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

"Dear fellow villagers, if you have money, please support us financially; if you don't have money, please support us with your presence. The north suffered a disaster, and my daughter and I had no choice but to make a living by performing on the road to your esteemed place."

"If you enjoy watching this, just give us a few coins. If you're not satisfied, please be kind and give us, father and daughter, some face."

"It's not easy for people in the martial arts world. They rely on their skills to make a living, so please bear with us."

After a brief introduction, the father and daughter, who were preparing to perform acrobatics, immediately began their performance.

The surrounding crowd erupted in cheers and jubilation.

Jiang Mengxuan always had a faint smile on her face. When she saw the thirteen-year-old girl balancing six bowls on her head and swaying precariously on a wheelbarrow, she couldn't help but sigh.

"A decade or so ago, there were fathers and daughters performing on the streets of Chu to make a living. Now, with the streets well-organized and improved, it's hard to see such scenes anymore."

I never imagined that these past ten-odd years on the throne would feel like two completely different worlds.

Shen Lang: "With people's lives improved and their basic needs met, who would want to show their face in public and perform on the street? Even if someone does, it's just to earn more money."

Jiang Mengxuan gently stroked her hair that fell to her shoulders and blinked.

"Ah Lang, I want to set off back to Haizhou tomorrow. This expedition will be a complete success."

"Aren't you going to stay a few more days?"

"No, to be honest, I don't like this oppressive atmosphere. Even the capital of Wu Zhao Kingdom is so unbearable, I feel there's nothing to see. I still want to return to my own country."

"Alright, since we've already moved most of the 300 million taels of silver that Wu Zhao Kingdom gave us, let's set sail for home tomorrow."

"Ah."

After confirming her return date, Jiang Mengxuan felt much more at ease.

"it is good!"

At that moment, thunderous applause and cheers erupted all around.

However, it was the father and daughter who performed acrobatics who completed the first act.

"Thank you for the honor, thank you so much!"

The old man kept bowing and making gestures to those around him.

"If you enjoy watching this, please consider giving me some money for a meal."

As he spoke, his daughter, holding a gong, began asking the onlookers for tips.

However, upon hearing that money was to be asked, the people retreated, and some even left directly.

His daughter was a little anxious and kept pleading with people, "Brothers and sisters, please give me a little money, just a little."

Unfortunately, in the end, there were very few copper coins in the gong, and the onlookers dispersed.

Seeing that she couldn't get much money, the little girl's eyes reddened. Finally, she handed the gong to Jiang Mengxuan and said, "Master, Madam, please have mercy and give me some money."

Among the onlookers, only Shen Lang and his wife had different clothes and hairstyles, and their imposing and noble aura was immediately apparent.

Girls are very reluctant to communicate with such people, after all, the difference in their social status can be seen from their clothing alone.

Because it was commonplace for the powerful and wealthy to oppress ordinary people throughout Wuzhao.

"Give."

Unexpectedly, Jiang Mengxuan put a handful of silver melon seeds into her gong tray, which weighed about ten taels.

Instantly, the girl was stunned and speechless, staring blankly at the silver melon seeds in the gong tray.

By the time she came to her senses, Jiang Mengxuan and Shen Lang had already walked away side by side.

"Thank you so much, thank you so much..."

The girl immediately kowtowed to the departing figures of the two men to express her gratitude.

Meanwhile, Shen Lang and Jiang Mengxuan passed by a teahouse. Jiang Mengxuan said she was tired from walking, so they went in together to enjoy some tea.

At that moment, Li Hong, who was traveling incognito among the common people, also arrived in front of the teahouse.

"I am thirsty, please come in and have some tea."

Feng Chun, who was standing nearby, hurriedly said, "This servant will go and drive the people inside away."

Li Hong stopped him: "There's no need for such a grand display. I'm here incognito today to experience the warmth of everyday life. If you do this, you'll scare everyone away. How will I then enjoy the warmth of everyday life?"

Fengchun: "Yes, Master is right. It was this servant who did not think things through."

Li Hong: "Let's go. Along the way, Qian Feng said that the people of Wu Zhao Kingdom were selling their children and living in misery. But now, in my opinion, aren't they all doing alright?"

Having food to eat, clothes to wear, and the ability to earn a little extra money in my spare time—isn't that great? It's not as miserable as he makes it out to be.

Feng Chun replied, "That's right. Your Majesty is a wise ruler. How could the people under your rule be any worse? Those ministers just like to worry unnecessarily and whine without cause."

Li Hong simply waved his hand, not wanting to discuss court matters any further: "Let's go, I'm tired."

"Yes."

Feng Chun helped Li Hong into the teahouse.

As soon as he entered, Li Hong saw Shen Lang.

Jiang Mengxuan, who was standing next to him, was especially shocked.

Isn't this the woman in the portrait?

The Empress of Great Chu, she's come to Shengjing too?

Why did no one report this?

Shen Lang never expected to encounter Li Hong again under such circumstances.

He thought that after being ridiculed by him, this old man would hide in the palace, too ashamed to face anyone. He never expected that he would reappear in the market. He was truly amazed by the old man's thick skin, the greatest in history.

"Brother Shen, we meet again."

"Oh, it's Brother Li! What brings you here, sir?"

"It's so stuffy at home, I came out for some fresh air. What about you? Haven't you moved yet?"

"There's too much stuff, we probably won't be able to pack it all in one trip, but it'll be soon, in just a few days, we'll be heading south."

"This lady beside you must be your wife. Brother Shen is truly blessed with good fortune."

Li Hong looked Jiang Mengxuan up and down, nodding occasionally.

Regarding Li Hong's attitude, Shen Lang was already considering whether he should just use "Wind Rift" to take him away.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Mengxuan stepped forward, swung her right arm behind her back, and bowed slightly to Li Hong: "This must be Master Li. I have heard of your great name many times in my youth. It is truly an honor to meet you today."

Jiang Mengxuan's attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, lacking Shen Lang's aggressiveness, yet giving Li Hong an indescribable sense of confidence and composure.

Based on this alone, Li Hong felt that Jiang Mengxuan, as the Empress of Great Chu, was no less than himself.

"Madam Shen, you are too polite. There are too many people here, and it is not convenient to talk. How about I treat you to a private room so we can discuss this in detail?"

"I happen to have some questions I'd like to ask Mr. Li. Since Mr. Li is willing to host, I certainly won't spoil the fun."

"Very well, Madam Shen is truly a woman who is just as capable as any man. I admire you greatly. Fengchun, instruct the shopkeeper to prepare a private room and also to go to Jinghuaixuan to prepare some dishes. The master is very happy to meet such distinguished guests today and wants to have a good chat with them."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Fengchun turned around and went to prepare.

Shen Lang's eyes flickered, and he said to Jiang Mengxuan, "I'll go prepare some local specialties. You and Master Li can have a good talk."

Jiang Mengxuan understood: "Go quickly and come back quickly."

"Ah."

After watching Shen Lang leave, Li Hong raised his hand to Jiang Mengxuan and said, "Madam, please."

Jiang Mengxuan returned the greeting: "Please, Mr. Li."