Chapter 12 The Emperor Arrives

The next day, after the morning court.

Xu Mu mobilized the Imperial Guards to clear the way.

Jing Yue and the other dark guards closely protected the dragon carriage. The group ostentatiously left the palace and headed towards Mei Wenshi's Ministry of Personnel residence.

Inside the black carriage, Xu Changqing and Meng Qi, both figures of real power in the military, were attending to Jiang Chen.

"Your Majesty, are you saying that Lord Yuan was ambushed?!" Xu Changqing asked in disbelief.

Jiang Chen nodded, exuding a murderous aura. "I only received the news about this matter."

"Those dogs are truly audacious, daring to assassinate an imperial envoy on the official road in broad daylight!"

"If I hadn't temporarily dispatched dark guards, Yuan Buyi might have really capsized in the gutter this time."

Upon hearing this, the shock in Xu Changqing's eyes instantly turned into rage. "These rebellious subjects! They deserve to die!"

"Your Majesty, let's mobilize the troops!"

"As long as you give the order, this humble subject is willing to rush to Yunzhou immediately and exterminate these treacherous officials!"

Xu Changqing's eagerness to volunteer made Jiang Chen feel gratified.

However, he did not agree to this proposal, but raised an eyebrow and looked at Meng Qi on the side. "Minister Meng, what is your opinion on this matter?"

Meng Qi was the chief commander of the Five City Battalions, in charge of the defense of the imperial capital, and had made many meritorious contributions, earning Jiang Chen's trust.

He was as burly as a black bear, but his face was very honest.

Hearing Jiang Chen's question, he said without thinking, "Your Majesty, this humble subject is slow-witted and doesn't understand these complicated matters."

"This humble subject will listen to you. I will do whatever you instruct!"

Jiang Chen was very satisfied with this answer, and patted him on the shoulder with a smile.

Then, he turned his head to Xu Changqing, who was lost in thought, and said, "Minister Xu, you've been rather bloodthirsty lately."

"The court has its rules. Not everything can be solved with violence. Now that the central government is declining, the court's control over the localities is far from what it used to be."

"If we rashly use troops against the local powers in Yunzhou at this time, I fear that the other prefectures will be driven to desperation and follow suit, causing us to lose more than we gain."

Xu Changqing was not a fool. His impulsive suggestion just now was because he was too loyal and could not tolerate anyone offending Jiang Chen's dignity.

Now that he was reminded, he immediately understood Jiang Chen's concerns, and could not help but sigh in his heart.

The Great Wei had declined too much, and could no longer withstand major turmoil.

Even if these local forces were to be suppressed, it would have to wait until after the Mei family was eliminated and the court was stabilized.

Just as the atmosphere in the carriage was gradually becoming heavy, Jiang Chen spoke again, dropping a bombshell!

"Recently, I have been suspecting that there may be someone else behind Mei Wenshi!"

"And it is this person who has been manipulating all the conspiracies, trying to shake my empire!"

As soon as the words fell, Xu Changqing and Meng Qi both looked shocked!

"Your Majesty, Mei Wenshi already holds great power in the court. With his character, how could he be subordinate to someone else?" Xu Changqing found it hard to accept, and Meng Qi nodded in agreement.

They both knew Mei Wenshi's character and could not imagine what kind of person could subdue this old fox.

Jiang Chen glanced at them, made a 'shush' gesture, and said lightly, "No need to doubt. After experiencing so many things, I am very sure of this person's existence."

"That mysterious 'Manor Lord', the assassins he trained, and the grain and supplies hidden in the mountains all prove that Mei Wenshi is not the real mastermind!"

"Such a grand scheme is not something a single Mei family can accomplish."

Xu Changqing frowned and said solemnly, "Then, does Your Majesty have any ideas about the identity of the person behind the scenes?"

Jiang Chen nodded slowly. "I have some suspicions, but I can't be completely sure."

"I suspect that this 'person behind the scenes' is hidden among the various vassal kings or the imperial family!"

Xu Changqing and Meng Qi felt that this was a bit tricky.

The range given by His Majesty was a bit too large.

It would be impossible to investigate anything in a short period of time, making it difficult to put it to use.

Seeing the two in a difficult position, Jiang Chen said with some regret, "It's a pity that Zhao Minghe's mouth is too tight, and the other small assassins know too little. I can't pinpoint the identity of that person behind the scenes for the time being."

"Otherwise, why would I bother to entangle with Mei Wenshi? I would have wiped out this group of unruly people in one fell swoop!"

Seeing the Emperor's displeasure, Meng Qi quickly said, "Your Majesty, do not be annoyed."

"Since Mei Wenshi joined forces with the local magnates of Yunzhou to assassinate Lord Yuan, it means that Lord Yuan has already discovered his secrets!"

"As long as we wait a few more days, until Lord Yuan returns with evidence, it will be the death of this treacherous official Mei Wenshi. When this old fox falls, the person behind him will definitely not be able to escape!"

Just as the three of them were analyzing the situation and discussing countermeasures, the dragon carriage arrived at the Ministry of Personnel residence.

Mei Wenshi, who was 'pleading illness at home', led the entire Mei clan to greet them at the gate, with a respectful attitude and perfect etiquette, leaving no room for criticism.

"This humble subject greets Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty's personal arrival brings glory to this humble subject's home!"

Jiang Chen stepped down from the carriage with a smile, without the slightest airs of an emperor, and was very approachable.

He looked at Mei Wenshi, who was leading the way, and said with concern, "Minister Mei, you are not feeling well, so you don't need to pay attention to these formalities."

As he spoke, Jiang Chen personally helped Mei Wenshi up, appearing as if they were close friends.

Mei Wenshi had never been so close to the Emperor before, and his eyelids twitched in shock, but he quickly adjusted his mindset.

He put on a flattered look and said, "Your Majesty, you are really embarrassing this humble subject! Please come in!"

After saying that, he gestured to lead the way, subtly distancing himself from Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen saw through the old fox's thoughts, but he didn't want to force himself to act anymore, so he let go and strode into the main entrance of the Ministry of Personnel residence.

The residence was very impressive, with pavilions and willows, and upturned eaves.

Although the layout was elegant and grand, there were no precious decorations, and even antique ornaments were rarely seen. If an uninformed person were to enter, they would definitely think that the officials living here were very upright.

Jiang Chen was naturally not fooled by these superficial illusions, but was somewhat impressed by Mei Wenshi's caution.

The group strolled to the main hall, and before they could sit down, maids brought tea, serving them meticulously, putting on a full show of courtesy.

"Minister Mei, are you aware of the Incident at Yingtian Gate a few days ago?" Jiang Chen held a cup of tea and asked as if casually.

Yingtian Gate was the main gate of the imperial palace and the only way for officials to attend court.

Blocking it without the Emperor's authorization was punishable by confiscation of property and execution!

Jiang Chen's question was very insidious. If it were a normal minister, they would probably kneel down and beg for mercy.

But Mei Wenshi did not. His expression remained normal, and he calmly cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, since this old subject pleaded illness and returned home, I have not left the residence. This old subject is really unaware of what is happening outside."