31Shen Yulou, I'll trust you this once.
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Chapter 31 Shen Yulou, I Trust You This Time
Gongsun Changlin's face was extremely grim.
He had seen Shen Yulou's stance just now; he clearly had no martial arts skills, so how could he possess such great strength?
Could it be that the Seven Injuries Fist was truly that formidable?
Gongsun Changlin said, "I will naturally not renege on a mere five hundred thousand taels. They will be delivered tomorrow. May I know if they should be sent to Lord Shen's residence or elsewhere?"
Shen Yulou immediately said, "Naturally, they should be sent to the national treasury. The Seven Injuries Fist is a supreme treasure of the Hun Kingdom, and the money from its sale will be used to bolster our nation's military, not for my personal gain."
Shen Yulou knew that he could not keep this money.
Five hundred thousand taels of silver was an amount that ordinary people would never see in their entire lives.
Although this was won through Shen Yulou's ingenuity, the money would definitely end up in Emperor Ren's coffers; otherwise, he could forget about keeping his head.
Shen Yulou's words indeed earned Emperor Ren's favor. Emperor Ren nodded in satisfaction but did not speak.
Such matters could certainly not be discussed in front of outsiders.
However, since Shen Yulou had earned him so much money, while he would feast on the meat, he would certainly give Shen Yulou some of the soup. Rewards would definitely be forthcoming.
Gongsun Changlin's loss in the wager was quite embarrassing. He had initially thought that Shen Yulou was utterly powerless, yet the shield was completely ruined inside, truly looking as if it had been pierced by a master of internal martial arts.
Emperor Ren said with great satisfaction, "Minister Shen, let's put aside the matter of the shield for now. I invited you here primarily to examine this Princess of Yan State and see if you have any way to help her deliver the baby."
Shen Yulou was momentarily stunned, only then realizing that Emperor Ren had called him not to resolve the shield issue.
He turned to look at the Princess, who was sitting on a reclining chair. Her attire was noticeably different from theirs.
In the original owner's memories, he had a slight understanding of the alliance between the three kingdoms.
The Princess of Yan State, with such a large belly, arriving here, was clearly a hot potato.
Behind the Princess stood many imperial physicians and midwives. If it weren't for a difficult case, Emperor Ren would likely not have summoned him.
"Your humble servant will first take the Princess's pulse."
Upon taking the Princess's pulse, Shen Yulou's brows furrowed slightly.
He then rolled up his sleeves and said, "Princess, I need to examine your fetus now. Please forgive my intrusion."
At this moment, the Princess no longer cared about the distinction between men and women. Her belly had been touched by countless doctors on this journey, and she now only hoped for the safety of both mother and child.
As long as she could successfully give birth to the child, let alone these three cities, she would even willingly cede the entire Yan State!
After a thorough examination, Shen Yulou's expression also became somewhat solemn.
The Princess's condition was indeed not very good. Although he hadn't seen an ultrasound, based on Shen Yulou's experience, the child in the Princess's womb likely had an umbilical cord wrapped around its neck, in addition to an abnormal fetal presentation.
Head up, feet down.
If such a child were in a modern hospital, it would be an immediate C-section with no discussion.
However, for people of this dynasty, this situation was no different from a stillbirth.
Giving birth naturally was certainly impossible, and whether the Princess's life could even be saved was uncertain.
Seeing Shen Yulou's expression, Emperor Ren became anxious.
"Minister Shen, how is it?"
Shen Yulou said, "Your Majesty, Your humble servant requests a secret report!"
Emperor Ren was stunned for a moment and said, "Granted, come up."
Shen Yulou quickly walked up, standing very close to Emperor Ren in front of the dragon throne.
Emperor Ren asked in a low voice, "Minister Shen, how is the Princess?"
Shen Yulou whispered, "Your Majesty, the Princess can give birth, but it will be difficult and risky. Can Your Majesty send her away?"
Emperor Ren frowned slightly, "If she could be sent away, I wouldn't have called you. If you personally deliver the Princess's baby, how confident are you?"
Shen Yulou thought for a moment, "If Your Majesty grants me full authority and allows the entire Imperial Household Department's Imperial Heirs Residence to be at my disposal, I have seventy percent confidence."
Emperor Ren's expression changed slightly.
Seventy percent... Is it worth gambling with seventy percent?
Emperor Ren began to calculate in his mind.
If Shen Yulou failed, resulting in two deaths, the Wulin Kingdom would certainly make a big fuss, taking over Yan State's nine cities, and then might even send troops against the Hun Kingdom.
Although Emperor Ren was not afraid of war, the other party would have a legitimate reason and a great advantage, so fighting would definitely bring no benefits.
But what if Shen Yulou succeeded?
If the Princess of Yan State gave birth to an imperial heir, that would be the legitimate heir of Yan State, and though young, still an Emperor.
With the Emperor in Emperor Ren's hands, the nine cities of Yan State would surely obey his command.
At that time, the three cities of the Wulin Kingdom could also be reclaimed, which would mean expanding territory.
Perhaps in his lifetime, he could unify the three kingdoms and leave his name in history!
Considering the risks involved, Emperor Ren said, "Shen Yulou, I will trust you this one time!"
Shen Yulou said, "Your Majesty, Your humble servant boldly requests a reward first!"
Emperor Ren snorted, a hint of displeasure in his heart.
Did Shen Yulou think that the five hundred thousand taels of silver should be partially given to him?
If Emperor Ren bestowed it upon him, that would be his good fortune, but if Emperor Ren didn't give it and Shen Yulou actively demanded it, the nature of the matter would be entirely different.
Moreover, demanding it at this moment had a hint of coercion, naturally causing Emperor Ren's displeasure.
"What do you want?"
"Your Majesty, Your humble servant's sister-in-law secretly harbored an infant, and now her entire family is still in prison. Your humble servant is very worried and requests Your Majesty's pardon."
Emperor Ren was stunned for a moment.
Shen Yulou's requested reward was actually this?
In fact, Emperor Ren had also investigated Shen Yulou.
He had indeed come out of the imperial prison, and during the process of his entire family going to the execution ground, he had torn down the imperial edict poster, thus saving his life and entering the palace.
Now, Shen Yulou only wanted to pardon his family, never thinking of seeking promotion or wealth.
Emperor Ren suddenly felt that he had judged a gentleman with the heart of a petty person.
A trace of guilt arose in his heart.
"It was my oversight. I will draft the decree after the court session."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Shen Yulou stepped down.
All the civil and military officials looked at Emperor Ren with anxious expressions.
They wondered what the two of them had discussed up there and how Emperor Ren had ultimately decided.
This decision could affect the destiny of the entire Hun Kingdom for decades to come, so it could not be made hastily.
Gongsun Changlin was very displeased about losing five hundred thousand taels of silver, but at this moment, the Princess's matter was more important.
He asked, "Emperor Ren, how have you considered it?"
Emperor Ren said, "My Hun Kingdom has always governed with benevolence and righteousness as its guiding principle. Since Princess Naxing has already arrived here, there is naturally no reason to turn her away.
Princess Naxing can rest assured and stay in the Hun Kingdom to give birth. This matter will be entirely entrusted to Minister Shen."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expressions immediately changed.
Grand Councillor Zhang Fucheng was the first to step forward and object.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider! This matter is of great importance. If the Princess were to have an accident..."
Emperor Ren waved his hand and said, "My dear Minister Zhang, I have already decided. There is no need for further words."
Gongsun Changlin's lips curved into a cold smile.
"Your esteemed country is indeed benevolent and righteous. When will the Princess be able to give birth?"
Shen Yulou said, "Three days from now."