Transmigrated into a seven-year-old child, my fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens.

Because they were transporting gold and silver jewelry on the way back, it took them longer than on the way there. To avoid attracting too much attention, they slept outdoors as much as possible along the way.

Fortunately, after leaving Changting County, they did not encounter any major troubles on the road. After nearly a month, the group finally returned to the capital safely.

Before returning, Song Wenjie wrote to the Emperor in advance to inform him that they had already obtained the goods. The Emperor was overjoyed and had already sent people from the Imperial Household Department to wait for them at the city gate.

Once they arrived safely in the capital, the Imperial Household Department handed over the goods to them. After inventory, the goods were put into the national treasury, temporarily alleviating the treasury deficit.

After inventory, the amount of gold and silver jewelry was basically consistent with the dowry listed in the expenditure report of the Imperial Household Department when Princess Mingmei got married.

In other words, the gold and silver jewelry was not embezzled by the thieves; they died before they could even spend the money.

Therefore, as the old saying goes, "What is destined to be yours will be yours, and what is not, you cannot force." What belongs to you will be yours no matter what, and what does not belong to you, you cannot bear even if you obtain it.

Three days later, Song Wenjie and Zhao Lian were ordered to enter the palace. In front of all the civil and military officials, the emperor praised them highly, saying that they had made contributions to the Hanjiang Dynasty.

This gold and silver treasure had been missing for over 20 years, but thanks to Zhaolian, it was able to see the light of day again and be put into the national treasury. Therefore, Zhaolian deserves the most credit.

Immediately afterwards, the Emperor bestowed upon Zhao Lian a hundred taels of gold and a hundred acres of fertile land. He also subtly hinted at promoting Zhao Lian to an official position, but Zhao Lian declined.

"Your Majesty, I will accept the money and fertile land, but I have no interest in becoming an official."

Upon hearing this, the court officials all looked at her with new respect.

Throughout history, countless people have desperately tried to obtain an official position, yet this young man, who clearly had the qualifications to serve in the imperial court, refused without hesitation.

Although Zhao Lian looks very young, the Emperor knows that he is highly skilled in martial arts, bold and meticulous, and of course does not want to miss out on such a talented person.

The Emperor asked Zhao Lian to give a reason why she was unwilling to serve as an official in the court.

Zhao Lian directly pulled off the headband and smiled sweetly: "Your Majesty, I am actually a woman. Because it was inconvenient to act in women's clothing before, I have been dressing as a man."

The Emperor was astonished to find that Zhao Lian was actually a woman, and the civil and military officials present were also taken aback.

It's true that heroes have emerged from among the young since ancient times, and women are just as capable as men.

Looking at the girl in front of him, the emperor's surprise turned into appreciation. Although this girl Zhao Lian was not stunning at first glance, she had delicate features, big, bright eyes that were full of spirit, and a playful charm about her.

Song Wenjie saw the Emperor's expression and, for some reason, felt a sense of foreboding.

I heard that the palace is currently holding a selection of candidates, but the emperor is not very satisfied with any of them.

The emperor was about the same age as him. He was not married when he was a prince, and he still had not married even after he ascended the throne.

Therefore, the position of Empress was coveted by many ministers, and many civil and military officials intended to send their daughters into the palace, but it is said that the Emperor was not very satisfied.

Prime Minister Li Ji also intended to arrange a marriage between himself and his daughter Li Ai so that she could become the Empress.

Seeing that the emperor was not in a hurry, the ministers became anxious and proposed that the new emperor ascend the throne and start a new round of selection to choose a queen for the Han River Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang naturally understood what these ministers meant: when the next round of imperial concubine selection began, they would send their own daughters into the palace.

This was the way all dynasties filled their harems, so Zhu Yuanzhang had no objection. Moreover, as a royal descendant, he had an unshirkable responsibility to ensure the continuation of the Zhu family line.

However, those ordinary women were unbearably vulgar. Although many of them were daughters of high-ranking officials and ministers and were quite beautiful, they were too materialistic, and Zhu Yuanzhang disliked them at all.

If he could bring this girl into his harem, that would be a good idea. Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang's lips curled up.

Seeing the Emperor's expression, Song Wenjie's heart skipped a beat. No, regardless of whether the Emperor thought that way or not, he had to nip this thought in the bud first.

Song Wenjie clasped his hands together, his face solemn: "Your Majesty, you just asked me what reward I wanted. Now I have thought it over. Miss Zhaolian and I are in love. I ask Your Majesty to grant us a marriage, and you will be our witness."

Upon hearing Song Wenjie's words, the Emperor's smile froze on his face.

"No way! Your Majesty, don't listen to his nonsense."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lian immediately became anxious, wondering what Song Wenjie was up to.

Song Wenjie gave Zhao Lian a wink: "Zhao Lian, don't be stubborn with me. We already agreed on this beforehand."

"Are you confused? When did I agree to that!" Zhao Lian had no idea what Song Wenjie was thinking. Of course, she wouldn't admit to something that wasn't true.

Seeing that Zhao Lian wouldn't admit it, the Emperor was naturally pleased, but feigned regret: "Wenjie! Since Zhao Lian won't agree, let's not force her. Let's discuss this later."

"As for what reward you desire, tell me when you've decided, and I will do my utmost to fulfill it! Let's leave this topic here."

Immediately afterwards, the Emperor ignored Song Wenjie and looked at the civil and military officials in the court: "Gentlemen, is there anything else you wish to report?"

An official bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Huangshan County has recently taken in 1500 disaster victims, which is the maximum capacity. Many victims have no rice to cook and are now being given porridge..."

"..."

Following that, other officials began to submit memorials one after another, reporting on important matters in various places.

Zhao Lian glared coldly at Song Wenjie, who pretended not to notice. In any case, the matter was temporarily suppressed, and he was secretly pleased.

It has to be said that attending court is a really tiring thing. Zhao Lian listened to the ministers' reports and even started to doze off.

I don't know how much time had passed, but I finally heard the eunuch beside the emperor say, "If you have something to say, speak up; otherwise, the court is adjourned."

"Court adjourned."

Hearing the eunuch drawl, Zhao Lian immediately perked up. As the emperor left, the civil and military officials all withdrew, and Zhao Lian followed them out.

Once outside the palace gates, Zhao Lian became displeased to see Song Wenjie following her. "Why are you following me? And why did you speak to the Emperor like that? You're my brother! That's deceiving the Emperor, a crime punishable by death."

Song Wenjie didn't answer her question: "Come on, I'll take you somewhere!" After saying that, Song Wenjie took Zhao Lianle's hand without caring whether she was willing or not.

Zhao Lian asked anxiously, "Hey~ where are you taking me?"

"You'll know when it arrives!"

Zhao Lian struggled, saying, "Let go of my hand, you're hurting me."

Upon hearing this, Song Wenjie released her hand, pursed his lips, and blurted out, "Sorry, I have a strong grip, it's just a habit."

Zhao Lian rolled her eyes at him: "Simple-minded, all brawn and no brains, that's all."

This remark nearly made Song Wenjie vomit blood. He wanted to retort, but after thinking about it, he ultimately didn't say it.