Liu Huiyin stopped sobbing when she heard this.

Her tear-filled, misty, almond-shaped eyes looked at Jiang Chen with confusion. Her delicate nose was pink from crying, adding a touch of pureness to her charm.

Any man in the world would be moved by such a lovely woman, and Jiang Chen was no exception.

Although he had many beauties in his harem, Liu Huiyin possessed a rare, elegant, and scholarly aura.

Jiang Chen sized up the beauty kneeling at his feet, becoming more and more pleased the more he looked.

Especially Liu Huiyin's slender waist, which he could span with his hands, made him linger with his gaze. The undulating and graceful curves were like ripe, green gourds, making one want to hold her in their lap, to caress and play with her.

"Well, you… I need to think carefully about how to deal with your Liu family."

"After all, although you are related to Zhang Kang by marriage, you did not actually participate in the rebellion. It's not impossible to give a lenient punishment…"

Jiang Chen withdrew his aggressive gaze, but his tone carried a hint of suggestion.

Rather than oppressing people with power, Jiang Chen preferred women to take the initiative.

He was, after all, the emperor, and some things still required consideration.

Although it wasn't impossible to forcibly take a minister's wife, it would ultimately sound bad if word got out, and might even offend some upright officials. There was no need to make things so difficult.

As soon as Jiang Chen finished speaking, Liu Huiyin looked up in confusion.

She didn't understand why the emperor, who had been cold and aloof just moments ago, had suddenly relented.

However, Jing Yue and Feng Jin, who were standing beside her, already understood Jiang Chen's meaning.

As trusted aides who served him closely, they had a good understanding of such things. They exchanged a look, and Feng Jin stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the matter of treason is of great importance, and the guilt of those involved cannot be determined in a moment. Why not temporarily detain Lady Liu in the palace and conduct a further trial at a later date!"

At this time, Jing Yue also stood up, her cold and pretty face carrying a hint of seriousness. "Your subordinate agrees! The Liu family is related to Zhang Kang by marriage and has a close relationship. They should be treated with caution. May Your Majesty think thrice!"

The cold words struck down.

Liu Huiyin's pretty face, which had just regained some color, turned pale again.

She didn't understand why this guard with the surname Jing, with whom she had no grievances, was making things so difficult for the Liu family!

Looking at Liu Huiyin, who was at a loss and unaware that she had fallen into a trap, Jiang Chen felt satisfied but also a little embarrassed.

Was his intention so obvious?

It was one thing for Feng Jin to see through it, but even the usually aloof Jing Yue had guessed what he wanted to do and was deliberately cooperating… This really made him blush a little.

Jiang Chen coughed a few times to cover up his embarrassment and pretended to be serious. "Ahem, what you say makes some sense. In that case, let's first settle Lady Liu in Qingwan Residence. As for how to deal with the Liu family… we'll discuss it later!"

Feng Jin accepted the order and signaled the palace maids to help Liu Huiyin up, reminding her, "Lady Liu, you should quickly thank His Majesty!"

"The Great Wei's harem is not a place that anyone can enter casually. Countless noble ladies outside are breaking their heads trying to gain His Majesty's favor!"

As she spoke, Feng Jin looked at Jiang Chen meaningfully.

Seeing this, what didn't Liu Huiyin understand? Her pretty face immediately flushed red!

She came from a prominent family and was well-read, so she wasn't stupid.

The reason she hadn't understood the emperor's hint was purely because she was concerned about her family and her mind was clouded. Now that Feng Jin had made things so clear, how could she not understand?

Countless thoughts flooded her mind. Liu Huiyin bit her lip, her almond-shaped eyes shy and afraid to look directly at Jiang Chen, and stammered, "This sinful woman… this sinful woman thanks His Majesty for his great kindness!"

Jiang Chen's eyes were deep as he looked at the woman before him and said in a deep voice, "You should stay in the palace for now. If you need anything, just tell Feng Jin."

