Jiang Zuo Wang was already bordering on madness as he spoke.

In his eyes, his plan was entirely within his grasp. All he needed to do was eliminate Jiang Chen, and everything would be settled.

But while Jiang Zuo Wang was gloating, he didn't notice the pitying looks the officials were giving him.

"If you had the people's hearts, I wouldn't have succeeded so easily. It's a pity there's no regret medicine in this world. If you hand over your position to the Imperial Uncle obediently, perhaps he will consider letting you live as a carefree prince."

As Jiang Zuo Wang spoke, he moved closer to Jiang Chen. The sharp knife in his hand frightened many.

But as Jiang Zuo Wang advanced, he didn't notice that the assassins and guards, who had been fighting fiercely, were quietly moving between him and Jiang Chen.

"I've been planning for so many years, all for today. As long as I can get rid of you, there won't be any more obstacles."

"Die, you traitor!"

Just as Jiang Zuo Wang was about to strike, a figure appeared before him.

"Please, stop now. There's still time to save yourself if you leave the palace."

Seeing Consort Lu blocking his way, tears streaming down her face, Jiang Zuo Wang showed no mercy and kicked her to the ground.

This ruthless act caused Consort Lu to burst into tears, while Jiang Chen watched Jiang Zuo Wang with a smile.

Jiang Chen didn't want this farce to end until Jiang Zuo Wang had exhausted all his means.

The vast network Jiang Zuo Wang had built right under his nose gave Jiang Chen cause for concern. That's why he had been wary of him.

If he couldn't use this opportunity to completely dismantle Jiang Zuo Wang's foundation, others might follow his example. This act of killing the chicken to scare the monkeys might backfire.

It would only drive Jiang Zuo Wang and his remaining accomplices deeper into hiding.

"You dog emperor, everyone has seen the things you've done over the years. Today, I will take your life on their behalf. I believe no one will object."

With that, Jiang Zuo Wang charged forward, but an assassin conveniently bumped into him, blocking his path.

Before Jiang Zuo Wang could react, the imperial guards, who had been besieging the assassins, quickly surrounded him, blocking his advance.

Noticing that these people seemed to have ulterior motives, Jiang Zuo Wang suddenly remembered what Consort Lu had said.

However, it was already too late. Jiang Zuo Wang had just turned around when the assassins, who had been fighting each other moments before, surrounded him, trapping him.

"Hurry, we'll cover your retreat."

Under the assassins' protection, Jiang Zuo Wang was forced to retreat step by step. Jiang Chen, however, stared at the court officials, trying to read their minds.

As Jiang Zuo Wang was escorted out of the palace by the assassins, he suddenly realized that they might have betrayed him, just like Consort Lu.

"Have you also defected to that dog?"

Just when Jiang Zuo Wang thought he understood, the assassins charged back into the palace.

Facing his pursuers, Jiang Zuo Wang gritted his teeth and threw his long knife at Jiang Chen.

Just as the knife was about to hit Jiang Chen, Consort Lu, who had been lying on the ground, suddenly stood up and blocked the blade for him.

"Your Majesty, I know what you said is true, but I cannot accept sharing you with others."

"Let me fade away with all of this."

With that, Consort Lu collapsed to the ground, her fate unknown. This scene caused Jiang Zuo Wang a pang of pain, but realizing he was about to be surrounded, he quickly fled towards the city gates.

Now, his only hope lay with the troops stationed outside the city.

After Jiang Zuo Wang escaped, the assassins who had been fighting desperately pursued him. No one noticed the leader of the assassins bowing slightly to Jiang Chen, as if expressing respect.

Only when the hall was filled with the wreckage of the battle did the surviving officials stand up, relieved.

They never imagined that someone would dare to attack openly in the palace.

But after noticing those who had fallen and were no longer breathing, many felt a chill in their hearts.

Although the fighting had made them uneasy and forced them to retreat, they had been observing the battlefield. The ones who had been killed were puppets supported by the influential families who had strongly opposed Jiang Chen in the past.

And most of those who were seriously injured were also descendants of those families. Realizing that Jiang Chen was using this method to warn them, the officials fell silent.

If Jiang Chen could grasp the details of Jiang Zuo Wang's rebellion so thoroughly, it meant he had countless unexpected cards up his sleeve. If their past actions were discovered, they would not escape death.

Seeing the silent court officials, Jiang Chen smiled. This was the effect he wanted – to warn those powerful families so they would temporarily restrain themselves, allowing him to gradually clip their overly plump wings.

Now that the first step had been achieved, it was up to Jiang Zuo Wang to make his next move. If he had any further outrageous ideas, he would be met with the cold daggers of those around him.

"My lords, you have been frightened. Today's court session ends here. I hope you will keep what happened today a secret. If I find out that anyone has leaked these events and damaged the imperial family's reputation, you should know the consequences."

Jiang Chen finally revealed his fangs, and the officials lowered their heads, not daring to speak.

No one knew what Jiang Chen was planning.

His methods were too ruthless. They had never seen such an unfeeling emperor.