Chapter 1 The Beginning

Qianqing Palace, with its yellow tiles and vermilion eaves.

Within the enormous palace, twin coiling dragon-carved white jade pillars stood tall and imposing.

At the head of the hall, a pure gold dragon and phoenix patterned chair sat in the center, radiating brilliance even without direct light.

This was the symbol of the Wei Kingdom's supreme authority!

Inside the main hall, civil and military officials stood in their respective positions.

Those nearby whispered about important news and their duties.

As the first rays of dawn illuminated the Qianqing Palace, a distant and resounding voice echoed within.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

Instantly, the hall of civil and military officials fell silent.

Jiang Chen, adorned in a dragon robe, calmly strode into the hall!

"Long live the Emperor! Long live, long live, ten thousand years!"

"Rise, my esteemed subjects!"

With a flourish of his robe, Jiang Chen sat upon the golden-orange dragon throne.

Then, with eyes slightly lowered, he looked down upon the steps, where everyone was prostrate before him.

Their expressions were nothing but reverence and solemnity!

No man could resist such a sight!

Money, power, the world, women—everything was under his control.

At that moment, Jiang Chen felt a surge of excitement in his heart!

The eunuch behind him stepped forward at the opportune moment, raising his voice in a sharp tone:

"If there are matters to report, speak up! Otherwise, the court is dismissed!"

As soon as the words fell, an elderly civil official stepped forward and bowed to Jiang Chen.

Almost instantly, memories of this person appeared in Jiang Chen's mind.

This man was none other than the father of the favored concubine Mei, who held sway over the six palaces—

The Minister of Revenue, Mei Wenshi.

Recalling how he had previously used imperial authority to gain personal benefits, Jiang Chen's expression darkened, and he said with displeasure,

"What matter do you have to report, esteemed minister?"

Never having seen the emperor's expression so grim, Mei Wenshi paused, his quick mind racing.

What is wrong with His Majesty today?

Could it be that his daughter has displeased the Emperor?

Lost in thought, Mei Wenshi felt the emperor's gaze upon him growing colder. Realizing this was not the time for contemplation, he put aside his doubts, stepped forward, and gave the emperor a respectful and meticulous bow.

"Your Majesty, the Lishan Palace is now half-completed. Its walls encircle the mountain, and the scenery is magnificent and imposing. However, due to a current shortage of funds, it cannot be completed."

Jiang Chen nodded absentmindedly, looking at Mei Wenshi, but asking another question:

"Minister Mei, how much silver has been spent on this Lishan Palace in total?"

Mei Wenshi paused, uncertain of Jiang Chen's intentions. "Your Majesty, the Lishan Palace is grand in scale, and has already cost sixty million taels of silver!"

Jiang Chen gasped, his brows furrowing instantly:

"Sixty million taels?!"

In his previous life, he had never seen so much money!

Now, just building a palace for amusement costs sixty million taels of silver?!

Absurd!

Having made up his mind, Jiang Chen looked at Mei Wenshi and said without a hint of doubt: "This Lishan Palace shall end here. No further construction is permitted!"

Upon hearing these words, Mei Wenshi's face froze.

In the court, the other civil and military officials were also visibly shocked!

What?

The Lishan Palace, on which two years had been spent, was to be abandoned?

What about the silver invested over the past two years? What about the manpower and resources spent? This was simply outrageous!

Just as the officials were in an uproar,

A civil official with a long beard suddenly stepped forward, seemingly holding a different opinion.

He was quite old, but still stood straight, bowing to Jiang Chen on the dragon throne and saying in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty is wise!"

This man was Yuan Taifu (Grand Tutor Yuan), a rare incorruptible official in this mixed court.

Seeing him, Jiang Chen's eyes lit up. "Oh? Grand Tutor Yuan, do you have something to say? Quickly rise and speak!"

Rising from the ground, Yuan Taifu looked at Jiang Chen with sincerity:

"Your Majesty, I report! A sudden flood has occurred in the Wei River area, and the people are suffering! I beg Your Majesty to allocate funds for disaster relief immediately!"

After these words were spoken, the court became silent.

Everyone's gaze shifted back and forth between Jiang Chen and Yuan Taifu, each with their own speculations.

His Majesty seems to be acting strangely today...

Previously, the person who gave His Majesty the most headaches in this court was this Yuan Taifu. Every time he came forward to advise, His Majesty would scold him coldly.

What's happening today...?

After listening to Yuan Taifu's words, Jiang Chen stroked his chin, a pensive look on his face:

"Grand Tutor Yuan is right."

"As the saying goes, the people are the foundation of the nation, and only when the foundation is strong can the nation be secure."

"I am the ruler and father, supported by the people, and I should naturally put the people first."

"The matter of opening the granaries for disaster relief is approved!"

Jiang Chen's voice was not loud, but it echoed in the ears of everyone in the hall like a thunderclap, causing them to tremble.

His Majesty's actions were truly beyond their expectations!

While the officials were lost in thought, Minister of Revenue Mei Wenshi stared at Jiang Chen above, a dark look flashing in his eyes.

Just now, he had deliberately mentioned the Lishan Palace, but Jiang Chen had shown no reaction.

It should be known that this Lishan Palace was promised to his daughter by the fatuous ruler himself, built to please her.

But now, not only had this fatuous ruler stopped the construction of the Lishan Palace, he was even treating Yuan Taifu's party with favor.

What exactly was going on?

Mei Wenshi turned slightly, glancing back with an uncertain expression.

Immediately, a military officer stepped forward from among the generals, bowed to Jiang Chen, and said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty! I have a matter to report!"

Hearing this commotion, Jiang Chen knew who it was.

It was Wang Zijin, who was on good terms with Mei Wenshi!

This man had some reputation in the military. As long as he made more contributions, he could become a general.

"Oh? What matter do you have to report, esteemed minister?"

Jiang Chen turned his head, looked at Wang Zijin, his expression calm.

"I believe that going to the Wei River for disaster relief is a major matter. Therefore, a reliable person must be sent to carry out the relief efforts!"

Wang Zijin was burly and had a resolute face.

If Jiang Chen hadn't known the true nature of this scoundrel, he might have thought he was a loyal and upright minister!

A sneer curled up at the corner of his mouth, Jiang Chen glanced down at the man below, "Oh? Does esteemed minister have a candidate in mind?"

As soon as the words fell, Wang Zijin immediately replied:

"I believe that Mei Kang, the Vice Minister of Revenue, can shoulder this important task!"

"Although Vice Minister Mei is young, he has been in court for two years and has achieved remarkable political achievements. He has made significant contributions to the affairs of the Ministry of Revenue!"

"Such a clever and capable talent will surely clear the worries for Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, a flash of killing intent appeared in Jiang Chen's eyes.

What a Mei family! Not satisfied with controlling the harem, they were now reaching into the military!

Thinking of this, Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes, his icy gaze piercing Wang Zijin.

Such a treacherous minister should be executed!

His large hand, resting on the golden chair, caressed the fierce dragon head on the armrest.

The cold touch gradually calmed Jiang Chen's mind.

Now was not the time to show his true colors.

Then, his dark eyes swept across the faces of the ministers in the hall, eventually settling on a tall figure at the end of the military officers' line.

This man had a proper appearance and a detached expression. Although he was a military officer, his demeanor was refined, leaving a lasting impression.

"Xu Changqing, if I were to send you to provide disaster relief, what would you do?"