Liu Huiyin's breath caught in her throat, and her heart pounded.

These words were too blatant. How could she answer?

Jiang Chen didn't care about her silence and said to the palace maids, "Take good care of Lady Liu. If you dare to neglect her, I will not spare you!"

"Yes, we respectfully obey Your Majesty's orders."

The palace maids bowed, and then, led by Feng Jin, they escorted Liu Huiyin towards Qingwan Residence.

Along the way, Feng Jin was enlightening Liu Huiyin, analyzing the Liu family's situation for her.

Treason was a serious crime, and throughout history, those involved had been subjected to the most severe punishments, without exception.

Although the Liu family had not actually participated and was just unlucky enough to be implicated, it was almost impossible to clear their names and escape punishment. However, if Liu Huiyin was willing to break away from the Zhang family and marry into the imperial family, then the outcome would naturally be different.

After all, once that happened, the Liu family would be considered relatives of the emperor, and the ministers in the court would naturally not dare to interfere in the affairs of the imperial family.

Liu Huiyin listened quietly, her pretty face as red as if it were about to drip blood, but she never retorted.

She was a lady from a prominent family, and naturally had reservations about remarrying.

However, when she thought of Zhang Kang's cold treatment of her over the years, as well as the lives of her family members, the resistance in her heart gradually dissipated.

Moreover, Jiang Chen's status was so noble. To be able to serve by his side was an honor that countless women in Great Wei sought but could not obtain.

Since His Majesty didn't mind that she was already married, what was wrong with staying by his side?

Liu Huiyin no longer hesitated. She lowered her eyes and nodded to Feng Jin.

Seeing this, Feng Jin breathed a sigh of relief and thought highly of Liu Huiyin.

Able to bend and stretch, decisive when necessary, she had the makings of a favored concubine.

Evening came, and the night deepened.

After settling everything, Feng Jin returned to the Hall of Diligent Governance to report to Jiang Chen.

At this time, Jiang Chen was receiving Zhao Chengyou, the Minister of Works, and Meng Qi, the Commander of the Five Cities Imperial Guards.

They were discussing military and defense matters concerning the capital. This one acre of land was related to his life, and he couldn't overstate its importance.

Looking up and stretching his shoulders, Jiang Chen glanced out the window and said faintly, "Let's end here for today. Commander Meng, I grant you the power to execute first and report later. Anyone found to be involved in treason can be executed on the spot."

"Regarding the defense of the capital, Zhao Chengyou, you and Meng Qi should communicate in a timely manner. The deployment of the army needs to be changed, and the hidden city defense mechanisms must also be repaired!"

As he spoke, Jiang Chen reached out and patted both of them heavily on the shoulders. "My safety, as well as the safety of the people, are entrusted to you!"

Zhao Chengyou and Meng Qi's eyes showed emotion, and they immediately knelt on the ground, exclaiming, "Your ministers will never let Your Majesty down!"

When the Hall of Diligent Governance returned to silence.

Feng Jin stepped forward and walked to Jiang Chen's side to report, "Your Majesty, everything has been arranged for Lady Liu. She can serve you tonight."

Hearing this, Jiang Chen glanced at Feng Jin and smiled, "Still calling her Lady Liu? You should change your address."

Feng Jin was stunned, realizing that Jiang Chen had an unusual fondness for Liu Huiyin.

She tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, do you want to bestow a title on Miss Liu now?"

Jiang Chen didn't deny it, but he didn't agree either. "Let's see. We still need to temper her temperament, lest she become spoiled and arrogant in the future."

"By the way, you did a good job with this matter. I must reward you well!"

"After you leave work tonight, you can go to the inner treasury and take whatever you like."

A look of ecstasy appeared in Feng Jin's eyes.

Entering the inner treasury was such a great sign of trust!

This unparalleled honor was something that Feng Jin wouldn't trade for ten thousand taels of gold!

At this moment, Jiang Chen seemed to remember something and frowned…