After being rejected, he emptied the mansion and went into exile

Chapter 443 Taking Leave from the Palace Banquet

The capital city of Kyushu has been operating much as usual these past few days.

The only difference is that it's been cloudy for days on end and the sun is nowhere to be seen.

And then there are the merchants whose business is getting worse and worse.

"I don't know what's wrong with business lately, it's been terrible."

"Our family is the same. Usually at this time, wealthy families would have already sent their servants over to order food."

"Haven't you heard? Several restaurants that did well in the first half of the year have already closed down."

"You mean the restaurant owned by the third master of the Shen family?"

"Yes."

"Their business was so good, how could they close down?"

"Any other shops are closed?"

The person who knew more information mentioned some more names.

Some people then fell into deep thought.

Others also realized what was happening.

"Isn't it strange? Ever since the four kingdoms left, it seems like all the shops owned by wealthy families have closed down."

"Even if we don't close the door, there aren't many customers."

Someone said with a grim expression, "Could something serious have happened?"

No one said anything, and when they tried to ask who had brought up the topic, they couldn't remember for a moment.

That person doesn't seem to be here either.

The next day, more and more shops on the street closed.

Their reasons were varied.

On the third day, even the street vendors stopped setting up their stalls.

As a result, people had little desire to go out.

The streets were deserted, no different from the dead of night.

Shen Jinyao asked Quan Gui, "Has the news already spread?"

Quan Gui nodded.

Quan Gui looked at the lady, feeling both admiration and some doubt deep down.

"Madam, it really will..."

He didn't dare to say.

Although neither the lady nor the general said anything, things have come to this point, so it must have happened, right?

He dared not think about it, nor dared he speak of it.

Since the four kingdoms left Kyushu, the lady had all of the Shen family's shops closed.

The lady told him not only to lock him up, but to lock him up in a very loud and elaborate way!

They wanted everyone to know.

If someone asks about me, I just say I've been too busy lately and need to take a break.

If anyone still didn't believe it and wanted to ask more questions, they all kept silent.

Then, he was sent to spread the word.

Every now and then, the merchants would gather together to chat, always in the same few places.

He only needs to give a little guidance, and intelligent people will naturally think more deeply.

After all, it's true that even the shops of wealthy and powerful families are starting to make moves.

If someone were to investigate carefully, they would find that those high-ranking officials have not left their residences for quite some time.

The fact that restaurants and inns can be shut down on a whim is no small matter.

Everyone knows that the lady is doing good deeds.

Shen Jinyao looked at Quan Gui with an expression of adoration and explained, "I'm not a savior, I'm just doing what I can."

She had discussed this matter with Xiang Hongxuan.

Discussing with him is like reporting to the Crown Prince.

She intended to spread some news, thinking it was a simple matter, but she was worried that the emperor might go mad and act recklessly.

She thought the Crown Prince wouldn't refuse.

Because if the crown prince were to force his way to the throne, he would inevitably be influenced by public opinion.

If he had thought about the people beforehand, he would have gained more popular support.

Xiang Hongxuan didn't even ask the Crown Prince; he immediately told Shen Jinyao that it was possible to do this.

Shen Jinyao then stopped being cautious and simply had Quan Gui use his position as the shopkeeper to spread the news.

Now only the guards outside and the guards in the courtyard remain at the Xiang residence.

These guards were all placed under Xiang Yang's command.

The remaining people were Quanfu, Quangui, Lanxing, and Qiuju.

The Xiang family originally didn't have many servants.

Shen Jinyao told the housekeeper and the nanny to go back to their hometown to rest.

The other servants also took time off whenever possible.

Are the four of you sure you're not going home?

Quanfu and Quangui shook their heads; the two brothers only had the Xiang family as their home.

He has followed the general since he was a child.

Before returning to the palace, the general instructed them to always stay with the lady.

Lanxing and Qiuju must not leave.

"If there is any commotion, you must grab your weapons and hide."

"And you, madam?"

"I know martial arts, I can take care of myself."

She still had room to save her life; her BMW had long been stored in that space.

Actually, it wouldn't be a problem if she were the only one in the Xiang family.

No one will feel at ease.

That would also arouse suspicion.

Meanwhile, in the palace, the Empress suddenly issued an edict, ordering all the wives of officials to come to the palace to attend a banquet.

The banquet was held to thank the wives of the ministers for their many efforts in taking care of the delegation from the four countries.

Now that the year-end is approaching, the ladies were originally planning to visit the palace.

Shen Jinyao naturally asked for leave, citing illness as the reason.

She used to be prone to illness.

However, Shen Tingyao was a little hesitant to say anything, as she didn't know what method the First Prince had used, but in any case, the First Prince's wife was absent from this palace banquet.

Some officials' wives requested leave, but the empress refused them all.

There was nothing she could do; she couldn't afford to offend the Shen family, and the Empress didn't care about anyone else.

However, Shen Jinyao knew that this was a signal.

This has happened many times in history.

In such situations, it is highly likely that officials' family members will be used for blackmail.

Shen Jinyao and Xiang Hongxuan had also discussed this matter.

Shen Jinyao originally thought that she would go to the palace if needed.

Although she knew she wouldn't be the one being threatened.

At the time, Xiang Hongxuan said that since things had already come to a head, there was no need to wrong himself.

Since that's the case, Shen Jinyao decided not to force herself.

They couldn't very well have the Empress and the Emperor come to the Xiang residence and kidnap her.

It was still quiet tonight; the people from the Xiang family who had been gathering information had returned.

"Madam, none of the ladies have returned to the manor."

Shen Jinyao nodded. It seemed she would have to make her move tonight.

Four days after the delegation from the four countries left Kyushu, the Emperor was finally about to make his move.

Moreover, it seems that the Crown Prince has not taken any action yet.

Sure enough, those who could sit in that position were not incompetent fools.

Hopefully, the Crown Prince is fully prepared and will not hesitate to act decisively.

Shen Jinyao said to Xiang Yang, "Be vigilant and don't wander around outside!"

"Yes, ma'am."

Since the Emperor was able to overlook Shen Jinyao and the Shen family's excuse for taking leave, he must have arranged for people to besiege the Xiang and Shen families.

All of the Emperor's actions demonstrate that with the elixir of immortality, he no longer wants a crown prince, nor does he want any son who covets his throne!

Shen Jinyao entered the room without letting her two maids follow her.

Finally, she entered the space one last time to make sure everything was ready before she began to doze off fully clothed.

The imperial palace was now engulfed in a bloodbath.

The crown prince, accompanied by his men, stormed into the palace.

The emperor on the dragon throne ordered his men to throw out the officials' wives who had already fainted.

"I never expected my crown prince to be in such a hurry."

The crown prince didn't want to say much. Over the years, how many foolish things had the emperor done, and how much suffering had the people of the Nine Provinces endured?

"Father, I know you are tired. Please go and rest."

The emperor gave a mocking laugh.

Point to the person on the ground and show him.