Chapter 13 The Emperor's Wrath

Just as Jiang Chen was pondering this, a beautiful figure slowly entered the hall.

A long, ink-colored dress hugged the woman's curvaceous figure, her slender waist bound by a black sash. This woman, who stole Jiang Chen's breath, was plainly dressed, her only ornament a jade hairpin in her black hair, without a hint of a pampered concubine's arrogance.

Yet, even so, no one who saw her would doubt her status because of her simple attire!

Her radiant beauty and snow-like skin made the black-dressed woman seem like a goddess descended to earth, especially her upturned phoenix eyes, which contained an innate arrogance. Her glances sparkled with brilliance, captivating all who beheld her.

Such a woman was undoubtedly the goddess in the eyes of all men!

Gazing at the tall figure for a long time, a burning light erupted in Jiang Chen's eyes.

Worthy of being a noble lady from a prominent family!

"Your Majesty stares at me so intently, it makes me quite uneasy."

Mei Ruoying's phoenix eyes curved slightly. Her slender jade hand held an octagonal food box. The red lacquerware accentuated her snow-white wrist, making it appear even more exquisite.

It made Jiang Chen unable to resist the urge to sully that perfection.

Tapping his finger lightly on the table, Jiang Chen beckoned Mei Ruoying.

"Come here."

The casual and indifferent attitude made Mei Ruoying's breath catch in her throat.

His Majesty is indeed acting strangely!

In the past, he would rush over before I even opened my mouth.

But today, he is ignoring me, speaking coldly... Could it be that he is truly infatuated with Consort Shu?

Suppressing her thoughts, Mei Ruoying dared not act coy as she usually did, obediently walking towards Jiang Chen.

Placing the food box on the table, Mei Ruoying was about to rise when she suddenly felt a brute force around her waist.

Immediately, her delicate body fell backward uncontrollably, landing in Jiang Chen's arms.

Mei Ruoying looked up in shock.

How dare this foolish ruler be so bold today?!

Just as she was wondering, Mei Ruoying felt a hot breath near her earlobe.

She frowned uncomfortably, a look of disgust flashing across her beautiful eyes, quickly concealed.

"Your Majesty, please don't be so hasty, I... mmm~"

Mei Ruoying's words were cut short by Jiang Chen's unrestrained actions, causing her to gasp.

This was her first time being intimate with a man.

In the past, when she "showed affection" to the foolish ruler, she would meticulously plan it, having her maids take her place.

This never-before-experienced tingling sensation.

Caused Mei Ruoying to lose control of her emotions, almost exposing herself and pushing Jiang Chen away.

Damn it, how is it that this foolish ruler seems like a different person!

Before, he would never be so direct... otherwise, she wouldn't have been caught off guard and easily taken advantage of!

Jiang Chen casually fondled her until Mei Ruoying's eyes welled up with tears, then he lazily withdrew his hand.

Mei Ruoying suppressed her revulsion and forced a smile, saying:

"Your Majesty, you are so passionate today, I can hardly bear it!"

After speaking, Mei Ruoying exerted a slight force, slipping out of Jiang Chen's embrace like a fish. Then, she opened the food box beside her and said sweetly:

"Your Majesty, this is bird's nest soup that I personally prepared. Won't you try it?"

Jiang Chen did not reply. He looked at the charmingly smiling Mei Ruoying and said indifferently:

"Consort, let's put the bird's nest soup aside for now. I have something to ask you."

"Which disobedient dog dared to let you into my Qinzheng Hall without my permission?!"

Jiang Chen's voice was not loud.

But to Mei Ruoying's ears, it was like a thunderclap.

He actually spoke to me like that?

Was this still the emperor who used to be obedient to me in every way?

Mei Ruoying widened her beautiful eyes, seeing nothing but cold killing intent in Jiang Chen's eyes.

Mei Ruoying realized that the emperor was truly angry.

Her expression changed, and she knelt down with a 'thump,' pleading pitifully:

"Your Majesty, I am guilty!"

"I should not have entered the Qinzheng Hall without permission. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me this once, considering our past relationship."

