Time passed, and the night deepened.

Under the cover of darkness, Xu Changqing and his party sped toward the imperial capital.

Meanwhile, in the palace.

Jiang Chen sat upright in the Hall of Diligent Administration, his face solemn as he awaited news from all sides.

"Report!"

"Your Majesty, according to scouts, General Xu… General Xu was ambushed on the Yubei Avenue this afternoon!"

A cold light flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes, and he sneered, "As expected, Mei Wenshi, I knew you would definitely make a move."

He turned his gaze to the imperial guards on the ground, "What is General Xu's condition? Did the guards I sent reach him?"

The imperial guard dared not raise his head, unable to meet Jiang Chen's stern gaze.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the guards have not yet found General Xu's whereabouts."

A look of surprise appeared on Jiang Chen's face, and then he fell into deep thought.

He trusted Xu Changqing's abilities; a trap of this level would definitely not take his life.

However, the guards couldn't find his trail… Could it be that Xu Changqing had changed his marching route?

"Forget it, with his skill and troops, he should be fine. I should concentrate on the imperial capital first!"

"Of course, I can't just leave Xu Changqing to his own devices. Hmm, I'll send more troops to meet him. I'll be at ease when he returns soon."

Jiang Chen muttered to himself, issued his orders, and the imperial guard retreated.

Having made his decision,

Jiang Chen turned to Jing Yue, "Any unusual activity at Mei Wenshi's residence?"

Jing Yue's cold face showed a hint of shame as she lowered her head and said, "Your Majesty, the entire Mei clan and their allied ministers are as calm as usual, with no unusual activity."

Jiang Chen sneered, a grave look in his eyes, "No abnormality is the biggest abnormality!"

"That old fox is very perceptive. He can definitely sense danger from my actions, and with his cunning, he won't sit still and wait for death."

"I'm sure he's made moves in secret, but we just haven't found them."

Feng Jin agreed with Jiang Chen's guess, worried, "Your Majesty, it's best to be careful in everything. Since we can't figure out the Mei family's true intentions, why doesn't this old servant escort you to the secondary capital? Just in case…"

"Silence!"

Jiang Chen rarely turned a cold face to Feng Jin, saying each word with emphasis, "The Son of Heaven guards the nation's gate, and the ruler dies for his state! I will never be a coward who flees in the face of battle!"

As he spoke, a domineering aura flashed in his eyes, "What is there to fear from a mere Mei Wenshi?"

"If he dares to make a move, I will take the lives of his entire clan, crush their bones and scatter their ashes, and make the Mei family disappear from this world completely!"

Words filled with boundless killing intent echoed in the hall.

Feng Jin, Jing Yue, the Minister of War, and the imperial guards on duty were all intimidated by Jiang Chen's imperial power, and they lowered their heads, their expressions extremely respectful.

The Emperor's right and left hands had been assassinated one after another, and the events occurred on the eve of eradicating the Mei family.

They weren't fools and could already guess what would happen next.

Jiang Chen stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window.

It was sunset, and leaden gray clouds hung over the sky, devouring the sun's light.

Seeing this scene, Jiang Chen frowned slightly in displeasure and instructed, "Xu Mu, you personally lead troops to guard the harem and ensure that Consort Shu and Concubine Liu are not harmed in the slightest."

"If anything happens to them, you will bring your head to me."

A hint of hesitation appeared in Xu Mu's eyes, and he said hesitantly, "But, Your Majesty, I am the commander of the imperial guards. I should be protecting you."

"If I transfer the elite troops under my command to the harem… what will happen to you?"

Jiang Chen did not waver and questioned coldly, "Are you teaching me how to do things?"

His stern gaze, carrying the power of an emperor, shot towards Xu Mu.

The commander of the imperial guards was so frightened that he immediately knelt and loudly begged for forgiveness, "This humble servant is reckless, please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty can rest assured and entrust the safety of the imperial consorts to this humble servant. Even if it costs me my life, I will fulfill my mission."

Looking at Xu Mu's sincere words, Jiang Chen softened his expression.

He nodded slightly, waved for him to retreat, and turned to Jing Yue, "Secretly send a message to the four battalions of the imperial capital, and tell them to be prepared!"

A murderous intent flashed across Jiang Chen's handsome face, and he said decisively, "I give them the power to act first and report later. Regardless of status, background, or position, anyone who dares to rebel will be executed on the spot, their families exterminated!"

"Yes!"

Jing Yue nodded solemnly, a touch of grimness appearing on her cold and pretty face, and she strode away.

She was the dark guard who belonged only to Jiang Chen, the blade forged by the imperial family!

Now that the Emperor had given his order, she would dare to brave even mountains of knives and seas of fire, let alone a rebellious subject like Mei Wenshi!

…

Outside the imperial capital, at the Mei family manor.

Hundreds of torches were lit, illuminating the deep courtyard.

Sixteen middle-aged men dressed in the attire of generals, each leading a team, stood in the courtyard, their expressions grim.

"Master, a letter from the Imperial Guards, the general is ready!"

"Lord Mei, 30,000 soldiers from the border army have been turned, ready to encircle the imperial capital and intercept the support from the four battalions."

"Master, Grand General Liu Guangyi has been beheaded, and control of the Tiger Brave Army has been obtained. A gap has appeared in the right wing of the imperial capital, and the city gate can be entered at any time!"

"…"

Dozens of messages were delivered in succession, each enough to shake the court.

Many of them were unexpected to Jiang Chen. If he were present, he would be shocked by the Mei family's great power.

Mei Wenshi was undoubtedly a powerful minister!

In the center of the courtyard, Mei Wenshi stood with his hands behind his back, his back straight, like a drawn sword.

His cold and ruthless gaze swept over the crowd, and he said gloomily, "The Emperor is tyrannical, listens to the slanders of a bewitching concubine, and wants to destroy loyal ministers!"

"This old man has worked diligently for decades, dedicating himself to the Great Wei, but has come to such an end. I am truly unwilling and can only raise an army."

"All of you are my confidants, working for me for decades. I will never forget this friendship."

"When tonight's events are over, and I ascend to the Hall of Golden Bells and sit on the throne of the regent minister, you will be the greatest contributors. At that time, endless power, wealth, and glory will be within your reach!"

A voice filled with endless temptation echoed in the courtyard, instantly turning the eyes of those present red.

Who doesn't desire money, power, and fame?

These Mei family generals were naturally no exception.

They looked at Mei Wenshi with fiery eyes, as if they could see the extravagant life they longed for through him.

They all made impassioned guarantees, "Lord Mei, rest assured, this humble general will help you succeed even if it costs me my life!"

As they spoke, they raised the long sabers in their hands, shouting the pre-arranged slogan, "Cleanse the Emperor's side, kill the bewitching concubine!"

"Cleanse the Emperor's side, kill the bewitching concubine!"

Mei Wenshi felt the high morale of the crowd, and a hint of satisfaction appeared in his calm eyes.

He turned to look at the butler beside him and said calmly, "Go, take those death warriors to the arranged locations."

"Success or failure will be determined tonight!"

A trace of worry appeared in the eyes of the butler, who was dressed in scholar's robes, as if he wanted to say something, but he ultimately did not open his mouth.

He only bowed deeply to Mei Wenshi and slowly walked into the darkness…