Chapter 1 A Sudden Incident

"Your Majesty, what's wrong? The ministers and the imperial family are watching you!"

"The auspicious hour is almost here. If we delay any longer, we'll be late!" Noble Consort Shu softly reminded him, a hint of concern surfacing in her beautiful eyes.

Jiang Chen turned his face, a trace of hesitation gathering between his brows. He said, "It's nothing. I just suddenly remembered something and lost my focus for a moment."

As he spoke, he continued to scan his surroundings, trying to find Mei Ruoying's whereabouts.

Jiang Chen was a cautious man. The strange fragrance from earlier, coupled with the fact that the rebellious traitors who plotted the conspiracy last night had not yet been caught, made him extremely vigilant to all potential dangers.

However, since the enemy was in the shadows and he was in the light, it was not yet the time for a showdown.

Jiang Chen retracted his gaze and pretended to be indifferent, saying, "It's nothing, let's continue."

Hearing this, the others exchanged glances, somewhat confused, but dared not disobey Jiang Chen's orders and followed him with their heads bowed.

Beyond the covered corridor was a secluded path.

As Jiang Chen stepped onto it, a graceful figure flashed before his eyes, moving erratically, too fast for anyone to react.

In the blink of an eye, she disappeared at the end of the path, leaving behind a sachet embroidered with peonies, lying quietly on the stone slab not far away.

Recognizing the true identity of the figure, Jiang Chen's eyes suddenly sharpened, and he shouted angrily, "Someone, seize her!"

As his voice resounded, he lunged forward, but was still half a step too late, missing her.

Seeing this, the imperial guards quickened their pace, searching all around with stern expressions.

But no matter how hard they tried, they still came up empty-handed, unable to find even half a piece of the graceful figure's clothing.

Jiang Chen stood where he was, not surprised by this result.

Mei Ruoying was a very meticulous woman. Since she dared to show herself, she must have made complete preparations.

He just didn't know what storms she wanted to stir up this time.

Suppressing the annoyance and anxiety in his heart, Jiang Chen reached out and picked up the sachet left on the ground, his pupils shrinking instantly!

This was Xu Jiaying's sachet!

Because her insomnia required the aid of fragrances, Xu Jiaying had specially embroidered this peony sachet, carrying it with her every day.

He had played with this sachet himself when he favored her, and wouldn't mistake it.

Thinking of this, Jiang Chen's face turned completely cold.

The person who kidnapped Jiaying was actually Mei Ruoying!

Had he known this would happen, he should have ended this poisonous woman's life back then!

"Come back, don't chase her." Jiang Chen ordered coldly.

Hearing the displeasure in his voice, Jing Yue stepped forward and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, this woman's skills are quite impressive. Let me go after her."

Her fair neck was lowered, and a deep sense of shame surfaced on her cold, pretty face. From last night until now, unexpected incidents had occurred frequently in the imperial lodge, which was a dereliction of duty for her as the leader of the dark guards.

Jiang Chen didn't have any intention of blaming her, his dark eyes fixed on the end of the path, saying grimly, "No need, I already know this woman's identity and am preparing to meet her myself!"

"After painstakingly designing such a grand performance… I want to see what kind of medicine she's selling in her gourd!"

After speaking, Jiang Chen flicked his sleeve and walked straight towards the end of the road.

This sudden turn of events stunned the group of imperial relatives and ministers behind him, and they tried to persuade him to stay, enduring the pressure.

"Your Majesty, this is not acceptable! If we miss the auspicious hour, our sins will be great!"

"Your Majesty, the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai is a major event watched by the whole world. Missing the time will cause resentment among the people!"

Their pitiful pleas rose and fell, enough to move any listener, but Jiang Chen paid them no heed, letting it pass in one ear and out the other, pushing forward with all his might.

There were many auspicious times suitable for the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai, but Xu Jiaying only had one life.

Jiang Chen knew what was more important.

No matter what conspiracy Mei Ruoying was plotting, even if it was a dragon's pool or a tiger's den, he would venture into it today!

Reaching the depths of the path, a small house suddenly appeared ahead.

As if sensing the presence of strangers, the tightly closed door suddenly opened, and a waft of fragrance drifted out from the swaying gauze, captivating the soul.

The familiar fragrance made Jiang Chen's face turn completely cold.

"Jing Yue, step back first and wait for me outside."

Hearing this, a hint of hesitation surfaced on Jing Yue's cold, pretty face. "Your Majesty, the rebel is cunning. If she has laid out men inside, your safety…"

Jiang Chen turned around, his expression unquestionable, and said with authority, "I will be fine, trust me."

After speaking, Jiang Chen walked inside alone.

Leaving the crowd behind, looking at each other, offering chaotic suggestions.

"Noble Consort, please persuade His Majesty! The Fengshan ceremony is a major event concerning the nation. How can he be so willful?"

"Yes, Noble Consort, only you can persuade His Majesty now!"

The ministers, in their desperation, placed all their hopes on Noble Consort Shu.

Faced with the pressure from the ministers, Noble Consort Shu unusually displayed her aura, suppressing the entire scene, gently but not without dignity, saying:

"His Majesty has his reasons for doing things. As ministers, we should obey orders and act accordingly. How can we hinder His Majesty?"

"Lord Shi, go to the altar and communicate with the people from the Qin Tian Jian (Imperial Astronomical Bureau) to delay the time… it would be best to come up with a story to cover up the delay of the auspicious hour."

…

Stepping into the small house, Jiang Chen's gaze was sharp.

Although he was entering a dangerous place, he felt no fear in his heart.

Since Mei Ruoying had taken the trouble to lure him here, she must have something she needed him to cooperate with, otherwise, if she only wanted his life, she wouldn't need such a roundabout method.

Therefore, at least until she achieved her goal, he was safe.

Scanning the furnishings in the room, Jiang Chen said coldly, "Aren't you coming out yet? Are you waiting for me to invite you?"

As his voice fell, the originally open door suddenly closed!

The interior, which had been somewhat bright, instantly became dim, and coupled with the rich and captivating fragrance in the air, Jiang Chen felt as if he had been transported to a demoness's lair.

"Your Majesty~"

"It's been so long, and you're still so heartless towards me… it really breaks my heart!"

A voice of reproach, both angry and affectionate, came from the depths of the small house. Jiang Chen followed the sound and found that the surrounding air was gradually becoming humid, and the overbearing fragrance was becoming even stronger.

He felt a little hot and bothered by the scent, paused to calm himself, and then pushed open the red lacquered wooden door at the end.

He saw Mei Ruoying leaning against the hot spring in the misty water vapor, her thin gauze palace dress soaked through, faintly outlining her delicate body, only her crystal-clear jade feet bare, reaching into the water, stirring layers of ripples, her beautiful ankles appearing and disappearing.

As if Jiang Chen's intrusion had brought a breeze, Mei Ruoying's black hair scattered on her fair neck was blown away, and her plump, snowy-white breasts, restrained by the thin gauze, were fully exposed to the air.

Her eyes and brows were full of amorous feelings.

Even though he knew the kind of vicious schemes hidden beneath Mei Ruoying's beautiful appearance, at this moment, Jiang Chen couldn't help but lose his mind.

Falling for the enchanting beauty before him…