Looking at Jiang Chen's calm and composed demeanor, he felt increasingly uneasy.

Could this tyrant have really found a clue?

But that was impossible!

Even he didn't know where Shu'er was, how could this tyrant know? He must be bluffing me!

Thoughts racing, Zhang Kang regained his composure and stubbornly refused to yield any information. "Tyrant, don't even think about getting any information from me! I'm waiting to see the day you're overthrown!"

Jiang Chen sighed helplessly.

It seemed impossible to get any clues from Zhang Kang. He would have to start elsewhere.

With no further use, Jiang Chen didn't even bother to glance at Zhang Kang again, only sneering, "Is that so? Then you probably won't live to see that day!"

"This Great Wei's dragon throne, no one but I is worthy of it!"

"You, and those people behind you, are just vermin in the gutter, only capable of underhanded tricks that can't be brought to the table!"

"Before long, I'll dig you all out, cleanse Great Wei, and then build a strong empire where all nations come to pay tribute!"

With that, Jiang Chen flicked his sleeves and, surrounded by guards, walked out of the prison.

Behind him came Zhang Kang's angry curses and roars, filled with resentment, each word seemingly soaked in hatred, sending chills down one's spine!

…

Leaving the Heavenly Prison, Jiang Chen returned to the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Great Wei was vast and had much state affairs that needed to be handled, and he couldn't afford to slack off.

However, just as he was reviewing memorials, an urgent message came from the imperial prison, saying that Zhang Kang had suddenly died in his cell due to a sudden illness.

After examination by the coroner, the cause of death seemed to be anger overwhelming his heart, leading to blocked meridians. It was determined to be an accidental death, not murder.

Jiang Chen was stunned for a while after receiving the news.

This guy, just died of anger like that?

He felt a little regret, but not out of nostalgia or pity, purely because he felt that dying like this was too easy for the traitor Zhang Kang!

Forming cliques for personal gain, plotting rebellion... any one of the crimes he committed was enough to warrant death by a thousand cuts. Dying so cleanly spared him many tortures, which made Jiang Chen a little unhappy.

After finishing his official duties, it was almost evening.

Jiang Chen went to Liu Huixin's Qingwan Residence and told her the news.

Liu Huixin was first stunned, then a trace of melancholy appeared on her pretty face, as if lost in some memory.

Jiang Chen sat opposite her, his expression awkward, with a hint of apology, "Consort, I broke my promise. I can't fulfill yesterday's promise now."

"Zhang Kang's death was sudden. I only received the news after he died. I couldn't let you see him executed with your own eyes."

Liu Huixin came back to her senses, and a look of fear appeared in her beautiful eyes. She quickly bowed and begged for forgiveness, "Your Majesty, I am terrified and unworthy of such words!"

"You are the Son of Heaven, with a noble status. How can I blame you for an accident! Your words just now are really too much for me!"

As she spoke, a blush appeared on her face, and her phoenix eyes contained a soft light. "Moreover, Your Majesty, you gave me freedom, arranged for me to meet my parents, and cleared my family of the crime of being rebels. All kinds of kindness are no less than being my savior! How could I care about this accident?"

Jiang Chen didn't expect her to be so reasonable, and he was stunned for a moment.

However, thinking of Liu Huixin's background and experience, he quickly understood.

A woman from a scholarly family would naturally have a gentle personality and would not be too fierce.

He immediately helped her up and said, "I am relieved that Consort can see it so clearly!"

"However, this matter is still my fault for not keeping my promise to you... How about this, I will invite your parents to come again later so that your family can have a good reunion, what do you think?"

Liu Huixin was overjoyed. In her excitement, her slender hand grabbed the corner of Jiang Chen's clothes, "Your Majesty, you, you mean it?"

According to the Great Wei palace rules, consorts could only see their families once at the end of the year.

Therefore, she couldn't believe it.

Jiang Chen put his arm around her slender waist and comforted her, "Of course! I will tell Feng Jin to personally supervise this matter."

Hearing this, the smile on Liu Huixin's pretty face became even sweeter, and she shyly asked, "Your Majesty, it's not early now, would you like me to serve you in resting?"

Jiang Chen's Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes swept over her lotus feet under her skirt, with a meaningful expression. "Then Consort must perform well!"

Liu Huixin's pretty face turned red, and the amorous scene of last night flashed in her mind again. She only felt that her delicate body was softening, both afraid and looking forward to it.

Seeing her shy and alluring appearance, Jiang Chen waved his hand, picked her up in his arms, and strode into the bedroom...

Time flies, and another three days have passed.

It has been dozens of days since Xu Changqing led the Southern Army to provide disaster relief.

According to the memorial, they were to return to the capital at noon today to report on their duties.

Jiang Chen was in a great mood after receiving the news and took Noble Consort Shu to the Exotic Animal Garden.

The animals raised there were all exotic beasts sent from various places. The ferocious ones included lions and tigers, while the less aggressive ones included foxes and deer, which were very popular among the concubines in the harem.

The reason why Jiang Chen brought Noble Consort Shu here was to use these small animals to relax her mood and exercise her body.

Staying in the house all day was not conducive to her recovery.

During this period, Mei Ruoying had repeatedly requested to see Jiang Chen, wanting to curry favor, but was rejected.

However, this woman did not give up. Instead, she tried to create accidental encounters to win Jiang Chen's pity.

But Jiang Chen had already seen through her intentions. Annoyed, he issued an order to confine her to her residence.

For a time, the tree fell and the monkeys scattered. Noble Consort Mei, who had once been the most favored in the six palaces, was no longer as glorious as before.

As for the divine doctor Zhang Ping'an.

He finally refused Jiang Chen's recruitment and left the palace to go to the disaster area.

However, after spending some time together, his impression of Jiang Chen had changed a lot, and he even developed some appreciation for him.

Before leaving, he specifically told Jiang Chen that as long as he needed anything, he could send someone to find him.

Jiang Chen felt a little regret, but he did not stop him. He even sent Zhang Ping'an a lot of precious medicinal materials.

Anyway, they were all saving the people of Great Wei. As the Son of Heaven, he still had this much magnanimity.

Looking at Noble Consort Shu, who was cautiously approaching the deer not far away, Jiang Chen couldn't help but smile, hoping that such times could last longer.

At this moment, Feng Jin, who was guarding in the distance, suddenly trotted to Jiang Chen's side, his expression revealing anxiety.

Jiang Chen frowned upon seeing this.

He had specifically instructed before coming that he wanted to be alone with Noble Consort Shu and enjoy their time together, and did not want to be disturbed by outsiders.

Feng Jin had served him for so long and was always thoughtful. He would not easily spoil his mood... Could it be that something major had happened in the court again?

Jiang Chen's heart sank. He took a few steps away, out of Noble Consort Shu's sight.

If something really happened, he didn't want Noble Consort Shu to know.

Feng Jin was quick-witted and instantly understood Jiang Chen's meaning, revealing a wry smile. "Your Majesty, it's good news!"

"Good news?" Jiang Chen repeated in confusion.