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

066 Desire to drive one mad

Time flies, and another month has passed in the blink of an eye.

In the past month, the biggest news in Jinling has undoubtedly been Mu Changge's reputation.

"If you were to ask who in the world today is most suitable to be the emperor's son-in-law, it would undoubtedly be the talented scholar from Jiangnan, Young Master Mu Changge."

He was handsome, possessed both literary and martial talents, and most importantly, he was compassionate and caring towards the people, dedicated to relieving their suffering.

He spared no expense in purchasing grain, fodder, and housing, and personally set up soup kitchens to distribute porridge to the starving people. How many kind-hearted people like him are there in the world?

If he cannot become the emperor's son-in-law, who else is qualified? We should go to Weiyang Palace to petition His Majesty, urging him to prioritize the greater good and appoint Prince Mu as his son-in-law!

Inside a restaurant, several students loudly spoke up for Mu Changge, encouraging the crowd to support the Empress's search for a husband.

Such scenes occurred almost throughout the bustling downtown area of ​​Jinling. Unaware of the truth, the masses were led by the nose by public opinion, naively believing that Mu Changge was the most suitable candidate for the emperor's son-in-law.

In just one month, the couple Jiang and Mu seemed to have dominated the headlines in the capital, with more than 60% of the city's residents believing that Mu Changge would inevitably be chosen as the Empress's husband.

Zeng Qian, who was secretly orchestrating this scene, was very satisfied. Of course, the influence of aristocratic families was also significant.

Actually, Zeng Qian was a little flustered at first, afraid that things would get too big and he might be implicated.

However, a month has passed and there has been no clear movement from within the palace.

This led Zeng Qian to believe that Jiang Mengxuan wouldn't dare to act recklessly, so he gradually challenged her bottom line, ultimately leading to this outcome.

Little did they know that Jiang Mengxuan had completely ignored Zeng Qianmu Changge during this time, and was busy establishing the Royal Trading Company.

Compared to the rumors and gossip from the outside world, she was more concerned with whether her personal treasury was full.

She never imagined that one day she would be so interested in money.

Jiang Mengxuan's silence only emboldened Zeng Qian, who, seeing "the will of the people," decided to bring up the topic directly during the morning court session.

At the start of the morning court session, inside the Weiyang Palace.

"Your Majesty, nearly two months have passed since the initial selection of a son-in-law. May I ask if Your Majesty has a suitable candidate in mind?"

Upon entering the court, Zeng Qian immediately began interrogating him.

His words caused the civil and military officials present to frown slightly.

The selection of a son-in-law by the imperial family is an internal matter of the royal family. As a subject, what right do you have to interfere?

Even Ye Mo closed his eyes, silently shaking his head at Zeng Qian's arrogant behavior.

Jiang Mengxuan stared at Ye Mo quietly, her expression unreadable.

"Prefect Zeng, as I mentioned before, I find it difficult to choose among the three potential sons-in-law. I intend to wait until the trial period is over before selecting the most suitable one."

"Only two months have passed, why is Prefect Zeng bringing this up now?"

Zeng Qian: "Your Majesty, the position of the emperor's son-in-law is a matter of great importance to the country and its people. The sooner it is decided, the more at ease the people will be."

Now, throughout the capital, there are cries for Mu Changge. We urge Your Majesty to heed the people's will and accept Mu Changge as your son-in-law!

After saying this, he opened his arms and bowed deeply.

Upon hearing this, apart from Jiang Mengxuan, who maintained a cold smile, the other ministers couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

Zeng Qian's statement is tantamount to admitting that he's no longer pretending to let Mu Changge become the son-in-law of the Great Chu Emperor, is it?

Ye Mo couldn't help but shake his head, too lazy to correct Zeng Qian's eagerness for quick success.

Of course, there were also voices supporting Zeng Qian at the scene, which were nothing more than embellishments such as Mu Changge's relief efforts for disaster victims and his unparalleled benevolence and righteousness.

Jiang Mengxuan smiled faintly: "According to Prefect Zeng, if I do not take Mu Changge as my son-in-law, then I am endangering the country and disobeying the will of the people?"

