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

Jiang Mengxuan sat on the bed, gently stroking her long, beautiful black hair, a faint smile on her lips, quietly watching Shen Lang.

Even without her saying it outright, Shen Lang could tell from her expression that this cunning woman was clearly taking him for granted and wanted to treat him like a beast of burden.

"Shen Lang, you dare to trespass into the Emperor's bedchamber, and just now you even attempted to sexually assault me. Tell me, how should I punish you?"

Shen Lang sighed softly: "Your Majesty, if you really intend to use this pretext to kill me, then this humble servant is not one to sit idly by and wait for death."

Jiang Mengxuan: "You are a smart person. I have seen your resume, especially your extraordinary agility and speed."

If you truly wish to leave the palace, I may not be able to stop you.

“Since Your Majesty knows these things, you should know that such schemes and tricks are useless against me.”

"You misunderstand. I never intended to take your life. What I want is for you to serve my Great Chu."

"What if I refuse?"

Jiang Mengxuan slowly got up and gently lifted the glass-like nightgown hanging on her shoulders.

"If you do not comply, I will announce to the world that Shen Lang of the Jingwei Guard attempted to rape the Empress but failed."

Now that you're a fugitive, do you think you'll still be able to stand openly in the sunlight as you do now?

Shen Lang was startled, thinking to himself that this woman was really ruthless, able to come up with such a reason.

"It seems that doing so would also damage His Majesty's reputation. His Majesty would not do something that would harm the enemy a thousand while also harming himself a thousand times."

"If the Great Chu cannot become strong under my rule, what use are these honors to me?"

Shen Lang was speechless for a moment.

Faced with an empress who is single-mindedly focused on her career, the usual moral and reputational constraints seem to be of little use.

Just as he was pondering his future plans, Jiang Mengxuan's tone softened: "Shen Lang, I truly need your help."

I know this is going too far, but I have no other choice. The grand blueprint for the Great Chu that you mentioned to me yesterday has moved me.

You have given me hope for the revitalization of the Great Chu. Currently, the court is beset by internal and external troubles, and I have no one capable by my side. Only you can share these burdens with me.

I beg you today, please help me this once!

"I was just saying it casually, how could you take it seriously?"

"Whether it's true or false, I will judge for myself. I only ask that you promise me to help me make Great Chu bigger and stronger!"

Shen Lang slowly released his grip on the hilt of the dagger inside his cloak, and after a moment of contemplation, he made another request.

"It's not impossible for me to stay and help you, but I need your support."

"I give my full support."

"No matter what I do or what happens, Your Majesty, please do not interfere until you see the results."

"I promise you."

"Lastly, I won't work for free; I still want the compensation I'm entitled to."

"I grant your request."

Jiang Mengxuan did not refuse any of Shen Lang's requests.

Shen Lang sighed heavily: "Fine, let's give it a try then."

It's my own fault for being a leg fetishist; someone caught me red-handed.

"Lust is a double-edged sword." Only now did Shen Lang realize how brilliant and insightful the person who put forward this view was.

Upon hearing Shen Lang's clear answer, Jiang Mengxuan finally showed a knowing smile.

"If there is nothing else, then I shall take my leave."

"Wait outside the palace, and come with me to court when the time comes."

Shen Lang cupped his hands in greeting, turned around and left the palace, muttering curses under his breath.

Watching Shen Lang's departing figure, Jiang Mengxuan recalled the irresistible urge Shen Lang had when he saw her, and her jade-like cheeks flushed slightly.

Far from feeling any aversion, I felt a strange sense of anticipation.

"I have found a suitable son-in-law for the Emperor."

……

"Long live my emperor."

A series of thunderous roars echoed within the Taiji Hall, signaling the start of a new day.

Jiang Mengxuan looked around the hall, then stood up and announced: "Yesterday's selection ceremony for a husband brought me many outstanding talents. After careful consideration, I am still having a hard time deciding who to choose as my husband."

After a pause, noticing that the Huangji Hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, Jiang Mengxuan continued, "Therefore, I have decided to give any husband who meets my standards a period of testing."

Upon hearing this, the people in the hall began to whisper among themselves.

A probationary period? What does that mean? There has never been such a precedent in the Great Chu.

Finally, Ye Mo stepped forward and asked, "Your Majesty, what is the trial period?"

"As the saying goes, 'Time will tell, and a person's true character will be revealed.' Based solely on yesterday's meeting, I cannot be certain whether my current husband is truly loyal to me."

Therefore, in the nine months leading up to my eighteenth birthday, I intend to observe my chosen husband further.

Whether it truly meets my expectations or not, will Prime Minister Ye understand what I'm saying?

Ye Mo: "Your Majesty's desire to choose a husband you like is understandable, but it is not in accordance with the etiquette and laws of the Great Chu."

Jiang Mengxuan countered, "The laws of the Great Chu state that royal children must be married by a designated age. Have I violated this rule?"

Ye Mo shook his head: "Never."

"Does Minister Ye have anything else to say?"

"No, Your Majesty. But who has caught your eye and is eligible for the probationary period?"

Jiang Mengxuan: "There are three people in total: Mu Changge, Shu Yingwen, and..."

At this point, Jiang Mengxuan's lips curled up slightly as she glanced at Shen Lang standing below the dragon steps.

"Shen Lang."

Inside the Taiji Hall, a great deal of discussion immediately broke out.

Even Ye Mo was completely bewildered. When did Shen Lang become a candidate for the emperor's son-in-law?

Shen Lang kept cursing Jiang Mengxuan's entire family in his heart, especially that fat bastard Jiang Shangxian.

I looked up and wow.

Everyone else in the Taiji Hall was frowning and looking completely bewildered, but Jiang Shangxian was the one with the brightest smile, clearly indicating that the two uncles and nephews had secretly conspired together.

Do you have any objections?

Jiang Mengxuan asked again.

Ye Mo immediately replied, "This old minister has no objection."

Jiang Mengxuan stood up and said, "Since there are no objections, then this matter is settled."

From this day forward, I will personally observe the performance of my sons-in-law.

Finally, the most suitable one was chosen to officially become my husband.

"I will take your orders."

The civil and military officials immediately echoed their response.

Jiang Mengxuan finally felt relieved.

In fact, this was also the solution she had been racking her brains over last night.

In her heart, Shen Lang was the most suitable husband, but once he joined the wave of change, he would definitely encounter resistance from the conservative forces.

Leaving Shu Yingwen and Mu Changge behind can divert the attention of the conservatives, buy Shen Lang some time to reform the Great Chu, and also reduce his pressure from the side.

As for her relationship with Shen Lang...

At least for now, the emotional foundation between the two is essentially nonexistent.

Jiang Mengxuan doesn't expect to find true love; she just wants someone to be there to support her and show her the right path.

That's what she thought, and Shen Lang thought the same way.

Although Shen Lang likes beautiful women, Jiang Mengxuan is one of the most beautiful women in the world, and she is powerful and influential.

But he wouldn't naively believe that this is what love is all about.

Aside from being a beautiful woman, Jiang Mengxuan has another identity: an emperor.

At best, it's a matter of mutual exploitation, with each side being forced to cooperate unilaterally.

"Alright, that's settled then. Once I've fleeced you all, I'll just pack up and leave."

"Didn't you say you would fully support me? Then please be well prepared."

Shen Lang quickly set his sights on Ye Mo.

"Change, is it? Let's start with you."