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

In the following days, things unfolded exactly as Shen Lang had predicted. Memorials urging the Empress to halt industrialization poured in like snowflakes.

Unfortunately, these submitted memorials sank without a trace, failing to make the slightest ripple.

Jiang Mengxuan sent them all to Shen Lang's place.

Shen Lang didn't even glance at them, throwing them all into the fire pit, enjoying the exhilarating feeling of them turning to ashes.

After several days of fruitless memorials, the officials had no choice but to gather at a restaurant after court to discuss what to do next.

"In short, we absolutely cannot give in like this! His Majesty's actions, which compete with the people for profit, are a disgrace to the royal family."

"I suggest that, starting tomorrow, we should plead on behalf of the people, urging His Majesty to restore order, cease attending court, and continue until His Majesty changes his mind!"

"Lord Wang is right, we second that!"

"That's exactly how it should be done!"

Encouraged by an official named Wang Can, the officials immediately reached a consensus and decided to boycott court starting tomorrow in protest against the Empress's "profiteering at the expense of the people".

After several rounds of drinks, the officials dispersed with a united will.

However, after everyone had left, Wang Can, who had been shouting the loudest slogans in the private room, quietly headed towards Shen Lang's residence.

"I apologize, everyone, but as the saying goes, everyone looks out for themselves. Such advanced technology can bring immense benefits to my Wang family."

My Wang family's business is only average among the prominent families. If we don't take shortcuts, I'm afraid we'll never be able to climb into the upper echelons.

"The only way forward is to cooperate with His Majesty and Shen Lang. Gentlemen, I sincerely apologize to you all."

After making up his mind, he felt no remorse for "betraying his comrades," but instead developed a strong anticipation for the huge benefits he could gain in the future.

But when he arrived outside the Shen residence, he was dumbfounded.

Outside Shen Lang’s residence, officials who had come to visit were crowded together.

Upon closer inspection, most of them were "comrades-in-arms" who had just come out of the restaurant and made vows of eternal love.

"You bastards, Cha Cha, you dog Cha Cha, you son of a bitch, Zhang Guodong, Li Xuezheng, and all of you, how could you be so shameless?"

I actually believed the confident faces in the restaurant who vowed never to bow to power.

"It's only been a few cups of tea's time, and you've already betrayed us? Truly, the world is going to the dogs!"

Seeing this scene, Wang Can was heartbroken and completely forgot that he was also one of them.

When they finally met, it was quite awkward, but they quickly got into a serious discussion.

"The textile factory business belongs to me; you can't take it from me."

"Sure, but the brocade shop must give me priority in supplying the fabrics it needs, and you absolutely cannot take those sewing machines from me."

"By the way, the oil pressing equipment is mine now. You can invest some first, and I'll give you a share of the profits once it's made."

"We need to clearly define the profits from the cement plant. As for the investment in the sugar processing equipment, we'll discuss that in more detail later..."

A crowd gathered outside the Shen residence, in groups of three or five, discussing the distribution of profits. Some even took out their abacuses and started fiddling with them right there in the street.

People are driven by self-interest. In fact, after several unsuccessful attempts to persuade them, everyone's minds began to wander.

A strike to protest?

It might have been possible before, but not now.

Because Shen Lang is no pushover.

Last year, Zeng Qian caused trouble, and twenty-six prominent families in the capital were killed. I don't want to follow in his footsteps.

If you can't beat them, why not join them?

The aristocratic class is all about profit; they would never get involved in a risky situation where they would inevitably lose.

The so-called unity of the aristocratic class was only based on shared interests; aside from that, there was no such thing as a united front.

Just then, the gates of the Shen residence opened.

The previously noisy crowd instantly fell silent, and everyone looked at Shen Lang with a "perverted" smile.

Upon seeing this, Shen Lang feigned ignorance and asked, "Gentlemen, why are you all gathered in front of my residence so late instead of going home to rest?"

Wang Can was the first to speak: "Lord Shen's campaign against Luchuan has been arduous and meritorious. We have long admired him and have wanted to pay him a private visit."

"I've been very busy with official duties lately, but I've taken the time today to bring some small gifts for this gathering. I hope Lord Shen won't find them offensive."

As he spoke, he conjured two golden ruyi scepters out of thin air and presented them to him with a smile.

"Ah, yes, yes, that's what we think too."

The other old foxes immediately echoed this sentiment, and unanimously took out gifts they had prepared in advance.

Wang Can was so angry at this scene that he almost vomited blood.

It turns out I wasn't the only one who had prepared for both possibilities; these people are all incredibly shrewd.

