Chapter 28 Emperor's Means

Accompanying Jiang Chen's anger, the air in the hall became icy cold.

The ministers felt this subtle change and lowered their heads, not daring to look at Jiang Chen.

Their hearts were filled with panic.

They had already submitted their 'pledge of loyalty'.

But if His Majesty was not satisfied or didn't believe them, their future days would be difficult!

Seeing everyone's apprehension, Jiang Chen restrained his aura and reassured them, "Gentlemen, I have seen your sincerity, and your attitude of repentance is also sincere. Therefore, I have decided not to pursue past matters!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the ministers' expressions relaxed.

The Emperor's clear statement completely relieved the burden in their hearts, and they all expressed their loyalty.

After some casual conversation between the emperor and his ministers, Jiang Chen saw that it was getting late, so he gave a final warning before ending the meeting:

"Gentlemen, I will only be lenient once. You had better be cautious in your words and actions in the future, and do not disappoint my good intentions!"

As he spoke, a sharp glint flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes as he scanned the crowd and said, "If you dare to make another mistake, I will punish you severely for all your crimes!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts trembled!

They all kowtowed and loudly promised, "We will remember Your Majesty's teachings and dare not commit another offense!"

"In the future, we will spare no effort to serve Your Majesty!"

Jiang Chen's expression softened slightly upon hearing this, and he smiled.

Then, he stepped down from the throne, gestured with his hand, and signaled the ministers to rise.

He said in a deep voice, "I have heard your loyalty, gentlemen, and I am very moved."

"I only hope that you can match your words with your actions in the future and let me see your actual deeds. Then, I will judge for myself who is loyal and who is treacherous!"

"Yes, Your Majesty's decree, we will never forget it!"

The ministers responded, cupped their hands in salute, and didn't dare to breathe loudly.

After today's confrontation, their impression of the Emperor had completely changed.

This Emperor is extremely resourceful!

His past incompetence was probably deliberately feigned to deceive outsiders!

Fortunately, they had seen the situation in time, abandoned darkness and turned to the light, otherwise their future would be worrisome!

Jiang Chen couldn't help but smile when he saw the ministers' apprehensive expressions.

Was he some kind of man-eating tiger? Why were they so afraid?

However, he had killed quite a few ministers recently, so he had to appease them and restore his image.

Thinking about this, Jiang Chen softened his expression and reassured them, "Gentlemen, there is no need to be nervous. I am not a bloodthirsty tyrant. As long as you do your job well and do not make any mistakes, I will not impose penalties arbitrarily."

As he spoke, he glanced at the daylight outside the window and said gently, "It's almost noon, and you must be hungry. Have lunch before you leave."

Jiang Chen's concern made the ministers feel flattered.

They had the illusion that they had been recognized and had become the Emperor's confidants.

But before they could express their loyalty and gratitude, Feng Jin, with a smile, walked up to them, acting as if he was leading the way.

Not daring to keep this favorite in front of the Emperor waiting, the ministers bowed and took their leave, following Feng Jin to the side hall for lunch.

After the ministers left the Hall of Diligent Governance,

Jiang Chen immediately put away the smile on his face and said to Jing Yue, who was in the shadows, "Spread the news that these people have pledged their loyalty to me, and make sure that all the officials in the court know about it!"

Jing Yue, with her decisive personality, cupped her hands in salute and left to carry out the order.

She understood Jiang Chen's intention, knowing that he wanted to use this to weaken Mei Wenshi's power and make these people fight among themselves.

She would execute the order perfectly and not let His Majesty down!

Jiang Chen watched Jing Yue leave.

At this moment, his mind was filled with the image of Mei Wenshi in a state of anxiety, and he couldn't help but smile.

This old fox had planned two conspiracies one after another, wanting to harm him, but he had countered them and even taken the opportunity to strengthen the power of the upright officials in the court!

He tried to steal a chicken but lost rice instead. This old fox Mei Wenshi was probably going to be angered to the point of vomiting blood!

Thinking of this, Jiang Chen couldn't help but say to himself, "Mei Wenshi, just wait, your good days are coming to an end!"

"And that Consort Mei Ruoying, when the Mei family falls, I will definitely throw her into the Cold Palace and imprison her for life!"

As he spoke, a trace of coldness flashed in his eyes.

"Guard Captain!"

"Your humble servant is here!"

Xu Mu, the Guard Captain who was wearing light armor and protecting the Emperor, cupped his hands in salute.

"Inform them that I am going to the Imperial Prison, right now!"

Xu Mu's expression turned solemn, and he nodded to accept the order.

A few moments later,

Jiang Chen, escorted by a team of imperial guards, arrived at the Imperial Prison.

The Imperial Prison was a prison directly under the Emperor's jurisdiction. It held important criminals with special identities, and its defenses were extremely strict, like an impregnable fortress.

Therefore, even though Mei Wenshi knew that Zhang Kang was inside, he did not act rashly and did not try to send someone in to silence him.

Jiang Chen was somewhat disappointed by this.

He had already laid an ambush, waiting for Mei Wenshi to fall into the net.

But this old fox did not take the bait and remained calm and collected, foiling his plan!

As soon as Jiang Chen stepped into the Imperial Prison, he felt a chill and could faintly smell the metallic scent of blood.

Not paying attention to the harsh environment,

Jiang Chen calmly walked through the many screaming prisoners to the deepest and darkest cell.

Zhang Kang was imprisoned there!

Almost at the same time as Jiang Chen stopped, the imperial guard behind him lit a fire.

The rare light stimulated Zhang Kang, who had been tortured beyond recognition in the corner of the cell.

He struggled to widen his blood-smeared eyes, crawling forward with difficulty, trying to get closer to the dim light.

Jiang Chen frowned upon seeing this.

He considered whether to send an imperial physician to the Imperial Prison.

It wasn't that he sympathized with Zhang Kang, but he was worried that the guy wouldn't be able to withstand a few more rounds of torture in his current state.

At this moment, seemingly recognizing Jiang Chen, Zhang Kang stopped squirming, and his scarred face instantly contorted.

"It's you! You dog Emperor! You actually came!"

Zhang Kang's voice was hoarse, as if his throat had been damaged, but it did not affect the resentment in his voice. Coupled with his blood-red eyes widened to the limit, it was chilling!

"Impudence!"

"A dying man dares to be disrespectful to His Majesty!"

The prison warden who led Jiang Chen immediately drew out a long whip and lashed out at Zhang Kang!

The barbs all over the whip were like insect limbs, firmly grabbing onto Zhang Kang, tearing off large chunks of flesh as it was pulled away.

"Ah!" Zhang Kang let out a miserable scream like a vengeful ghost, in extreme pain.

Jiang Chen watched quietly, without any reaction.

Offending his dignity and only being whipped once was already a light punishment.

Signaling the prison warden to open the cell door, Jiang Chen slowly walked in, approached Zhang Kang, who was rolling on the ground, and said:

"Zhang Qing, I have a question that I am very confused about. I can't figure it out, so I came to ask you."

"Tell me, you are the Grand Secretary of the Imperial Censorate, the Vice Prime Minister of the court, holding the power to supervise all officials. Why would you be driven by a mere Minister like Mei Wenshi? You even committed the crime of treason! I really don't understand!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Kang was silent for a moment, and then suddenly burst into maniacal laughter.

The look in his eyes as he looked at Jiang Chen was also tinged with contempt and ridicule...