Kneeling on the ground, Duke Dingguo waited anxiously for Jiang Chen's judgment.

Although he knew that the Emperor would definitely release his grandson after he made his position clear, he couldn't relax until he heard the definite news.

Alas, the South is currently unstable, and the Zhenhai Jiedushi (military governor) is constantly making small moves.

At this critical juncture, His Majesty shouldn't move against their Zhao family… He must not lose his composure!

Just as Duke Dingguo was comforting himself, Jiang Chen, feeling he had let the man stew long enough, finally spoke.

"What are you saying, Duke Zhenguo? Your loyalty is plain to see, and I have never doubted it."

"Although your grandson's matter is somewhat troublesome, considering your Zhao family's history of unwavering loyalty, I will do my best to suppress it."

"However, as you know, the court is currently facing many problems. First, there were disturbances in the South, then gu masters (poison magic users) entered the Imperial Capital to cause chaos, and even members of the royal family have become traitors."

"I have too many accumulated government affairs, and too few capable officials. Some less important matters can only be postponed."

Although Duke Dingguo was a military general, he was not an unthinking brute. He immediately understood Jiang Chen's implied meaning.

He proactively said, "Your Majesty, this humble servant is willing to share your burden!"

"As long as you give the order, even if it's a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, this humble servant dares to venture in and cut down those rebellious subjects!"

As he spoke, Duke Dingguo bent his strong waist and kowtowed heavily to Jiang Chen several times, the sound echoing loudly. He held nothing back, displaying utmost respect, drawing sidelong glances from those present.

If they didn't know the identity of this middle-aged man, looking at this scene alone, it would be hard to believe that this middle-aged man kneeling on the ground was the Great Wei's renowned God of War.

Sensing the complex emotions of those around him, Jiang Chen put aside his imperial airs and personally helped Duke Dingguo up, feigning disapproval, "Duke, you are a pillar of Great Wei, a respected official whom the late Emperor often spoke of. Such formalities should not be repeated in the future; it's unbecoming!"

"Although we are nominally ruler and subject, I respect you in my heart and regard you as an elder. In private, there's no need to be so restrained, or I will be displeased!"

As he spoke, Jiang Chen didn't release his hand, presenting an image of respecting his subordinates to the fullest extent.

Having achieved his goal, he didn't mind temporarily setting aside his imperial authority to give Duke Dingguo some face.

After all, this man was a role model for the Great Wei's soldiers, and many in the Imperial Guards admired him. Moreover, his sons had all died for the country. If such a heroic figure were treated lightly, it would inevitably chill the hearts of those below.

Such a public display was necessary!

Faced with Jiang Chen's sudden show of closeness, Duke Dingguo was first startled, then realized that he was being used as a tool for the Emperor's performance. A hint of helplessness appeared in his weathered eyes, but he could only cooperate, revealing an expression of deep gratitude.

He respectfully said, "Your Majesty is too kind. As the saying goes, there is a distinction between ruler and subject, and the proper order of things cannot be disrupted."

"As the Son of Heaven, you are destined to rule over all people. Although this humble servant has made some small contributions, I have no intention of taking credit for them, and I dare not presume to be Your Majesty's elder. Please do not make things difficult for this humble servant!"

Serving a ruler is like accompanying a tiger; he dared not take the Emperor's pleasantries seriously and act like a powerful official.

With the precedent of the Mei family being exterminated, their Zhao family had to keep a low profile!

Looking at Duke Dingguo, who was being so careful and dared not overstep his bounds, the smile on Jiang Chen's face became more genuine.

This subject was not bad, knowing his place well. If he could continue to be so sensible, the Zhao family army could continue to exist.

A flash of satisfaction passed through his eyes, and Jiang Chen waved his hand, "Someone, bring Jiang Mu up."

"Duke Dingguo has traveled a long way to the capital. I cannot be so cruel as to not let them see each other one last time."

Hearing this, the joy that had just arisen in Duke Dingguo's heart instantly turned into disappointment. He had thought that after this show of loyalty, His Majesty would directly release his grandson.

However, being able to see him was also good, at least to confirm his grandson's safety.

Just as Duke Dingguo was lost in thought, several Imperial Guards, having received their orders, returned with the person.

Because of Jiang Chen's special instructions, although Jiang Mu had been detained these past few days, his life had been quite comfortable. Even the wound on his face inflicted by Jing Yue had mostly healed under the Imperial Physician's treatment.

Apart from the scabs on his face and the seven or eight teeth that had been knocked out, there was basically nothing seriously wrong.

Seeing this, Duke Dingguo, who had been worried for so long, finally put his heart at ease.

Slandering the reputation of an official's daughter, insulting scholars, disrespecting the royal family, provoking the current Emperor… such bold and reckless behavior would not be excessive to kill him outright.

Now, His Majesty was giving this wretch a chance to live for his sake. He was already very grateful. A little injury was completely acceptable, and it could be considered a lesson for this wretch.

Rising with disappointment, Duke Dingguo sought Jiang Chen's permission and walked towards Jiang Mu. Just as he was about to give him a few words of admonishment, a heart-wrenching wail sounded in his ears, and the words that had reached his throat were instantly blocked.

"Grandfather, I don't want to die! I'm still young, I haven't enjoyed enough, I don't want to die!"

"Our Zhao family only has me as a male heir. Please think of a way to get His Majesty to release me…"

Looking at the tearful Jiang Mu, Duke Dingguo's dignified face turned red with shame. He felt deeply embarrassed and angrily said, "What are you doing, crying and making a scene in front of His Majesty? Kneel properly for me!"

"Have you forgotten all the etiquette I taught you? You don't even know to pay respects to His Majesty!"

"Alas, a doting mother raises a useless son. Your mother has truly ruined you!"

Duke Dingguo rebuked, his gloomy expression inspiring awe.

Even Jiang Mu, who was so frightened that he had lost his composure, subconsciously stopped crying, trembling as he knelt properly, not daring to breathe loudly, fearing that he would anger his powerful grandfather and be abandoned by the family.

Unlike him, Jiang Chen heard the protective intent beneath Duke Dingguo's stern tone, and immediately said with a smile, "Duke, do not be angry. Children are ignorant. Being afraid and losing composure, I will not blame him. Sit down and talk."

Hearing this, Duke Dingguo knelt down with a thud, his face full of gratitude, "Thank you for your Majesty's grace. Over the years, this humble servant has been stationed in the military camp for a long time and has not had time to teach his children and grandchildren, which is why Little Mu has grown into such a纨绔 (wan ku - playboy) character. This humble servant is ashamed!"

"In the future, this humble servant will definitely teach him strictly, bring him back on the right track, and wash away this playboy style!"

As he spoke, a cold light flashed in Duke Dingguo's tiger eyes. He had clearly made up his mind that no matter how much effort it took, he would train Jiang Mu, this last remaining heir, into a capable person.

Seeing this, a gleam of light flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes, and he curved his lips into a smile, "Duke, if you really want Jiang Mu to transform into a qualified heir, why not hand him over to me to teach!"