Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

The city of Jinling in this world has absolutely no connection to the civilized world that Shen Lang lived in in his previous life, except for the name.

The city had a settled population of about three million, accounting for nearly one-thirtieth of the total population of the Great Chu.

The main road within the city is divided into four districts: east, south, west, and north, with the central square as the boundary. The eastern district belongs to the aristocratic families and the royal family, and the central hub is also located in this area.

The southern part of the city was a gathering place for government offices and wealthy families, and also included some martial arts sects that had established branch campuses there.

The northern part of the city is where ordinary people live, and it also occupies the largest area.

The western part of the city is a commercial district, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a commercial street.

Shen Lang's side jobs were in this West Market district.

"jingle--"

A clear bell rang out as Shen Lang stepped into a brothel called Spring Rain Pavilion.

The madam, who had just finished tidying up and was preparing to rest, immediately looked up and said impatiently when she heard the bell.

"The customers came too early. We don't open until tonight, and the girls are still resting..."

But once she saw who it was, the madam's attitude immediately changed completely.

"Oh, it's Lord Shen! What brings you here?"

"I've taken on a side job and arranged to meet someone here. Manager Wang, you go ahead with your work and don't worry about me."

Shen Lang sat down at a round table, picked up the teapot, and poured himself a cup.

The madam smiled and brought over a pot of fresh tea, then approached Shen Lang and said, "Lord Shen, you've taken care of us for so long, would you like to call a girl to keep you company?"

We recently launched a fancy water massage service here. If you'd like, come over around dusk, and I'll have Dongmei take good care of you.

Shen Lang took a sip of tea and replied expressionlessly, "Forget it, I don't have that much money to play with. I'll think about it when I'm rich."

The madam hurriedly said, "Lord Shen is joking. If you are willing, how could I possibly take your money?"

Ever since you arrived, those thugs and ruffians haven't dared to cause trouble here anymore.

Life has become much more comfortable, and the girls at Chunyu Tower all remember your kindness.

"Hehe." Shen Lang chuckled twice. "Forget it, things that are free are often the most expensive. Don't rush to set me up."

Just focus on doing your business steadily and don't worry about anything else.

As they were talking, a young man stood outside the brothel.

He glanced around inside, then whispered, "Excuse me, has Lord Shen arrived? I am Zhao Anmin, and Huang Hu sent me."

Shen Lang turned around and narrowed his eyes.

Isn't this the guy whose head was covered in green yesterday?

I never expected that this side job would be done by him.

"Manager Wang, you may leave now."

"Yes, Lord Shen, please feel free to give any instructions. I'll be in the back room."

The madam smiled obsequiously, glanced at Zhao Anmin again, and then turned and went to the back room.

As soon as everyone left, Shen Lang immediately waved to Zhao Anmin: "What do you need me to do? Sit down and tell me, don't be nervous."

It was obvious that this was Zhao Anmin's first time visiting such a brothel, and even though it was closed now, he still felt very uncomfortable.

He timidly sat down in front of Shen Lang, then looked around.

It's clear he's very uneasy right now.

"Stop looking, there are no girls to serve you now, people only take customers at night."

Shen Lang poured himself a cup of tea.

"Get to the point. What exactly do you want from me?"

Zhao Anmin took a deep breath; the lingering scent of rouge in the Spring Rain Pavilion made his nose itch.

"I... I would like to ask Lord Shen to help me take revenge on someone."

"woman?"

Shen Lang asked directly.

"Ok!"

Zhao Anmin nodded vigorously.

"This woman is my childhood sweetheart. We've been together since we were little, but later, she betrayed me and went with a rich young man..."

Shen Lang listened with great interest to these kinds of NTR stories, adhering to the basic principle that one should not be too frivolous when watching funerals.

After he finished speaking, Shen Lang looked like he had just heard some juicy gossip. He couldn't help but pat him on the shoulder and say earnestly, "Brother, let me give you some advice: stay strong."

Zhao Anmin felt a lump in his throat, completely failing to grasp Shen Lang's implied meaning.

On the contrary, she felt that the man in front of her, dressed in official robes, was very trustworthy and an empathizer who understood her inner suffering.

So, after a pointless venting session, Zhao Anmin got straight to the point.

"I want her to regret the choice she made, to regret losing a man who once loved her so much."

I'm about to leave Jinling and return to Suzhou. My family found out about my affair with her and specially found another girl for me.

