Even renovating dilapidated temples is troublesome, and Shangguan Hongyu was very satisfied with the Ministry of Works' performance this time.

On the day the temple opened to the public, Bian Lang sat on the stone steps at the temple entrance.

To his surprise, despite the notice posted a few days earlier stating that anyone who came to the temple to pray would have their wish granted, Shen Sanmu's expression turned solemn.

He didn't hear a single word Nian Tianfu said.

"Old Shen, you've made something of yourself." Nian Tianfu said sarcastically, then got up and left.

Shen Sanmu snapped out of his reverie, tapped the table lightly with his fingers, and after a while said, "Ru Sui, tell your father about that dream again, the more detailed the better."

"Father, do you think His Majesty might really be a monster?" Before talking about dreams, Shen Ruhui wanted to clear up the doubts in her heart first.

Shen Sanmu angrily rebuked Shen Ruhui, warning her to quickly erase the thought from her mind.

Shen Rusui smiled and stuck out her tongue.

The people of the world know better than anyone how the Empress treats them. Even if the Empress were a monster, Shen Ruhui doesn't think it matters.

If the Empress isn't a demon, then she can only be a deity.

No mortal could live that long.

...

Bian Lang had the token given to him by Shangguan Hongyu.

This token is made of thick rattan, which Shangguan Hongyu took from her own body. Seeing this token is like the Empress herself being there.

These tokens are extremely rare, and no one in the court holds them. Only when some officials are handling important matters will Shangguan Hongyu occasionally bestow one upon them to facilitate their actions.

However, after the deed is done, the token will be taken back by Shangguan Hongyu.

Bian Lang showed his token, and the guards all knelt on the ground, not daring to utter a single word.

When they arrived at Shangguan Hongyu's palace, they saw Shangguan Hongyu sitting in the courtyard, staring blankly at a withered plum tree.

Bian Lang's sudden appearance startled her.

"Husband, you're here." Shangguan Hongyu got up and snuggled into Bian Lang's arms.

When Bian Lang embraced Shangguan Hongyu again, he realized that their previous encounter was not a dream.

After searching for tens of thousands of years without any news, suddenly, they were able to embrace each other, which felt very unreal.

Bian Lang asked with a smile, "What are you daydreaming about?"

"I just feel that my identity might not be able to be hidden anymore," Shangguan Hongyu sighed.

She was already aware of the rumors that had caused a sensation in the capital.

It was because the rumors were true that she was so troubled.

Bian Lang laughed and said, "So what if we're exposed? I don't think it's a big deal."

“That’s true. If the people no longer need me, I can go with my husband to transport corpses.” Shangguan Hongyu can never forget the days she spent transporting corpses with Bian Lang.