Everything starts from Menghualu

Chapter 438 Shen Jie agrees to marry the Queen Mother

Xue Yuan looked at the note in his hand and a bright smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, because he had a hunch that the thing he had been looking forward to might have a result tomorrow.

Thinking of this, he couldn't hide his smile anymore, so he asked his servant to call Xue Shu over.

"Father, you are so anxious to call your daughter here, is there something you want to tell me?" Xue Shu asked
"Shu'er, take a look at this post first. You will understand everything after reading it." Xue Yuan said directly
Xue Shu took the post with some surprise. After seeing the content on it, she couldn't help feeling excited, because she knew very well what this post meant.

This means that the cooperation between them and Shen Jie is likely to be achieved, which means that she will soon become a princess and even a queen in the future. How can she not be happy?
Xue Yuan naturally noticed Xue Shu's change. So Xue Yuan said, "Shu'er, I think you know what this post means."

"But what I want to tell you is, don't be careless, don't think too well at any time, always be prepared for the worst, and make sure to perform well tomorrow, understand?"

After hearing her father's reminder, Xue Shu slowly came back to her senses from her excitement, then nodded seriously and said, "Father, don't worry, your daughter will never let you down."

"Okay, I'm glad you have this confidence. Then I'm relieved. Okay, go back and get ready. Don't let me down tomorrow." Xue Yuan smiled with satisfaction after hearing this.

Time quickly came to the next day. The Xue family had made all preparations early in the morning. However, Shen Jie had not yet left the house because he suddenly hesitated.

He was very clear in his mind. If he went to the Xue family today, he would face a situation in the future. He knew very well that if he did not go, he might become an idle prince in the future.

But if he went today, his royal brother would never give him another chance. He would feel that he could no longer be an idle prince, and if he was not careful, he would die without a burial place.

So he hesitated. He didn't know whether it was worth it. Time passed slowly, and when a carriage stopped in front of the Xue family's door, it meant that Shen Jie had made his choice.

That's right, he came after all, and his carriage stopped in front of the Duke Dingguo's Mansion. He even greeted Xue Yuan enthusiastically before entering the front hall.

Naturally, Shen Lang soon learned about this scene, so his face changed drastically at this moment, because he realized that his former brother who had no ambitions had changed.

He began to have ambitions, and no matter what the reason was, it meant that I could no longer indulge him and I had to be ruthless.

This made it difficult for him to accept for a while. After all, he had only a few relatives that he recognized since he was a child, and even his queen mother was not recognized by him.

It can be said that he has been fighting against the aristocratic families all his life. Now he has finally dealt with the Yan family, but turned around and found that his good second brother had colluded with the Xue family.

What other purpose could there be for contacting the Xue family at this time, other than sitting on the throne himself?
Shen Lang realized this and decided to take the initiative, so he asked Wang Xinyi to find someone.

Meanwhile, Shen Jie was toasting with Xue Yuan. Yes, they had already had their meal, and with both parties being in the mood, the atmosphere was extremely good.

After three rounds of drinking, Xue Yuan said, "Your Majesty, is there anything you didn't say today?"

"Yes, there is indeed something I haven't said, but I think it would be more appropriate to say it with Miss Xue present." Shen Jie said without hesitation.

"Oh? It seems that the prince has something to say to Shu'er. Well, I will call Shu'er over right now, and the prince can say whatever he wants to say." Xue Yuan said with a smile

With both parties tacitly understanding, Xue Shu slowly walked over. Shen Jie looked at Xue Shu walking over, and felt annoyed for no reason. If it were any other time, he would have found an excuse to leave.

But today he didn't. Not only did he not have an excuse to leave, but he forced himself to look at Xue Shu. Naturally, Xue Shu noticed his change. After all, she could be said to be the person who cared about Shen Jie the most.

She knew every change in him very well. It could be said without exaggeration that she understood Shen Jie much better than Shen Jie himself.

"Your Majesty, my father said that you have something to say to me? I wonder what you want to say?" Xue Shu said
"Miss Xue, I want to say that I have reached the age to get married, but I still don't have a princess. My mother has been worried about me for a long time because of this."

