After being jilted, the entire neighboring village was filled with deep regret.

The Empress Dowager was furious and could only glare at him. "Emperor! That's your own nephew. He's already having a hard time without his father's support. How can you be so frivolous about his marriage?"

The Empress Dowager had already harbored some dissatisfaction with the Emperor since the incident with Murong Xu. Now, knowing his attitude towards Murong Jue, she couldn't help but feel disheartened and disappointed, tears streaming down her face.

The emperor hurriedly knelt down to beg for forgiveness, "Mother, it was precisely because I felt sorry for A-Jue that I acquiesced to his actions. Think about it, what did he say when you intended to betroth A-Jue to a girl from the Zhao family?"

The Empress Dowager was stunned for a moment.

At that time, she was only focused on finding a woman with a good family background, who was not conspicuous, and who was virtuous and talented. Zhao Furong was the granddaughter of Zhao Taifu, the youngest daughter of Princess Qingkang, and the younger sister of the Second Prince's wife. Her family background was outstanding in every way.

In addition, the child was good-looking, quick-witted, and well-mannered. At the time, she felt that the child and Murong Jue were a perfect match, without considering whether the child was willing at all.

Therefore, he specially asked Huai'an to write a letter to Murong Jue about this matter, thinking that Murong Jue would write back to express his joy and gratitude, but in fact, the child only replied with a few words.

At the time, she thought that Murong Jue was focused on making achievements and didn't care about personal feelings, so she didn't think much of it. Now she suddenly realized that it wasn't that Murong Jue didn't care about marriage, but that he didn't care about the marriage with the Zhao family.

Seeing the Empress Dowager's obvious sadness and disappointment, the Emperor quickly said, "Mother, A-Jue is a very opinionated and sensible child. Back then, we acted first and informed the Emperor later about the Zhao family matter. Even though the child was unwilling, he compromised. Later, when he found out it didn't work out, he immediately wrote to me, saying that he didn't care about social status when choosing a wife and that he could rely on himself."

The child is so ambitious, how could I, as his uncle, dampen his enthusiasm? Besides, with me protecting him, what harm is there in him marrying an ordinary girl like the sixth prince? I have arranged everything for him.

Moreover, the woman he married was no ordinary woman.

Over the years, Shen Yi has made great achievements in his official career. He presided over the construction of the first pontoon bridge in Langya Kingdom, and he also discovered the coal mine in Zhaohua County. Under his governance, Zhaohua County has long since escaped poverty and become the richest place in Lizhou.

I have already decided to promote him. It just so happens that the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works will be retiring in two months, so I will let him take over.

There's also Shen Yi's son, Shen Congrong. His mother knows him too. Over the years, he has worked diligently and meticulously at the Bo Academy. He doesn't like to show off, has a gentle personality, and is well-liked by his colleagues.

I originally intended to send him to a post outside the capital, but I couldn't bear to part with him. I'll give him some proper training; he'll become a pillar of the next crown prince. Furthermore, I plan to promote Lu Tong, the magistrate of Zhaohua County, and demote Xiong Feng and Su Yongzhang to lower ranks. These are all future pillars of Langya Kingdom.”

Most importantly, all of these people are related to the Shen family. Murong Jue married a girl from the Shen family. Now it seems like they are not a good match, but in a few years the situation may be very different.

The Empress Dowager, being an old and shrewd woman, naturally understood the potential of the Shen family, and was somewhat gratified. "If that's the case, then I've misunderstood you! Alas! I'm just worried about your sister. The Emperor has seen what kind of life she's been living since the separation in Huai'an."

Despite being the most esteemed eldest princess, she always keeps a low profile. A-Jue is her only son, her only hope. The Empress Dowager's concern for A-Jue is also for your sister's sake.

"Mother, I understand! Don't worry about A-Jue, I know what I'm doing."

The Empress Dowager secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but her expression gradually turned cold after the Emperor left.

Granny Gui, who was standing nearby, served tea.

The Empress Dowager said softly, "The older His Majesty gets, the more unfathomable his mind becomes!"

Granny Gui paused for a moment, then said cautiously, "Empress Dowager, the Emperor is probably heartbroken by the Second Prince, which is why he is being more cautious. Besides, the Emperor is not wrong. The Shen family is not prominent now, but Shen Yi is talented, and young Master Shen is also highly regarded by the Emperor."

I've heard that the Sixth Prince's concubine has an excellent relationship with the Shen family, and even has the Marquis of Yong'an backing her up. Wow! I hadn't realized it until now, but looking at it closely, the Shen family is quite formidable!

The Empress Dowager finally realized what was going on, and her mood improved somewhat. "That makes sense." The most important point is that the Emperor clearly intends to support the Shen family, which is indeed beneficial to Murong Jue.

Seeing that the Empress Dowager was in a better mood, Granny Gui continued, "Now that I think about it, Miss Shen is much better than Miss Zhao! The Zhao family was implicated by the Second Prince, and Grand Tutor Zhao has been in a slump for the past few years."

Furthermore, the Zhao family advocates for recommendation, while the Emperor insists on the imperial examination system. If this continues, the Emperor may not be able to tolerate the Zhao family any longer.

Thinking about it this way, I'm actually glad the marriage didn't happen back then!

It is said that the empress dowager should not interfere in politics, but this does not include the empress dowager. Granny Gui followed the empress dowager and occasionally heard the emperor talking about it, so she knew a thing or two.

After being persuaded like this, the Empress Dowager was completely relieved.

He also gave Shen Congrong some gifts.

At the Imperial Academy, Shen Congrong received something from a palace servant. It would be a lie to say he wasn't surprised, but he didn't say anything.

The palace servants took the initiative to congratulate him and told him about Shen Yuezhang and Murong Jue's engagement.

The officials at the Imperial Academy were all shrewd people. Upon learning that the Shen family and Princess Huai'an had become in-laws, their attitude towards him became even more enthusiastic.

Su Yongzhang patted Shen Congrong on the shoulder and said with emotion, "I was worried that you wouldn't be able to stand on your own in the Bo Academy after we were both sent to other places. Now that my cousin has found a good marriage, you will have Princess Huai'an protecting you in the palace. Brother Xiong and I are relieved."

As he spoke, Su Yongzhang noticed that Xiong Feng was lost in thought and quickly tugged at him, "What's wrong? You've been spacing out a lot lately!"

Xiong Feng snapped out of his reverie, smiled, and shook his head. "No! I was just wondering where our outreach team would go?"

Su Yongzhang patted him on the shoulder and comforted him, "No matter where you go, as long as you work hard, you'll eventually succeed. I think you should worry about your marriage first."

"Wait a minute, I'll talk to Uncle Liu when we get back and ask him to help you arrange it."

Xiong Feng quickly stood up. "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Su. I still have my grandmother at home. With the appointment to be transferred to a post outside the county, we will have more than a month to visit our relatives. I will go back to Zhaohua County then, and I am sure my grandmother will make the arrangements."

"That's true!"

The three changed the subject and began discussing other things.

Two days later, the imperial court's appointment document arrived.

Xiong Feng became the magistrate of Zhaohua County, and Su Yongzhang became the assistant magistrate of Zhaohua County.

The two men held the document, speechless with astonishment for a long time.

You see, Zhaohua County is incredibly desirable these days. Countless people are desperate to get in, even scions of prominent families are eyeing it; if they can't become officials, they'll go there to do business. (End of Chapter)