The unusual situation made Jiang Chen feel a chill in his heart.

What was that old fox, Mei Wenshi, up to now?

It seemed that he had to pay more attention to his movements during this period!

Yingtian Gate, the Imperial Way.

The only way for officials to leave the palace.

"Father, His Majesty favors the Consort Shu so much. Should we find someone..."

As he spoke, Mei Kang made a gesture across his neck, his eyes full of fierce light.

"Slap!"

Mei Wenshi stopped and slapped Mei Kang across the face.

"You rebellious son, don't you even look where you're speaking?"

"This is the inner palace; how dare you be so presumptuous?"

Mei Kang was beaten and felt somewhat unconvinced.

He raised his head to argue but met his father's experienced eyes.

That sinister, cold gaze silenced him instantly, and he lowered his head.

"Ahem, Minister Mei, although your son was somewhat careless in his words, the reasoning behind them is indeed true."

"Now that His Majesty intends to support the Consort Shu's family, shouldn't we make some arrangements?"

Grand Censor Zhang Kang came over at this time, looked around, and asked in a low voice.

The dignified Deputy Prime Minister, the head of the Censorate in charge of monitoring all officials, was so respectful to Mei Wenshi, the Minister of Revenue, that he didn't even dare to make his own decisions.

Mei Wenshi glanced at him, his expression softening slightly, and said, "His Majesty is now determined to support the Xu family. Ordinary methods may not be able to change the situation. In my opinion, a swift blow is most suitable!"

"Find some officials from the Ministry of Rites and fabricate several serious crimes against Consort Shu, and then submit a memorial to impeach her."

"The Wei River flood can also be manipulated and blamed on her. When public opinion ferments in the court and among the people, your Censorate can step in and force His Majesty to order her death!"

After speaking, a cold light flashed in his deep eyes.

"Xu Changqing is going to Wei River to suppress bandits. Once the Southern Army leaves, His Majesty's power will be difficult to resist us."

"At that time, Consort Shu's life and death will be in our hands!"

...

After the morning court, Jiang Chen went straight to the Hall of Diligent Governance.

He paced along the path in the Imperial Garden, frowning as he pondered Mei Wenshi's unusual behavior in the court.

Today, I issued an edict in public, arranging for Xu Changqing to suppress bandits, and my intention to support the Xu family was very clear.

But this old fox, Mei Wenshi, didn't try to stop it. What was he planning?

It seems I have to find an opportunity to test this old fox...

Just as Jiang Chen was deep in thought, a crisp, coquettish voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Your Majesty, you've deceived this concubine so badly!"

"You clearly said yesterday that you would spend the night at the Chengqian Palace, but this concubine waited all night and didn't see you!"

"You are the Supreme One, how can you go back on your word!"

Mei Ruoying?

Jiang Chen reacted and looked up.

He saw that Mei Ruoying's beautiful phoenix eyes were already gathering tears.

Her shapely body also began to tremble.

Her pitiful appearance made Jiang Chen's heart burn.

Unlike her plain clothes and aloofness yesterday,

Mei Ruoying was especially carefully dressed today.

Her imperial colored palace dress set off her snow-like skin, and a moon-blue sash outlined her slender waist. Her dark hair and red lips, with her high-raised bun, made her look like a peony in full bloom in spring, radiating dazzling beauty that made it impossible to look away.

Both ethereal and beautiful.

This woman is truly a complete enchantress!

Jiang Chen's gaze greedily swept over Mei Ruoying.

Even though he was suspicious and wary of her in his heart, his male instincts made him unable to resist the urge to conquer the beauty before him.

Jiang Chen sized up Mei Ruoying's delicate body without restraint, casually perfunctorily said:

"Beloved concubine, didn't you report yesterday that you were feeling unwell?"

"This emperor felt sorry for you and wanted you to rest well, so I didn't visit the Chengqian Palace."

"This emperor's good intentions, why don't you understand?"

As he spoke, he stretched out his long arm, wrapped it around Mei Ruoying's slender waist, and slowly caressed it.

This time, Mei Ruoying didn't make any small movements. She nestled in Jiang Chen's arms, obedient and docile, letting him do as he pleased, only her tone was somewhat resentful.

