Shu Guifei met those concerned eyes and realized she had done something foolish, feeling embarrassed and not knowing how to speak.

But Jiang Chen pressed her again and again.

Having no other choice, she blushed and spoke of what she had been thinking.

After hearing this, Jiang Chen's eyes revealed a hint of pity, and then, as if thinking of something, he leaned close to her ear with a mischievous smile.

Feeling the hot breath on her ear, and hearing Jiang Chen's suggestions of things that made her face burn, Shu Guifei immediately blushed crimson. Her beautiful, deer-like eyes were watery, filled with shyness and a hint of anticipation.

With her fair neck slightly lowered, she said, "Your Majesty, this is too embarrassing. This concubine... this concubine really can't!"

Jiang Chen was not disappointed.

He just wanted to tease Shu Guifei and see her shy appearance, hoping to help her out of her negative emotions.

Having achieved his goal, he stopped dwelling on the matter and picked up a pastry on the table, saying, "Beloved consort, try this pastry. It was specially made by the imperial kitchen to celebrate your brother!"

Shu Guifei gracefully accepted it, her face blooming with a smile.

Regardless of the pastry's taste, she would reward the imperial kitchen handsomely just for this thoughtfulness.

At the banquet, the host and guests all enjoyed themselves, and no one dared to cause trouble on such an occasion.

After a few rounds of drinks, the celebration in Qianqing Palace came to an end.

Shu Guifei exchanged a few simple greetings with Xu Changqing before returning to her palace, surrounded by attendants.

Jiang Chen, however, stopped Xu Changqing and took him to the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Only this place in the entire palace was secure and confidential enough. Some important matters of the court could only be discussed in the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Inside the hall, sandalwood incense curled in the air as the two sat facing each other.

"Your Majesty, those treacherous officials dared to rebel? And they used such insidious tricks? They are simply audacious!"

Xu Changqing abruptly stood up, his refined face revealing a chilling coldness, as if he would rush out of the palace with his blade at that moment to pacify the traitors for Jiang Chen!

After experiencing the tempering of blood, Xu Changqing's words and actions were completely different from before he left the capital. He was like a drawn blade, radiating a daunting aura, which Jiang Chen secretly nodded at.

This was what the General Shenwu should be like. Otherwise, how could he convince the four armies of the imperial capital?

Jiang Chen calmly raised his hand and pressed down, saying, "Sit down!"

"These rats in the gutter have been eliminated by me using a scheme, and their relatives and friends have all been sent to the execution ground. My frustration has been released. Now, my only worry is that the mastermind behind them has not been caught."

"This person is bold but also meticulous. In just a few days, he arranged an assassination, poisoning, and a rebellion. If I don't catch him, I can't imagine what will happen next! He is a great threat!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Changqing immediately knelt down and said sincerely, "Your Majesty is wise and talented. With just a small plan, you eliminated these disloyal officials. With such amazing wisdom, why worry about that person behind the scenes?"

"Besides, how can a firefly compete with the bright moon? Although that person behind the scenes has some ability, he is just a cowardly rat hiding his head and showing his tail, not even worthy of carrying your shoes!"

"If he dares to attack again, this humble servant will surely cut him down with my blade and relieve Your Majesty's worries!"

Jiang Chen felt comfortable all over from this series of compliments and couldn't help but say, "You've improved a lot after this trip!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Changqing's wheat-colored cheeks flushed slightly, and he became somewhat anxious.

He defended himself, saying, "Your Majesty, what I said just now was all from the bottom of my heart and not intentional flattery!"

Seeing this, Jiang Chen stood up and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "I know. Your loyalty is clear to me, otherwise, how would I have promoted you to General Shenwu?"

"Now, I have used a plan to split the forces of Mei Wenshi. I have also placed many of my men in important positions in the court. I have also cleaned up a wave of the Imperial Guards, the four battalions of the imperial capital, and the servants in the palace... Of course, the most important thing is you, the General Shenwu!"

"With you in charge of the four battalions, guarding my side, the purification of the court is just around the corner!"

Jiang Chen's eyes were bright, and his tone was undoubtedly firm.

That high-spirited imperial power made Xu Changqing admire him greatly, and a surge of heroism also rose in his heart, immediately declaring his loyalty, "Your Majesty, this humble servant is willing to serve you before and after the saddle and die for you!"

Just as the two monarchs and ministers were looking forward to the future, two graceful figures slowly walked into a remote palace chamber far away from the Hall of Diligent Governance.

"Xu Changqing has been summoned to the Hall of Diligent Governance by the emperor, and the time of his departure is uncertain. You must keep a close eye on him, after all, there is only one chance!" A crisp, bell-like voice rang out, carrying a faint coldness.

Another woman nodded, her face hidden under a hood, not clearly visible, only able to judge from the vague outline that this was a beauty.

After hearing this, she didn't say much, just casually asked, "Aren't you afraid that I will expose you? Or be implicated if the operation fails?"

The woman with the crisp voice didn't respond, seemingly not interested in things outside of the operation. She left directly, only coldly reminding the other woman when she brushed past her:

"Seize the opportunity, you must bring down the Xu family! Absolutely can't let the dog emperor have it easy!"

After dropping these words, she walked away without looking back.

At this time, the woman in the room leisurely pulled down her hood, revealing a captivatingly beautiful face.

Her red lips were slightly raised, and her phoenix eyes carried a hint of arrogance. This woman was none other than Mei Ruoying, who had been placed under house arrest by Jiang Chen!

...

Evening.

The light gradually dimmed, and patches of red clouds spread across the sky, covering the forbidden palace with a layer of scarlet gauze.

Jiang Chen was currently having dinner with Shu Guifei.

He had been chatting with Xu Changqing all afternoon, which had consumed a lot of energy, so he had the meal prepared in advance.

Shu Guifei sat beside Jiang Chen, her eyes full of concern, busying herself serving Jiang Chen dishes and soup, not even bothering to eat a few bites herself.

"Beloved consort, there are palace servants to serve. Rest for a while and have dinner with me," Jiang Chen said gently.

Shu Guifei smiled gently, put the peeled shrimp into Jiang Chen's plate, and said softly, "Your Majesty, this concubine is not tired!"

"This concubine is a woman, and cannot help you with anything important, I can only do some daily chores to share your worries, please don't refuse!"

"Besides, when this concubine was at home, my mother served my father like this... This concubine, this concubine wants to get along with you like this."

Looking at Shu Guifei's apprehensive and expectant pretty face, Jiang Chen's heart stirred, and he no longer stopped her.

In his heart, the woman in front of him who could give her life for him was his wife!

Although he was now trapped by the situation and could not openly put Yun'er on the throne of empress, he, Jiang Chen, vowed that this day would not be far away!

Just as the two of them were enjoying dinner like an ordinary couple, Feng Jin suddenly ran into the hall, rolling and crawling!

His face was distorted with fear, and he shouted, "Your Majesty! A, a big event has happened!"

This sudden change shattered the warmth in the room.

Jiang Chen frowned, put down the bowl and chopsticks in his hand, and said displeased, "What happened that made you so flustered? You don't even care about the rules of the palace!"

"Your Majesty, it's, it's General Xu... He, he..."