Chapter 1 The Suspicion

The carriage sped along, Jiang Chen and the others sat upright within, their eyes flashing with cold light.

For the dignified Grand Concubine, to actually send her personal female attendant out of the palace in secret to contact outsiders.

There must be something fishy about this matter!

Jiang Chen felt instinctively that this was an opportunity to break the deadlock. As long as he could figure out the secret of Consort Lü, the problems that had been troubling him for a long time would definitely be solved!

Just as he was lost in thought, Feng Jin, who was beside him, suddenly spoke, his expression somewhat hesitant.

"Your Majesty, the information we have at our disposal right now is limited. Wouldn't acting rashly startle the snake?"

"Consort Lü has been immersed in the palace for many years and has always been cautious in her actions. Could this palace maid just be bait that she released? Trying to mislead us?"

Jiang Chen frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, "The possibility is very small."

"It's obvious there's a problem with a palace maid from Changle Palace leaving the palace with a bundle."

"Moreover, I only warned Consort Lü two days ago. With this woman's cautious personality, she wouldn't retaliate so quickly… It's more likely that she's seeking help from allies."

"This is a rare opportunity, we can't let it go. Let's go investigate and see what we can find."

"If this palace maid really is bait she released..." A hint of killing intent flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes, "I also have ways to make her suffer the consequences!"

Hearing this, the worry on Feng Jin's face lessened slightly, but he still felt a little worried in his heart.

"Your Majesty, no matter what, the Grand Concubine is your elder in name. If you go too far, the court and the public will probably..."

Jiang Chen waved his hand, his expression indifferent, "I am the Son of Heaven of the Great Wei. Although Lü Wangshu's status is noble, she is still my subject after all."

"I can give her face on some small matters on weekdays… But, if she is really involved with rebellious traitors, no matter what her background is, I will not tolerate it."

His cold words made the hairs of everyone in the carriage stand on end, and they dared not say more.

A moment later, they arrived at the outskirts of the city.

At this time, the sky had been dyed red by the setting sun. Jiang Chen stepped out of the carriage, surrounded by the crowd, and squinted to look at the houses in front of him.

A square courtyard with blue bricks and black tiles, the front door decorated with vermilion paint. At first glance, it was an ordinary wealthy family's courtyard, without anything special.

"Your Majesty, this is the place."

"According to the report from the scouts, the owner of this house is surnamed Han, and he is the brother of the female official who left the palace. Because his sister was favored by Consort Lü, she was granted this house."

"Oh? This house was actually bestowed by Consort Lü?"

Jiang Chen raised his eyebrows, "Then I have to go in and take a good look."

As he spoke, he turned his head slightly, signaling the guards beside him to knock on the door, and said with a cold smile:

"The housing prices in the imperial capital are not cheap. This person can be greatly rewarded by the Grand Concubine, so he must be a capable person under the Grand Concubine. I will have a good talk with him today."

Hearing the unkindness in His Majesty's tone, everyone lowered their heads and subconsciously lightened their breathing.

Apart from Feng Jin, who ordered the guards to block the news, the rest stood stiffly in place, waiting for Jiang Chen's order.

'Squeak!'

The vermilion door opened, and a man in cloth clothes poked his head out, politely saying:

"May I ask, gentlemen, what brings you to the Han residence?" Although the servant did not recognize Jiang Chen and his party, seeing that they were all dressed in luxurious clothes, he did not dare to neglect them.

Jiang Chen stepped forward and said lightly: "I am here to find your master. Just go in and report, and say my surname is Jiang."

Jiang is the national surname, not something ordinary people can use.

Since the owner of this house is involved with the palace, he will definitely understand their identity.

The servant was stunned and couldn't make up his mind, but seeing that Jiang Chen's demeanor was indeed outstanding, he gritted his teeth and entered the residence to report.

A moment later, he returned and respectfully welcomed Jiang Chen into the house.

Jiang Chen led the people through the courtyard corridor and arrived at the main hall.

Han Jinsheng had been waiting here for a long time. He was wearing a blue brocade robe, in his thirties, with a long beard, looking very refined.

Catching sight of Jiang Chen's figure, he was shocked and immediately got up to greet him.

Although he didn't know the identity of the visitor, just looking at his aura, he knew he couldn't neglect him!

"Everyone has come to visit, Han has failed to greet you from afar, forgive me, forgive me!"

Jiang Chen was not someone who would be angry at will. Before confirming whether Han Jinsheng was an accomplice of Consort Lü, he would not rashly arrest him.

"Master Han, sorry for the intrusion."

Seeing that Jiang Chen had no malice, Han Jinsheng felt a little relieved and said respectfully: "The servant came to report just now, and I was really frightened."

"It is an honor for our Han residence to have you visit, but I would like to know the origins of this young master so that I can arrange accommodations."

Jiang Chen smiled without saying a word, sat down leisurely in the main seat, and said lightly: "Master Han, isn't it impolite to inquire about our identity right away?"

Overwhelmed by Jiang Chen's aura, cold sweat broke out on Han Jinsheng's back. He smiled apologetically: "Yes, you are right. I was rude."

As he spoke, he immediately gave the servant a look to pour tea and asked Feng Jin and the others to sit down.

At this time, Jiang Chen spoke again: "Master Han, has anyone come to your house today?"

Han Jinsheng was stunned and said carefully: "Well... my sister did come to visit relatives today, but why are you asking about this, young master? Could it be that my sister offended you?"

Jiang Chen glanced at him with a non-smiling expression, took off the dragon-patterned thumb ring on his hand, and slapped it in front of him.

Looking at the lifelike five-clawed golden dragon carved on the outside, Han Jinsheng was so frightened that his face turned pale, and he knelt down on the spot.

A five-clawed golden dragon was a pattern only the emperor could use!

His body trembled, and he didn't dare to raise his head, panicking, "Your, you are, Your Majes..."

"Be careful! My master is traveling incognito. You must not reveal his identity!" Feng Jin interrupted sternly.

Han Jinsheng dared not disobey in the slightest and immediately changed his words in a trembling voice: "Young Master Jiang, I have eyes but couldn't see Mount Tai. Please calm your anger, please calm your anger!"

"Stop, get up first."

Jiang Chen frowned, motioned for the guards to close the door, and said lightly: "I'm here to understand the situation. As long as you haven't done anything wrong, you don't need to be afraid."

"Of course, you have to keep this a secret. If word gets out, you know what the consequences will be."

Han Jinsheng nodded like a chicken pecking at rice: "Young Master Jiang, don't worry, I know what to do!"

Jiang Chen nodded and said with sharp eyes: "Okay, then I'll ask you, why did your sister come to visit relatives today? What was in the bundle she brought?"

Han Jinsheng honestly said, "Reporting to Young Master Jiang, my sister came back just to deliver some things."

"She has been in the palace for more than ten years, always serving by the side of the Grand Concubine. The Grand Concubine is benevolent and occasionally lets her go home to visit relatives, and by the way entrusts me to send some things to the residences of the three princes to express her longing."

Han Jinsheng's eyes were sincere, and he didn't pause when he spoke. Jiang Chen could tell that he wasn't lying.

However, three princes?

Narrowing his eyes, Jiang Chen asked, "Which three are they?"

Han Jinsheng lowered his head and said, "The Sixth Prince, the Seventh Prince, and the Prince of Jiangzuo."