“They say money is a bastard, but no one can live without it.”
After collecting his salary, Shen Lang walked out, casually tossing a silver ingot weighing 250 grams in his hand, wiping it now and then with his sleeve.
Shen Lang loved money—loved it dearly. Only when his money pouch was stuffed with solid silver and gold did he feel secure.
In truth, with his abilities, he had plenty of opportunities to make money. During his clashes with various systems in his past life, he’d learned countless ways to get rich in this world. But he simply didn’t want to bother with all that troublesome nonsense. His whole persona was built around rebellion and ease. Otherwise, if he’d randomly bound himself to any system, he would’ve soared long ago.
He found a step and sat down, continuing to fiddle with the silver in his hand.
Normally, at this point, he would’ve left the Jingwei Division to spend his money and enjoy himself.
But today was an exception.
The Empress’s husband-selection ceremony was about to begin. He wanted to witness the spectacle with his own eyes and broaden his horizons.
At the same time, Su Yun walked out of the inner hall, her face troubled, clutching two silver ingots of 250 grams each. As she passed Shen Lang, she instinctively wanted to speak, but after a brief hesitation, she gave up.
“If you’ve got something to say, then say it. Who are you putting on that sour face for?” Shen Lang asked irritably, still wiping his silver.
“N-Nothing…” Su Yun couldn’t bring herself to say it, brushed it off with a weak excuse, and walked off alone.
Since she didn’t say anything, Shen Lang saw no reason to ask. He just sat quietly, waiting for Jiang Shangxian to arrive.
“Commander is here—”
About fifteen minutes later, with a loud announcement, Jiang Shangxian waddled into the courtyard of the Jingwei Division, accompanied by Thousand-Household Jiang Chaoyun.
“Greetings, Commander!” Everyone except Shen Lang greeted respectfully.
“No need for that. Today’s a happy day. Let’s not be so formal,” Jiang Shangxian said, squinting as he scanned the courtyard, finally locking eyes on Shen Lang, who was still playing with his silver. He instantly walked over.
“Brother, you’re on duty in the inner court for Her Majesty’s husband selection today. Don’t mess anything up for me, alright?” Jiang Shangxian patted Shen Lang’s shoulder with a meaningful expression, leaving him bewildered.
“Do I look like the kind of person who would mess things up?”
“If not, that’s perfect. Anyway, the ceremony’s about to start. Didn’t you want to see the grand event? I got you this opportunity—hurry up now.” Before Shen Lang could react, Jiang Shangxian dragged him forward with coaxing and pushing.
Zhao Ang, watching this, felt incredibly sour. Why did this fat prince value Shen Lang so much but never spare him a glance?
Why?
Jealousy twisted his face.
“I told you it’s just a feeling. Why ask so many questions?”
“But it’s still early. There’s over an hour before it starts.”
“You’re going to be late for something as important as Her Majesty’s ceremony? You trying to die?” Jiang Shangxian pushed him along firmly.
And just like that, Shen Lang was practically carried all the way to the Tai Chi Hall.
…
Around 7:00 a.m., the front of the Tai Chi Hall was already filled with talented young men from across the Chu Empire. Some were renowned scholars, others were sons of noble families, and some were rising stars from immortal sects.
To Shen Lang, they all could be summed up with one word—damn handsome.
Clearly, regardless of gender—Empress or Emperor—at their core, they were all suckers for good looks.
“Your Empress has good taste. Not a single ugly guy among these hundreds of pretty boys,” Shen Lang muttered.
“Watch your words. Her Majesty isn’t as shallow as you think. She’s choosing a husband from these elite men, and the criteria are unimaginably strict,” Jiang Shangxian replied.
“All the more reason to enjoy the show.” Shen Lang smirked, “Just look at these guys—all relying on their faces to live off women. They really think they’re something.”
Jiang Shangxian grinned, “You have no idea how many people would kill for the chance to live off a woman. If you’re interested, I can get your name on the list. I’ve got enough pull to open that backdoor for you.”
“Me? Tsk tsk.” Shen Lang shook his head in disdain. “I’m a traditional guy. Just imagining a dozen people sharing one wife gives me a headache. No way I’d ever agree to this crap. If I’m getting married, it has to be real. A proper match.”
Jiang Shangxian chuckled, “What are you thinking? Once Her Majesty chooses her husband, it’s a lifelong commitment between the two of them. And do you really think my niece is the type to indulge in promiscuity? That’s awfully shallow of you.”
“Cut the nonsense. I know my own status. No way I’m getting that meal ticket.” Shen Lang scanned the crowd and spotted a familiar face. “Look, isn’t that Shu Yingwen? Just look at his posture—kneeling so properly. He’s clearly determined to get that spot.”
Following his gaze, Jiang Shangxian saw Shu Yingwen and laughed, “A dedicated guy, no doubt. Let’s hope he can last the two days.”
“Hold on, two days? What do you mean?” Shen Lang asked.
“You think choosing a husband is like shopping? The Empress’s husband won’t just be picked based on looks and talent—his patience will be tested too.”
“That’s not what I meant. Are you saying I have to stay here for two days?”
“Goodbye.” Shen Lang turned and walked off immediately.
Two days? No matter how good the show, if it lasts two days, both actors and audience would be exhausted. He could do anything else with those two days—why waste them in the palace watching these shiny-eyed dandies perform?
But just as he took a step forward, Jiang Shangxian grabbed him by the back of the neck.
“Brother, it’s too late now. Until the ceremony ends, you’re not leaving. Her Majesty’s safety is in your hands.”
“Two days? Do you know how much money I’m losing in that time?” Shen Lang looked annoyed as he threw off Jiang Shangxian’s hand. “Just my underground arena gigs alone would earn me over 100 taels.”
“I’ll add a bonus. 120 taels in total for two days.”
“Well, money isn’t everything. The key is, as a Hundred-Household of the Jingwei Division, I must perform my duty to protect the venue and prevent any ill-intentioned individuals from harming Her Majesty,” Shen Lang said, face solemn.
“That’s more like it. Come, let me show you something premium.” Jiang Shangxian finally relaxed and led Shen Lang to a red tray filled with cinnabar powder.
“Brother, do you know what this is?”
“What is it?” Shen Lang asked, puzzled.
Jiang Shangxian picked up a vermilion brush and dipped it in the powder, smiling as he explained, “This is Guardian Yang Sha. It’s used to test whether a prospective husband has remained chaste.”
“What? Men can be tested too?” Shen Lang was shocked.
Jiang Shangxian nodded, still grinning. “Of course. Just like Guardian Gong Sha, Guardian Yang Sha is a secret formula made by the royal family. If a man has had sexual relations before and gets marked with it, the powder will dissolve and fall off the skin within fifteen minutes. But if he’s pure, it’ll stay until the wedding night. Hehe, brother, want to try it?”
As he spoke, Jiang Shangxian reached for Shen Lang’s face.
“Cut it out. I don’t want that stuff near me.” Shen Lang instinctively raised his arm to block.
But by pure chance, the Guardian Yang Sha landed right on his wrist, leaving a round red dot the size of a broad bean.
“Damn!” Shen Lang panicked and tried to wipe it off.
At that moment, a bell rang.
“The auspicious hour has arrived. The husband-selection ceremony officially begins!”
Jiang Shangxian immediately stopped Shen Lang’s hand and whispered, “The ceremony’s started. Quit messing around—come with me.” He dropped the brush and dragged Shen Lang to the steps beneath the dragon throne.
Soon, all the officials entered in turn.
As a fragrant scent filled the air, Shen Lang felt a figure settle into the seat behind the pearl curtain.