Jiang Chen seized the opportunity and laid Imperial Concubine Shu down on the bed.

Soon, the sounds of delicate moans echoed in the sandalwood-scented imperial chamber…

…

Imperial City, Black Robe Lane, the Mei residence.

Mei Kang and his younger brother, their brows tightly furrowed, entered a study.

"Father, at this morning's court session, that dog emperor actually dared to strike one of our Mei family members! A useless piece of trash, daring to point fingers at you?"

"Careful what you say!"

Mei Wenshi slammed his wolf-hair brush down, scolding sternly.

"You impudent fool, how dare you utter such rebellious words?"

"If someone with ulterior motives hears this, the Mei family's years of planning might be ruined!"

At this moment, Mei Qing, who was observing from the side, stepped forward to advise:

"Father, Elder Brother is straightforward and, in his agitation, may have been careless with his words. He'll be more careful in the future.

"The immediate priority is to figure out why His Majesty's attitude has changed so drastically."

Hearing this, Mei Wenshi's expression softened slightly, and he said in a deep voice:

"Your elder sister sent word that His Majesty spent last night at Imperial Concubine Shu's residence, and seems quite fond of her! His Majesty's change today must be related to that girl."

A thoughtful look flashed in Mei Qing's eyes, then he frowned and said:

"Father, there are still doubts about this matter!"

"In the past, His Majesty always listened to you and Elder Sister, but at today's court session, he not only rejected your memorial in front of all the officials, but even had General Wang, who is friendly with the Mei family, flogged... The change is so great, it's as if he's become a different person!"

"Can a mere Imperial Concubine Shu really have such power?"

As the words fell, a cold light flashed in Mei Wenshi's eyes behind the desk, and he said coldly:

"Your elder sister has gone to test the waters to find out the reason for His Majesty's change. In a few days, we should have results. If Imperial Concubine Shu is truly the person behind it, then we can't let that girl live!"

…

Imperial Palace, imperial chamber.

After a round of passionate entanglement, Imperial Concubine Shu lay in Jiang Chen's arms, her star-like eyes dazed, her slightly flushed skin like a well-watered honey peach, tempting to pluck.

"Your Majesty, will... will you come to see me often in the future?"

As she spoke, tears welled up in Imperial Concubine Shu's deer-like almond eyes.

She still felt uneasy at heart.

Even though His Majesty had been very kind these past few days.

But the past experiences of being scolded and beaten haunted her.

She worried that the sweetness of these past few days was just a whim of His Majesty's and wouldn't last long?

Jiang Chen heard the uneasiness in Imperial Concubine Shu's words, and his heart ached. He couldn't help but curse the original dog emperor.

He didn't know how to cherish such a good woman, and instead favored a bewitching concubine like Imperial Concubine Mei. It was a pity he didn't die sooner!

Thinking this, Jiang Chen held Imperial Concubine Shu tighter in his arms and whispered:

"My beloved consort, you are one of my consorts, and you should bear offspring for me. Before you give birth to an imperial heir, I will spend every night here with you. Even if you don't want me to come in the future, I will still come!"

Imperial Concubine Shu immediately turned her worry into joy, and was even a little incredulous.

"Your Majesty, is what you say true?"

Jiang Chen pinched Imperial Concubine Shu's delicate nose.

"A sovereign does not jest!"

Watery mist welled up in Imperial Concubine Shu's eyes again, but this time, they were tears of happiness.

"With Your Majesty's words, Yun'er has no regrets in this life!"

Jiang Chen was somewhat moved, and held Imperial Concubine Shu even tighter.

Only a woman with such heavenly beauty, grace, and virtue was worthy of bearing his, Jiang Chen's, descendants.

Just as the two were embracing, a palace maid outside the hall reported:

"Your Majesty, Lord Yuan and General Xu have arrived at the Hall of Diligent Governance. Should we prepare the imperial carriage?"

On the bed, Jiang Chen raised his eyebrows, then got up.

These two had arrived so quickly?

Miscalculated, almost delayed the main event!

He summoned a palace maid to help him change and tidy up his appearance. After everything was done, Jiang Chen turned his head and said to Imperial Concubine Shu, who was tidying up her clothes:

"My beloved consort, you've worked hard just now, so you should rest well. After I've dealt with government affairs, I'll come and find you."

