Emperor Jing of Yan and Princess Qingde, it was naturally easy for him to charm a simple-minded teenager. Even when he aspired to become emperor himself, he confessed to the Young Emperor, claiming he was managing the country for him and would return it when he grew up."

Shen Zhinuo: "That sounds like a lie. Did the Young Emperor buy it?"

System: "The Young Emperor only knew how to eat, drink, and have fun. Fearful of responsibility, he believed it and was even very grateful to Bao Xun."

"Mainly, witnessing the ministers kill Bao Xun terrified the Young Emperor. He felt those ministers were not good people and subconsciously sided with Bao Xun, believing his death was sufficient and there was no need to pursue his family. Thus, he was unwilling to issue the edict, but ultimately, he had no choice but to comply."

Shen Zhinuo: "From the Young Emperor's perspective, he was quite pitiful. But since he was born into the royal family and enjoyed its prestige and glory, he should also bear some responsibilities."

Everyone sighed in their hearts, thinking that if the Young Emperor's father hadn't died so early, and if Emperor Jing of Yan had been willing to train and toughen him up, the child's fate might have been different.

With this thought, everyone's gaze shifted to Emperor Chengwu. They suddenly felt that the Old Emperor's rough upbringing of his sons was quite foresighted.

But then again, the princes of Daxuan were now raised like hungry wolves, which didn't seem ideal either.

Still, how should one raise boys in a family with many sons?

System: "Young Master is wise. A country relies on its ruler, which is another reason why the Old Emperor worked so hard to have sons. He thought that if one didn't work out, there would be another, and if that one didn't work out, there would be yet another. In any case, no matter who ended up on the throne, it would still be his own descendants."

Shen Zhinuo tilted her little head and glanced at Emperor Chengwu, snorting: "Having too many isn't good either."

The Old Emperor's fingers, which were turning prayer beads, paused, and the corner of his mouth twitched.

The Empress and others couldn't help but laugh silently. Nuo Er, this child, really hit the nail on the head.

The system continued: "Once the edict to exterminate the nine clans was issued, the regent ministers sent people with the edict to arrest the family. The Young Emperor, feeling both pity and frustration at being constantly manipulated as an emperor, secretly sent a trusted aide to warn the Bao family. Some of the Bao clan members managed to escape, and later, to avoid being hunted down, they changed their surname to Bao. Bao Xun was among them; he should actually be called Bao Xun."

Bao Xun's face instantly turned pale.

The same four words popped into everyone's minds: remnants of the fallen dynasty.

The Fifth Princess eyed her husband warily, her expression far from pleasant.

Shen Zhinuo asked curiously, "So no one knows his real identity? Not even my fifth aunt?"

The system responded, "Not only does the Fifth Princess not know, but Bao Xun himself doesn't know. When his family fled with him, he was still young and couldn't remember much. The Bao family hid the past to avoid disaster and wouldn't have told the child."

Shen Zhinuo was puzzled, "If my uncle doesn't know his own identity, why did he rebel?"

The system explained, "He found out later, according to the plot, this summer. The uncle who raised him told him and forced him to join the rebellion, threatening to kill the Fifth Princess and their child if he refused. Bao Xun agreed."

Shen Zhinuo boldly speculated, "Is this uncle the new emperor surnamed Bao who stormed the palace, rewarded soldiers with heavy gold to kill, and wanted to exterminate our Shen family?"

The system confirmed, "Young Master is clever. It's indeed him. He is the younger brother of that Bao Xun from back then."

Shen Zhinuo was somewhat excited, "So my uncle is Princess Qingde's son?"

Everyone glanced at Bao Xun's handsome face, thinking it was indeed possible.

Hearing her Young Master's gossipy and excited tone, the system carefully reviewed the information to ensure nothing was missed, then said, "Actually, no. Bao Xun's father was Bao Xun's elder brother. Back then, Bao Xun's father received a letter from the Young Emperor and died covering his son and brother's escape."

"What a great father and brother," Shen Zhinuo sighed, then asked, "The Bao family was killed by the previous dynasty, so why did that Bao guy rebel against my grandfather?"

The system explained, "When Bao Xun plotted to usurp the throne, his brother was his most loyal supporter. Both brothers were ambitious but hadn't found the right opportunity. However, in the second half of this year, Daxuan fell into chaos, and he seized the chance to rebel, hoping to fulfill his ambitions."

Emperor Chengwu's expression darkened, and the Crown Prince's face turned grim. They had always thought Daxuan was stable, never imagining the hidden dangers.

Shen Zhinuo asked again, "What happened next? How did that new emperor surnamed Bao die?"

The system replied, "That's not known."

