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

The next day, Shen Lang got up on time as usual and practiced his martial arts in the courtyard.

After Jiang Mengxuan took a bath and returned to bed to rest last night, Shen Lang naturally dared not touch her again, for fear that it might really cause someone's death.

When Shen Lang woke up in the morning, Jiang Mengxuan was still fast asleep. He didn't wake her, dressed himself, and continued practicing his martial arts.

Half an hour later, when the sun was high in the sky and it was already bright, Jiang Mengxuan finally sat down by the window, looking at Shen Lang in the courtyard with affection.

Amber, who was behind her, had been waiting for a long time. She had instructed her maids to prepare the washing utensils and was just waiting for the Empress's order to do her hair and makeup.

After a long while, Jiang Mengxuan reluctantly withdrew her gaze and said softly, "Amber, help me with my hair and clothes."

Amber responded, "Yes."

Start getting busy immediately.

At this moment, Shen Lang finished his daily morning practice, took a deep breath, and stepped into the house.

"Xuan'er, you're awake?"

"Ah."

The image of Shen Lang was reflected in the dressing mirror. As Jiang Mengxuan recalled everything that had happened last night, a blush involuntarily rose to her cheeks.

Shen Lang wiped his face, glanced at the sky, and seemed to have thought of something. He suddenly asked, "By the way, since we returned to the capital yesterday, why haven't we seen that old fox Ye Mo?"

Jiang Mengxuan: "Prime Minister Ye has been unwell recently and has not attended court for more than ten days."

"Hmm, sick? What kind of sickness?"

Upon hearing that Ye Mo was ill, Shen Lang became very curious.

Ye Mo has always been in good health, so why would he suddenly fall ill?

However, considering Ye Mo's age, he didn't think about it too much.

After all, as people get older, they inevitably experience some ailments and pains.

"I don't know either. I had the imperial physician examine him, but he couldn't figure out what was wrong. I guess he fell ill from overworking."

Shen Lang didn't mind and casually said, "Well, since I'm free today, I might as well go see him."

“Alright.” Jiang Mengxuan agreed immediately. “Recently, Ye Mo’s third son, Ye Fan, returned from the Sword Sect in Shu. He intends to enter the imperial court as an official.”

I've been busy dealing with the military power issues of the other regional princes these days, and haven't had time to thoroughly assess his character. Could you please investigate his integrity for me while you're at it?

If he is capable, we could give him a suitable position.

"I see."

Shen Lang responded, changed into a set of brocade clothes, and folded his cuffs.

"Then I'll go to the Prime Minister's residence now and take a look, and see if Ye Fan is suitable for a career in officialdom."

"Why the rush? I'll have the imperial kitchen prepare some breakfast, we can eat together before we go."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lang nodded: "That's right. It's still early. We can go after we finish breakfast."

After the couple enjoyed a cozy breakfast, Shen Lang left the palace gates, boarded a four-wheeled carriage, and headed straight for the Prime Minister's residence.

At this time, the main roads of the capital were all replaced with cement instead of loess and bluestone, so there was no longer any need to worry about the scene of yellow sand filling the whole city when the wind blew.

The road ahead is flat and neat, and just one look at it makes one feel comfortable.

Sitting in the four-wheeled carriage he designed himself, looking out the window at the bustling city with its traffic and people, he felt quite satisfied with his current living environment.

The carriage traveled along the road and soon arrived at the gate of the Prime Minister's residence.

"Greetings, Duke Zhenguo."

When the butler Juan saw Shen Lang, he immediately went to greet him.

"Steward Hu, I heard that Prime Minister Ye is ill. I just returned to the capital yesterday and didn't have time to visit him. I took advantage of my free time today to come and see him."

"Lord Zhenguo, there's no need for further words. Please follow me."

Juan seemed to have anticipated Shen Lang's arrival. He didn't say anything or even inform him before leading Shen Lang through the gate.

