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

Hearing Xiangling's sweet and witty confession, Shen Lang seemed to be touched.

"Miss Xiangling, why do you have to do this? Do you know what the consequences will be if His Majesty finds out?"

"Your Majesty, I greatly admire you and would never harm your relationship with His Majesty. I only wish to have the pleasure of being husband and wife with you even once."

"If this soothes the Regent's empty heart, I will be content and ask for nothing more. I only beg the Regent to grant me this one wish."

Xiangling's words sounded very sincere.

Originally, she was just following Changsun Ying's instructions to seduce Shen Lang to complete the mission and then successfully become the concubine of the Prince of Xiang.

However, when he saw how handsome the man in front of him was, he couldn't help but feel a strong urge to get closer.

She longed for this man to completely conquer her, both physically and mentally.

Besides, aren't women born to be conquered by the men they find attractive?

With these thoughts in mind, Xiangling was extremely excited.

Shen Lang hesitated for a moment, glanced around, and said, "This is not the place to talk. Come with me to another place."

Xiangling's face lit up with joy, thinking to herself that there was hope, and she got up to hug Shen Lang.

But Shen Lang quickly stopped him: "Miss Xiangling, I know your feelings for me, but there are too many people here."

If someone sees us and reports it to His Majesty, not only you, but I will also be suspected. Therefore, let's find another place to reminisce."

Xiangling was incredibly excited, thinking she had successfully won over Shen Lang, and immediately said, "This servant will follow the Regent's arrangements in everything."

Shen Lang nodded: "Then come with me to the North Palace. The scenery there is unique, and I'm sure you'll like it."

"Ah."

As she spoke, she followed Shen Lang with a secret delight, walking silently forward.

……

Meanwhile, Pan Shijun, who had been waiting outside Shuixuan Residence for a full half hour, finally received an audience with the Empress.

Qingwen strolled to the outside of Shuixuan Residence and looked Pan Shijun up and down: "His Majesty sent me to ask you, what is your name?"

Pan Shijun hurriedly cupped his hands and replied, "I am Pan Shijun, a native of Xiangyang, Jingzhou."

Qingwen: "His Majesty invites you. Please come with me."

"Yes."

Pan Shijun finally breathed a sigh of relief, and then followed Qingwen into the gate of Shuixuan Residence.

Under the moonlight, the plants inside Shuixuan Residence emit a dim glow, giving people a very soft and beautiful feeling.

Pan Shijun felt his heart racing.

If he could really be chosen by the Empress to be her male concubine, even if he was just a tool to serve her in bed, he would be content.

He had decided that he would not compete with Shen Lang for the Empress's favor; enjoying this wealth and honor would be enough for him.

"Stay here and don't wander off."

While Pan Shijun was still lost in thought, Qingwen's voice rang in his ears.

Upon closer inspection, Pan Shijun was already standing in front of a tightly closed gate, with two women guarding the entrance.

Jiang Mengxuan disliked being served by eunuchs and palace maids since she was a child, so the people she placed in the inner palace were all trustworthy palace maids.

After Qingwen reminded Pan Shijun, she entered the room.

Before long, Qingwen appeared again and summoned Pan Shijun into the main hall.

He took a deep breath, thinking that success or failure hinged on this moment, and then stepped inside.

However, looking around, the hall was empty.

"Kneel down."

Qingwen let out a soft moan, and Pan Shijun immediately knelt on the ground in a start.

"Your Majesty, Pan Shijun has been delivered."

As soon as Qingwen finished speaking, a voice drifted from inside the hall: "Qingwen, you may leave now."

"Yes, the slaves retire."

After bowing, Qingwen left through the side door behind the screen.

Just as Pan Shijun was still at a loss, a cold voice rang out again in the hall.

"Pan Shijun, I'm asking you, and you must answer honestly: where did you get this booklet from?"

Pan Shijun hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, I learned about this booklet from the wealthy merchants and powerful families of Guanzhong when I was in Xiangyang over the years."

"Oh? Then why did you compile this booklet?"

Pan Shijun: "To be honest, I come from a poor family and only hope that one day I can make something of myself. So I took this opportunity to come to the capital to present myself to Your Majesty, hoping that Your Majesty can give me a chance."

"What reward do you want?"

Pan Shijun paused for a moment, then lowered his head: "This humble man dares not speak."

"You have done me such a great favor, so I must reward you in some way. Tell me, as long as it is within my power, I will certainly not treat you unfairly."

Pan Shijun broke out in a cold sweat, then mustered his courage and said, "I hope to stay in the palace and serve Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will give me a chance."

The hall remained silent for a long while.

Pan Shijun felt his heart pounding so hard it was about to burst out of his chest.

It felt like an eternity before the Empress's cold voice finally rang out again.

"amber!"

"The slave is here!"

The next moment, Amber appeared out of nowhere beside Pan Shijun.

"Take this young master Pan to the North Palace to change his clothes."

Upon hearing the name "Bei Gong," Amber's lips curled slightly, and she glanced at Pan Shijun out of the corner of her eye, her gaze filled with sympathy.

Pan Shijun had no idea what the Northern Palace was; he only felt that he had gained the Empress's initial trust and was overjoyed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Remember to come see me again tomorrow; I'm feeling a bit tired now."

Pan Shijun assumed the words were directed at him and immediately bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Amber, who was about to respond, was speechless for a moment. Just as she was about to speak, the Empress's voice rang out: "Musk Moon, take him there first."

"The slaves obey."

After receiving the order, Amber looked at Pan Shijun and said, "Young Master Pan, please."

"Thank you for showing me the way, Miss Amber."

Feeling refreshed and invigorated by the Empress's trust, Pan Shijun thought to himself how he would subdue Amber once he gained her full trust.

And Qingwen too, she'll be able to ride under him sooner or later.

After Liangren left, Qingwen returned to the main hall and couldn't help but sigh: "Your Majesty, how dare Pan Shijun be so audacious as to try to gain Your Majesty's favor? Does he not know the meaning of death?"

"It seems someone is orchestrating everything behind the scenes; otherwise, Pan Shijun would never have dared to plot against me."

"When the Emperor returns, give him this booklet and let him handle it."

The booklet quickly flew into Qingwen's hands.

……

Amber and Pan Shijun left Shuixuan Residence and boarded a carriage, heading towards the North Palace.

Pan Shijun couldn't help but ask, "May I ask, Miss Amber, what place is Beigong?"

"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask," Amber replied. "Just learn some of the rules of the palace."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Pan Shijun could only lower his head and admit it.

But at this moment he felt a little lightheaded. Looking at Amber's pretty face, all he wanted to do was pin her down and whip and ravage her.

Meanwhile, Shen Lang arrived at their destination with Xiang Ling.

He pointed to a palace gate ahead: "Miss Xiangling, look, we've arrived at the North Palace."

Xiangling looked through the lantern light and saw the four characters "Southern Garrison Command" hanging on the plaque above the entrance. Somewhat puzzled, she asked, "Your Highness, is this the Northern Palace, also your residence?"

Shen Lang nodded: "Yes, it's been a long time since I brought anyone here. Ordinary people can't even get in."

Xiangling was overjoyed: "Your Highness, what shall we talk about?"

Shen Lang smiled knowingly: "Of course, I'll take you to see the meteor shower."

"Oh, are there any shooting stars now?"

"Don't worry, you'll see it soon."

Xiangling was completely unaware of how serious the situation was, thinking that Shen Lang was saying sweet nothings to her, so she followed him and pushed open the door of the Southern Garrison.