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

"By favoring virtuous ministers and keeping away from petty men, by recommending capable individuals and discarding those who flatter and occupy positions without merit, the court of Great Chu will surely be renewed."

These are merely my humble opinions; I humbly request Your Majesty's understanding.

Compared to the previous two, Shu Yingwen's plan was clearly more detailed.

Shen Lang noticed a slight change in Jiang Mengxuan's expression and realized that what Shu Yingwen said was exactly what she wanted to hear.

"Young Master Shu, your plan is indeed excellent, and I greatly admire it. So, what should be the first step?"

Jiang Mengxuan asked a question for the first time ever.

Shu Yingwen bowed her head and replied, "Your Majesty should fully display the demeanor of a benevolent ruler, and issue proclamations to summon talented individuals from across the land to serve in the court."

Let the world know that the Great Chu is eager for talented people. In time, Your Majesty will surely find capable people to assist you.

Once this step is taken, His Majesty's future plans will be easily resolved, and he will no longer need to worry about the current situation.

After saying that, he spread his arms and bent down on the ground.

Jiang Mengxuan also thought it made sense and was just about to ask a few more questions.

Unexpectedly, Shen Lang couldn't help but ask, "Then, Mr. Shu, if I may be so bold as to ask, what should the Prime Minister's office do when His Majesty posts a notice to recruit talented people?"

Ye Xiang held the dual positions of Prime Minister and Minister of Personnel, but was directly responsible for the appointment of officials.

"If Your Majesty bypasses the Ministry of Personnel and the Prime Minister's Office, aren't you afraid of conflict with Chancellor Ye or the Six Ministries?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mengxuan immediately frowned.

That's right, I almost forgot. Doing exactly as Shu Yingwen said would only provoke Ye Mo.

Moreover, he held the power to select scholars from all over the land, and even if the Prime Minister's office did not obstruct him, he could not find anyone truly capable around him.

"Looks like I'm getting excited again."

Jiang Mengxuan couldn't help but chuckle to herself, almost losing her composure due to Shu Yingwen's impassioned speech and thus ignoring the objective factors at play.

Shu Yingwen was stunned when she heard this, clearly not expecting this question.

But he still said, "All land under heaven belongs to the emperor. Even if Prime Minister Ye has immense power, he cannot be above the imperial authority."

"You're right, just pretend I didn't ask."

Shen Lang wanted to slap himself.

Damn it, why did you have to bring this up?

Is it even possible to reason with these bookworms?

So he decisively ended the conversation with an attitude of "you win".

However, the speaker has no intention, but the listener has intention.

Jiang Mengxuan noticed Shen Lang's words as soon as he spoke.

"Young Master Shu, I have taken note of your suggestion. It is getting late, please go back and rest. I will announce the choice of my son-in-law tomorrow."

"Your Majesty, please rest early. This humble servant will take his leave!"

Shu Yingwen left the Imperial Study reluctantly, glancing at Jiang Mengxuan cautiously before leaving, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Once Shu Yingwen left, Shen Lang breathed a sigh of relief and said to Jiang Mengxuan, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Not urgent."

Unexpectedly, Jiang Mengxuan suddenly called out to him.

"Shen Lang, it's your turn to speak."

"Huh? What did you say?"

Jiang Mengxuan smiled slightly, crossed her legs, and leaned back.

This shows that she is relaxed at this moment.

"Shu Yue, you may also step down."

"The slaves obey."

Shu Yue bowed and left, glancing thoughtfully at Shen Lang before departing.

"Shen Lang, there are no outsiders here now. Tell me your thoughts on how the future plans for Great Chu should be implemented. I would like to hear your opinion."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lang hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this is not my duty..."

"No, you are also among the candidates for the Emperor's son-in-law."

These words were like a bomb exploding in his mind, leaving him numb and desensitized.

What's going on? How did I suddenly become a candidate for the emperor's son-in-law?

"Your Majesty, you must be mistaken. This humble servant did not participate in the selection."

"No?"

Jiang Mengxuan smiled slightly, then pointed to the red dot on his wrist and said, "With my royal guardian mark on your wrist, you are my chosen son-in-law. Do you intend to disobey my orders?"

