"Alright, don't be sad. This isn't your fault."

Jiang Chen embraced Consort Shu, his eyes filled with admiration and pity. "Yun'er, when I first came in, seeing you take off your hairpin and kneel on the ground to await punishment, I thought you were pleading with me to soften my heart and help you and your Xu family quell this storm."

"But after hearing your inner thoughts, I realize how narrow-minded I was... I imagined you to be far worse!"

The large hand around Consort Shu's waist tightened, and a hint of apology appeared in Jiang Chen's eyes. "Now, my desire to make you Empress is even stronger."

"Only a woman like you, who keeps the world's people in her heart, is worthy of the throne of a nation's mother!"

"After the rebel affair is settled and I regain control of the court, regardless of whether you have a prince, I will announce to the world that you will be Empress."

The resolute words made Consort Shu turn her head, more frightened than happy. "Your Majesty, this is inappropriate!"

"Your concubine has not yet given birth to an heir for you. How can I be worthy of being Empress? Moreover, the Empress Dowager and the officials in the court will not agree!"

Seeming to think of the impeachments she usually received, Consort Shu's eyebrows furrowed, and her tone became pleading. "Your Majesty, your concubine doesn't want to cause any more trouble for you and my brother because of myself."

"Please follow the rules for the matter of establishing an Empress!"

After speaking, Consort Shu struggled to get out of Jiang Chen's arms, despite her injured leg, and knelt down gracefully, her posture revealing a plea.

Seeing her resistance and fear, Jiang Chen couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

He wondered, which woman in this world wouldn't want this supreme glory?

But because she was criticized too much on weekdays, accused of being a bewitching seductress who brought disaster to the country, and even implicated her family, Consort Shu was so cautious, considering everything she said and did, fearing even the slightest impropriety.

In the end, the root of all this was still in him, Jiang Chen. Otherwise, how could the Xu family and Consort Shu be targeted by everyone?

Sighing, Jiang Chen pulled Consort Shu up from the ground and said softly, "Yun'er, how can I bear to refuse your request? Then let's wait a while longer. Whenever you are pregnant, I will issue the imperial edict to make you Empress."

Hearing this, the unease in Consort Shu's beautiful eyes faded away, and she said happily, "Yes, your concubine will definitely work hard and try not to make Your Majesty wait too long... Also, Your Majesty, are you not angry with your concubine anymore?"

Looking at the anxious look of the beauty in his arms, Jiang Chen's heart stirred slightly, and he placed a kiss on her forehead. "I'm not angry anymore, but you can't act so rashly like you did today."

Speaking of serious matters, Consort Shu's pretty face became serious, and she nodded solemnly. "Your Majesty, your concubine will definitely remember this lesson and never make the same mistake again!"

As she spoke, she raised three jade fingers and made a vow, but the moment she opened her mouth, Jiang Chen held her red lips, and she could only let out a few whimpers, dispelling the thought of making a vow.

After a while, until Jiang Chen had tasted enough of Consort Shu's sweet fragrance, he let go of her and glanced at the gradually dimming sky outside the window. "Yun'er, I haven't finished dealing with the Gu Master's matter, so I can't stay with you any longer."

"Go change your clothes first, and then summon the imperial physician to check your injury. When I come back tonight, we'll continue."

Hearing the implication in Jiang Chen's words, Consort Shu's pretty face flushed red, and she said softly, "Yes, your concubine will be waiting."

After speaking, she reluctantly stroked Jiang Chen's face and instructed with some unease, "Your Majesty, although the case is important, you must also take care of your health."

"The rebels' methods are insidious, so please be careful and don't fall into their trap."

"Okay, I will definitely pay attention!"

The two lingered for a while, until Consort Shu's red lips were slightly swollen, before Jiang Chen left.

At this time, Jing Yue, having completed her task, had been waiting outside the palace for a long time.

"Your Majesty, everything has been taken care of."

"The Gu Masters have all been押进诏狱 (Yajin Zhaoyu - imprisoned in the imperial prison), and the Gu Master leader with the severed arm has also had his wounds treated. His life is no longer in danger, and he can be interrogated at any time!"

Listening to the report, the warmth on Jiang Chen's face was instantly replaced by coldness. "Well done."

"Send a message down, prepare the carriage to the imperial prison. I will use torture on these dogs today!"

The words, full of murderous intent and ferocity, made the surrounding attendants tremble.

Seeing this, Jing Yue frowned slightly, dismissed them to prepare the carriage for Jiang Chen, and continued to report, "Your Majesty, in addition, Lord Su has also sent news."

"The injured women have all been treated and secretly sent back to their homes, minimizing the impact of the matter as much as possible."

"However, because of the female corpse in the lake and the inaction of the Dijin (Imperial Capital) government some time ago, the common people still have some resentment towards the court."

"Moreover, among the injured women, several are daughters of prominent families. After learning about what happened, they are very dissatisfied and are now jointly putting pressure on the Dali Temple and other departments."

"Demanding the execution of the culprit's entire family!"

Hearing this, Jiang Chen stopped, and a hint of solemnity appeared between his brows. "Didn't I say to suppress the news at all costs?"

"How is it that it's now causing such a stir in the city?!"

Jing Yue pursed her lips and said in a deep voice, "This subordinate believes that someone is deliberately spreading the news."

Jiang Chen had actually anticipated this, but he didn't expect the other party's actions to be so fast and decisive.

He immediately said coldly, "Let Feng Jin summon the families of the injured women and tell them that I will give them an answer tomorrow and to wait patiently."

"Also, let the Dark Guards investigate the source of the rumors."

"This storm must have been stirred up by the mastermind behind the rebels."

…

Imperial Prison.

A dark and damp space, filled with the stench of blood.

Surrounded by the imperial guards, Jiang Chen arrived at the bottom of the prison, ready for interrogation.

Clang!

The lock was opened.

The abnormal sound made the Gu Master leader in the cell suddenly open his eyes and struggle to get up, as if trying to find a chance to escape.

"Don't waste your energy. The imperial prison is heavily guarded, and countless martial arts masters are buried here."

"Not to mention that you're now missing an arm, even in your prime, you wouldn't be able to escape."

"Instead of wasting your energy, why not cooperate and tell the truth? I might consider giving you a dignified death." Looking at the struggling Gu Master leader, Jiang Chen said indifferently.

But this seemingly gentle tone made everyone present feel a chill down their spines.

"You dog emperor, you've brought me to this state, I won't let you succeed!"

"Even if I die, I won't say anything."

"Just wait to have your throne seized and become a prisoner!!" Looking at his empty arm, the Gu Master leader said with bloodshot eyes.

If there weren't so many imperial guards present, and his martial arts had not been crippled upon entering the prison, he would have pounced on Jiang Chen the moment he saw him and bitten the dog emperor to death!