They truly have a complete grasp of interpersonal relationships and social dynamics.

At this moment, everyone looked at Shen Lang with the same warmth they would show to a god of wealth, almost as if they were about to light incense and begin to worship him.

Shen Lang was too lazy to expose this outrageous reason and accepted all the gifts.

"Since you gentlemen are so hospitable, I cannot refuse you."

"But my humble abode is too small; I'm afraid it cannot accommodate so many of you."

"It's alright, we don't mind. If it really doesn't work, we can stand in the courtyard."

Wang Can disregarded everything else and was the first to squeeze into Shen Lang's residence.

"Lord Shen, let's go inside and talk."

"Yes, come inside. We are eager to hear how Lord Shen skillfully commanded the battlefield."

"Please don't take offense, Lord Shen. I just prefer small houses; they make me feel especially safe."

Soon, nearly a hundred aristocratic officials gave Shen Lang no chance to refuse and forced him into the villa.

"Ha ha……"

Seeing this, Shen Lang merely sneered inwardly.

Indeed, humans are inherently driven by greed and desire, regardless of the era.

That night, Shen Lang's residence was very lively, with everyone drinking and chatting amiably, exchanging opinions.

Shen Lang affirmed everyone's perseverance and determination to make progress together, and gave them appropriate verbal praise.

Several scions of prominent families, eager to make progress, humbly listened to the advice on the future direction of trade and commerce in mainland China.

The sound of the abacus beads turning continued until dawn.

When the gates of the mansion opened again, not only did everyone show no signs of fatigue, but they were all in high spirits and smiling brightly.

After a night of detailed discussion, everyone reached a clear consensus on the division of businesses across various industries.

Moreover, Shen Lang's analysis of the economy made them realize that their vision was too narrow, and that focusing only on their own small plot of land would never lead to anything significant.

At this moment, the officials from these noble families who had received the promises smiled at each other, went to the pancake shop where Shen Lang often ate breakfast, discussed it for a while, and finally made up their minds.

“We will go back immediately to write a memorial, proposing that political reform and change are of utmost urgency.”

"Yes, the corvée labor is too heavy, and the people of the world are suffering too much. Political reform and change should start with us!"

"Indeed, the exorbitant taxes and levies are as numerous as hairs on a cow, making it so difficult for the people to survive. These taxes should be abolished, and new taxes should be clearly defined to rekindle the dormant enthusiasm of the people."

"The changes in the world should begin with our Great Chu, and will surely be remembered for thousands of years, serving as a model for future generations."

"Emperor Shen is truly farsighted. 'A young man should be young and full of vigor.' Such a profound statement makes us, the scions of noble families who have received imperial favor for generations, feel deeply ashamed."

"Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. Industrial progress not only brings benefits to our family, but also creates a future for hundreds of millions of people."

"A joint petition has been submitted, supporting His Majesty's decision to increase investment in industry!"

"I'll wait for the second opinion!"

At this moment, everyone united and decided to help the Empress abolish all the labor service, corvée labor, and hundreds of taxes that had been in place for tens of thousands of years.

This doesn't mean they were moved by Shen Lang's ambition and ideals, but rather that only by abolishing these old systems could their factories achieve stable production and obtain sufficient profits.

……

"Your Majesty, these are the bribes that the gentry came to offer in order to set up factories. There are 47 such families, totaling 1.78 million taels of silver."

"So many people have given money in just one day?"

Jiang Mengxuan put away the money notes and quietly stuffed them into the drawer of the Imperial Study, looking at Shen Lang with admiration.

Shen Lang sighed: "The people of the world are bustling about, all driven by self-interest. Tomorrow, there will inevitably be fierce debates in the court and in the political arena."

Soon, more people will be aligned with Your Majesty's interests. I believe that within a few months, Your Majesty will be able to completely consolidate imperial power and control the political landscape.

"Shen Lang, I want to thank you. Without you, I wouldn't have dared to imagine that this day would come so soon."

Shen Lang smiled faintly: "Your Majesty, when the imperial power is restored, can you let this humble servant leave?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mengxuan's face turned cold: "Shen Lang, what do you want me to do to make you believe that I would never harm you?"

"Ah~"

Shen Lang remained silent, only letting out a quiet sigh.

"Would you feel more at ease if I did that?"

Suddenly, Jiang Mengxuan stood up, walked to Shen Lang's side, bent down, and kissed him directly on the cheek.

In an instant, Shen Lang felt as if he had been electrocuted. He looked up and met Jiang Mengxuan's clear and gentle eyes, and was at a loss for words.