"I know, Miss Xue, you have always had this intention, but I didn't intend to get married so early before, so I pretended not to know. But now I have come to terms with it. I wonder if you are still willing to give me a chance?"

After Shen Jie finished speaking, he stared at Xue Shu in front of him, waiting for her answer.

But at this moment, Xue Shu did not feel moved at all. She just felt extremely disgusted. After all, she knew this man too well. What he said was obviously a lie that could not be more false.

But for the future of her family and her own future, she could only shyly say yes. Xue Yuan witnessed the whole process, so it was naturally his turn to speak.

"Hahaha, good, good, that's great, great. It's my daughter's blessing that Your Highness likes me." Xue Yuan said with a smile.

"Hey, uncle, please don't say that. In fact, it is my blessing to marry my cousin as my concubine, so please don't say that." Shen Jie naturally cooperated immediately.
At this time, Xue Shu naturally suppressed her inner nausea and pretended to be shy.

In this big show, the three of them cooperated extremely well. From this point of view, the three of them really are like a family.

Because the big thing was settled, the atmosphere between the three people was naturally better. When the Xue family was done, Shen Lang had already told Xie Wei everything and was waiting for Xie Wei's answer.

"Your Majesty, the purpose of Prince Linzi going to Xue's house at this time is self-evident. If my guess is correct, it is estimated that tomorrow, Duke Dingguo or Prince Linzi will ask the Queen Mother for a marriage." Xie Wei said
"Well, my dear minister, you are right. Yes, I am also worried about this. After all, if the Queen Mother really issues an order to grant the marriage, it will be too late for me to stop it even if I want to." Shen Lang said
"Your Majesty, judging from the current situation, it is unlikely that you will be able to stop the marriage. So in my opinion, it is better to find another way and deal with all the changes with the same approach." Xie Wei said directly.
"To remain constant in the face of ever-changing situations? My dear, what do you mean?" Shen Lang asked

"Your Majesty, what I mean is that no matter how the Linzi King and the Xue family collude, there is a prerequisite, that is, Your Majesty, you have no son."

"But now, Your Majesty, you may not be unable to have a son, so I think the most urgent task right now is to protect the baby in the imperial concubine's belly."

"As for the marriage between Prince Linzi and Xue Shu, there is actually no need to pay attention to it. Or rather, it is not the most important thing at the moment. Concubine Qin is the most important thing at the moment." Xie Wei said directly.
"Hmm? My dear minister, what you said makes sense. Yes, yes, it is indeed so. I will give you the order again to avoid any mistakes."

"But my dear, are we just going to do nothing and watch them do evil together?" Shen Lang asked
"Your Majesty, of course not. It's just that things have their priorities. Since we know we can't stop them, we naturally have to do our own things first." Xie Wei said
"Well, whatever, whatever, let's do this, my dear, you can go back first." Shen Lang said
After hearing this, Xie Wei naturally bowed and then left the imperial study. After he left, Shen Lang went to see his beloved concubine in person.

Time quickly came to the next day. Early in the morning, Xue Yuan brought Xue Shu to the palace to pay a visit to the Queen Mother.

"What did you say? Jie'er agreed? When did this happen?" The Queen Mother asked in surprise.
"Her Majesty, this is what happened yesterday. His Royal Highness Prince Linzi came to my residence yesterday, and he mentioned this matter at that time." Xue Yuandao
"Oh? He also went to your house? It seems that this is true. Okay, if that's the case, I will call my son to ask him now. If it is true, I will issue an edict to grant the marriage." The Queen Mother said
After saying this, she did not let the two leave, but instead ordered Huang Renli to find her son.

When Shen Jie saw Huang Renli, he knew that the matter was settled, so he followed Huang Renli directly into the palace and then met his mother.

"Alright, alright, no more formalities. Sit down quickly. I have something to ask you." said the Queen Mother.
After hearing this, Shen Jie slowly sat down. The empress dowager nodded with satisfaction.

"Jie'er, I heard from your uncle that you went to his place yesterday and said you wanted to marry your cousin. Is that true?" the Queen Mother asked.

