Chapter 1 Someone Is Happy and Someone Is Sad

As Jiang Chen led his army back, there was both joy and sorrow in the imperial court. Many people, upon learning of Jiang Chen's return, stamped their feet in dismay.

"Quickly destroy as much as possible of what we did before! We absolutely cannot let His Majesty catch us with any evidence. Jiang Chen will definitely target us because of what the Su family did. We can't let him find even the slightest opportunity."

At the thought of the Su family's foolish decision, many people cursed them inwardly. The Su family's seemingly senseless actions had put them all in a state of unrighteousness.

If not handled carefully, they could easily get burned.

While they were desperately destroying evidence against them, the people of the imperial city were joyfully preparing for the upcoming celebrations.

Throughout the army's return journey, Jiang Chen witnessed countless excited crowds wherever they went.

"Your Majesty, we should still take Bao Qimeng with us. After all, these Xiongnu are notorious for not following rules. What if he doesn't return? Wouldn't our previous efforts have been in vain?"

When someone voiced their concerns in Jiang Chen's ear, Jiang Chen smiled without a word.

Since he dared to send Bao Qimeng back, he must have the means to control him. Otherwise, Jiang Chen would never do something like releasing a tiger back into the mountains.

"Don't worry. Even if he doesn't want to come back himself, the other Xiongnu will force him to return. After all, they don't even have enough food for the winter."

Thinking of the internal and external troubles that the Xiongnu were facing, Jiang Chen couldn't help but laugh.

To completely incorporate these unruly fellows into his territory, the first step was to plunge them into crisis. When he reappeared before them as a savior, he could naturally bring them under his command.

Now everything was ready except for the opportune moment. When Bao Qimeng returned, these Xiongnu would become objects he could manipulate at will.

As the army drew closer to the imperial city, the terrified officials had no choice but to nervously go out to greet them.

When they stood before Jiang Chen, they felt a sense of fear for some inexplicable reason. After all, the imposing aura emanating from the returning army filled them with dread and unease.

"We welcome Your Majesty's triumphant return!"

Seeing these flattering fellows, Jiang Chen sneered and led his closest companions into the imperial city. Seeing that Jiang Chen didn't seem inclined to acknowledge their presence, many of them grew increasingly uneasy.

If their misdeeds were exposed, none of them would be able to escape.

"Has His Majesty found out about these things? After all, His Majesty has many informants."

At the thought that this might just be the calm before the storm, they grew increasingly anxious.

While they were lost in their speculations, news of the events that had transpired in the imperial city reached Jiang Chen's ears.

However, Jiang Chen merely smiled indifferently at these matters.

"Now that the army has returned in triumph, such trivial matters can be set aside for now."

Seeing that Jiang Chen didn't seem to care about these things, the minor official who had discovered these misdeeds sighed in secret.

"Record all the things they've done and compile them into a dossier. Now is not the time to settle accounts with them. Since someone has willingly handed over the evidence, we should make good use of it. Where else would we get the grain to send to the Xiongnu?"

After dismissing his subordinates, Jiang Chen returned to his palace alone.

The days of battle had left Jiang Chen extremely tired. As soon as he lay down on the bed, he fell asleep.

Compared to Jiang Chen's peaceful sleep, others were not having such an easy time.

They were now filled with unease. No one knew what Jiang Chen was planning, especially the Su family, who now wished they had more ears to hear news in advance.

The next morning, when the court officials slowly arrived with enormous dark circles under their eyes, they exchanged glances, seemingly accustomed to this situation.

This night was even more torturous than the period of uncertainty before the battle.

When everyone stood in the court, the censor who had been prepared for this stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I have something to report. During Your Majesty's personal expedition, apart from the officials who accompanied you, those who remained in the imperial city were exploiting the people and completely disregarded Your Majesty's orders before your departure."

"The most egregious among them are those led by the Su family."

As soon as these words were spoken, many people clicked their tongues in disapproval. Many realized that this was probably the first blow that Jiang Chen was directing at the Su family.

While the officials were whispering among themselves, someone suddenly stood up.

"Your Majesty, although Su Dingtian of the Su family delayed military affairs, Su Daqiang of the Su family died for his country. I hope Your Majesty will give the Su family a chance to atone for their misdeeds."

Immediately, the two factions began to argue with each other.

Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes and watched the fight like a spectator.

Just as the two sides were locked in a fierce debate, Jiang Chen suddenly noticed that the representatives sent by those aristocratic families were whispering to each other. After all, when they had set out, these Confucian scholars had used various excuses to avoid accompanying the army on the expedition, but now that they had just returned, they seemed to be plotting something.

Just as the two factions were about to come to blows, the Confucian scholars, who had been observing all along, stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, although this is indeed the case, in order to show the world your benevolence, it is best not to pursue the Su family's other crimes."

"A general amnesty is always granted after a great victory. I hope Your Majesty will take into account your own virtue and not persecute these loyal ministers too much."

Seeing that these fellows were directly targeting him, Jiang Chen couldn't help but sneer.

"Then according to your words, if Su Dingtian were to put a knife to my throat, I could only obediently wait for death to arrive?"

Upon hearing this, the entire court was shocked.

Once such rebellious words were spoken, even the gods would have difficulty saving them.