It's numb, it's really numb.

"Your Majesty misunderstands. This was accidentally stuck to me when I was playing around with the Prince. I..."

"The king's selection of a son-in-law is governed by strict etiquette. How can it be dismissed with a mere joke? Shen Lang, do you really want to be accused of deceiving the emperor?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Lang's mind began to race at the speed of light.

Looking back on the whole day, the memory of Jiang Shangxian's despicable smile lingered deep in my mind.

At that moment, he finally understood.

I've been scammed in northern Myanmar and sold out.

rough!

"So it was all premeditated. No wonder, no wonder!"

Immediately, Shen Lang mentally sent his warmest greetings to all the female members of Jiang Shangxian's family, not even forgetting his female dog.

"Shen Lang."

Jiang Mengxuan's soft call brought him back to his senses.

"I know you don't want to get too involved in the royal family's affairs, but from the moment you joined the Jingwei Division, your fate has been tied to mine and to the Great Chu."

If you wish to live a comfortable life in the future, please show me the way. Do not refuse me; I will not use etiquette to bind you.

I only hope you can help me, help Great Chu. I believe you must have your own plans. Tell me what you're thinking, okay?

Jiang Mengxuan's words carried an almost pleading tone.

She herself didn't know why she had such high expectations for Shen Lang.

Shen Lang initially wanted to refuse again, but when he met Jiang Mengxuan's watery eyes, filled with eager anticipation...

In the end, I softened.

"Your Majesty, I may speak my humble opinion, but I humbly request that Your Majesty grant me a few conditions."

Jiang Mengxuan: "What conditions do you want me to grant you?"

Shen Lang: "First, my strategic plans cannot be given away for nothing."

If Your Majesty finds my words agreeable, I hope Your Majesty will grant me some tangible benefits.

Yellow or white, it doesn't matter, consider it payment.

Since the escape route is blocked, we must try our best to fight for our own interests within the death zone.

This is a profound saying that Shen Lang gleaned from his long-standing confrontation with the system and the Eagle Clan.

Those who enter the game should seek their own profit. As long as the profit exceeds the cost of their lives, then they are making a profit no matter what.

Jiang Mengxuan was taken aback. Did this guy really like money that much?

But since he likes money, then we'll just give it to him.

If he can truly lead the Great Chu to prosperity.

"Very well, I agree."

"As for the second condition, I will not agree to become the emperor's son-in-law. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Jiang Mengxuan was taken aback: "What, does being the emperor's son-in-law make you lose face?"

"No."

"Is it because I'm not beautiful enough for you to find me attractive?"

"Not at all."

"Then why do you oppose becoming the emperor's son-in-law?"

Shen Lang replied, "Because I want to live; I don't want to spend the rest of my life being hunted down."

Jiang Mengxuan was startled, and in the blink of an eye she understood what Shen Lang meant.

Do you think I'll kill you?

"Hard to say."

Shen Lang's answer was so straightforward that Jiang Mengxuan didn't know how to respond.

"What other conditions are there?"

"temporarily unavailable."

"Tell me, what are your thoughts on the future plans for the Great Chu?"

Jiang Mengxuan ambiguously omitted the second condition and did not give him a direct reply. Instead, she asked Shen Lang about his plans.

Shen Lang replied seriously, "Your Majesty, the suggestions made by the three men regarding choosing a son-in-law are all unrealistic. Just take them as a joke."

"Never follow their advice, at least not until you have real power, otherwise the entire court will surely force you to drink poison."

"Well, what are your thoughts?"

"That depends on what His Majesty thinks. Does he intend to remain in a corner of the world and protect himself, or does he want to enrich the country, strengthen the army, and conquer the Taiwu Continent?"

Jiang Mengxuan replied without hesitation: "An emperor naturally aims to rule the world, and a wealthy and powerful nation is the future I have longed for since I was a child."

Since we have such a grand ambition, our natural goal is to ensure that Great Chu stands atop the Taiwu Peak.

Shen Lang: "Then please let Your Majesty understand the current situation in the Eastern Region, and I will analyze the advantages and disadvantages for you."