砰砰砰!

Following Jiang Zuo Wang’s order, countless masked men in black poured out from the corners.

Some palace maids and eunuchs serving in the hall also pulled out daggers from under their robes and rushed towards the nearest court officials.

At the same time, loud noises came from the tightly closed door, as it was forced open from the outside!

In the blink of an eye, countless soldiers in black armor flooded in, all wielding blades, exuding a murderous aura!

The sudden change shocked the officials.

Fortunately, there were many military generals among the ministers attending the banquet this time, coupled with the imperial guards on duty around, no one had died yet. Only a few unlucky civil officials who were unable to dodge in time were seriously injured.

"Ah, assassins! Protect the Emperor!"

"Not good, there’s a conspiracy! Jiang Zuo Wang has ambushed men in advance!"

"Gather! Protect His Majesty!"

The roars and cries for help rose and fell, almost overturning the roof of the hall.

Countless noble lords, who used to be incredibly dignified and imposing, were now as panicked as stray dogs, cowering and scurrying around, seeking a safe place.

The other ministers who could still maintain their composure were pondering where these assassins had come from.

It was clear that the current Emperor had purged the palace several times, so why were there still so many lurking spies? Could it be that everything tonight was tacitly approved by the Emperor, wanting to use Jiang Zuo Wang's hand to kill the powerful ministers and vassal kings in the court that he didn't like?

All the *jiedushi* (military governors) and vassal kings who thought of this possibility felt a chill in their hearts and looked warily at the throne.

If the Emperor really had this intention, they would never sit still and wait for death!

At this moment, Jiang Chen above was also weighing whether to use a borrowed knife to kill those ministers who opposed him in this 'accident'.

After subduing Consort Lü, he had a clear understanding of Jiang Zuo Wang's background, which posed no threat at all. Even these assassins, as well as the troops who broke into the hall, were only able to sneak into the palace because he secretly let them in.

And the purpose, besides luring out the remaining forces of Jiang Zuo Wang, was to deter the powerful ministers who came to the banquet... Even, if possible, Jiang Chen wanted to take advantage of this 'accident' to send those who didn't appreciate his kindness to the Yellow Springs (the afterlife).

"However, it seems that someone has guessed my purpose. It seems that this trick can't be used... It's also my fault for being too obvious in letting them in. With so many assassins launching an attack during the birthday celebration, discerning people can easily guess the truth."

"Now is not the time to fall out with the local forces." Sensing the scrutinizing gazes from below, Jiang Chen sighed and muttered regretfully.

But this expression, falling into the eyes of Noble Consort Shu, made her mistakenly believe that Jiang Chen was worried. Immediately, she bit her silver teeth, stood up, and protected Jiang Chen behind her: "Your Majesty, you, don't be afraid... With this concubine here, those assassins won't even think about hurting you!"

Her frightened delicate body was trembling, and tears uncontrollably welled up in her eyes, but her thin shoulders still stood firmly in front of Jiang Chen: "Jiang Zuo Wang, that rebellious traitor, this time, is an assassination with premeditation. Your Majesty, leave quickly! This concubine will protect you from behind!"

Seeing this scene, a complex expression appeared on Consort Lü's beautiful face.

Having fought so many times, she knew Jiang Chen's character too well. He would never fight a battle he wasn't sure of winning. Now that there was such a big commotion, Jiang Chen must know about it, and might even be fueling the flames behind the scenes. There was definitely no danger being by this man's side.

But... he just said that she was his woman, but now he was hugging Noble Consort Shu, not even glancing at her.

Was that sentence true, or just teasing?

Consort Lü was conflicted and somewhat ashamed.

As a consort, she was actually jealous of a junior. She was simply too ashamed to face anyone!

Not knowing the thoughts of the person beside him, Jiang Chen comfortingly patted Noble Consort Shu's jade hand, pulled her behind him, and calmly overlooked the chaotic hall.

This indifferent attitude immediately panicked his loyal followers.

"Your Majesty, hurry and move to a safe place!"

"Swords have no eyes, Your Majesty, please leave quickly!"

"Where are the people? Why aren't they protecting the Emperor?!"

They roared and headed towards Jiang Chen, wanting to pave a path to safety for Jiang Chen with their flesh and blood.

Just as they were fighting, the figure on the throne suddenly stood up and approached the source of the chaos step by step.

"Royal Uncle, for the sake of Consort Lü's desperate pleas, I originally wanted to invite you to eat this last meal before taking action, but I didn't expect you to be so impatient to seek death."

"Since that's the case, don't blame me for not considering our blood ties!"

"Ha, Jiang Chen, don't talk so big, or you might bite off more than you can chew!"

Jiang Yuan first sneered, then glanced disdainfully at Consort Lü at the head: "A shameless whore who cheats on her husband, this Wang doesn't accept her favor!"

"It would only tarnish this Wang's reputation for nothing!"

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Jiang Chen, raised the blood-dripping long blade he had snatched from the imperial guards, and pointed it remotely at the dragon chair: "Since ancient times, the imperial family has been ruthless. This Emperor's seat only belongs to the final victor."

"Jiang Chen, put away that condescending look of yours and face reality!"

"Now, both inside and outside the palace are my people. There is absolutely no possibility for you to turn the tables... If you don't want your concubines to die tragically and your confidants to lose their lives, then kneel down and beg this Wang for mercy. Otherwise, when this Wang takes power, I will definitely kill everyone you cherish!"

Shouting out all the unwillingness and discontent he had suppressed in his heart for many years, Jiang Zuo Wang stared at him with scarlet eyes, his eyes filled with infinite greed and hatred.

Knowing the knot in her child's heart, a trace of guilt appeared on Consort Lü's fair face, and she painfully closed her eyes.

Weakly advising: "Yuan'er, don't be stubborn anymore. This mother has already let go, why do you still insist?"

"If you don't repent, you really won't have another chance!"

In her mournful voice was deep helplessness and sorrow. Consort Lü knew how terrifying the man beside her was. Everything tonight seemed dangerous, but it was actually under his control.

Her foolish son thought his plan had succeeded, but in reality, he was just a knife being used by His Majesty.

If he could calm down a little and take a few glances around, he would definitely notice that although the assassins and imperial guards were fighting fiercely, the losses were very small. Not only had no one died, but even those few ministers who were injured and fell to the ground were all Jiang Chen's political enemies.

Such a result could only be artificially controlled, and there was no other possibility.

But Jiang Zuo Wang did not appreciate this painstaking effort and still looked at her with hatred.

"Shut up!"

"This Wang doesn't have a shameless mother like you!"

"When you were hooking up with the dog Emperor, you didn't think of this Wang. Now that you see your lover in danger, you want to use an emotional card to make this Wang stop? Ridiculous!"

Ignoring the trace of reluctance in the depths of his heart, Jiang Zuo Wang ignored the heartbroken Consort Lü and said coldly: "To tell you the truth, after this Wang discovered your affair, I was on guard against you!"

"Since the end of the Fengchan ceremony, this Wang has been secretly transferring the troops around the imperial capital... So, even if you betray this Wang, you won't be able to find this Wang's trump card!"