Chapter 1 Jiang Chen's Decree

Looking at the farce below, Jiang Chen on the dragon throne instantly darkened.

"Silence, all of you!"

"How can you be so noisy in court?! What kind of decorum is this?!"

"Wu Zhibo, didn't you want朕 (zhen - imperial "I") to uphold justice and give your daughter a chance to live? 朕 (zhen - imperial "I") grant it. Kneel and listen to the decree!"

Hearing this, the Jinluan Hall instantly quieted down, and the ministers' expressions became solemn.

Wu Zhibo's face flushed red, and he knelt down with a thud. "This humble official respectfully obeys the imperial command!"

Seeing this, Jiang Chen's tone softened slightly, "The matter of Jiang Zuo Prince is still under investigation. Chachai is an important witness and cannot be allowed to have any mishaps. Do you understand?"

The unquestionable tone made Wu Zhibo grit his teeth, feeling very unwilling, but he did not refute.

He said with difficulty, "Yes, this humble official obeys the decree!"

Jiang Chen knew he was aggrieved, but the authority of the emperor could not be challenged.

Seeing that he was so sensible, the anger in his heart barely subsided, and he spoke again in the awed gazes of the ministers.

"You are朕 (zhen - imperial "I")'s subject. As long as you keep to your duty,朕 (zhen - imperial "I") will naturally not let you be wronged."

"朕 (zhen - imperial "I") understand that you are anxious about your daughter, and the abducted girls have indeed suffered a lot. 朕 (zhen - imperial "I") am prepared to make an exception and grant the surviving girls the title of County Princess, with an assigned fief."

"In addition, all the Gu Masters (practitioners of Gu magic) except Chachai will be executed by slow slicing."

"These compensations should be enough, right?"

As soon as these words came out, the ministers present were all shocked.

A few even showed jealousy and envy in their eyes, as if they wished their own daughters had been abducted.

Wu Zhibo and the other fathers of the victimized girls kowtowed heavily several times to thank the emperor after they realized what he had said.

Their faces were filled with ecstasy, sweeping away their previous grief and indignation, and they smiled so wide that their eyes disappeared.

Ah, this was a County Princess, and one with a fief!

His daughter's remaining years were sure to be filled with great fortune!!

According to the laws of the Great Wei Dynasty, only the daughter of at least a Commandery Prince was qualified to be granted the title of County Princess.

County Princesses with fiefs were even rarer. Only those who were extremely favored, held a high position in the royal family, and held real power could allow their daughters to enjoy such glory.

With the title of County Princess, officials below the sixth rank would have to salute these women when they met them. In addition, they would also enjoy some privileges reserved for the royal family. Apart from the change in status, the substantive benefits were also considerable. The tax revenue from the fief alone could support a small family.

As long as these women did not squander excessively, the reward given by Jiang Chen was completely enough for these women to live a life of luxury, a true step into the heavens.

Understanding Jiang Chen's good intentions and sincerity, the officials who had come forward to complain no longer harbored resentment, only deep gratitude.

With red eyes, they said, "Your Majesty's great kindness, this subject will never forget!"

"In the future, this subject is willing to serve Your Majesty and the imperial court with all his heart and soul, even unto death!!"

The impassioned voice awakened the ministers in the Jinluan Hall. Suppressing the envy in their hearts, they also praised Jiang Chen's generosity.

In an instant, the solemn atmosphere in the hall turned into peace and harmony, and there were no more disputes or quarrels.

Looking at the harmonious scene below, Jiang Chen nodded secretly.

Yes, judging from their performance,朕 (zhen - imperial "I")'s solution should have struck a chord with them, and there should be no complaints.

When this news is announced, the resentment of the common people should also be eliminated, and they will no longer hold onto the Shufei (Noble Consort) and the Xu family.

While he was pondering, in the corner of the crowd below, the Marquis of Chengen slightly raised his head, a gloomy look flashing in his eyes.

The trouble of Chachai must die!