Shen Zhinuo continued, "What about my fifth aunt? What happened to her?"

The system said, "After Bao Xun was killed by the Sixth Prince, his uncle killed the Fifth Princess left behind."

Bao Xun looked at his wife guiltily. The Fifth Princess returned his gaze with a complex expression.

Shen Zhinuo couldn't think of anything else to ask and began pondering, "How can I remind my grandfather and father to check my uncle's identity?"

The little black dog didn't know and just kept her company.

After thinking for a while, Shen Zhinuo looked up at the Empress, "Grandmother, Nuo Er is hungry. I want abalone and meat buns." As she spoke, she patted her round little belly.

Everyone couldn't help but laugh, afraid of giving themselves away, and turned their heads away. Only Bao Xun was sweating profusely.

The Empress naturally played along and called for Yin Die to prepare the food. Soon, a pot of abalone and chicken wings, along with a plate of lamb soup dumplings, were brought and placed on the small table by the couch.

Shen Zhinuo climbed down from the Empress's lap, knelt by the table, and picked up a meat bun with her chubby little hands. After eating it, she nodded her little head, her eyes curving into a smile, "The buns are good."

Then she scooped up an abalone with a spoon, took a bite, and immediately frowned, waving her little hand, "The abalone is bad."

The little girl went to great lengths to remind everyone while avoiding punishment, and everyone was moved, though they couldn't help but laugh.

Emperor Chengwu coldly glanced at Bao Xun, and the Crown Prince also looked at him. Bao Xun, understanding the situation, immediately stood up and knelt before Emperor Chengwu, "Father, your son has committed a crime."

Shen Zhinuo was startled and tilted her little head to look at Bao Xun, "Doggy, what did my uncle do wrong?"

The system searched, "In the original plot, he didn't do anything wrong at this point."

Emperor Chengwu glanced at the chubby little girl with wide eyes and nodded towards Bao Xun: "Speak up."

Bao Xun kowtowed: "Your Majesty, I recently discovered that my surname is not Bao, but Bao Chong. I am the nephew of Bao Chong, the consort of Princess Qingde from the previous dynasty."

Shen Zhinuo was so shocked that she dropped her spoon on the table.

Emperor Chengwu feigned shock, straightened up, and was about to speak when he glanced around the room and then stood up: "Come with me, and the Crown Prince too."

After taking a few steps, he turned back and coldly glanced at the 10th Prince, who was trying to lower his presence: "And you, the Tenth, come along as well."

The group left Fengyi Palace and headed towards Chongzheng Hall.

Shen Zhinuo no longer cared about her abalone and meat buns. She moved to the edge of the bed, stretched out her little feet, and Di Guihong deftly put on her shoes and set her down.

"Grandmother, Mother, Nuo Er is going out to play now," Shen Zhinuo said, then grabbed the Little General's hand and ran off with a thud. Shen Weiqing, Princess Wen'an, and the others naturally followed.

The children ran all the way to the outside of Chongzheng Hall and hid behind the pillars, quietly observing the commotion inside. Soon, they saw the imperial guards escorting Bao Xun and the 10th Prince out.

Shen Zhinuo ran out from behind the pillar, tilting her little head up to ask: "Uncle Tenth, where are you headed?"

The 10th Prince pinched Little Dumpling's chubby little cheek, his tone affectionate yet helpless: "Nuo Er, you little troublemaker."

Shen Zhinuo slapped his hand away: "Nuo Er is not a rascal."

Then she turned to ask Bao Xun: "Uncle Fifth, where are you headed?"

Bao Xun looked at the innocent and adorable little girl, somewhat amused and exasperated: "Your uncle and Uncle Tenth are going to spend some time in the dungeon."

Shen Zhinuo opened her mouth wide: "What?"

Bao Xun and the 10th Prince arrived at the dungeon and entered two adjacent cells. As soon as they sat down on the beds, two people rushed to the bars of the neighboring cells, their voices filled with excitement and disbelief: "Bao Xun, the Tenth, how did you end up here too?"

After uncovering another secret, Shen Zhinuo was in high spirits and took her siblings for a stroll. Just as they passed Jingkun Palace, they saw a little eunuch walking along the wall. Upon seeing the group, he instinctively turned his toes to go back but then stopped and bowed to them.

Shen Zhinuo saw him and called out to the system: "Doggy, check him out."

The little black dog obeyed and quickly finished scanning, its tone fluctuating: "Young Master, guess who he is?"

Shen Zhinuo pondered for a moment, her eyes lighting up: "Could his surname be Wang?"

The little black dog flew up and down: "Exactly, his surname is Wang, named Wang Shun."