Chapter 1 Looking at the Jiang Zuo King's Respect

Watching the respectful Jiang Zuo King, Jiang Chen suppressed the killing intent in his eyes.

The Fengshan ceremony was imminent, so it wasn't the time to fall out. He would let him prance around for a few more days!

Putting on a friendly expression, Jiang Chen pretended to be concerned, "Royal Uncle, since you're not feeling well, go back and rest."

"The convoy will arrive at Mount Tai tomorrow. Once the ceremony begins, there will be no chance to rest."

The Jiang Zuo King cupped his fist in gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. Your subject will take his leave."

After the formalities, he turned and got out of the carriage. His demeanor and expression were impeccable, like a loyal subject.

But the moment he walked out of Jiang Chen's sight, his smiling face instantly turned ferocious, filled with killing intent, sending shivers down one's spine!

He stopped in the shadow of the convoy, his cold gaze shooting straight at Jiang Chen's imperial carriage, venomous as a vengeful ghost, and secretly vowed in his heart:

"Dog Emperor, I will repay today's humiliation a hundredfold in the future!"

Just as the Jiang Zuo King was plotting, a tall figure suddenly slipped into the imperial carriage tens of meters away.

It was Jing Yue, returning from patrol.

"Your Majesty, scouts report that everything is normal. The Fengshan site has been finalized, and it can be used upon arrival tomorrow."

Jiang Chen nodded, "Good, I know. But we can't be careless until the very end."

"Those rebels who imprisoned Jia Ying must have a backup plan, waiting to make trouble during my Fengshan ceremony. We still need to be prepared."

A cold glint flashed in Jing Yue's beautiful eyes, and she solemnly said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, your subordinate will make sure these rebels have no way back!"

"I've always been at ease with your work." Jiang Chen comforted her, his eyes deep, "By the way, Jing Yue, what do you think of the Jiang Zuo King?"

Jing Yue's beautiful eyes flickered, "Although this person's reputation is not prominent, his talent far exceeds ordinary people. He is also very patient, making him difficult to deal with."

"Your Majesty, if he is really involved with the rebels, this subordinate suggests it's best to behead him directly to avoid future troubles!"

Hearing this, Jiang Chen was silent for a moment, his eyes gradually stained with a cold light under the candlelight.

After a long while, he said in a deep voice, "Wait a little longer. Without solid evidence, acting rashly will only attract criticism from the previous dynasty and the royal family. If it causes panic, it will be difficult to deal with."

"Monitor him first, and make a decision after I find out the truth!"

Jing Yue felt that this was not appropriate and wanted to persuade him further, but in the end, she didn't say anything.

She lowered her head and said, "Yes, your subordinate obeys."

...

The next day, at noon.

The Fengshan convoy finally arrived at Mount Tai.

Xu Changqing had been waiting at the entrance early in the morning for Jiang Chen's arrival.

Upon receiving the news, he directly led three thousand trusted soldiers out of the city to greet him, surrounding Jiang Chen's imperial carriage like an iron bucket, impenetrable.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty and Noble Consort Shu!" Xu Changqing dismounted and knelt down.

Jiang Chen didn't put on airs and personally helped him up, "卿 (qing, term of endearment for a courtier), you don't need to be so polite. Rise."

Xu Changqing stood up with a happy face, his eyes filled with excitement.

Today was the Fengshan ceremony, and according to the rules, only the empress was qualified to accompany the emperor. His Majesty was willing to bring Noble Consort Shu, which was a clear indication to all the officials that she would be made empress.

Thinking that his younger sister was about to become the most honorable woman in the Great Wei, Xu Changqing couldn't stop smiling.

The Fengshan ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow.

Under the guidance of the local officials, the group settled down in the Mount Tai Imperial Villa to conserve their energy for tomorrow's grand ceremony.

Jiang Chen had something on his mind and didn't rush to rest. After a simple meal, he secretly summoned his confidants to discuss matters in the side hall of the Imperial Villa.

Soon, Xu Changqing, Meng Qi, Zhang Zifang, and other important generals and ministers arrived one after another.

Jiang Chen asked them to sit down, then went straight to the point, "Gentlemen, the reason I have summoned you here is not only to discuss the Fengshan ceremony, but more importantly, to take this opportunity to eliminate the rebellious party hidden in the shadows!"

As he spoke, Jiang Chen's expression turned grim, "A few days ago, I received a secret letter stating that the rebels had imprisoned Consort Ying and were using her as a trap to plot against me and hinder the Fengshan ceremony."

"What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Hearing this, apart from a few insiders who had handled the matter, everyone else looked surprised.

Consort Ying had actually been kidnapped by the rebels? And had even become a tool for the rebels to threaten His Majesty?

Why had His Majesty been hiding such a major event from them?

Seeing everyone's questions, Jiang Chen coughed lightly and explained, "I didn't intentionally hide it, but the rebels are cunning and have planted many spies in the palace and the capital."

"I was afraid that discussing it in advance would leak the information and be countered by these rebels. That's why I took this measure, not because I don't trust you gentlemen."

"The situation is urgent, and I hope you gentlemen won't mind."

Jiang Chen's sincere attitude made everyone present feel very comfortable. They no longer harbored any grudges and expressed their support, "Your Majesty, we all understand that the rebels are cunning."

"Yes, Your Majesty, these rebels dared to kidnap the Noble Consort, they are truly audacious. This time, we must make them all be executed!"

Amidst the clamor, the ministers offered suggestions one after another, wanting to share Jiang Chen's worries.

However, due to a lack of key information, the results were minimal, and very few of the ideas were truly effective.

Just as Jiang Chen was becoming increasingly agitated, Xu Changqing spoke up, cupping his fist respectfully, "Your Majesty, your subject has been fully searching the mountains and investigating suspicious people near Mount Tai during this time."

"After five days, a total of ninety-one people were arrested. After interrogation by the prison officials of the Imperial Prison, it was confirmed that these people were lurking rebels, wanting to make trouble during the Fengshan ceremony!"

"In addition, according to the confession of their leader, the mastermind behind this conspiracy is the fugitive criminal Mei Ruoying!"

Hearing this name, a hint of killing intent flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes.

This woman was indeed a disaster! He should have killed her directly in the first place!

"How many people do they have? What is their plan?"

Xu Changqing lowered his head, somewhat ashamed, "Reporting to Your Majesty, your subject has not yet been able to confirm the exact number of people, but according to current intelligence, it is at least no less than two thousand."

"As for the plan... only the mastermind Mei Ruoying knows. These captured rebels are just pawns being used and don't know anything."

Jiang Chen's brows furrowed even deeper, and anger spread in his heart.

But he also knew that it was already remarkable to have found out so much information in such a short time, so he didn't take his anger out on him.

Patiently, he said, "It's okay. It's already very difficult to find out so much information in just a few days."

"By the way, have you found the whereabouts of Consort Ying?"

Hearing this, Xu Changqing's expression suddenly froze, and he carefully said, "Your Majesty, your subject, your subject has not yet found her."

"Mei Ruoying is very cautious. Apart from sending some peripheral personnel out, there have been no other actions. Her whereabouts are very secretive."

Although he had expected this result, Jiang Chen couldn't help but feel disappointed. He sighed, "Forget it, let's just adapt to the situation. In any case, we still have the advantage on the surface."

Just as the atmosphere in the room fell silent, a warrior in armor suddenly rushed in with a horrified expression...