Chapter 1 When the Emperor Arrived

The moment Jiang Chen and his civil and military officials entered Shimen Pass, the entire fortress appeared to be in a festive mood, filled with singing and dancing, which left Jiang Chen utterly bewildered.

This place was the very front line for resisting the Xiongnu. Even if the Xiongnu were not currently making any moves, it shouldn't be this peaceful.

Yet, the state it presented was as if there was no danger whatsoever.

"With a great enemy before us, how can you be so lax?"

Upon hearing Jiang Chen's reprimand, the Shimen Pass garrison commander, who had been hiding in the back, hurried forward.

"Your Majesty, it's not that your humble servant and the others are failing to resist the Xiongnu, but they have not launched any attacks to this day. We have been on guard day and night, but we cannot allow all our brothers to become completely exhausted."

"The scouts sent out to gather information have been replaced several times, but they have gained nothing. In your humble servant's opinion, the Xiongnu must have heard the news of Your Majesty's personal expedition and have long been frightened out of their wits, fleeing to who knows where."

Such flattering words made the military officer somewhat self-satisfied. After learning that Jiang Chen was personally leading the troops, he had stayed up all night seeking out several storytellers to write them.

Just as he was feeling quite pleased with himself, Jiang Chen waved his hand, and the Imperial Guards, who had been waiting silently behind him, quickly stepped forward and swiftly seized the officer's wrists.

"In my view, it's not that you don't know the Xiongnu's movements, but rather that you have no real authority, and your subordinates don't obey your commands, so you are completely ignorant of the situation at the front, am I right?"

Noticing the angry expressions in the eyes of the surrounding soldiers as they looked at the officer, Jiang Chen had already guessed the general situation.

"Now that I am here, if you have any grievances, there is no need to hide them. Speak as usual. If there is any evidence of this man's wrongdoing, present it as well."

Upon hearing these words, the guards couldn't help but reveal a hint of suspicion in their eyes. After all, the officer who had just been restrained was none other than the distant younger cousin of the Emperor's most beloved Consort Mei.

In the past, there had been those who had reported his various misdeeds, but in the end, they were only met with his more ruthless retaliation.

Although the man was now pinned to the ground by the Imperial Guards, he still continued to threaten the surrounding soldiers with fierce eyes.

Seeing that no one dared to speak, Jiang Chen sighed helplessly.

"Since none of you are willing to say what crimes he has committed, then I will investigate it myself. If we discover that you are involved and you knew but did not report it, then don't blame me for being impolite."

After saying that, Jiang Chen walked toward the largest residence in Shimen Pass.

Looking at the relatively simple exterior of the residence, Jiang Chen finally nodded. Although the Mei family was exceptionally arrogant, they had not yet become so arrogant as to completely disregard safety.

But as the gates were pushed open, the anger in Jiang Chen's heart instantly surged.

Compared to other places where the exterior was impressive but the interior was a mess, this place was simply a stark contrast. From the outside, it looked like a simple residence, but inside, it was so luxurious that even the imperial palace's other courtyards could not compare.

Sensing the anger in Jiang Chen's heart, the many Imperial Guards rushed in, but they never expected that as soon as they stepped into the courtyard, several wicked servants would confront them with drawn swords.

"Do you know whose territory this is? You dare to trespass here! This is the Mei family head's private residence in Shimen Pass. You people are truly audacious!"

"Now, all of you kneel down and kowtow outside the residence until we are satisfied, then you may leave."

These servants' words were astonishing, and countless people widened their eyes, unable to believe what they were hearing.

Seeing that Jiang Chen and the others had no reaction, they swung their swords, but before the blades could land, they saw a flash of light, and the hands holding their steel sabers flew into the air.

Before they could react to what had happened, they were firmly pinned to the ground by the Imperial Guards.

Now, Jiang Chen looked at these fellows with a sneer in his heart.

"Good, Mei family. It seems the world belongs to the Mei family now, doesn't it?"

Seeing the emotionless look on Jiang Chen's face, many civil and military officials swallowed hard.

This time, Jiang Chen had deliberately left Consort Mei and the rest of the Mei family in the imperial city, which just happened to coincide with the Mei family's domineering behavior.

In the moment of Jiang Chen's daze, the servants woke up as if from a dream.

"Don't think you can get away with this! This is the property of the Mei family, the most favored concubine of the current dynasty, Consort Mei! You are no different than offending the current emperor. I will report to the family head and have them report all of your crimes to the Emperor!"

Before they could finish speaking, Jiang Chen drew the sword of a nearby guard and slit their throats with a single stroke.

After dealing with these disgusting fellows, Jiang Chen slowly walked into the residence. Looking at the extremely luxurious decorations everywhere, Jiang Chen's heart grew even colder.

This was clearly the first choke point to defend the security of the entire border, but it had been turned into a place for them to enrich themselves. Jiang Chen knew exactly what was going on with the military officer he had captured earlier.

Seeing that Jiang Chen remained silent, the heads of the various families who had followed him also kept quiet. They understood that in this situation, anyone who dared to stand up for the Mei family would be courting disaster.

"While the Xiongnu have not yet attacked, I will give you a chance to rectify military discipline. Within Shimen Pass, I do not want to see anything that does not belong here."

Before the civil and military officials could react, several Imperial Guard generals immediately accepted the order.

"Esteemed officials, since everyone has complaints about my handling of the various families, then why not take a good look here and see how much evil the Mei family has done in Shimen Pass?"

"Before everything is investigated, I ask that you stay in this residence with me, and do not leave without authorization."

Sensing the cold killing intent in Jiang Chen's words, naturally no one dared to cross Jiang Chen's bottom line.

Although the various families had taken advantage of Jiang Chen's complete indifference to the court in recent years to quickly infiltrate their hands, they had never dared to be so arrogant.

"The Mei family has gone too far, Your Majesty! I beg you to severely punish the Mei family and restore light to the people!"

"Your Majesty, I beg you to investigate all the Mei family's industries in Shimen Pass!"

Perhaps realizing that the Mei family might not be able to protect themselves, many people who had previously been on good terms with the Mei family began to take action.