"Your Majesty, don't deceive this concubine!"

"This concubine has heard that you stayed at Consort Shu's place last night and didn't leave all night... How would you have time to think of this concubine?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen's hand, which was wandering over her full curves, stopped instantly.

Where did this woman get the news?

Weren't the servants around her already dealt with yesterday?

It seems that the spies that the Mei family has planted in the palace are more numerous than I expected!

Thinking of this, Jiang Chen felt a faint killing intent in his heart.

He raised his hand to pinch the chin of the person in his arms, stared into Mei Ruoying's phoenix eyes, and smiled after a long while:

"It's this emperor's fault for making beloved concubine so sad."

"Beloved concubine, tell me, how do you want this emperor to compensate you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Mei Ruoying's heart skipped a beat, and her thick eyelashes trembled.

What, what does this tyrant want to do again?

I just casually complained a few words, why is his gaze so cold that it seems like he wants to kill someone?

She had deeply learned the emperor's tyranny and capriciousness a few days ago.

Most of the attendants who were beaten to death were her confidants.

Not wanting to relive the nightmare of the Hall of Diligent Governance a few days ago, Mei Ruoying immediately put away her pitiful appearance and said softly, "Your Majesty, this concubine was just joking with you. You are the Son of Heaven, the Lord of all people, how could you make a mistake!"

As she spoke, Mei Ruoying untied the pouch from her waist and took out a stack of silver notes.

"Your Majesty, look, this is all the money this concubine has. Now that there is a flood in the Wei River, this concubine is willing to donate it all to support your disaster relief efforts!"

Jiang Chen raised his eyebrows and took the silver notes.

Tsk, one hundred and fifty thousand taels!

This is equivalent to one-third of the national treasury!

Plus the ones that Mei Wenshi donated at the morning court... This Mei family is richer than a country!

Mei Ruoying didn't know what Jiang Chen was thinking. She parted her red lips and leaned closer, saying:

"Your Majesty, are you satisfied with this amount?"

Jiang Chen put away the silver notes and motioned for the palace maids and eunuchs to retreat.

"Not bad, beloved concubine is very much to this emperor's liking."

Jiang Chen didn't know if he was talking about her figure or answering her words.

"The fine has been paid, so this emperor will no longer pursue beloved concubine's fault. I only hope that beloved concubine can remember this lesson and never make the same mistake again!"

Mei Ruoying's smile froze, and then she lowered her head and responded softly:

"This concubine will definitely remember His Majesty's teachings, and will be safe and secure in the future, and will never cause trouble again."

She saw the warning in Jiang Chen's eyes clearly.

The current emperor has changed greatly and can no longer be perfunctorily treated with the usual methods. Before getting rid of Consort Shu, it is better for her to be obedient.

Mei Ruoying's statement made Jiang Chen quite satisfied.

Since she has entered the palace, then she is this emperor's woman.

If she dares to betray, the only end is death!

Mei Ruoying's slender waist was held by Jiang Chen, and her pretty face was flushed.

If this continues, she will be embarrassed!

She placed her white jade hand against the man's chest, and with a slight effort, Mei Ruoying slipped out of Jiang Chen's arms like a fish.

"Your Majesty, this concubine will take her leave first."

"Tonight at the Chengqian Palace, this concubine will be waiting for you, you must not break your promise again~"

After speaking, Mei Ruoying bowed her waist and gave a graceful bow.

With every move, a large expanse of snowy scenery was revealed in Jiang Chen's sight.

Sensing the fiery gaze coming from in front of her, Mei Ruoying's red lips curled up slightly.

It's done!

His Majesty will definitely come to her tonight.

Jiang Chen stared at her receding figure for a long time without recovering.

However, unlike Mei Ruoying, who thought he was full of infatuation, Jiang Chen's eyes were full of contemplation.

This woman is indeed not simple!

After practicing the Qiankun Guiding Technique, my strength is no weaker than the Imperial Guards who have been tempering their bodies for decades.

But just now, this Mei Ruoying was able to easily break free from my restraints... It seems that it is indeed necessary to go to the Chengqian Palace tonight!