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

"This humble student, Shu Yingwen, greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"

Inside Ganquan Palace, Shu Yingwen was summoned by Shu Yue to pay her respects to Ji Yuxi.

Ji Yuxi stared intently at Shu Yingwen, who was kneeling on the ground, her gaze fixed on his handsome face.

As if drawn by an invisible force, her gaze never left him for even an inch.

Her eyes shone with a fiery light, as intense and focused as a burning flame.

Ji Yuxi was like a greedy, hungry wolf, staring intently at the "prey" before her, her eyes revealing a strong desire and possessiveness.

Every movement and expression of Shu Yingwen was deeply imprinted in her eyes, making her itchy and eager to rush up and properly discipline him.

Especially the yang-guarding stigma on the back of Shu Yingwen's hand, so dazzling and beautiful, made Ji Yuxi ecstatic.

Shu Yingwen seemed to sense the unusual atmosphere and nervously kept her head down.

After a long while, Ji Yuxi, who was trying hard to suppress the restlessness in her heart, glanced at Shu Yue and asked, "Is this the talented young man from Ninghang, Shu Yingwen?"

Shu Yue replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."

"Indeed, he is a man of great appearance and talent, and I admire him very much."

Ji Yuxi smiled knowingly, staring intently at Shu Yingwen, making no attempt to hide her emotions.

"Get up, please take a seat. Now that you're in my Ganquan Palace, make yourself at home. Don't be shy, hehehe."

She laughed heartily, having already decided to give this extremely handsome man a good lesson tonight.

"Thank you, Queen Mother."

After Shu Yingwen got up, she respectfully sat down on the chair that the maid had brought.

"how old are you?"

"Your Majesty, I have just turned twenty this year."

"Twenty? Hmm, not bad. Do you still have family?"

Upon hearing this, Shu Yingwen inadvertently glanced at Shu Yue, who was standing beside the Empress Dowager.

Shu Yue shook her head slightly at her.

Shu Yingwen understood immediately and replied with a cupped hand: "I am the only one in my family. My parents passed away three years ago."

"He is a pitiful child. I feel very sorry for him. Rong Mama, go and prepare a set of fine silk blue clothes for Shu Caizi. I have a set in my wardrobe."

Rong Momo immediately understood: "Yes, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."

Upon seeing this, Shu Yue hurriedly said, "Scholar Shu, why don't you quickly thank the Empress Dowager?"

Shu Yingwen immediately stood up to express her gratitude, but was stopped by Ji Yuxi.

"Sit down. What's with the thank you? I don't stand on ceremony in private."

Besides, it won't be long before we're family, so why bother with so many rules? Don't you think so, Shu Caizi?

Shu Yingwen didn't know how to answer for a moment, so she looked to Shu Yue for help.

Shu Yue immediately chimed in, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is so approachable; she truly deserves the title of 'Mother of the Nation.' Don't you agree, Young Master Shu?"

"Uh, yes, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is so elegant and dignified; I have never seen anything like it in my life."

If I have done anything improper or offensive to Your Majesty, please forgive me.

"Hehehe, you're so good at talking. Look at that little mouth. I love it when it's like that."

After another round of pleasantries, Rong Momo brought a box of brocade clothes to Ji Yuxi.

"Your Majesty, your order has arrived."

"Put him next to Young Master Shu."

"Yes."

Rong Momo brought the clothes to Shu Yingwen's side.

Shu Yingwen quickly stood up and took the clothing box: "Thank you for the gift of clothing, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."

Ji Yuxi smiled and said, "This outfit of mine was originally prepared for my son, but unfortunately he was not fortunate enough to receive it. He went to Shu as soon as I sent it over."

"Since your figure is similar to that of my son, I'll consider you a gift. Why don't you change into it and let me see?"

Shu Yingwen was greatly alarmed: "Your Majesty, this is probably not appropriate. Since this garment was prepared for His Highness the Prince of Shu..."

How dare I claim it for myself? I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree; I would never dare to overstep my bounds!

"It's alright. I'm a very easygoing person. Since I like you, why not give it to you?"

Shu Yingwen was taken aback, feeling that his words seemed somewhat inappropriate, but she still agreed.

"Scholar Shu, would you please stay and have a meal with me, and then change into some new clothes so I can see how it goes?"

Shu Yingwen didn't know how to answer.

Rong Momo said, "Scholar Shu, the Empress Dowager invited you to dinner. Shouldn't you be grateful?"

She glared and twisted her mouth, striking a pose like a female demon.

Shu Yingwen said in a low voice, "Thank you for the meal, Your Majesty. I am happy to accompany you."

"Well, you're so obedient."

Ji Yuxi smiled slightly and said to Shu Yue, "It's getting late, you should go back and serve His Majesty."