"This time I'm going back and never coming back. Before I leave, I want to get my revenge on her to ease the pent-up resentment I've suffered over the years."

Shen Lang nodded: "Understood. Leave this to me. But you should know the rules. Didn't Huang Hu tell you?"

He then gestured as if counting money.

Sympathy is sympathy, but business is business.

Shen Lang resolutely opposes the self-righteous and unethical behavior of those who try to get something for nothing.

"I know."

Zhao Anmin immediately took out ten taels of silver from his pocket.

"I'm leaving everything to Brother Shen."

After glancing at the two five-tael silver ingots on the table, Shen Lang silently picked up his teacup and took a sip of water.

Zhao Anmin asked, puzzled, "Brother Shen, what do you mean by this?"

Shen Lang put down his teacup and sighed, "It seems you don't truly want revenge on her."

"Ten taels of silver, and you think you can forget the harm she caused you? Don't be naive."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Anmin whispered, "Then may I ask, Brother Shen, how much do you need? I... don't have that much silver on hand."

Shen Lang stretched out his arms: "Fine, seeing that you've had a tough time, I'll add another ten taels of silver, and I'll handle this for you in a grand and impressive manner."

Just don't be a simp anymore. This kind of woman isn't worth it; she's just a slut, understand?

"Yes, Brother Shen is right. I will definitely keep my eyes open in the future. Thank you for your guidance."

As he spoke, Zhao Anmin took out two five-tael silver ingots from his pocket.

Without a word, Shen Lang put away the silver. The joy on his face vanished in an instant, and then he asked in a serious tone, "Tell me, when will you get things done?"

"today!"

Zhao Anmin replied.

"I'll make her regret it today."

"At noon, she will go to Wenxianglou Restaurant in the West Market for lunch. I want her to lose face in front of everyone!"

He said this through gritted teeth, showing that this sycophant had finally come to his senses.

"Deal. You can go back now. I'll be at Wenxianglou at noon sharp. Then you'll know whether the twenty taels of silver were worth it."

After saying that, Shen Lang got up and walked out of Chunyu Tower.

……

In the Imperial Study of Weiyang Palace, Jiang Mengxuan sat at her desk, intently reviewing memorials sent from various regions.

Just then, Jiang Shangxian requested an audience.

Upon seeing the Empress's niece, Jiang Shangxian immediately stated his purpose: "Your Majesty, I have carefully formulated a plan targeting the Green Robe Pavilion."

"This matter is almost certainly settled; I guarantee it will be handled perfectly for His Majesty."

Jiang Mengxuan smiled slightly, her face revealing neither joy nor sorrow, and simply replied, "Thank you for your concern, Imperial Uncle. May I ask what the plan is? Could you tell me about it?"

Jiang Shangxian lowered his head and smiled, "Your Majesty, this plan is highly confidential. Please forgive my boldness, but it cannot be revealed to anyone for the time being."

Jiang Mengxuan: "Oh? Not even me?"

Jiang Shangxian: "Your Majesty, please forgive me, for this plan is too secretive."

"I fear that walls have ears, and if the people in the Prime Minister's residence find out, it could be detrimental to Your Majesty."

Jiang Mengxuan frowned slightly: "Then what do you need me to do?"

Jiang Shangxian hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting left and right.

After a long pause, he finally mustered the courage to say, "Your Majesty, I dare to ask for some money to cover the expenses of this operation."

Without a second thought, Jiang Mengxuan asked, "How much money do I need?"

Jiang Shangxian jiggled the fat on his face, then held up one finger: "One thousand taels of gold."

"A thousand taels of gold?"

Jiang Mengxuan fell into deep thought.

Seeing the Empress's niece hesitate, Jiang Shangxian quickly said, "If Your Majesty feels that you are short of funds, eight hundred taels of gold will also be acceptable. At worst, I will pay the rest for Your Majesty."

Jiang Mengxuan smiled and said, "Uncle, you're overthinking it. I was just wondering if a thousand taels of gold is really enough to get through this crisis?"

Jiang Shangxian said, "That's enough, absolutely enough."

He rubbed his hands together incessantly, shouting inwardly, "Brother Shen, you're truly my lucky charm!"

Although it seems a bit unethical to cheat one's own niece out of money.

But I have no choice; my wife keeps a close eye on me, and I can't save a single penny of my own money.

"Once this is all done, I will certainly treat you to drinks and take you to the Shuyu Pavilion in the East Market for some fun."