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

Inside the Imperial Study, after reading the contents of the commemorative jade tablet, Jiang Mengxuan remained silent for a long time.

She glanced at Shen Lang and Jiang Shangxian in front of her and fell into deep thought.

After a long silence, she finally spoke: "Uncle, you should stay in the Jingwei Division for the time being and not move around casually. I will discuss things with Aunt."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shangxian was terrified and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! You mustn't let your imperial aunt know about this."

The reason he was so afraid was because the jade spy contained his own plans to record something while it was still fresh in people's minds.

If the Princess Consort of Chu finds out, Jiang Shangxian will be bedridden for three years at best; he might even be executed tonight and have his funeral tomorrow morning.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'll handle things with the Princess Consort. You can stay in the Jingwei Division for now."

After saying that, he looked at Shen Lang and said, "Shen Lang, thank you for saving the Imperial Uncle once again. What kind of reward do you want?"

Without a second thought, Shen Lang replied, "How about Your Majesty rescinds my status as a son-in-law?"

"That's impossible," Jiang Mengxuan replied even more decisively. "I have already proclaimed this to the world. If I were to go back on my word, wouldn't I be ridiculed by the world?"

Shen Lang replied, "Actually, Your Majesty, it's not necessary to become your husband to assist you. How about you give me some extra money, and I'll get things done for you just the same?"

Jiang Mengxuan shook her head and smiled faintly: "Do you think I did this simply because of your abilities?"

Shen Lang remained silent, and Jiang Mengxuan continued speaking to Jiang Shangxian: "By the way, Imperial Uncle, I will have the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review handle the matter of your assassination attempt."

"After a few days, once the remaining members of the Undying Fire Organization in Jinling have been dealt with, you can return to the Prince's Mansion."

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty."

What else could Jiang Shangxian say? He could only leave it at that for now.

"Oh, and one more thing. Effective immediately, Shen Lang and his banner will be temporarily placed under my direct jurisdiction. Any problems?"

"Of course not. Commander Shen must be overjoyed to be able to serve His Majesty."

As he spoke, he nudged Shen Lang.

Shen Lang looked utterly dejected: "I will obey His Majesty's arrangements."

Seeing Shen Lang's displeasure, Jiang Mengxuan gently shook her head.

"By the way, we still can't acquire that piece of land in the west of the city. Shen Lang, do you have any ideas?"

"Your Majesty, isn't this matter under Mu Changge's jurisdiction? You should be looking for him."

"Mu Changge?"

Jiang Mengxuan shook her head with a wry smile.

"Shen Lang, I am in a great hurry, a very great hurry."

"Then don't rush, because you'll have to rush later."

Jiang Mengxuan was speechless for a moment, never expecting Shen Lang to say such a thing.

It seems they clearly don't want to solve the problems for themselves.

No, that's absolutely not allowed.

So she used her trump card: "Shen Lang, here is a thousand taels of gold. What I promised you before, you will naturally receive."

As she spoke, Jiang Mengxuan placed twelve silver notes worth one thousand taels of silver on the table.

Sure enough, upon seeing the stack of gleaming silver notes, Shen Lang immediately changed his tune.

Without saying a word, he snatched the silver note and quickly stuffed it into his pocket.

Then, straightening his chest, he replied solemnly, "Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty. It is an honor for me to serve Your Majesty."

Upon seeing this, Jiang Mengxuan couldn't help but think to herself: I'm not ugly, am I? Why does he seem to value these material things more than I do?

"What about that piece of land in the western suburbs?"

"It's not easy to handle."

Shen Lang looked troubled.

"I have also investigated that piece of land in the western suburbs. It is currently owned by the Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture. If we forcefully buy it, it may cause a strong backlash."

Jiang Mengxuan: "Then tell me, how can we get her to sell this land to me?"

Shen Lang casually replied, "If Your Majesty were to offer several times the price, perhaps we could acquire it."

Jiang Mengxuan gently stroked her eyebrows with her delicate fingers.

"I have also considered it, but if we were to acquire that land, it would require at least three or four hundred thousand taels of silver, and my imperial treasury is not as wealthy as you think. Even if I were willing to pay, I might not be able to acquire that land."

Jiang Shangxian also said, "Yes, Zeng Qian is someone who won't listen to either soft or hard tactics. He's very stubborn. Even when the late emperor was alive, he wouldn't have given him any face."

"He was the one who vehemently opposed Your Majesty's ascension to the throne, inciting the powerful families of the capital to jointly demand Your Majesty's abdication. If he weren't Ye Mo's student, I would have dealt with him long ago."

After speaking, the uncle and nephew both turned their gazes to Shen Lang.

