After succeeding with a single strike, the black-robed eunuch's ferocity intensified!

His fierce gaze swept around, like a starving wolf driven to the edge of a cliff, ready to pounce at any moment.

"Pfft!"

A long spear pierced the air and penetrated his abdomen, spraying a cloud of blood mist.

The black-robed eunuch staggered, lowering his head in disbelief, seemingly unable to accept the reality.

A nearby Imperial Guard seized the opportunity, slashing out with his blade and decapitating him in one swift motion!

"Bang!"

At the moment of separation, the black-robed eunuch crashed to the ground.

Immediately afterward, thousands of Imperial Guards closed in, retrieving his body for investigation.

"Charge! Fight these lackeys of the Emperor to the death!"

"Break through!"

The remaining assassins were intimidated, gripping their weapons tightly and fighting desperately.

But how could a small group of only a few dozen people withstand the fully armed Imperial Guards?

Under the overwhelming siege, the black-robed eunuchs all perished, their deaths occurring so swiftly that they even exceeded the expectations of Jiang Chen and his companions who were observing from the sidelines.

Jiang Chen's original plan had been to capture some of them alive for further investigation.

Unfortunately, the mastermind behind the training of these eunuchs had used some means to block this path, making these eunuchs prefer death to betrayal!

Looking at the black-clothed figures in the distance, now reduced to a bloody pulp, a sharp glint flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes as he sneered:

"This mastermind is indeed cautious."

"However, daring to oppose me, even if it means digging three feet into the ground, I will find you!"

"This world can only belong to me!"

His voice was not loud, and it was almost inaudible amidst the surrounding clashing of weapons.

But even if they couldn't hear his voice, no one who saw Jiang Chen's expression would doubt his determination!

That aura of supreme authority and unwavering resolve was enough to make them submit!

A moment later, the Imperial Guards completed their operation.

After thoroughly searching the surrounding buildings three times, ensuring no one had escaped, they sheathed their weapons.

At this time, the area around the Hall of Diligent Governance had been completely dyed scarlet red.

Severed limbs and internal organs mingled with blood, coating the floor tiles and turning the once solemn and magnificent palace into a hellish scene.

And this was exactly what Jiang Chen wanted!

He knew that the person manipulating the assassins was within the palace, and tonight's events were Jiang Chen's 'retaliation' against that person.

Too many unexpected events had occurred within the palace recently.

Although Jiang Chen had managed to resolve them one by one, it had still enraged him.

"Your Majesty, a total of sixty-eight assassins participated in this operation, of which sixty-three were killed, and five are still alive!" The Captain of the Imperial Guards knelt and reported.

Jiang Chen frowned, "So few survivors? Never mind, take them all down, guard them well, and don't let anything happen to them!"

"Also, notify the Ministry of Justice to send some experienced interrogators, and also summon the Court of Judicial Review!"

As he spoke, as if remembering something, he added, "Also, tell Su Wen that if there are any more mistakes this time, he can take off the black gauze hat on his head himself!"

"Yes, this subordinate will definitely handle it properly!" The Captain of the Imperial Guards kowtowed and accepted the order.

The next day.

The sky was clear.

The Hall of Diligent Governance had been restored to its cleanliness, no different from usual.

Only the Jing Guan (mound of heads), built from the heads of the dead and piled up beside the imperial path of the palace gate, silently declared to everyone what had happened last night.

Although the Imperial Guards' movements last night had already led many to speculate, no amount of imagination could compare to the visual impact of the cruel scene before their eyes!

The silent shock made everyone's scalps tingle, and they served even more cautiously, fearing punishment for making mistakes.

Jiang Chen sensed this change.

From the eyes and movements of the imperial female officials, and the expressions of the palace servants serving around him, all revealed a deep sense of fear.

For an emperor, this was not a bad thing.

After finishing his official duties, Jiang Chen sent someone to pick up Mei Ruoying.

After the fire, he had ordered the woman to be confined.

Now, it was time to meet with her!

A moment later, the Hall of Diligent Governance welcomed a long-lost guest, none other than Mei Ruoying.

She was dressed in a rare plain-colored palace dress, her beautiful face without makeup, lacking the usual domineering arrogance, but revealing a kind of pitiful beauty that stirred the heartstrings, enough to captivate men.

This kind of beauty was by no means inferior to Yang Muxi.

Although the two had different styles, one was an ethereal fairy, and the other was a worldly beauty, the impact they brought to Jiang Chen was the same.

In terms of beauty and charm, Mei Ruoying could be said to be unmatched in the world!

Jiang Chen looked at the woman walking towards him, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes.

It was a pity that such a beauty had the heart of a viper and harbored ill intentions towards him.

"Consort Mei, are you aware of what happened in the Hall of Diligent Governance last night?" Jiang Chen asked faintly, suppressing the emotions in his eyes.

Mei Ruoying approached, gave a graceful bow, and said softly, "Your Majesty, after taking my medicine last night, this concubine went to bed early and only woke up this morning. I am not aware of the changes that occurred last night."

Jiang Chen looked at her with interest and smiled, "Oh, really? Such a big commotion last night, and you were able to sleep soundly?"

Mei Ruoying frowned, her eyes somewhat aggrieved, "Your Majesty, what do you mean by this? Are you accusing this concubine of lying?"

Jiang Chen put down the teacup he was playing with, glanced at her, and said calmly, "Sit. There have been too many changes in the palace recently, and I have many doubts that I need you to answer."

Mei Ruoying sat down timidly, lowered her head, and said, "Your Majesty, this concubine is a woman with little knowledge. If I cannot answer, please forgive me."

Jiang Chen looked at her, his fingers tapping on the table.

"My patience is limited. This conversation is your only chance. I advise you to seize it well."

After a pause, without giving Mei Ruoying a chance to argue,

Jiang Chen said directly, "Mei Ruoying, did you set the fire in the Department of Prudence and Punishment? And were those black-robed eunuchs sent in by your Mei family?"

As soon as the words fell,

Mei Ruoying's delicate body trembled, and then tears welled up in her beautiful eyes, slowly sliding to the ground and sobbing, "Your Majesty, you have really misunderstood this concubine!"

"Although this concubine's style has been a bit strong on weekdays, it has only been a struggle between women. This concubine would never dare to get involved in such matters that lead to the destruction of families! No, this concubine wouldn't even dare to think about it!"

After speaking, she frowned tightly, cold sweat oozing from her forehead, and even her kneeling posture could not be maintained, as if the movement had pulled on her wound, causing unbearable pain.

Jiang Chen watched coldly and said in a cold voice, "I have said that your little tricks are useless. Tell the truth!"

Mei Ruoying struggled to raise her face, tears streaming down her face, "Your Majesty, this concubine really doesn't know."

Jiang Chen flicked his sleeves and stood up, walking to her with his hands behind his back, and said calmly:

"This is my last act of tolerance towards you."

"Confess now, and for the sake of our past relationship, I can give you a lighter punishment, at least spare your life."

"But if you remain unrepentant, then don't blame me for being ruthless in the future!"

Saying that, Jiang Chen squatted down, pinched Mei Ruoying's chin, squinted his eyes, and said:

"Last night, I cleared out more than sixty assassins in the palace, and their heads are displayed on the imperial path, for everyone in the palace to see..."