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

"What kind of talk is that? What do you mean you've already apologized? Do you think an apology is enough?"

Rong Momo was so angry that her face turned red. She never expected that Shen Lang would be so shameless as to say such a thing.

Furthermore, why was he still so fearless after knowing that he had arrested the Empress Dowager?

"Then tell me, what do you want me to do? Come, tell me, and I'll try my best to satisfy your old geezer's demands."

Shen Lang stared at Rong Momo with an indifferent expression and amusement.

At the same time, he thought to himself, "If that old bastard dares to utter another word, I'll send you to your death with a single blow."

Just as Rong Momo was about to speak, Ji Yuxi stopped her.

"Your name is Shen Lang, right?"

"What advice does the Empress Dowager have?"

"As the Empress's chosen son-in-law, you have done something so improper. It seems you are destined to be out of luck when it comes to the position of the Emperor's son-in-law of Great Chu."

Ji Yuxi's tone carried a hint of threat, as if she could control Shen Lang with this.

After all, she had secretly inquired about Shen Lang's identity; he was just a commoner with no background, and marrying into the Di family was his only way to climb the social ladder.

However, she was wrong.

Shen Lang's eyes lit up: "Is what the Empress Dowager said true?"

Such a good thing? Why didn't you say so sooner!

I already said I'd drink another cup as punishment to liven things up.

Ji Yuxi snorted coldly: "Do you think I have time to joke with you right now?"

Shen Lang spread his hands: "Then I'll have to trouble Your Majesty the Empress Dowager. The sooner the better, this humble servant is quite impatient!"

"What do you mean?"

Ji Yuxi was somewhat bewildered.

"I would be grateful if Your Majesty could put in a good word for me with His Majesty and ask him to spare me. To be honest, I have no interest in being the emperor's son-in-law. Please ask her to stop pressuring me."

"You said you didn't want to be the emperor's son-in-law? Is that really true!"

Ji Yuxi was filled with doubt. How could anyone not want to marry into the royal family? Especially someone like Shen Lang from a lowly background, would he be willing to give up such a good opportunity to change his fate? Is that even possible!

Shen Lang patted his chest and replied, "These are my heartfelt words, and I beg Your Majesty to grant my request."

Ji Yuxi pondered for a moment, then immediately laughed: "Hmph, you think you can fool me with your feigned indifference? Since you put it that way, I'll grant your wish."

"Then this humble servant will thank Your Majesty the Empress Dowager for your kindness. As long as this matter is accomplished, I will gladly kowtow to you immediately!"

Shen Lang smiled especially brightly upon hearing this.

Giving up a single cherry blossom tree may be a pity, but there's a chance to acquire the entire forest in the future, so it's definitely not a loss.

"let's go."

Ji Yuxi ignored Shen Lang's clumsy "acting" and turned to walk towards Weiyang Palace.

"Your Majesty, please take care! We respectfully see Your Majesty off!"

Shen Lang laughed heartily and waved goodbye to the carriage; this was the first time he had laughed from the bottom of his heart.

Inside the carriage, Shu Yue knelt respectfully beside the Empress Dowager, as obedient as a kitten.

"How hateful! I've lived for so long, and this is the first time I've experienced what it's like to be in prison. How hateful, truly hateful!"

Granny Rong hurriedly handed over a cup of spirit flower tea.

"Your Majesty, once we return to the palace, we must tell His Majesty that Shen Lang must be torn to pieces. How dare he offend Your Majesty! His entire family should be executed!"

"Hmph, Shen Lang, is it? I'll make sure you know what happens when you dare to offend me!"

After venting her anger, she finally looked at Shu Yue.

"Get up, don't kneel."

"Thank you, Queen Mother."

After Shu Yue got up, she quietly stood beside her.

"Tell me, what's really going on with Shen Lang?"

"Your Majesty, Shen Lang was a member recruited from the border troops of Bingzhou when His Majesty established the Jingwei Division. He is highly regarded by Prince Jing and His Majesty."

His Majesty, in particular, granted Shen Lang special permission to be chosen as a son-in-law. Although it was merely a selection process, among the three candidates, His Majesty was closest to Shen Lang.

As for the other two, even before Mu Changge was executed, His Majesty had never summoned them once, let alone his elder brother Yingwen.

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuxi snorted coldly: "Isn't it because your brother is useless? He failed to gain His Majesty's favor with such a good opportunity. I truly regret agreeing to your request in the first place."

Shu Yue immediately knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger and give my brother a chance. My brother is too honest and kind..."

Even when Mu Changge was alive, he couldn't defeat him, let alone Shen Lang, who was deeply favored by His Majesty.

Ji Yuxi took a sip of tea, and after Shu Yue finished speaking, she slid the lid off the teacup: "Alright, since I've promised you, I will naturally elevate your brother to the position of Emperor's son-in-law."