But now that the resentment stirred up by the Gu Masters (practitioners of Gu magic) has been eliminated by His Majesty, what can be used to put pressure on His Majesty next?

After a long time, after finalizing the matter of the County Princesses, Jiang Chen also formulated a series of propaganda policies to eliminate the negative impact of the Gu Master (practitioners of Gu magic) affair.

As for the matter of imprisoning the Jiang Zuo Prince, a gag order was issued.

Before the truth came to light, those with ulterior motives were strictly forbidden from spreading rumors among the people, and Song Xun was ordered to personally supervise the matter.

After court adjourned.

After signing several decrees, Jiang Chen went to the Qiuye Pavilion, where the Jiang Zuo Prince was confined.

Having the precedent of Mei Ruoying's betrayal, Jiang Chen no longer imprisoned people in the Cold Palace, but placed them near the Hall of Diligent Administration, so that he could arrive at the first moment if there was any disturbance.

"Imperial Uncle, long time no see. Your complexion is not much different from when you went to Mount Tai last time. It seems you've had a good time."

"As expected of a hero who secretly plots rebellion. Your composure is unmatched!"

Pushing open the vermilion wooden door, Jiang Chen immediately noticed Jiang Zuo Prince standing by the window. Dressed in plain clothes, he still retained the demeanor of nobility, and Jiang Chen couldn't help but raise his eyebrows in sarcasm.

But facing these barbed words, Jiang Zuo Prince did not panic at all.

Turning around calmly, he saluted and said, "This humble subject greets Your Majesty!"

"However, this humble subject dares not accept Your Majesty's praise."

"This humble subject can eat and sleep well because he knows that Your Majesty is a wise ruler and will not wrong innocent people. I believe you will be able to find out the truth and restore this humble subject's innocence. That is why I am free of worry."

"If it were to be replaced with a fatuous and tyrannical ruler, this humble subject being confined in this palace would not be having such a good time."

Hearing his subtext, a coldness flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes, "Oh, according to Imperial Uncle's words, if朕 (zhen - imperial "I") don't release you,朕 (zhen - imperial "I") am a fatuous and tyrannical ruler?"

Jiang Zuo Prince still had that calm expression, and said calmly, "This humble subject dares not. It's just that this humble subject acts justly and honestly, and naturally cannot suffer such injustice."

Looking at his unapologetic appearance, even Jiang Chen couldn't help but admire him at this moment, and at the same time, his determination to kill him became even stronger.

Unfazed even when Mount Tai collapses before him.

Such a person is the most difficult and troublesome. He must not be given a chance to escape!

Thinking this, Jiang Chen's gaze became even colder, and he looked down on him and said, "You seem to have a lot of confidence in yourself. Are you so sure that朕 (zhen - imperial "I") won't be able to catch you by your pigtail?"

Jiang Zuo Prince said respectfully, "Your Majesty is joking. This humble subject is just a wealthy idler and has never been involved in court affairs. How could I possibly rebel?"

"Although I don't know who is framing this humble subject, with this humble subject's innocence, I am not afraid of any investigation. Even if you turn the entire palace upside down and dig three feet into the ground, this humble subject is not afraid!"

The resolute tone left Jiang Chen in awe.

Knowing that continuing the confrontation would not shake his state of mind, Jiang Chen changed his mind and said, "Is that so? Then朕 (zhen - imperial "I") will tell you some news."

"Just this morning, Xu Changqing uprooted a private army hidden in a subordinate city of the imperial capital, capturing nearly five thousand people. Whose army do you think this is?"

Hearing this, the calm eyes of Jiang Zuo Prince finally changed.

The calm facade was torn apart, and Jiang Chen could capture a glimpse of a swift flash of ruthlessness.

And in a place he couldn't see, such as Jiang Zuo Prince's hands hidden in his sleeves, they were now clenched tightly, veins bulging.

In the beginning, in order to be discreet, and out of safety, he specially dispersed his forces.

But now, they were being taken down one after another!

How could he not be angry?!
作者：笔墨伺候
Bi Mo Si Hou