This statement carries a strong warning tone, implying that you should shut up and stop talking about this topic.

However, Zeng Qian, who was already blinded by hatred and passion, ignored the consequences and said, "Your Majesty, this is the will of the people. Do you want to disappoint the people of the whole world?"

"Mu Changge is a talented scholar from Jiangnan, a disciple of the Xuantian Sect, and comes from a wealthy family. May I ask, in what way is he unworthy of Your Majesty?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent.

A talented scholar paired with an empress?

Are you still asking if I'm not good enough for you?

You're practically courting death.

At this moment, even those who strongly supported Mu Changge becoming the emperor's son-in-law remained silent.

But Zeng Qian was not worried at all. In his mind, the person sitting on the dragon throne was just a seventeen-year-old girl with an imperial title. He was confident that even without Ye Mo's support, he could still manipulate her at will.

"Prefect Zeng!"

Suddenly, Ye Mo spoke.

"This is the main hall of the imperial court; how dare you act so recklessly!"

He simply couldn't accept that there were such stupid people among his students; it truly shattered his worldview.

"Your Majesty, every word I have spoken comes from the bottom of my heart. I urge you to consider it carefully and not to disappoint the people of the land!"

Zeng Qian, however, remained completely oblivious and continued to force Jiang Mengxuan to make a decision in the palace.

"Prefect Zeng, I have my own plans regarding my marriage, and it is not your place to interfere at this time. Today, I am busy with state affairs."

"Let's report on official business in various regions instead. Besides, when did the Capital Prefecture become qualified to interfere in the affairs of the Ministry of Rites?"

Jiang Mengxuan casually remarked, intending to end the topic.

"My lords, what important matter do you have to report?"

Upon hearing this, Minister of War Lü Lin immediately stepped forward.

But before he could speak, Zeng Qian shouted, "Your Majesty! Mu Changge is Your Majesty's ideal son-in-law! You must not go against the will of the people!"

Jiang Mengxuan frowned slightly, then replied in a cool tone, "I will consider Prefect Zeng's suggestion. You may leave now."

"If Your Majesty does not appoint a son-in-law today, I will remain kneeling here forever!"

"presumptuous!"

Unable to bear it any longer, Ye Mo roared in the hall before the Empress could make her move.

"Zeng Qian, you have repeatedly offended His Majesty today. Do you intend to force him to abdicate?"

Zeng Qian shuddered and swallowed hard when he saw Ye Mo's furious expression.

"As the Prefect of Jingzhao, how dare you overstep your bounds and interfere in the affairs of the Ministry of Rites? What exactly are you trying to do?"

"This humble official merely..."

"I ask you, how much effort have you actually put into maintaining order in the capital over the past month?"

The order lists of government offices throughout the city have all been sent to my home. Such a serious problem should have been under the jurisdiction of your Jingzhao Prefecture.

However, they can't find you even when they want to. There have been over a hundred incidents of stampedes and burglaries occurring in various places alone.

"I would like to ask you one question: what exactly is your Jingzhao Prefecture doing?!"

Zeng Qian's forehead was instantly covered in cold sweat. Faced with Ye Mo's outburst, he had no courage to resist.

Moreover, he had been busy for the past month enhancing Mu Changge's reputation.

During the day, she spread rumors everywhere, and at night she took him to places of pleasure and introduced him to people from the major families in the capital.

In that case, how could there be any time to maintain order in the capital?

If this were to be investigated seriously, he could lose his job simply for dereliction of duty.

"Prime Minister Ye, please calm your anger. I know I was wrong."

"What's the use of apologizing to me? You've offended His Majesty; you should apologize to him!"

"Your Majesty, I was disrespectful and offended you just now. I hope Your Majesty can forgive me this time."

Jiang Mengxuan watched the two perform in the main hall the whole time, and only closed her eyes after Zeng Qian finished speaking.

"Why is Prime Minister Ye so angry? In fact, Prefect Zeng meant well. Well, state affairs are of utmost importance, Prefect Zeng, please step down."

Zeng Qian then bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Then, he cautiously retreated back to the ranks of civil officials.