Chapter 1 The Beginning

The hour of xu.

Night fell, and the imperial city was plunged into darkness.

Jiang Chen sat in the dragon carriage, peering through the side window at the brightly lit Chengqian Palace not far away.

He could see clearly that the lights illuminating both sides of the road were not ordinary candles, but whale wax purchased from overseas merchants at a cost of ten thousand gold!

One candle could cover the expenses of a family of five for ten years!

Even Jiang Chen, the emperor, only dared to light three or two when working at night for illumination.

But in Chengqian Palace, such treasures were everywhere, so extravagant that they were used to light the way.

A mere imperial concubine, and her display was even grander than the emperor's!

Jiang Chen chuckled in anger.

This Mei Ruoying was truly a scourge!

The national treasury was being emptied, and a large part of the 'credit' had to go to this woman!

Chengqian Palace, main hall.

Countless exotic flowers and rare herbs surrounded the gold and jade-crafted doorway.

Mei Ruoying stood there exquisitely, her phoenix eyes, full of charm, constantly looking towards the imperial path.

Behind her, eunuchs held octagonal palace lanterns inlaid with luminous pearls in their hands, standing on both sides to light her way.

The gauze-like, beautiful light enveloped Mei Ruoying, making her delicate and alluring face appear even more dreamlike, her whole person resembling a celestial maiden from Yaochi, ethereal and refined.

This was the scene Jiang Chen saw when he entered.

Although he was wary and disliked Mei Ruoying.

He couldn't be without thoughts when faced with such stunning beauty.

"Your Majesty, are you looking at me like this because you like my attire today?"

Mei Ruoying said, taking light steps towards Jiang Chen and embracing his arm.

What she wore today was not traditional Dawei clothing, but a thin gauze dress similar to those of the Western Region's Huji.

The close-fitting cut and low-cut design fully revealed Mei Ruoying's enchanting curves, especially the half-hidden fullness of her breasts, which looked particularly delicate and tempting against the backdrop of the black gauze.

Jiang Chen watched, a glint flashing in his eyes.

Then, he waved his hand and picked up Mei Ruoying in his arms, heading straight for the bedroom.

The eunuchs present fell silent at this sight, following behind them unobtrusively, flowing towards the bedchamber like water.

At this moment, Mei Ruoying, held in Jiang Chen's arms, was somewhat flustered.

This tyrant, he, he wouldn't want to... No!

Mei Ruoying's beautiful eyes flickered.

Immediately, she wrapped her arms around Jiang Chen's neck and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, you haven't come in days. I've learned a new dance and would like you to critique it, pretty please?"

Hearing this, a playful look flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes.

Another excuse to avoid me?

Hmph, today I'll see what kind of medicine you're selling in your gourd!

With a plan in mind, Jiang Chen curled his lips and put on an impatient look, saying flirtatiously, "My beloved concubine, the night is short, and I don't want to waste time."

"The dance can wait for another day."

With that, he strode into the bedchamber and threw Mei Ruoying onto the soft couch in the corner.

With this toss, Jiang Chen used all his strength!

Even a martial artist would be injured by such a move!

But Mei Ruoying didn't react at all!

She didn't even furrow her brow.

As if she couldn't feel the pain.

Noticing this, Jiang Chen's pupils shrank.

This woman is beautiful, has a good figure, and possesses martial arts skills.

The Mei family sent her in, and their ambitions are likely not small. This family...

While Jiang Chen was pondering, Mei Ruoying had already taken the opportunity to slip off the soft couch and said softly, "Your Majesty, didn't you say before that you wanted to have the Hundred Views of the Imperial Capital painted into a scroll to be passed down to future generations?"

"I have already made some small achievements in this matter. Would Your Majesty like to take a look?"

As Mei Ruoying spoke, her phoenix eyes blinked lightly, her pretty face full of anticipation, like a little woman waiting for her husband's praise.

Jiang Chen's probing goal had been achieved. He was extremely wary of this woman and didn't want to have any intimacy with her.

Following the excuse, he pretended to be interested and said, "Oh?"

"My beloved concubine is so thoughtful. Then I must take a look!"

Hearing this, Mei Ruoying let out a sigh of relief that was almost imperceptible.

Then, as if afraid that Jiang Chen would change his mind, she hurried into the room and personally took out the painting scroll, spreading it out on the long table.

"Your Majesty, please review!"

Jiang Chen approached.

Under the whale candles, all one hundred and eight districts of the Imperial Capital were displayed on the paper.

Wealthy gentry, precious carriages, long street pleasure boats, and even the four garrisons guarding the capital were recorded in it by the painter.

Jiang Chen looked at the long scroll, which was more detailed and comprehensive than the war map secretly stored by the Ministry of War, and fell silent.

The four garrisons were actually painted in!

With such overwhelming power, if I continue to indulge the Mei family, I'm afraid someone else will be sitting on my dragon throne!

Thinking of this, a fierce light flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes.

Mei Ruoying stood to the side, noticing that the atmosphere was not right, and asked carefully, "Your Majesty, are you not satisfied with this painting?"

Hearing this, Jiang Chen suppressed the coldness in his eyes and pointed at the painting with his hand, saying, "How could I be dissatisfied with my beloved concubine's good intentions?"

"Moreover, this painting has many scenes, but it doesn't appear chaotic at all. Even the lesser-known alleys have been painted in by the artist. The painting is so detailed that I am pleasantly surprised!"

Although Jiang Chen's tone was smiling, Mei Ruoying felt a chill for no reason.

He, he wouldn't have seen through the true intention of my painting this picture, would he?

Just as Mei Ruoying became vigilant, Jiang Chen suddenly pulled her into his arms and teased, "My beloved concubine, this painter's skills are so extraordinary that it would be a pity to only paint a picture of the Imperial Capital."

"Dawei is vast and expansive, and I want this painter to record it all. What do you think?"

Mei Ruoying's gauze skirt was disheveled, and her sensitive areas were covered by a pair of large hands, but she had no time to pay attention to these trivial matters at this time, and said with surprise, "Your Majesty, is this true?!"

Jiang Chen scratched her nose.

"Why would I lie to you?"

Mei Ruoying immediately burst into a smile.

She had wanted this power for a long time.

Although her Mei family had great power, it was mainly concentrated in the Imperial Capital, and its influence on the regional governors who held heavy power was limited.

But if she had the emperor's decree, she would have a legitimate reason to extend her hand to the regions.

At that time, those disobedient officials could be framed and have incriminating evidence fabricated against them, just as before, and brought under her control.

"Your Majesty commands, and I shall naturally obey."

"I will arrange for someone to handle this matter tomorrow and ensure it is done well!"

Mei Ruoying's voice was soft, and the look in her eyes towards Jiang Chen was so tender that it could almost drip with water, enchanting and moving.

Seeing this, Jiang Chen paused his hand that was wandering over her exquisite curves.

This woman really thinks I'm a fool, thinking I can't see her intentions?

However, this is good. Now is not the time to turn hostile.

Being able to temporarily lull them is convenient for me to act in secret.

Patting Mei Ruoying's plumpness, Jiang Chen signaled Feng Jin to put away the painting, stood up, and said, "My beloved concubine, I am very relieved to leave this matter to you."

"This scroll of the Imperial Capital is really rare. I want to take it to show the Consort Shu. I won't keep you company tonight."

With that, Jiang Chen walked out.

In front of the long table, Mei Ruoying's phoenix eyes widened, staring in disbelief at the departing figure.

He, he just left like that?

Being abandoned like this, what face do I have to stand on in the harem?

Mei Ruoying bit her red lips and immediately chased after him...