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

After being released from the imperial prison, Shen Lang went straight back to see Jiang Mengxuan.

"Ah Lang, what did Zheng Bisheng say to you?"

"News concerning the King of Shu."

Upon hearing that it was related to Jiang Chong, Jiang Mengxuan frowned.

Shen Lang sat down at the table and poured himself a glass of water.

"Zheng Bisheng told me that there was evidence of Jiang Chong's treasonous plot in the old house in Suzhou."

Over the years, he recruited soldiers in Sichuan and colluded with both the Tibetan and Western Xia dynasties.

I have already notified the Jingwei Division to retrieve it.

Jiang Mengxuan: "I knew that Jiang Chong had 300,000 troops in Shu over the years, but I never expected that he would collude with foreign enemies."

I also know that he was very dissatisfied when I first ascended the throne, always believing that I had usurped his throne, and he harbored resentment towards my father's decision.

Shen Lang shook his head: "It's not 300,000, but 700,000. In addition, there are 100,000 troops from Weizang, as well as support from the Shu Sword Sect."

According to my estimate, Jiang Chong has nearly a million troops ready to launch an uprising.

"What? A million soldiers!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mengxuan was immediately shocked.

"No matter how wealthy the Shu region is, it's impossible for it to support a million soldiers!"

Shen Lang thought for a moment and said, "Zheng Bisheng said that over the years Jiang Chong has sold Shu brocade at high prices to nobles in Weizang and Xixia, etc."

The money obtained from selling Shu brocade was then used to purchase military supplies such as salt, iron, and grain throughout the Chu state. This can be deduced from Zheng Bisheng's brief account.

From the beginning of the Xuan Yuan era to February of the third year of Xuan Yuan, Jiang Chong had merchants from Shu purchase a total of 12 million shi of grain from major grain merchants within the Chu Kingdom.

In addition, there were 3 million catties of pig iron and 700,000 catties of wrought iron. Furthermore, in the salt tax embezzlement case, Zheng Bisheng and others from the Jiangnan saltworks also secretly sold salt at inflated prices to Jiang Chong for huge profits.

Therefore, upon careful consideration, although Jiang Chong's plan to maintain a million soldiers was very stressful, it was actually just enough to balance the annual expenses.

Jiang Mengxuan said, "Ah Lang, after hearing what you said, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep tonight again."

After all, how can I, the Empress, be at ease with such a great threat by my side?

Shen Lang laughed: "Isn't there still me? Jiang Chong can't cause any big trouble."

"Hmm? You have another great idea? Tell me quickly."

"It's simple, just wage an economic war against Sichuan."

"Economic war?"

Jiang Mengxuan was instinctively stunned.

Shen Lang laughed and said, "Since the main source of revenue for Shu is Shu brocade, then let's cut off their Shu brocade supply."

Furthermore, since the Shu region did not pay taxes to the imperial court, all merchants from the Shu region who purchased goods from the Chu state would have to pay an additional 30% customs duty.

If this strategy can be successfully implemented, how long do you think Jiang Chongyang's million-strong army can hold out?

Jiang Mengxuan nodded and smiled, "You always have so many ideas. Since you're now in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, why don't you handle this matter?"

Shen Lang shrugged, indicating that there was no problem.

At this moment, Qingwen came to report: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager requests that the Emperor come over for a talk."

Upon hearing this, a shadow crossed Jiang Mengxuan's face: "They must be here for the supervision of the construction of the Longevity Palace."

"Ha, I've been waiting for this day." Shen Lang put down his teacup, stood up and said, "Xuan'er, don't worry, I'll handle the Empress Dowager."

"You'd better be careful, because the officialdom in Jiangnan has been purged, and the Empress Dowager has received far less tribute. Her temper has been getting worse lately."

"Don't worry, I know what's going on."

After straightening his clothes, Shen Lang strode out of the palace gate.

……

Inside Ganquan Palace, Ji Yuxi sat on a short couch with a gloomy expression.

In the past few months, the construction of Changsheng Palace has been delayed, and the officialdom in Jiangnan has been purged, which has cut off extra income. These two things have made Ji Yuxi very depressed.

He also sent people to the Ministry of Revenue many times, but the news he received was that Lin Yu was ill at home and that Shen Lang would temporarily take over the position of Minister.

This made Ji Yuxi even more unhappy.

Ever since she met Shen Lang, she felt like nothing she did went right.

First, upon returning to the palace, Shen Lang publicly flaunted him by carrying him under his arm in the main hall, and then he was severely humiliated in prison.

Then, in the main hall of Weiyang Palace, he reprimanded the Empress Dowager in front of all the officials, causing her to lose face.

Some time ago, it stirred up the Jiangnan officialdom, and a large number of officials were uprooted like a string of crabs, leaving their tribute money completely gone.

Now, he's in charge of the Ministry of Revenue; it's clear he's been sent by heaven to oppose me.

"If it weren't for Shen Lang's meddling, I would be in charge of everything in the court now. How infuriating!"

Ji Yuxi grew angrier the more she thought about it, and eventually she smashed a set of tea utensils on the table onto the ground.

The eunuchs and maids serving nearby were so frightened that they immediately knelt down, not daring to even breathe loudly.

"Where is Shen Lang? Why hasn't he come yet! I am his mother, after all. Does he not even listen to me?"

Upon hearing this, the eunuch Xiaochunzi immediately replied, "Your Majesty, please calm down. This servant will go and urge them immediately."

Just as he was about to leave the palace, Rong Momo walked in: "Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuxi straightened up and said to the palace maids, "Clean this place up."

The palace maid quickly cleaned up the broken ceramic pieces on the floor.

After everything was restored to normal, Xiaochunzi set up a new, exquisite tea set.

Ji Yuxi picked up the teacup, slid the lid off, and then slowly said, "Let him in."

Rong Momo bowed and turned to walk out of the palace gate.

Before long, Shen Lang strode into the palace and, upon seeing Ji Yuxi, immediately bowed.

"Your subject Shen Lang greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"

Ji Yuxi looked up at Shen Langyi.

Although she had no liking for Shen Lang, she had to admit that this son-in-law was much more handsome and dashing than when they first met, and was becoming more and more pleasing to the eye.

If I could train him to be my devoted subject, it would be a very successful thing.

"sit down."

"Thank you, Queen Mother."

Ji Yuxi calmly invited him to sit down, then gave him a professional smile.

"Are you getting used to life in the palace? Is there anything you need to buy?"

You can tell me, after all, I'm practically your mother, so naturally I won't mistreat you."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am currently doing well and do not need any additional items for the time being."

"Serving His Majesty is not easy, so you must pay attention."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, His Majesty and I treat each other with the utmost respect. I will do my best to serve His Majesty well."

"Yes, it's good that you have the intention."

"Shen Lang, you are now the Minister of Revenue, in charge of the nation's finances and grain. You must take on more responsibility."

"Your Majesty, I will certainly not disappoint you."

After a few meaningless pleasantries, Ji Yuxi steered the conversation directly to the construction of the palace.

"How's the money for garden renovation coming along?"

"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue has no money."

"What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly."

Shen Lang raised his voice: "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue has no money!"

The crisp and decisive answer completely surprised Ji Yuxi.

She reached out her trembling hand, pointing at Shen Lang, muttering repeatedly, "You, you, you..."

But I didn't know what to say.