Since I can't refuse, I might as well take the opportunity to make some extra money for myself.

"Your Majesty, I can handle this matter for you, but you must provide the necessary funds."

"Activity funds?"

Jiang Mengxuan was puzzled.

But Jiang Shangxian was already used to Shen Lang's vocabulary and explained, "It's similar to business travel expenses, the necessary funds provided by the government to subordinates to complete their task targets."

Jiang Mengxuan nodded: "Okay, how much do you want?"

"One thousand taels of gold."

Shen Lang directly called out a number.

"For a thousand taels of gold, I will certainly handle this matter properly."

"Okay, I promise you."

Jiang Mengxuan did not hesitate at all.

Compared to something that might not be resolved even with hundreds of thousands of taels of silver, it could be done with just one thousand taels of gold. This deal seems like a bargain no matter how you look at it.

"Once it's all done, I will hand over the money to you in full. But how long will that take?"

"Three days."

Shen Lang replied.

Both uncle and nephew looked at Shen Lang in disbelief.

You think you can handle Zeng Qian in just three days? Are you underestimating Zeng Qian or overestimating your own abilities?

"Shen Lang, you can't speak too definitively."

Jiang Shangxian kept giving him meaningful glances.

Unexpectedly, Shen Lang said, "Actually, three days is long enough. Don't we need to be quick? How can we not be quick?"

But in his heart he thought: the sooner I get things done, the sooner I can get paid. How can I not work my butt off?

Jiang Mengxuan immediately stood up: "Alright, I'll give you three days. What if you can't do it in three days?"

"I can't do it. Your Majesty can do whatever you want. At worst, you can issue a nationwide warrant for my arrest."

Shen Lang looked completely indifferent.

Jiang Mengxuan was speechless: "How do you expect me to cooperate with you?"

"As long as it doesn't interfere with my work, I'll get to it now without further ado."

After saying this, Shen Lang casually cupped his hands in greeting, turned around, and left the Imperial Study.

As soon as he left, Jiang Shangxian hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, although I believe Shen Lang is quite capable,

But to think that you can take over thousands of acres of land in the west of the city from Zeng Qian in just three days is simply a pipe dream!

"What if he fails to complete it? Will His Majesty punish him?"

Jiang Mengxuan: "Since he is so confident, I have no choice but to believe him."

But he was worried: if he failed to complete the task, he would have to find a way to help him get away with it, while also saving face for him.

Jiang Shangxian could only helplessly bow and say, "Then Your Majesty, I will take my leave."

"Yes, Imperial Uncle, you may leave."

As soon as Jiang Shangxian left, Shu Yue entered the Imperial Study: "Your Majesty, Young Master Shu requests an audience."

Jiang Mengxuan didn't even look up, picked up a book and started reading by herself: "Summon him into the palace."

"Yes."

Before long, Shu Yingwen carried a plate of fragrant bird's nest soup into the Imperial Study.

"Your Majesty, seeing that Your Majesty is busy with state affairs all day long, I specially prepared a bowl of snow lotus and bird's nest soup to refresh Your Majesty. Please have a taste."

As she spoke, Shu Yingwen bowed and presented the soup bowl to the front of the table.

Shu Yue took the soup and carefully placed it in front of Jiang Mengxuan: "Your Majesty, this is a soup that Young Master Shu has been simmering for two whole days. Would you like to try it?"

Jiang Mengxuan smiled slightly: "Put it down for now, Young Master Shu, thank you for your thoughtfulness."

Shu Yingwen immediately knelt down, his arms outstretched and joined together: "To relieve Your Majesty's worries is my lifelong wish. If Your Majesty is willing, I am willing to serve you by your side every day."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mengxuan frowned and glanced at Shu Yingwen, who was kneeling on the ground with her head bowed.

After a long pause, he said, "You've shown your kindness, and I'm very pleased. I must be quite tired these past two days. Shuyue, grant Young Master Shu a stimulant pill and help him down to rest."

Shu Yue's eyes lit up with joy: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Jiang Mengxuan glanced sideways: "I bestowed this medicine upon Young Master Shu, why are you thanking me?"

Shu Yue realized she had misspoke and quickly explained, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. It's just that this servant has noticed that Young Master Shu has been..."

She spends every day in the imperial kitchen preparing medicinal meals for His Majesty; her sincerity and perseverance deeply move this servant.

"Yes, I understand. You may help Young Master Shu down now."

"Yes."

Shu Yingwen also said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After the two left, Jiang Mengxuan only glanced at the bowl of steaming soup, but didn't touch it at all, and buried herself in dealing with the memorials.