Chapter 1 The Palace

Inside the Imperial Palace, in the Hall of Diligent Governance.

A group of ministers stared blankly at the emperor at the head of the hall, their hearts filled with shock!

His Majesty intends to take the late Emperor's consort into his harem?

Outrageous!

This behavior is simply beastly!

Just as the ministers were about to speak out to dissuade him, Jiang Chen, the center of attention, erupted first!

He kicked over the table, his expression one of extreme anger, his murderous aura overflowing as he said, "Presumptuous!"

"Who was the one with no sense to spread such words? How dare they slander me and the late Emperor's consort! I will have their entire clan beheaded!"

Sensing the emperor's chilling killing intent, Prime Minister Pei and the others paled and subconsciously held their breaths.

They had experienced His Majesty's bloodthirst before.

If the matter of the late Emperor's consort was truly instigated by someone with ulterior motives and not based on fact, the consequences for them, the ministers, would be dire.

Just as the ministers were feeling uneasy, Jiang Chen spoke again, angrily scolding, "You fools! How could you even believe such absurd words!"

"Take the late Emperor's consort into the palace? Use your brains! Would I do something so contrary to etiquette, something that would be condemned by the entire world?"

The ministers were silenced by his questioning, but a hint of doubt remained in their hearts.

Spreading rumors about the emperor and the late Emperor's consort was a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of relatives. They didn't think anyone would dare to lie about such a thing.

After a moment of silence, Prime Minister Pei finally stepped forward and said thoughtfully, "Your Majesty, did you truly not do this?"

Jiang Chen's expression was open and honest. "Of course not!"

"I am the Son of Heaven, possessing all under the heavens. What kind of stunning beauties can I not find? Why would I offend the late Emperor's consort?"

As he spoke, Jiang Chen suddenly smirked coldly and said grimly, "Let's go, I'll take you to the Chang Le Palace right now to see who that audacious servant is!"

"Once I find out the truth, I will exterminate their nine generations of relatives!"

A fierce glint flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes as he strode out of the Hall of Diligent Governance with a terrifying aura.

The ministers left behind exchanged glances, their faces gloomy as they followed.

His Majesty's attitude was so firm, it was likely that he had been framed. Had their audience today been a mistake?

If they were to incur His Majesty's resentment because of this, wouldn't their lives become very difficult?

The more the ministers thought about it, the more anxious they became, and their footsteps began to falter.

But Jiang Chen wouldn't give them a chance to regret it, leading the way into the Chang Le Palace.

Inside the main hall, the late Emperor's consort, Lü, had already received the news and was prepared for the confrontation.

In order to gain the sympathy of the crowd, she had deliberately abandoned her ornate clothing and wore a light-colored palace dress, replacing her jeweled hairpin with a simple jade hairpin.

Her attire displayed a gentle and delicate aura.

Compared to the aggressive Jiang Chen, the pure and elegant Lü was particularly pitiable.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

She adopted a fearful posture and bowed respectfully.

Jiang Chen's expression was indifferent as he said in a deep voice, "Rise. I have come here because I heard that a servant in the consort's palace has been spreading false information, slandering me with disrespectful words towards the consort."

"This concerns the reputation of the royal family, so I have brought the ministers to investigate this matter."

"Consort, you should explain yourself quickly, lest things escalate and become a laughingstock for the world!"

Lü looked at Jiang Chen's cold face, feeling a burst of anger in her heart. The slender hands hidden in her wide sleeves clenched unconsciously.

This dog emperor, he dares to do it but doesn't dare to admit it!

She put on a wronged expression and knelt down directly.

Her beautiful eyes filled with tears, she said, "Ministers, do not misunderstand. Your Majesty, Your Majesty has never offended me."

"It is because I did not discipline them strictly enough that the servants spread rumors. Please, everyone, treat those absurd words as if you never heard them."

After saying that, Lü quickly glanced at Jiang Chen, her eyes full of fear.

This scene caused the ministers present to frown.

Judging by the late Emperor's consort's appearance, she was clearly afraid of His Majesty and dared not speak the truth.

Otherwise, how could a mere palace maid have the audacity to spread such words that would lead to the extermination of nine generations of relatives?

Just as the ministers were feeling doubtful, Lü spoke again.

Her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful as she said, "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs and is inevitably tired. It is understandable that he might make some impulsive actions. I did not take it to heart, and I ask that you all not dwell on it."

Hearing this, Prime Minister Pei and the others looked even more displeased.

It seemed that His Majesty had truly said those rebellious words that brought shame to the royal family.

As loyal subjects of the Great Wei, they had to dispel the emperor's absurd thoughts.

Just as the ministers were about to speak, Jiang Chen spoke first, his deep gaze cast upon Lü, and said calmly:

"Consort, this concerns both our reputations, so it is better to explain things clearly, lest Prime Minister Pei and the others misunderstand!"

"After all, you are the birth mother of the sixth and seventh princes. If any rumors were to spread, I fear that my two younger brothers would not be able to hold their heads up in the future."

Jiang Chen's tone was gentle, without any hint of coldness, as if he was truly thinking of Lü and her sons.

But Lü, who knew the truth of the matter, could hear the threat in his words.

Previously, Jiang Chen had found reasons to punish her two sons. If she offended him this time, her sixth and seventh sons would be in danger!

A flash of resentment crossed Lü's eyes. She reluctantly looked up, staring intently at Jiang Chen.

"Tsk, why is the consort looking at me without saying a word?"

"The ministers are all waiting, you should explain quickly, lest the misunderstanding continue to deepen!"

Jiang Chen's expression was calm, without the slightest hint of panic.

Since he dared to do it, he had a way to cover it up.

He didn't take Lü's little scheme seriously at all.

As the two of them stared at each other in silence, the surrounding ministers also spoke up, urging:

"Yes, consort, this concerns the prestige of the Great Wei, it would be best if you explained things clearly."

"This matter cannot be ambiguous, otherwise Your Majesty's and your reputation will be ruined!"

"Consort, there is no need to worry, with this Prime Minister here, I will definitely uphold justice for you."

"..."

The ministers spoke one after another, and the pressure instantly shifted to Lü.

Her jade neck drooped, and her beautiful face was twisted with humiliation, her eyes filled with resentment.

She was a dignified imperial consort, and after being verbally harassed, she still had to endure threats.

She really couldn't stand it!

But thinking of her two sons, for their safety, Lü had no choice but to compromise with Jiang Chen.

Even if her heart was bleeding, she couldn't show it on her face, and could only grit her teeth and cooperate.

She said with difficulty, "Ministers, His Majesty and I only had some disputes over the matter of imperial heirs. My intention in sending you the message was also to ask you to persuade His Majesty to take in more concubines and extend the bloodline."

"But I didn't expect the servants to misunderstand, adding many misunderstandings and causing unrest in both the imperial court and the harem."

"This matter is my responsibility, and I will deal with it later. I will definitely give you an explanation!"

Hearing this, the ministers' faces were somewhat gloomy.

They were all important ministers of the state, busy with government affairs, but they had specially put aside their work and entered the palace to meet with the emperor because of Lü's message.

But in the end, it turned out to be a misunderstanding. Wasn't this playing with them?!

The gazes of the crowd towards the late Emperor's consort instantly turned unkind...