Chapter 592: Chapter 590: The Transmigrated Woman Who Self-Destructed 18 Times (Part 21)
Imperial Palace.
The Emperor, Jiang Chang, trembled with anger after reviewing the evidence Jiang Zhi presented.
"What a pair, those two!"
"What a pair, those two!"
"How could I not know they were capable of such things? How dare they commit such a foolish act!"
The evidence indicated that it was the Second Prince, Jiang Heng, who framed Shen Zheng’an, and the Fourth Prince, Jiang Yuan, meddled after discovering it.
On the surface, the person who actually carried out the task was Prince An’s son, who was notorious for being a wastrel. He used to be acquaintances with Shen Zheng’an, and although it’s unknown how close they were, there didn’t seem to be any apparent conflict.
The reason for framing Shen Zheng’an was partly because Prince An’s son didn’t particularly like him, and as Shen Zheng’an began to rise, he grew more dislike. Somehow he heard that Shen Zheng’an had sided with Jiang Zhi, while the one backing Prince An’s son was the Second Prince, Jiang Heng.
When Jiang Yuan learned that Shen Zheng’an belonged to his old adversary, and someone wanted to target him, seeing that Shen Zheng’an achieved the top scorer in the imperial exam, he naturally intervened.
Later, Shen Zheng’an indeed got covered in scandalous accusations, exiled, and even died en route. Both princes celebrated, thinking they’d weakened Jiang Zhi’s strength. If no surprises arrived, the truth would never emerge since Shen Zheng’an was considered dead.
Who would have thought he not only survived but ended up standing on Jiang Zhi’s side and even quickly found the evidence?
With everyone convinced of Shen Zheng’an’s death, their guard was down, otherwise, finding evidence wouldn’t have been so easy.
But the two princes never realized they were merely tools, manipulated due to their fear of Jiang Zhi.
Such an unbelievable notion—who could have imagined Shen Zhengjie was a reincarnator, and an ordinary heir of the Marquis could accomplish such a feat?
The Emperor, Jiang Chang, believed it was just a scheme devised by his sons, with no suspicion of any other hidden schemers.
"Shen Zheng’an is still alive, right?" Once slightly calmed, the Emperor scrutinized Jiang Zhi below, "In the Capital City?"
Even if his sixth son hadn’t mentioned Shen Zheng’an’s condition, he could speculate something.
Jiang Zhi didn’t conceal: "He and I drifted to that deserted island together, returned as companions, and now he’s changed his appearance and resides within the Capital City."
Of course, Chu Chen’s involvement was omitted, as Miss Chu preferred to live without the hassle and appeared as an ordinary person. If she desired to rise, she would have directly approached Father, which would have been easy. Although Father was an enlightened ruler, once he knew Miss Chu was extraordinary, thoughts would naturally arise, which was only human nature.
But Miss Chu was not someone to be casually manipulated. Not only could you not outsmart her, but it was easy to stir trouble, so it’s better to hide this from Father.
As for Jiang Zhi being rescued, Jiang Chang had some awareness but didn’t pay much heed.
As the Emperor, he couldn’t manage everything.
Such trivial matters could be resolved by his son.
"Summon the Second and Fourth Princes." Jiang Chang was not pleased, rather disappointed in these two sons. With the evidence complete, it was due time to clear Shen Zheng’an’s name. Luckily, these two were not his preferred candidates, thus only causing some disappointment.
He looked at Jiang Zhi standing below, feeling satisfied—after all, Sixth was better.
"Have you had breakfast?"
Jiang Zhi naturally hadn’t, having entered the palace early in the morning.
With business concluded, he showed some relief and followed Jiang Chang for breakfast.
Although at Miss Chu’s place, she often favored Shen Zheng’an, here with Father, he too could be favored.
Noticing Jiang Zhi’s joy, Jiang Chang found it amusing—what could he be cheerful about so early, clearly not just his brothers’ mistakes, as his cherished son was not that foolish.
"What are you so happy about?"
Jiang Zhi replied, "It’s been a long time since I’ve had breakfast with Father, I’m happy."
This was genuine joy.
Whether it was sincere or false, Jiang Chang surely sensed it.
He snorted, "If you don’t mind the trouble, come to the palace more often to dine with me."
Jiang Zhi naturally agreed, feeling somewhat lamenting—the taste of being favored was indeed delightful.
...
After heading out, and buying some essentials, she encountered people from the Marquis Mansion, Ah Chen’s purpose was achieved, planning to return to the house, only to be stopped midway.
"My master wishes to invite Miss Chu over for a chat." The visitor had a smiling face yet carried an air of superiority, as if her presence was a privilege.
Perhaps given the other’s status, many indeed viewed it as such.
Ah Chen glanced at the nearby carriage, wondering who could be inside. The servant’s arrogance suggested a high probability of being one of the princes.
"May I know who your master is?" She inquired.
The person looked slightly displeased but still lowered his voice, "The Second Prince, miss, please."
"An undeniably high status indeed."
"But I have no desire to meet." Ah Chen chuckled faintly, her eyes were indifferent, showing no fear of the person’s status.
Too arrogant.
She didn’t like it.
In fact, when arrogant, she could outdo them!
The person before her looked displeased, grit his teeth, and whispered, "Miss Chu, do you not think that with the Sixth Prince as your support you can act recklessly in this Capital City? Even disregarding the Second Prince. I advise you, it’s best not to offend the Second Prince, he’s not someone you should cross."
"Offend a prince, and even the Sixth Prince here couldn’t protect you."
Ah Chen’s smile remained unchanged, "It seems the one acting recklessly isn’t me, but your Second Prince, isn’t it? If I refuse to go today, what can you do about it?"
The person evidently didn’t expect her brazenness, assuming she was merely borrowing Jiang Zhi’s authority.
Just as he intended to say more, Jiang Heng inside the carriage grew impatient, "What’s going on?"
"Bring her over immediately." Jiang Heng tossed out the order, thinking—she was just a common woman. First bring her to the mansion, what harm could it do?
The Sixth Prince was in the palace, by the time he reacted, they’d figure it out later.
What he desired, he always took, with no Sixth Prince to worry about in sight.
Once she belonged to him, even if the Sixth Prince came, what could he do? Could the Sixth Prince take in a woman he’d used? Unthinkable.
The person before her now showed no courtesy, gesturing to the guards, "Escort Miss Chu into the carriage."
His words were polite, but his tone was harsh.
"Pa——"
Lan Xin, next to Ah Chen, was already tense, considering whether to report this or flee with her. Who’d have thought when they rushed, Miss Chu would deliver a resounding slap, echoing loudly.
Before more reactions occurred, as they tried to grab Ah Chen, she casually slapped them away, knocking them back. Her skills revealed to the guards she was no ordinary woman.
Jiang Heng inside the carriage heard something amiss, impatiently lifting the curtain, witnessing his men on the ground clutching their faces, taken aback.
Before he processed it, Ah Chen was at the carriage, slapping Jiang Heng across the face.
"Never seen someone so eager for a slap, so keen, I’ll humor you."
"Are two slaps enough?"
"If not, there’s more."
Jiang Heng was dumbstruck, clutching his pained face, glaring, eyes filled with fiery anger, as if wanting to incinerate Ah Chen.
Noticing Jiang Heng’s distress, other princes arrived just in time to witness him getting slapped, inhaling sharply.
