Long Kun gave a bitter smile and shook his head, "Chu Chen, as you can see, the ministers in the court have always been unwilling to support me."
"Your Majesty is wise and strategic, decisive and resolute. This humble subject believes Your Majesty will be able to subdue these objectors," Chu Chen encouraged.
"I hope so," Long Kun nodded slightly, then said seriously, "Chu Chen, I summoned you to the palace today mainly to ask you, what do you think of the current court?"
"The country is prosperous and the people are living and working in peace and contentment. The world is peaceful. Isn't that good?" Chu Chen smiled.
Long Kun shook his head and sighed, "It's a pity that you haven't delved deep into the court and pay no attention to power and interests."
"The court appears to be prosperous and flourishing, but undercurrents are surging. The major factions within the court are fiercely competing. A slight misstep could trigger immense turmoil."
Long Kun said solemnly, "Chu Chen, if you join my ranks, I will definitely grant you more power."
Chu Chen smiled faintly, "Your Majesty, to be honest, this humble subject has never cared about any power. I just want to be an ordinary person."
Long Kun frowned slightly and said, "Chu Chen, you should think clearly. If you refuse me, you will lose a lot."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's kindness, but this humble subject still doesn't want to get involved. I just want to live a normal life. I hope Your Majesty will grant my wish," Chu Chen cupped his fists again.
Long Kun was silent for a moment, then slowly stood up, his hands behind his back, and said, "Since that is the case, I will not force you." After saying this, Long Kun left directly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Chu Chen cupped his fists. He could tell that Long Kun was serious.
"Father, your son has just gathered some news. That Chu Chen has been arrested by the Imperial Guards," Chu Yun said triumphantly at the Chu family mansion.
"Oh?" Chu Nantian was slightly stunned, then sneered, "This is an opportunity!"
A secluded courtyard in the imperial palace.
Slamming a wooden stool into pieces, Qin Yang said resentfully, "Damn dog! How dare he injure my son! And make this official lose all face!"
"Lord Qin, please calm your anger," an official beside him said, "Your Majesty has already ordered the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough investigation. I believe there will be a result soon, and Chu Chen will surely die."
"Yes, go and make arrangements. Ensure that everything is foolproof!" Qin Yang grinned sinisterly, "I will make him wish he were dead!"
Outside the Qianyuan Hall, a young man in splendid robes and a jade belt was pacing outside the door, appearing quite anxious.
"What are you people doing! You can't even stop one person! Useless!" the young man roared at the guards, his attitude arrogant and presumptuous.
"My lord, this is a forbidden area. Please leave immediately," the guards said, their foreheads sweating. This person looked extraordinary and held a very high status. The guards dared not offend him easily.
"My father is the Minister of Justice. Tell your superiors to come out. I have something important to discuss with him!" the young man impatiently shouted.
"The Minister of Justice is currently in a meeting and it is inconvenient to see you. Please come back another day," the guards said tactfully.
"You son of a bitch! Who do you think you are, to block me?" the young man glared fiercely at the guards and cursed.
"My father is the Minister of Justice! How dare you disobey my orders? Are you looking for death!"
"Audacious! How dare you insult Your Majesty! Guards! Seize him at once!" Hearing the young man insult the Emperor, the guards panicked.
"Haha! Who does the Emperor think he is! I am the Prime Minister's eldest son. Who dares to arrest me!" the young man laughed wildly, his face full of arrogance, showing no fear of the guards.
"Bold rebel! You..."
"Enough! I am here!" Before the guards could finish their reprimand, they were interrupted by Long Kun, who stared at the young man with stern eyes and said sternly.
"Lin Feng, I told you to wait outside the palace, and you trespassed into Qianyuan Hall, treating my decree as a child's play! Guards! Drag him out and behead him!"
"Pfft!" Before the guards could react, Lin Feng suddenly drew his sword and swept it across. His neck instantly spurted blood, and he died on the spot!
"Your Majesty, spare me! This humble one dares not again!" Lin Feng was so terrified that his soul was scattered. He knelt and begged for mercy.
"Your Majesty! What do you mean by this?" Lin Feng pretended to be foolish and feigned confusion as he looked at Long Kun.
"I don't want to hear your explanation. I only see you lying!" Long Kun said coldly, his face grim.
"Your Majesty, this humble one is wronged! Your Majesty, spare my life!" Lin Feng cried out in terror. How could he have known that Long Kun would suddenly turn on him and kill someone? He was completely stunned.
Long Kun ignored Lin Feng and turned to leave, heading straight for the prison, thinking to himself.
"Chu Chen, I have already removed the hidden danger for you. The rest is up to you. This is all I can do to help you."
In the prison, Chu Chen meditated with his eyes closed, completely unaware of the impending danger.
A sharp gust of wind struck him, followed by a sharp sword placed on Chu Chen's shoulder. The cold blade cut through his skin, and blood spilled out.
"Your Majesty," Chu Chen opened his eyes and looked up slightly.
A man in a black robe, tall and sturdy, with thick eyebrows and piercing eyes, exuding an imposing aura, was none other than Long Kun.
"Are you very curious why I suddenly wanted to kill Lin Feng?" Long Kun asked.
"Indeed," Chu Chen nodded. "Did Your Majesty kill him because of me?"
Long Kun waved his hand slightly and said, "You misunderstand. I didn't kill him because of you, but because I had planned it long ago."
"Oh? Does Your Majesty have a plan?" Chu Chen asked doubtfully.
Long Kun grinned, revealing two white teeth, and said, "Chu Chen, have you ever heard a saying?"
"What saying?" Chu Chen pressed, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart. He felt that Long Kun was about to trick him.
"When a wall falls, everyone pushes. When a tree falls, monkeys scatter. When the tree falls, the monkeys naturally run away," Long Kun's eyes flashed with cold light.
"Your Majesty means..." Chu Chen's expression changed slightly, a bad feeling rising in his heart.
Long Kun chuckled, "Indeed. I have guessed your relationship with Shen Qiuyue. She is the only daughter of the Minister of Justice. She is also a noble member of the royal family. If you get close to her, it's inevitable that others will be suspicious."
Long Kun looked at Chu Chen and said, "Therefore, I have decided to kill Lin Feng first as a warning, and at the same time, to deter others in the court."
"Your Majesty is indeed far-sighted," Chu Chen nodded slightly, secretly praising him.
Long Kun continued, "As for the Chu family, although they are not a major threat, they are indeed related to you. I don't intend to do anything to them, so I will leave them to you to deal with. Don't hold back. Unleash your wisdom to your heart's content."
Long Kun's words were a double-edged sword, killing the chicken to warn the monkeys and eliminating the Chu family. He was indeed a formidable figure.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's grace. This humble subject understands what to do," Chu Chen cupped his fists and bowed.
"Good, that's good," Long Kun nodded with satisfaction and said, "You can act now. Remember, I don't need any survivors. The fewer there are, the better. It's best to kill as many as possible. I don't like loose ends, understand?"