The two bypassed the front hall and arrived at the back courtyard, heading towards the house where Ye Mo lived.

"Steward Hu, is Prime Minister Ye alright?"

Seeing Juan's worried expression, Shen Lang subconsciously asked another question.

Juan glanced back at him, his eyes holding a deeper meaning.

"The master is in that room. He instructed that if the Duke of Zhenguo arrives, do not stop him or report to him. Just invite him here directly."

After saying that, Juan bowed and smiled at Shen Lang, then stood aside without saying another word.

Shen Lang noticed a strange look on Hu An's face and was taken aback.

Could something serious have happened at the Prime Minister's residence?

With this doubt in mind, Shen Lang strode towards Ye Mo's master bedroom at the end of the corridor.

Unexpectedly, he bumped into Ye Fan who was walking towards him halfway through his journey.

"May I ask if this gentleman is the Emperor of Great Chu, the Duke of Zhenguo?"

Upon seeing Shen Lang, Ye Fan immediately greeted him with a cupped hand.

"Indeed, you must be Ye Fan, the third son of Ye Xiang? You are indeed a handsome man."

"You flatter me, Duke Zhenguo. Compared to you, my status is rather unworthy. May I ask what brings you here today?"

"I heard that Prime Minister Ye was ill, so I came to see him."

Shen Lang looked Ye Fan up and down carefully.

"By the way, Young Master Ye, have you ever served as a staff member in the Prince's Palace?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan smiled faintly: "Your Excellency Zhenguo has misunderstood. Although I have been in Shu for many years, I have never served as a staff member of the King of Shu. Of course, as the eldest son of the Ye family, it is inevitable that I would have dealings with the King of Shu."

"Well, I see."

Shen Lang responded and continued walking forward.

“Duke Zhenguo, since you have come to visit my father, let me show you the way.”

After Ye Fan finished speaking, he made a gesture of invitation, giving Shen Lang no chance to refuse, and walked ahead to lead the way for him.

Seeing Ye Fan's actions, Shen Lang keenly sensed something unusual.

After walking for about half a cup of tea's time, the two arrived at the master bedroom.

Ye Fan knocked on the tightly closed door and said, "Father, the Duke of Zhenguo has come to see you."

After saying that, without waiting for a response from inside, he pushed open the door.

This action made Shen Lang more alert.

The Ye family is known for its strict family rules, especially the etiquette and rules within their mansion, which are no less strict than those in the palace.

If Ye Fan had simply pushed the door open like this, the best outcome would have been a scolding from Ye Mo, but there was no reaction from the inner room at all.

Filled with doubt, Shen Lang also entered the guest room.

A strong aroma of traditional Chinese medicine filled the room.

Not far away, Ye Mo lay quietly on the bed, seemingly asleep.

Ye Fan looked at Shen Lang with a slight apology: "I'm sorry, my father just took his medicine and has fallen asleep. Duke Zhenguo, please come another day?"

"It's alright, he can sleep, I'll watch over him."

Shen Lang showed no intention of leaving and strode into the inner room to get a clearer view.

"Duke Zhenguo".

Ye Fan reached out and blocked Shen Lang's path.

"My father needs to rest quietly, so please do not disturb him and please leave."

"hehe."

Shen Lang chuckled softly and closed his eyes slightly.

When he opened his eyes again, a sharp glint pierced Ye Fan's pupils.

Ye Fan was also momentarily stunned by Shen Lang's sudden change in expression.

But she quickly regained her smile and said, "Duke Zhenguo, please do not disturb my father's rest."

"Don't worry, I won't disturb him. I'll just take a quiet look at him. Third Young Master, there's no need to be nervous."

As Shen Lang spoke, he pressed the raised left arm back down and strode into the inner room.

“Duke Zhenguo, you cannot go in. My father really needs to rest.”

Ye Fan wanted to stop him again.

Just then, Ye Mo's voice rang out from inside the room.

"Is it the Duke of Zhenguo?"