As she spoke, Mei Ruoying softened her voice, and a pair of phoenix eyes rippled with tenderness as she looked at Jiang Chen.

"From now on, I will devote everything to serving Your Majesty, to repay my mistake today!"

Trying to seduce me?

Jiang Chen leaned back slightly, stroking his chin, and sighed:

"The country has its laws, and the family has its rules. I have so many people in my harem, I must treat everyone equally! How can I show favoritism to you alone?"

Upon hearing this, Mei Ruoying's pretty face stiffened, and her nails, painted with light-colored polish, dug into her palm.

In the past, as long as she spoke a few soft words or gave him a kind look, the emperor would rush to her side, giving her whatever she wanted!

But now, she had already lowered herself so much, yet she had not even received a word of pardon!

Consort Shu, you truly have good methods, stealing His Majesty's heart so quickly.

A cold glint flashed in her eyes, and Mei Ruoying said softly:

"It was I who was inconsiderate, suggesting such a method that would damage Your Majesty's reputation. I am foolish. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Jiang Chen looked at the pitiful Mei Ruoying, his heart wavering. He pulled her into his arms.

"Consort, it's not that I necessarily want to make things difficult for you, but the Qinzheng Hall is an important place in the palace. If I don't punish you, it won't be justifiable."

As the words fell.

Mei Ruoying squeezed out a smile on her face.

"Alright, alright, Your Majesty has spoken. I will accept the punishment."

Jiang Chen had already said this much, and Mei Ruoying decided to give in for now.

Otherwise, if she allowed the emperor to become disgusted with her, wouldn't that benefit Consort Shu?

Jiang Chen nodded slightly, satisfied with Mei Ruoying's attitude.

If she dared to disobey his decree and go against his wishes, then no matter how beautiful she was, or how powerful her family was, he would have to punish her.

Jiang Chen summoned the Jinwu guards and said indifferently:

"Imperial Concubine Mei trespassed into the Qinzheng Hall today, violating the palace禁 (jìn – prohibition, taboo). The maids and eunuchs around her failed to prevent it. They are all to be beaten to death."

"As for the guards and palace servants guarding the Qinzheng Hall... hmm, beheaded, with their families exterminated to the third degree. I will issue the imperial decree later. Go and do it first."

After giving his orders, Jiang Chen turned to look at Mei Ruoying, whose face was stiff, in his arms.

"Is Consort feeling unwell? Why are you shaking so much?"

Upon hearing this, Mei Ruoying, not caring about the loss of her people, took a deep breath and said:

"I, I am fine. It's just that I witnessed Your Majesty's holy power, and my heart was filled with reverence, making it difficult to control myself, and thus, thus, I behaved so ungracefully."

Jiang Chen laughed loudly upon hearing this.

"Consort, ah, Consort, not only does your little mouth taste sweet, but the words you speak are also very pleasing to me!"

"Such a delicate and soft little fox like you is indeed hard to find in the world, making me reluctant to punish you severely."

Mei Ruoying's heart skipped a beat.

What does this foolish, tyrant mean?

He had already killed all the people around her, yet he still didn't plan to stop? Did he really think that the Mei family was easy to bully?!

Mei Ruoying narrowed her eyes warily, just as she was about to speak, Jiang Chen suddenly pinched her cheeks, preemptively saying: "Look how frightened you are, your fur is about to stand on end."

"Relax, I am not a tyrant. How could I harm my own concubines?"

"Consort will redeem her transgression of trespassing into the Qinzheng Hall with money."

"One year's worth of monthly allowance, and all the jewelry and antiques I previously bestowed upon you, will all be returned to the imperial treasury. What does Consort think?"

Upon hearing this, Mei Ruoying's phoenix eyes widened as she looked at Jiang Chen.

How could this tyrant become so shameless?

He actually wanted to lay his hands on a woman's money?!

Although she didn't care about these material possessions, the thought of her things falling into the hands of this tyrant made her feel terrible!

"Why doesn't Consort answer? Could it be that you are unwilling?"

Jiang Chen's voice became dangerous!