Chapter 1 Golden Hall

Inside the imperial palace, in the Golden Hall.

Jiang Chen sat upright on the dragon throne, noting all the officials below who were speaking in favor of the Zhenhai Regional Commander in his heart, planning to deal with them when he had the chance.

But on the surface, he maintained a friendly expression, displaying utmost patience.

He waited until all the ministers had finished speaking before signaling them to be silent. He then slowly said, "Minister Cheng, there's no need to be so alarmed. I was just asking casually."

"After all, Duke Dingguo has a wealth of experience and prestige in the court, so I must take his impeachment seriously. Now that you have reflected on your actions, I will naturally handle the matter with leniency."

"Tonight is the Imperial Concubine's birthday celebration, and I don't want to create any unpleasantness at this time. You may withdraw for now; the impeachment matter will be dealt with later."

"If you have not committed any wrongdoing, I will naturally not wrong a loyal minister."

After settling Cheng Yu, Jiang Chen looked at the ministers below the steps again, smiling broadly, "Esteemed ministers, you rarely come to the capital, and usually report to me through memorials. Now that this is a rare opportunity, please tell me about the current state of the people under your governance."

"I am very curious about these matters."

As soon as he finished speaking, Duke Dingguo immediately stepped forward and began to give his report.

Since he wanted to show his loyalty, he naturally had to do everything perfectly. Now that His Majesty had spoken, he had to be the first to offer his support.

The Zhenhai Regional Commander, however, remained kneeling on the ground, not daring to rise.

He knew in his heart that Duke Dingguo's sudden attack was at the behest of the Emperor, a warning and a reprimand.

Only by showing enough obedience could he save his life!

...

After the welcoming banquet, all the ministers and vassal kings were kept in the palace to await the birthday banquet in the evening.

Jiang Chen had Feng Jin and a royal prince temporarily take his place to entertain these powerful officials who had come from afar.

He, on the other hand, returned to the Hall of Diligent Governance to do a final review with his trusted aides.

Tonight was the moment to close the net!

Even though he had everything under control and had rehearsed many times in advance, it still involved treason, and any small mistake could have disastrous consequences.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial City Guard reports that the Zhenhai Regional Commander poses no threat. He only brought a few hundred men with him to the capital, which is not a cause for concern."

"Your Majesty, many unidentified individuals have been seen entering and exiting the residences of the Sixth and Seventh Princes in recent days. The military officers we arranged in advance have also received their orders."

"Your Majesty, black-clad men have begun to gather at the Autumn Leaf Palace of the Jiangzuo King. They are very skilled!"

"..."

Behind the imperial desk, Jiang Chen listened to the reports coming in, his eyes revealing a deep chill, "Well done. Continue to keep a close watch and wait for them to take action before making your move."

"Yes!"

At this moment, Jing Yue appeared and whispered in Jiang Chen's ear, frowning, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine requests an audience. She claims that if you do not grant her request, she will not attend tonight's birthday banquet!"

Jiang Chen's expression turned slightly angry. This woman was truly lacking in tact, causing trouble at this critical moment!

He immediately stood up and said, "Prepare the imperial carriage. I want to see what kind of medicine the Imperial Concubine is trying to sell!"

After speaking, Jiang Chen strode out of the hall.

Although he was very dissatisfied with Consort Lu's stubbornness and willfulness, now that the royal family and foreign officials were all in the palace, family scandals should not be aired publicly. No matter how big the conflict, it should not be made public at this time.

In addition, the nominal protagonist of the evening banquet was, after all, Consort Lu. If she really hardened her heart and refused to attend the birthday banquet, then he, as the emperor, would lose face. Therefore, after consideration, Jiang Chen still set off.

Changle Palace.

As soon as Jiang Chen appeared, the palace maids and eunuchs guarding the area immediately withdrew.

In the vast palace, only a slender, lonely figure stood opposite him, the Imperial Concubine Lu, whom he had not seen for many days.

She looked tired, with faint dark circles under her eyes, as if she hadn't slept well for days. Seeing Jiang Chen, she perked up and said, "Your Majesty, I have already confessed everything you wanted to know a few days ago."

"In light of my meritorious service in reporting the matter, can you allow the Jiangzuo King to see me one last time?"

Hearing this, Jiang Chen's anger deepened, "Obstinate!"

"You have already chosen to expose that rebel, so why do you insist on seeing him at this time... Could it be that you still have expectations for that rebel and are preparing to send him a message to help him escape?"

Consort Lu knelt down miserably, shaking her head and whispering, "Your Majesty, things have come to this, how could I do such a stupid thing?"

"My insistence on seeing him is only to persuade him to submit to Your Majesty and not to walk down a dead end. This is the responsibility that I, as a mother, should fulfill. No matter what, I cannot stand by and watch him die!"

Hearing the pain in her voice, Jiang Chen's expression softened slightly, "You do care about Jiangzuo King, this adopted son, but have you ever thought about how he views you now?"

"The reason I won't let you meet is that the current Jiangzuo King is a madman!"

"Having experienced the betrayal of the Zhenhai Regional Commander and the eradication of his forces by me, he has become extremely radical. He knows that you have surrendered to me, and if you meet under these circumstances, I think you don't want to live!"

The deepest worry in her heart was pointed out, and Consort Lu's beautiful face froze for a long time before she recovered, "No, that won't happen!"

"That child would not do that. I rescued him from the Cold Palace and raised him. I have put more effort into him than even my two biological sons. He would not do that!"

Jiang Chen chuckled, "Wouldn't?"

"Since ancient times, who who has achieved great things has been bound by emotions? Not to mention that you are just an adoptive mother who betrayed him. Even biological fathers and sons turn against each other for the sake of profit. Why do you think you are an exception?"

"Moreover, my Imperial City Guard also discovered something interesting today, which is that the Jianghu people who were originally around the Jiangzuo King have begun to infiltrate your Changle Palace."

"You should know what this means, right?"

The short words were like sharp knives inserted into Consort Lu's heart.

Her face turned pale as she stood there, her delicate body trembling. It seemed that she was unwilling to accept the cruel reality, and that she wanted to retain the last bit of dignity in front of Jiang Chen, so she forced herself not to lose her composure.

But no matter how strong she was, she was still a woman, a mother hated by her child.

The series of blows during this period made her unable to bear it, and she slipped to the ground, exhausted physically and mentally, with large tears falling down.

"You, you go. I want to be alone for a while, to be quiet for a while."

"I will be on time for tonight's banquet and will not spoil your face... You go, I don't want to see you again!"

Looking at Consort Lu, who was curled up on the ground with her face buried in her knees, Jiang Chen felt a touch of pity in his heart.

But then he thought that all of this was a sin she had created herself, and he remained silent.

When she had clearly vented her emotions, he slowly said, "You can't even withstand this little blow? When you were plotting to harm me, why didn't I see you so fragile?"

"Alright, get up. I promise to arrange a meeting between you and the Jiangzuo King before he dies."