Chapter 19 The Eve of the Grand Ceremony

"It's very simple. I want you to fully pledge allegiance and tell me everything you know about Jiang Zuo Wang."

A sharp glint flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes. "Although I haven't had much contact with my Imperial Uncle, from the few encounters we've had, I understand his character. He won't sit still and await his demise."

"The birthday celebration isn't far off. If he wants to retaliate, he'll definitely make some moves during this period."

"As long as you're willing to inform me and reveal his hidden forces and army, I can lighten the sentences for Sixth and Seventh."

"I can even erase their crimes and allow them to live as wealthy idlers."

Hearing this, a conflicted expression appeared on Consort Lü's fair face. Her sons were flesh of her flesh; how could she choose?

If she were to betray Jiang Zuo Wang at this juncture, the bond between them would truly be severed!

After a long silence, Consort Lü gritted her teeth and glared fiercely at Jiang Chen, her eyes reddening.

Despite the imposing posture, she exuded a vulnerable and mournful air, like a fox cornered by a hunter. "Your Majesty, you've truly presented me with a heart-wrenching dilemma!"

"My mind is in chaos right now, and I can't give you an answer... You, you should leave first. I need to be alone."

Hearing this, Jiang Chen frowned in displeasure, but looking at the frail figure, he ultimately didn't say much.

In any case, he and Consort Lü shared some measure of affection. He could show some leniency in matters that didn't involve principles.

Slowly rising, he brushed his sleeves and walked out of the inner hall. Jiang Chen gave one last reminder: "Consort, my patience is limited."

"Hesitation leads to chaos. I advise you to make a decision soon, lest you end up with nothing."

With that, he left without a backward glance.

Only when the palace doors were closed again did Consort Lü, who had been silently hanging her head, slowly raise it. Her beautiful eyes gazed in the direction Jiang Chen had left, and she sighed softly...

At the same time, several dozen miles away in Autumn Leaf Palace, a team of mysterious visitors arrived.

"Your Highness, several of our strongholds near the imperial capital have been taken over by Mei Ruoying's people. The money and supplies have all been emptied, and all the personnel, except for those who defected... have been killed," a dead soldier dressed as a janitor reported, his face grim.

This was already the thirty-second stronghold they had lost.

It wasn't that they hadn't considered counterattacking, but the traps they set were all seen through and even used against them by Mei Ruoying, seriously injuring their own people.

Jiang Zuo Wang stood by the window, listening quietly, his mind replaying the misfortunes he had experienced recently.

There was Consort Lü, who had abandoned him, the Zhenhai Regional Commander, who had turned against him, and many, many officials who had previously cooperated with him... Thinking, thinking, a chilling murderous intent flashed in his eyes. "What an ungrateful and vicious woman!"

"If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have spared that harlot's life. When the Mei family fell, I should have sent her to the Yellow Springs with her foolish father!"

The chilling tone seemed to freeze the air.

The dead soldiers kneeling on the ground, who had come to report, subconsciously held their breath, fearing to attract their master's attention and bring trouble upon themselves.

But just as they were trembling with fear, the cold gaze from above suddenly disappeared, and what followed was a burst of wild laughter mixed with glee.

"No, that's not right... I shouldn't be angry. I should be pleased that Mei Ruoying has such ambition and skill!"

"Take it, take it all. The more that vicious woman takes, the happier I should be!"

The manic words left the dead soldiers looking at each other in confusion.

Could it be that their master had gone mad with anger?

Just as they were hesitating whether to speak, Jiang Zuo Wang once again put on a gentle smile, his eyes coldly fixed on the Hall of Diligent Governance not far away.

"Emperor, your opponent isn't just me."

"Even if I fail in the battle at the birthday celebration and die... my years of accumulation won't be wasted."

"That woman, Mei Ruoying, is ambitious and hates you to the bone. Letting her take things is my way of ensuring there's someone to carry on after me."

Taking a deep look at the building that symbolized supreme power, Jiang Zuo Wang's lips curled into a cold smile. He had regained his composure.

The birthday celebration was only a few days away, and he and Jiang Chen would soon determine the victor.

If he won and ascended the throne, ruling the entire Da Wei, he would have a thousand ways to recover what Mei Ruoying had taken.

And if he lost, those material possessions would be useless anyway. It was better to let Jiang Chen's enemy take them, so that they could be put to good use.

"Your Highness, you, you don't need to be so pessimistic. Even if you fail, your subordinates can still protect you and help you break out of the imperial capital!"

"We still have more than ten thousand soldiers lying in wait in the imperial capital, plus the money and supplies you've stockpiled in various prefectures. We can make a comeback!"

The dead soldiers' suggestions didn't elicit a response.

Jiang Zuo Wang didn't even give them a glance, coldly saying, "There's no need. If I can't win after all these years of planning, I'll have even less chance of winning in the future."

"Rather than hiding and fleeing like a stray dog, I'd rather die at the moment the victor is decided!"

"I, Jiang Yuan, am not one of those cowardly survivors!"

Hearing the determination in Jiang Zuo Wang's words, the dead soldiers couldn't help but feel a surge of sorrow, but none of them spoke to dissuade him.

They knew how proud their master was after so many years of service.

Now, all they could do was carry out their tasks well and not hold their master back... As for the rest, they could only rely on fate.

...

Late at night.

While the entire imperial palace had fallen into silence, Jiang Chen secretly summoned Song Xun, Zhang Zifang, Xu Changqing, and a group of trusted ministers to discuss the upcoming birthday celebration.

He had a premonition that many unexpected things would happen during this grand ceremony, and they needed to prepare in advance.

The group secretly discussed matters all night, and it wasn't until the sky began to lighten that Jiang Chen sent everyone away and went to Consort Shu's residence to rest.

"Your Majesty, Headmaster Yang has arrived... This servant has taken the liberty of arranging for her to wait in the Hall of Diligent Governance. Should we move there now?" Feng Jin asked carefully as he helped Jiang Chen, who had just finished his nap, get up.

"Hmm? Mu Xi? How long has she been here? Why didn't you wake me?"

"That girl never visits without a good reason. If she's taken the initiative to enter the palace, then there must have been a major breakthrough in the Imperial City Division's affairs..."

Hearing the excitement in Jiang Chen's words, Feng Jin smiled obsequiously. "Your Majesty is wise. Headmaster Yang has indeed come for this matter. You'll be in for a big surprise when you arrive at the Hall of Diligent Governance!"

"You know how to keep me in suspense." Jiang Chen glanced at him and said quickly, "However, Mu Xi's abilities are indeed strong. The people she has trained will definitely not disappoint me."

As he spoke, Jiang Chen couldn't contain the anticipation in his heart. He didn't even bother to bid farewell to Consort Shu before hurrying onto the dragon palanquin and rushing to the Hall of Diligent Governance at full speed.

After waiting for so many days, the day to see the results had finally arrived. How could he not be excited?!