Chapter 69: The Medallion of Immunity from Death

Shen Qianmo followed the young eunuch’s footsteps, stepping over the lofty threshold of the Hall of Diligence. As she lifted her gaze, she noticed that Lu Ziqing was present as well, clad in a dignified purple official robe, standing upright and solemn below the throne. On the opposite side stood several princes of Emperor Mingde, led by Meng Tianluo, with Meng Tianxu and Meng Tianyan lined up beside him.

Between Meng Tianxu and Meng Tianyan stood a tall, powerfully built man of about twenty years, with dark skin and an imposing presence. His black eyes gleamed as he stared eagerly at Shen Qianmo, excitement written all over his face.

Could this be the Fourth Prince Meng Tianlin whom she had not met last time? Yet, his appearance was so starkly different from the other princes—especially compared to Meng Tianxu beside him. One was like creamy white jade, the other like rugged stone.

Shen Qianmo discreetly glanced at Emperor Mingde, seated high above on the dragon throne, surveying the assembly from on high. As she knelt to pay her respects, she could not help but silently grumble.

Though Emperor Mingde was past fifty, he retained sharp brows and bright eyes, a heroic air about him, and his physique was well maintained. In his youth, he must have been a strikingly handsome man. Upon seeing Shen Qianmo kneeling below, his stern expression softened, and his usually severe tone gentled somewhat.

“Shen girl, rise and speak.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Shen Qianmo offered her gratitude, then rose and stepped aside, standing alongside Lu Ziqing.

Before she could steady herself, the formidable Fourth Prince bounded in front of her. Due to their height difference, he crouched down, his sparkling eyes spinning in circles around her, happily exclaiming, “Are you the Shen sister who cured my father’s sudden illness and rescued me from the prison? Wow, you’re so beautiful, just like an immortal from the heavens!”

At these words, Shen Qianmo nearly stumbled; startled, she looked up to find the burly, rugged Fourth Prince wearing a guileless, innocent expression, his large black eyes blinking as he fixed his gaze upon her, his face lit up with pure, happy laughter.

What was this situation? Could the rumors be true—that the pure-minded Fourth Prince Meng Tianlin was actually... simple-minded?

Shen Qianmo sent an inquiring glance to Lu Ziqing beside her. Lu Ziqing seemed to understand her doubts, nodding slightly.

So it was true!

Faced with such a discordant presence, Shen Qianmo was momentarily at a loss for how to respond. She forced a smile and replied, “Thank you, Fourth Prince, for your kind words.”

Meng Tianlin, delighted to see her smile, swayed happily in front of her, waving his arms and feet. “Shen sister, you look even prettier when you smile! I heard you can solve cases and examine bodies, is that right? Will you teach Tianlin? Tianlin really wants to solve cases and examine bodies too!”

“Fourth Brother, you’ll frighten Shen sister like that,” Meng Tianyan called from across the hall, struggling to suppress his laughter. He deliberately emphasized “Shen sister,” and finally burst out laughing.

Meng Tianluo turned, his face full of disdain, clearly looking down on Meng Tianlin. The fact that this fool was his brother was an embarrassment.

Meng Tianxu watched calmly, his expression inscrutable, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

“How could that be? Shen sister, don’t you like Tianlin?” Meng Tianlin’s face immediately fell, his eyes brimming with tears. “Tianlin liked you the moment he saw you. Tianlin is good and will be obedient—why don’t you like Tianlin?”

Shen Qianmo felt a headache coming on. She could handle criminals, ruffians, and unruly youth, but confronted with this innocent, childlike man pouting for affection, she truly had no idea what to do.

Just as she was caught between options, a stern, booming voice echoed from above.

“Enough nonsense! Step back at once!”

Meng Tianlin was clearly intimidated by Emperor Mingde. Hearing the angry rebuke, he stiffened, cast a reluctant glance at Shen Qianmo, and withdrew to the side, head bowed and dejected. Shen Qianmo felt a pang of guilt, wondering if she had wronged him.

After sending Meng Tianlin away, Emperor Mingde sighed inwardly. So many sons, yet none brought him ease. The eldest was too ambitious, but lacked patience; the third was deep and inscrutable, always scheming; the seventh cared only for pleasure and idleness; the fourth, once clever and spirited, had become half-wit and half-fool due to misfortune; and the second... best not mentioned.

Still, this composed and gentle Shen girl brought comfort just by her presence. Were it not for her uncovering suspicions about Consort Li, he might have spent his entire life in ignorance, not even knowing how he died. Remembering the Five Stone Powder found in Cuiwei Palace, he shivered, a deep sense of dread washing over him.

With these thoughts, he spoke warmly to Shen Qianmo: “Shen girl, according to Lord Lu, you were instrumental in solving the case of the headless maiden. Tell me, what reward would you like?”

So it was possible to request one’s own reward after entering the palace for honors?