"Later, after I finish my meal, I will send Shu Caizi back to Huanyu Pavilion, so there's no need to worry about him."

"Yes, the slaves retire."

Without giving it much thought, Shu Yue bid farewell to Ji Yuxi and left Ganquan Palace.

As soon as she left, Ji Yuxi immediately ordered, "Someone, quickly take Shu Caizi to the bathhouse to bathe and change clothes."

……

Before the warm hot spring, Shu Yingwen hesitated for a moment before beginning to undress.

Just as he unbuttoned his coat, Ji Yuxi, dressed in a cool silk dress, appeared before Shu Yingwen, exuding charm.

"The Queen Mother!"

Shu Yingwen quickly bowed and lowered her head, not daring to look at him for even a second.

"It's alright, Mr. Shu, just take a bath and pretend I don't exist."

Upon hearing this, Shu Yingwen's forehead was immediately covered in sweat.

"Your Majesty, this humble student..."

"Oh dear, why is your face red? Hehehe, you're such an innocent child..."

Upon hearing Ji Yuxi's laughter, Shu Yingwen immediately lowered her head even further.

Ji Yuxi strolled up to him.

“Shu Caizi, raise your head.”

"This humble student would not dare to disrespect Her Majesty the Empress Dowager..."

"I command you, raise your head!"

The next moment, he heard an undeniable voice.

Shu Yingwen slowly raised her head and met Ji Yuxi's charming face.

"Scholar Shu, am I beautiful?"

"The Empress Dowager is of unparalleled beauty and grace, and her beauty is beyond compare."

"Giggle..."

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuxi laughed even more unrestrainedly.

Then she brought her lips close to Shu Yingwen's ear, blowing hot air: "Really? Would you like to bathe with me?"

Shu Yingwen shuddered: "Your Majesty, I dare not have such a presumptuous thought."

"Really? Hahaha"

The next moment, Ji Yuxi suddenly turned around and smiled as she stepped back three steps.

"what!"

With a gasp, Shu Yingwen almost jumped up and quickly took a few steps back.

"Your Majesty, what is this...?"

Ji Yuxi smiled charmingly, leaving Shu Yingwen completely at a loss for words.

"Scholar Shu, take off your clothes and let me have a look..."

"Your Majesty, this..."

"Take it off! Otherwise, you can forget about sitting in the position of the emperor's son-in-law."

With just one threat, Shu Yingwen immediately gave in.

After only a moment's hesitation, her hand slowly reached for her underwear.

As his belt was unbuckled, his robe instantly opened, revealing a lithe and perfectly proportioned physique.

This scene made Ji Yuxi's eyes even more glazed over, and she wished she could pounce on him right then and there.

But she still managed to hold back.

Compared to carnal pleasure, she preferred how to train a person into an obedient dog.

More importantly, once properly trained, Shu Yingwen may become a key figure in social interactions.

After all, it's an open secret that aristocratic ladies in high society like to keep male lovers.

Someone like Shu Yingwen, if properly trained, can definitely gain more benefits for oneself.

Once the situation is under control, my son will have the opportunity to overthrow that little bitch Jiang Mengxuan and ascend the throne.

That was when the Ji family truly rose to prominence.

She continued to urge, "Keep taking your clothes off, let me see more."

Shu Yingwen was covered in sweat: "Your Majesty, is this really appropriate?"

"Rest assured, I will only take a look to see if you have the potential to bear children for my royal family."

Besides, I am your future mother-in-law. Do you think I'm afraid of doing something immoral? You wouldn't be thinking such nonsense, would you?

"Take it off, let me examine you carefully. It's for the sake of the royal family's lineage; I won't do anything to you."

Upon hearing this, Shu Yingwen's face was filled with humiliation.

He closed his eyes and slowly reached for the ribbon that tied his underwear.

Just as they were about to pull the curtain, Ji Yuxi's laughter rang out again: "Alright, seeing how unwilling you are, I won't make things difficult for you. I heard you can sing, is that right?"

Shu Yingwen breathed a sigh of relief and bowed his head to reply, "Your Majesty, I am sorry to have made such a fuss. I have been from a poor family since childhood, so I usually make a living by selling a few songs."

Ji Yuxi gave a look of sympathy: "He is indeed a pitiful child. Well then, since I returned to the palace today, I did not prepare a welcome banquet."

"You shall first bathe and change your clothes, and then come to my inner chambers. Play a few tunes for me to relieve my fatigue and welcome me home. Would you be willing?"

"How could I dare disobey the Empress Dowager's command?"

"Well then, I'll wait for you in the inner hall. Don't keep me waiting too long."

After saying that, Ji Yuxi swayed her slender waist and turned to leave the bathroom.

Shu Yingwen was left alone, slumped on the ground, exhausted.

After what just happened, his mind was filled with Ji Yuxi's still charming appearance, and he couldn't shake it off.