Hearing this, Imperial Concubine Shu felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

His Majesty was really different. In the past, he would never have been so considerate.

With a sigh, Imperial Concubine Shu walked to Jiang Chen's side and whispered:

"Your Majesty, could you take me with you to the Hall of Diligent Governance?"

Hearing this, a look of doubt surfaced in Jiang Chen's eyes.

Interfering in government affairs was a major taboo for the harem. Why would Yun'er make such a request?

Just as he was about to ask, Imperial Concubine Shu softly explained:

"Your Majesty, General Xu is my elder brother. He is straightforward by nature and acts impulsively. I'm worried that he might offend Your Majesty later. If I'm present, the situation will be much better..."

Jiang Chen understood.

As the ruler of the Great Wei Empire, he believed he had the right to bring his favored concubine out with him.

Without hesitation, he nodded directly and said: "Granted. However, it's best if my beloved consort changes into a different outfit. The imperial concubine's attire is likely to cause controversy."

Imperial Concubine Shu smiled sweetly and immediately agreed.

Afterwards, she changed into the uniform of a palace maid of the imperial presence and followed Jiang Chen to the Hall of Diligent Governance.

When a bright yellow dragon robe appeared at the palace gate, Yuan Buyi and Xu Changqing immediately got up and bowed, cupping their hands and saying:

"Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live..."

Jiang Chen quickly helped the two up and said:

"Esteemed ministers, there's no need to be so polite!"

Jiang Chen's uncharacteristic words and actions shocked Yuan Buyi.

What was wrong with His Majesty?

He had suddenly summoned them today, and his attitude was so friendly. His Majesty had never given him a kind look before.

Xu Changqing, on the other hand, was much calmer, his eyes cold and unmoved.

He had completely lost faith in the emperor and would not be moved by these small favors. If it weren't for his sister in the depths of the palace, he would have already turned against Jiang Chen.

Xu Changqing was full of resentment towards Jiang Chen's absurd behavior and his mistreatment of his sister!

Jiang Chen saw the two men's reactions and couldn't help but frown.

Just how many outrageous things had this dog emperor done?

He had even offended his own brother-in-law and his enlightenment teacher!

Even a famous loyal minister in the court had such an attitude towards him...

As Jiang Chen frowned, he secretly resolved to win them over.

He didn't want to be a lonely puppet emperor!

After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Chen decided to start with Yuan Buyi first.

He was the original owner's enlightenment teacher and had some teacher-student relationship with him, so it would be easier to win him over.

Jiang Chen turned his gaze to the side and said:

"Esteemed Minister Yuan, I intend to send you to oversee the Wei River flood. What do you think?"

Hearing this, Yuan Buyi wondered if he had heard wrong.

His Majesty was actually entrusting him with such an important task? A person who had been sitting on the sidelines in the court for many years?

Thinking of his spiritedness when he was Grand Tutor, and the desolate situation after the Mei family gained power, Yuan Buyi was unwilling to miss this opportunity to display his ambitions and benefit the people. He immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty is concerned about state affairs. This is a blessing for the Great Wei. I am willing to share Your Majesty's worries!"

Jiang Chen was very satisfied with Yuan Buyi's reaction. He was indeed a loyal minister!

He immediately got up and personally helped Yuan Buyi up, his tone solemn:

"Esteemed minister, do not be agitated. In addition to flood control, I have another difficult matter that I need to ask you about!"

Yuan Buyi's expression became serious.

Jiang Chen's sharp eyes told him that the matter to be discussed next was not simple!

At this time, Jiang Chen's personal eunuch, Feng Jin, gave a look and dismissed the attendants in the hall, while arranging for Imperial Concubine Shu to hide behind a screen.

Only when the hall was completely quiet did Jiang Chen speak word by word, his tone icy:

"I want to know, which parasites have been fattened by the construction of the Lishan Palace?!"

As the words fell, even Xu Changqing, who had been cold, looked at Jiang Chen in shock.

This blind emperor, who had blindly trusted the Mei family and only knew how to indulge in lewd pleasures with Imperial Concubine Mei, actually wanted to investigate the Lishan Palace? That was a project presided over by Imperial Concubine Mei's father, Minister of Revenue Mei Wenshi!