Shen Qianmo had not expected this and was momentarily at a loss. Quickly, she considered her situation. Having entered this unfamiliar world, and likely to marry into the Prince Xuan’s household, she would inevitably have dealings with the imperial family. The rules of royalty were many, and they loved bestowing death or punishment at a whim. Better to ask for a Death Immunity Token, to keep by her side for future emergencies.

With this in mind, she stepped forward calmly, knelt before Emperor Mingde, and said, “I dare not claim credit, Your Majesty. Solving the case was a matter of luck, ultimately thanks to Your Majesty’s wisdom and great fortune.”

One could not request a reward too boldly—it was proper to offer polite words first.

“You certainly know how to speak. Enough, don’t keep me guessing. Tell me, what reward do you seek?” Emperor Mingde feigned a reproach, but smiled. No one dislikes hearing pleasant words, least of all a monarch.

To delay further would seem insincere. Shen Qianmo seized the moment, paused deliberately, and said, “I have no requests, Your Majesty, but as a child I often admired those who held Death Immunity Tokens in stories and plays. Thus, I boldly ask Your Majesty to grant me a Death Immunity Token to fulfill my lifelong wish.”

Her clear, gentle voice fell, and the Hall of Diligence was silent.

Soon, Meng Tianluo’s rather gloomy voice broke the quiet. “Hm, Miss Shen certainly knows how to plan ahead—already securing herself an escape route. Do you want the Death Immunity Token because you intend to commit a capital crime someday?”

Had it been anyone else, they would have fainted in fear at these words. But Shen Qianmo was unfazed, her tone soft yet firm.

“I do not understand Your Highness’s meaning. I seek the Death Immunity Token only to fulfill a childhood dream, with no ulterior motives. I ask Your Majesty to judge fairly.”

This Meng Tianluo truly couldn’t utter a kind word, always opposing her. Shen Qianmo cursed him inwardly. Still, so long as the old emperor believed her, Meng Tianluo could do nothing to her.

“Does Miss Shen know the value of our dynasty’s Death Immunity Token?” The one Shen Qianmo had likened to creamy white jade, Meng Tianxu, asked as if by chance.

Could it be that the token was especially precious in the Great Sheng Dynasty? Shen Qianmo truly did not know, so she humbly replied, “I am inexperienced and ask Your Highness to enlighten me.”

“Hmph.” Meng Tianluo snorted coldly, “Miss Shen needn’t pretend. Do you think Death Immunity Tokens are handed out like candy? Do you know, our dynasty has always had only one, and it becomes void after a single use. Do you think Father will easily give it to you?”

So it was indeed rare and precious. It seemed her request was unrealistic. Shen Qianmo remained kneeling, turning to Emperor Mingde to plead, “I was ignorant and did not realize the token’s rarity in our dynasty. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

So, please pretend my foolish request for the Death Immunity Token never happened.

Emperor Mingde was silent for a long moment, as if making a great decision. He turned to Eunuch Li and said, “Bring out the token.”

Was he actually granting her request?

Everyone present was shocked, all eyes on Emperor Mingde. Meng Tianluo looked hateful, Meng Tianxu’s expression was dark and unreadable, Meng Tianyan and Lu Ziqing were both startled, while Meng Tianlin’s face shone with delight.

Emperor Mingde’s action caught Shen Qianmo off guard. She had hoped only that he would not blame her for her audacity, given she had saved him twice. Never had she expected he would truly grant her the token.

Soon Eunuch Li returned, carrying a tray with a finely crafted white jade box—within must lay the dynasty’s unique Death Immunity Token.

Eunuch Li respectfully presented it to Emperor Mingde. Opening the box, the emperor found a gleaming golden token. After a glance, he signaled Eunuch Li to bring it to Shen Qianmo.

“Shen girl, you have twice rendered great service, no reward would be too much. Though this token is precious, it is but a lifeless object in my possession. Therefore, I bestow it upon you, hoping you will use it wisely.”

He really agreed!

Holding the weighty token, Shen Qianmo felt a sense of unreality. Such a priceless object, so generously granted—perhaps the old emperor was indeed magnanimous, and she had not risked her life in vain, nor suffered at the hands of Lou Xinyue.

Yet by nature calm, she quickly composed herself, knelt with poise, neither servile nor arrogant, and thanked Emperor Mingde.

“I thank Your Majesty for your gracious favor.”

“Rise.” Emperor Mingde, seeing her composed demeanor, felt a growing appreciation, his tone even gentler.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Congratulations, Shen sister, on receiving the Death Immunity Token! Shen sister, can Tianlin see what it looks like?” Meng Tianlin grinned broadly, bounding over and reaching for Shen Qianmo’s hand, eager to see the mysterious token his father had kept hidden.

Just as Shen Qianmo rose, her legs unsteady from kneeling so long, Meng Tianlin’s strength and lack of restraint caught her off guard. With his sudden pounce, Shen Qianmo lost her balance and toppled backward uncontrollably.

Finished! Shen Qianmo lamented inwardly; it seemed embarrassment was inevitable now. She had truly been done in by this heedless Meng Tianlin.