After realizing they seemed to have misspoke, the faces of the smiling individuals immediately darkened.

'Is His Majesty questioning the foundations of our families' generations of scholarship? Never in the ancient texts has there been an emperor who, after defeating the Xiongnu, seeks to punish others for their faults. Doing so risks losing the people's hearts. Who knows when the world might change hands?"

"Don't forget that great families like the Su family are the foundation upon which the court continues. If Your Majesty loses those roots, I fear your reign will not last long."

At these words, the expressions of those who had initially intended to sit back and watch the fight turned extremely ugly.

Although the aristocratic families were now powerful, no one had dared to be so blatant about it. Now that these words had been spoken, they couldn't bear the brunt of Jiang Chen's anger, no matter what he planned to do next. As they desperately racked their brains, trying to figure out how to smooth things over, these individuals said something even more shocking.

"Now, the aristocratic families are the foundation of our dynasty. What Your Majesty is doing is akin to digging your own grave, destroying everything accumulated by the late emperor. In my opinion, you are nothing more than a mediocre ruler."

At that moment, everyone present subconsciously lowered their heads, trembling and praying that Jiang Chen wouldn't blame them. If Jiang Chen started to investigate, none of them would be able to escape.

When none of the others dared to speak, these individuals even thought that their words had struck a chord with everyone.

"When His Majesty favored the Mei family a few years ago, there weren't any major issues. Now that His Majesty has just won a battle, does he intend to take back all the power he gave to others? Such inconsistency is not the way of an emperor."

While they thought they were speaking righteously, they didn't realize they were dancing on the edge of a blade. Looking at Jiang Chen's unpredictable expression, everyone felt uneasy. If Jiang Chen decided to kill them now, none of their relatives would survive.

"I am a great Confucian scholar, with students all over the world. If you dare to touch me, you are opposing all scholars in the land. Your Majesty, are you really going to take action against the Su family?"

Seeing this person openly threaten him, Jiang Chen laughed instead of getting angry. Now he finally understood why Su Dingtian had dared to disobey his orders and watch from afar as he advanced and fought bloody battles.

It was an unbelievable miracle that these people hadn't brought about the country's downfall with their behavior.

Seeing their confident expressions, Jiang Chen stroked his fingers, already having a plan in mind.

"Since you all have such patriotic hearts, now that the Xiongnu have become our subjects, educating them is an extremely urgent matter."

"Since you are all so opinionated, then please depart today to the Xiongnu territory to engage in the work of education."

Hearing Jiang Chen's arrangements for them, the scholars who had been so outspoken were instantly dumbfounded.

Their flamboyant behavior was mostly to highlight their position in the court.

Generally speaking, an emperor, after being reprimanded like this, would humbly accept their advice.

But they never expected Jiang Chen to act so unpredictably.

"Your Majesty, these old ministers are too old and frail and cannot endure the journey."

"Your Majesty, please have mercy on us, considering that we once taught you. Please don't make this old man go to the Xiongnu."

Seeing them beg for mercy, Jiang Chen showed a hint of pity on his face.

Seeing the change in Jiang Chen's expression, they instantly felt that they were saved.

But before they could rejoice, Jiang Chen made a decision that changed their expressions drastically.

"I forgot that you are all figures with students all over the world. In that case, there's no need for me to protect you. Let the students you once taught escort you all the way north."

"Considering that you once taught me, it is only right for a student to do his part. Guards, send these gentlemen north immediately. They are not allowed to bring any luggage except for the clothes they are wearing."

As soon as Jiang Chen finished speaking, several generals who had been holding back rushed forward and dragged out the ones who had just been engaging in verbal sparring.

After finishing this matter, Jiang Chen returned to his usual nonchalant demeanor.

The court, which had been buzzing with discussion, was now silent.

No one had expected Jiang Chen to use such methods to deal with those who disobeyed him.

"Your Majesty, you must be tired from your journey. You should rest early. We will take our leave first."

After speaking, the officials all lowered their heads, no one daring to look directly at Jiang Chen.

They understood that the autocratic emperor had returned.

Seeing that the people below were still silent, Jiang Chen waved his hand and returned directly to his palace.

The officials quickly left the court as if relieved of a heavy burden.

They had never felt so much pressure in front of Jiang Chen.

"Lock up those troublemakers in the prison. Don't mention pleading for them until His Majesty speaks."

At that moment, the same thing was happening in many mansions.

When this was reported to Jiang Chen, he smiled and didn't take it too seriously.

Now that the north had been settled, everything would become simpler.

Without the pressure from the Xiongnu, he would be able to deal with these overgrown aristocratic families.

Only by completely removing these parasites clinging to him could the previous pressures disappear.

While everyone in the capital was on edge, the Su family in Jiangnan was in even worse shape.

No one had expected Su Dingtian to do such a rebellious thing.

"What should we do now? Judging by His Majesty's character, he will definitely take action against us."

"What are you afraid of? Our Su family has been entrenched in Jiangnan for a long time. Those guys wouldn't dare to disobey my orders. Even if the emperor wants to attack us, we can rely on our power in Jiangnan to hold out for a while."

"The other families understand the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold'. As long as we can withstand the first blow from His Majesty, we will be able to get the support of other families. By then, His Majesty won't be able to do anything to us."