My purpose in returning to the capital this time is to discuss His Majesty's selection of a son-in-law. So much has happened in the city in just over a year.

"It's all because the Yin energy in the Great Chu Kingdom is too strong. Let's get the wedding done as soon as possible while I'm back."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!"

Shu Yue was so moved that she burst into tears and immediately bowed down in reverence.

"Once I return to the palace, I will have your elder brother come to see me."

"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty."

The convoy continued its journey and soon arrived outside Weiyang Palace.

Jiang Mengxuan and some officials had been waiting for a long time. As soon as the carriage approached, they immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"Your subject respectfully welcomes Your Majesty back to the palace."

The moment Ji Yuxi stepped out of the car, Jiang Mengxuan crossed her hands and placed them on her lower abdomen, bowing slightly to her.

"Oh, you really have broadened my horizons."

Ji Yuxi simply rolled her eyes at Jiang Mengxuan, issued a warning, and then entered the palace gate surrounded by maids.

"Welcome back to the palace, Mother."

Jiang Mengxuan remained expressionless, maintaining her aloof demeanor throughout.

……

Inside Ganquan Palace, Ji Yuxi finished bathing and changing into a brand-new set of Suzhou embroidered silk. She sat upright on the Empress Dowager's chair and finally felt more comfortable.

She really suffered during that time.

Now, she was just waiting for Jiang Mengxuan to come and pay her respects.

By the way, we should also teach this little girl a good lesson.

"I've met my mother."

Although Jiang Mengxuan is not close to Ji Yuxi, they are still mother and daughter on the surface, and the proper etiquette must still be observed.

"My son, sit down and let's talk. There are reasons why I returned to the capital ahead of schedule this time."

I heard about this incident in the city, and I was afraid you wouldn't be able to handle it alone, so I rushed back to help.

Fortunately, the matter is now over, and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

But I'm thinking, if something like this happens again in the future, it will be difficult for you to take care of yourself without anyone by your side.

How about we bring your elder brother back to the capital to help you? You two are siblings, after all.

It's better than trusting a stranger, don't you think?

Jiang Mengxuan frowned. Wasn't Ji Yuxi's implication that she wanted Jiang Chong to enter the capital so that she could usurp the throne?

Your plan is far too obvious.

"Mother, Shu is facing invasions from both Weizang and Western Xia at the same time. Without my brother in charge, I will not feel at ease. For the time being, let's not trouble him any further."

Ji Yuxi narrowed her eyes, then said, "Fine, since you're unwilling, I won't force you."

By the way, does His Majesty have a decision on who to choose as his son-in-law?

Jiang Mengxuan: "Yes, Your Majesty, I already have a suitable candidate in mind. You need not worry."

"How can I not worry?" Ji Yuxi replied, "The selection of the emperor's son-in-law is of utmost importance and cannot be taken lightly. The most important factors are character and background."

I've heard that Shu Yingwen is a talented scholar from Ninghang. Although his family has fallen on hard times, he is diligent and honest, and has been devoted to His Majesty for many years.

"I believe this is the most suitable candidate. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Jiang Mengxuan replied calmly, "What Mother says is true. Young Master Shu is indeed honest and kind, and has an outstanding appearance, but he is not someone I can spend my life with."

Ji Yuxi's expression changed upon hearing this: "Then who has His Majesty taken a fancy to?"

Jiang Mengxuan raised her eyes and replied, "Of the three potential husbands, one has already surrendered after instigating a civil unrest, and another has never won my heart. Which one does Your Majesty think is the best choice?"

"You mean... Shen Lang?"

"The son-in-law of the Emperor of Great Chu must be Shen Lang."

"Absurd! Shen Lang absolutely cannot become the son-in-law of the Emperor of Great Chu! I will never agree to this!"

Ji Yuxi stood up and said.

"Your Majesty, think about how I spent these three days?"

How could someone so ill-mannered and vulgar be worthy of being the son-in-law of the Emperor of my Great Chu?

In short, I absolutely cannot let you handle this matter. I must take responsibility for the late Emperor and for the fate of the Great Chu!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mengxuan immediately replied, "Mother, I have already made up my mind about this matter, and no one can change my decision."

Besides, this empire was entrusted to me by my father, so how I handle it is none of your concern, Mother. Mother has already endured a long and arduous journey, not to mention the ordeal she suffered in prison.

"You must be quite tired, Your Majesty. I won't disturb your rest any longer. I'll visit again another day. Farewell."

After saying that, without waiting for Ji Yuxi to speak, he bowed and turned to leave.

"You, hum!"

Ji Yuxi was so angry that she flung her sleeves, her face full of resentment.

"It seems this girl has gotten a bit too big for her britches in the past year or so? Hmph, how naive."