Since the Emperor ordered the confinement of Jiang Zuo Wang in the palace,

the three words 'Jiang Zuo Wang' had, in a sense, become a taboo.

Now that Jiang Chen suddenly brought it up at the banquet, the ministers in the hall sensed a storm brewing, and they all held their breaths and lowered their presence,

not wanting to be drawn into this dangerous vortex.

However, a small number of people reacted particularly strongly, the most typical being Cheng Yu, the Jiedushi of Zhenhai.

After hearing the three words 'Jiang Zuo Wang,' his face visibly twisted.

Cheng Yu knew very well that although many officials in the court had vested interests with Jiang Zuo Wang, he himself was the most deeply involved!

The Cheng family and Jiang Zuo Wang didn't just engage in simple exchanges of benefits; they were doing business that could cost them their lives!

If Jiang Zuo Wang had the opportunity to meet the Emperor and, remembering his betrayal, publicly revealed their connection, even nine heads wouldn't be enough for him to be beheaded!

Just as Cheng Yu was sweating and restless with fear, the Empress Dowager Lu, sitting at the head of the hall, was also anxiously clutching her skirt.

Her concern for Jiang Zuo Wang was deeper than anyone else's in the hall. If she weren't mindful of Jiang Chen beside her, she would have rushed out to see Jiang Zuo Wang immediately.

In this strange and oppressive atmosphere, the Imperial Guards brought Jiang Zuo Wang into the Chang Le Palace.

Unlike the gorgeous robes of the people in the hall, he wore a silver-white python robe. Apart from the jade crown on his head, he had no other adornments, but the simple attire did not detract from his noble bearing; it even highlighted his transcendent demeanor.

He was like the refined gentleman praised in the Book of Songs, unforgettable at first sight.

He calmly walked to the center of the hall, ignoring the malicious gazes coming from all directions, and looked up directly at Jiang Chen, saying, "Long time no see, Your Majesty's demeanor is becoming more outstanding. It seems you've been doing well lately."

About to face the long-awaited decisive moment, Jiang Zuo Wang's mood had calmed down. Looking at the figure above that he had resented for years, he could even talk peacefully.

Regardless of the outcome, Jiang Chen was a worthy opponent to be respected. Being able to fight with such a person could be considered a life well-lived.

Lost in thought, Jiang Zuo Wang didn't notice, or perhaps noticed but didn't care, that the ministers in the hall, who had been relatively calm, had now changed their expressions. Some of Jiang Chen's loyalists even looked at him with murderous intent.

Failing to bow before the Emperor, looking directly at the imperial countenance, using presumptuous language… any one of these would be a capital crime punishable by public execution, yet Jiang Zuo Wang had committed them all in public! Did he think these ministers didn't exist?!

Immediately, some ministers spoke out to reprimand him!

"Jiang Zuo Wang, His Majesty has graciously allowed you to come out. How dare you be so disrespectful to him!"

"The crime of presumption is unforgivable, Your Majesty. Your humble servant begs you to severely punish this scoundrel to uphold the law!"

"Your Majesty, although Jiang Zuo Wang is your royal uncle, he is causing trouble in public, disregarding your majesty, and committing a great crime. Please issue a decree to punish him severely!"

Faced with the accusations from all sides, Jiang Zuo Wang, standing in the center of the hall, didn't even raise an eyebrow. He just stared fixedly at Jiang Chen, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

Was this a declaration of war? Or a demonstration of power to the Emperor?

Meeting the dark eyes below, Jiang Chen casually guessed, not taking this level of provocation to heart.

Admittedly, Jiang Zuo Wang was a skilled opponent, patient enough, and ruthless in his actions... However, no matter how ferocious a beast was, in the eyes of a hunter, it was just a piece of meat on a plate.

No matter how sharp its fangs and claws, it couldn't change its destined end.

The corners of his mouth slowly lifted, Jiang Chen said playfully, "Royal Uncle, those words should be directed at you. You don't look like a prisoner who has been confined for days. You look so spirited, as if you've been out for a stroll."

"It seems the palace servants in Autumn Leaf Palace are serving you very well. Should I reward them?"

"Hmm, how about rewarding them with the execution of their entire families?"

"Helping you to secretly pass so much information, these palace servants must be quite tired. I'll be considerate and send them directly to the underworld, so they won't have to suffer anymore!"

From the beginning, Jiang Zuo Wang didn't think that his small actions would escape the Emperor's notice. He wasn't surprised to be exposed in public.

He said calmly, "You are the Son of Heaven. They are just a few palace servants. Kill them if you want."

After saying that, he withdrew his gaze from Jiang Chen and began to survey the palace, which was decorated exceptionally lavishly, and the ministers in the hall, who were full of awe.

Whether they were prime ministers, important officials, regional governors, or even members of the imperial family and powerful vassal kings entrenched in their territories, after Jiang Chen spoke, they all fell silent and lowered their heads, not daring to move in the slightest.

Even if some of them had the same ambitions as him, even if they were very dissatisfied with Jiang Chen as the Emperor, in the palace, before Jiang Chen's eyes, they still suppressed all their unruly ambitions and prostrated themselves at the feet of the figure on the throne.

This was the power of the Emperor!

The power to give life and take it away, and no one dared to disobey!

How charming, how coveted… but why was it Jiang Chen who occupied that position? He was not convinced!

Flames of ambition burned in his eyes, but Jiang Zuo Wang still maintained the appearance of a modest gentleman, looking up and smiling lightly, "Nephew, a pleasant evening passes quickly. Royal Uncle won't beat around the bush with you."

"We are all members of the Jiang family. This throne, Royal Uncle also wants to sit on it... Are you willing to yield?"

Bang!

These words were like a thunderclap!

The people in the hall instantly froze. A few of them even overturned their tables in shock.

Had Jiang Zuo Wang gone mad from confinement? How dare he say such rebellious words?

He even wanted His Majesty to yield the throne… Did he deserve it?!

In the silence, a quick-witted minister was the first to recover. He stood up and angrily rebuked, "Bold! Jiang Zuo Wang, are you plotting a rebellion?"

"That's right. Daring to utter such wild words, this man must not be spared!"

"Your Majesty, this humble general is willing to share your worries and kill this scoundrel!"

"..."

The entire hall was like boiling water, a complete uproar.

But Jiang Zuo Wang, the target of everyone's criticism, only found the murderous words around him to be noisy.

He didn't consider them worthy of his attention, let alone worthy of participating in his struggle with Jiang Chen.

Once the victory was decided and he was adorned in the yellow robe, he would throw these noisy fellows into the Beast Garden to feed the beasts inside.

Seeing him so calm, Jiang Chen couldn't help but feel a hint of admiration, while also wondering if Jiang Zuo Wang had other cards up his sleeve.

But no matter what, he would never lose tonight!

A cold murderous intent condensed in Jiang Chen's eyes, but he still maintained a kind expression on his face, and smiled lightly, "Royal Uncle, your words are quite interesting, but wanting to sit on my throne..."

"You are not worthy!"

As the words fell, a chill swept through the hall, and the air seemed to freeze.

The ministers trembled, but Jiang Zuo Wang stood in the hall, facing Jiang Chen head-on!