"My dear mother, it is true. I like my cousin so I want to marry her." Shen Jie said
"Well, okay, okay, since this is what you want, then I am relieved. Xue Yuan, what do you think? Do you agree?" The Queen Mother nodded.
After hearing this, Xue Yuan naturally had no objection and agreed immediately, so the scene that followed was naturally harmonious and everyone was happy.

Afterwards, the empress dowager issued an imperial decree to grant the marriage, and then she remembered to send someone to call Shen Lang. When the news reached the imperial study, a disdainful smile appeared on Shen Lang's lips.

His mother was really afraid that he would object, so she simply issued an imperial decree and then told him. Shen Lang was very disdainful of such tricks, but he had to go.

So he went directly to the Cining Palace, and soon arrived there to meet the empress dowager. When he saw Xue Yuan and his daughter, as well as his good brother, all there, how could he not understand?
It was obvious that a large group of people had discussed it first, and then called me over to give the nod.

"My son, you have seen the situation. Your second brother has not yet married. I, your mother, have been worried about him a lot. Now that he finally wants to get married, your mother is really very happy." The Queen Mother said
"Really? This is a great thing. I would love for my second brother to get married. By the way, mother, would you like me to issue an order to grant the marriage?" Shen Lang said with a smile on his face.

"Haha, no need for that. My order is enough." said the Queen Mother.
"Mother, if that's the case, I'll give them some gifts. Second brother, please come to the Imperial Study to find me tomorrow. I have some good things to give you." Shen Lang said with a smile.

After hearing this, the few people were shocked for no reason. After all, the meaning behind Shen Lang's words was not ordinary. What kind of gift could the Imperial Study have?
It seems unlikely when you think about it, but there is no other way. Shen Jie cannot refuse and can only bow and express his gratitude.

Finally, a few people were talking and laughing, and Shen Lang also returned to the imperial study. After he came back, his face instantly became gloomy. Not long after, he issued another decree and mobilized the imperial guards to guard around Concubine Qin's bedroom.

After thinking about it, he felt it was not safe, so he asked Wang Xinyi to call Cao Cheng over.

"My dear, you are here. Come and sit down. Let's talk slowly. I'm sure you have heard about my brother's affairs. Tell me what you think." Shen Lang asked

"Your Majesty, I am not surprised by this matter. After all, I had expected this step a long time ago. I just didn't expect it to happen so soon."

"Your Majesty, you have summoned me here because you can no longer stop this marriage. Based on my understanding of my foster father, once the two of them get married, the next step must be to clear away obstacles."

"And for them, the only obstacle at that time will be, will it be?" Cao Cheng did not continue.

"You dare not say it, I will say it for you. The only obstacle they have left is the child in my concubine's belly. So, my dear, what do you think they will do next?" Shen Lang said
"Your Majesty is wise. In fact, they have few means to use. The first thing to be eliminated is the female relatives of the Xue family, because the only one in the Xue family who can frequently enter and leave the palace is Xue Shu."

"After the success of this marriage, Xue Shu's importance is self-evident. Naturally, he will not take the risk. The only possibility left is the Cining Palace." Cao Cheng paused after he finished speaking.

Although Shen Lang's heart changed after hearing this, he naturally did not let others see it on the surface, so he said calmly, "My dear, why don't you say anything? Continue?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Apart from the women, the most likely person is the Imperial Guard. After all, because of the Yan family, Your Majesty gave a lot of power to the Xue family."

"Among them are some imperial guards. Although you took back these powers after the Yan family fell, there is no guarantee that there won't be any accidents."

"So if there are other possibilities, the Imperial Guards are the second one. Of course, there is a third one, which is the people of Prince Pingnan. When Prince Pingnan evacuated the capital, he must have left some pawns behind."

"Once the news of this marriage is spread, there is no guarantee that the Prince of Pingnan will not take risks and use his pawns. Regardless of whether it succeeds or not, it will cause Your Majesty to be suspicious of the Xue family." Cao Cheng said
After hearing this, Shen Lang remained silent. He finally understood why he felt unsafe just now. It turned out that this was the problem.

(End of this chapter)