Chapter 966: I've imprisoned the Empress—how do I fix this! 19

Jin Chen gave him a cold look, not even wanting to pretend anymore.

"The secret agents have been thrown into prison and are about to suffer severe torture; only accomplices would be afraid—what are you afraid of?"

"I..."

Shao Chun lowered his head, biting his lip tightly, comforting himself not to panic as his chest rose and fell.

"I'm afraid... afraid that Your Majesty will misunderstand something and no longer want me."

He said it coquettishly, then lunged to throw himself into Jin Chen's arms.

Sensing Shao Chun's intention, Wen Zhiheng felt an inexplicable annoyance, lowered his eyes and coughed lightly, gripping the dark purple dragon-patterned robe on Jin Chen's chest, and leaned softly into Jin Chen's embrace.

"Your Majesty... it's cold."

But this was his first time doing such a thing; just after speaking, his teeth felt sore, and such behavior vying for favor had never appeared before.

Fortunately, Jin Chen did not notice his oddness.

"A brazier is lit inside the hall; go in to warm up."

Jin Chen hurriedly embraced him and continued walking inward, his scorching palm pressing firmly against the small of his back.

"You, starting today, are not allowed to leave Huichun Palace; if there is a next time, you will be reduced to a commoner and expelled from the palace."

"Your Majesty!"

Shao Chun turned in disbelief, but was blocked by several guards, unable to pursue, his heart filled with shock and suspicion.

What's going on... could it be that this Majesty really discovered something?!

"Shao Liangjun, please return."

Shao Chun shoved them aside and ran quickly toward his own palace.

He needed to hurry and tell A Xiao this—there are now two emperors in the palace!

"Finally back."

Prince Heng propped his chin with both hands, watching the two walk hand-in-hand into the hall, then hastily raised his wine cup toward Jin Chen: "Imperial Elder Brother, you've wasted much time; you should penalize yourself with a cup."

However, among the assembled royal relatives, only he dared to speak like that.

Jin Chen also did not rebuke him, sharing a drink before considering the matter settled.

Wen Zhiheng felt his father's scrutinizing gaze, silently shook his head to indicate he was fine.

After that night, the news of the Empress regaining favor spread completely through the court, not to mention that His Majesty even said he would let the Empress attend court together with him.

The officials who had previously mocked the Wen family for raising a son in vain were all slapped in the face; after thinking it over, they brought many gifts to the Wen family seeking reconciliation.

Those who can maneuver in the court are all sharp-witted, their hearts like clear mirrors; from now on, the Empress's favor will only increase, never decrease.

Know that the General Ningde, far away in Saiwai's Western Regions, had recently been forgotten by His Majesty; perhaps it was just a few pillow‑wind words from the Empress that prompted His Majesty to personally send someone to the Western Regions to bring the general back.

Some families rejoice, others grieve.

Many officials who had openly and covertly urged the emperor to strip Wen Zhiheng of his powers were now filled with astonishment and fear.

But no matter how you say it, aside from a minor hiccup, Jin Chen's dual purposes for this palace banquet have been achieved.

The next day, Jin Chen, citing the undiscovered secret tunnel map and secret‑agent accomplices as pretext, launched a thorough investigation of all unregistered persons in the palace—not sparing palace maids, eunuchs, or even the old odd‑job workers in the Cold Palace.

For a time, the palace interior erupted in an uproar, with everyone slated for identity investigation.

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhiheng always felt that Jin Chen was looking for someone else, such as……

"Your Highness, Your Highness."

Yun Wu softly called a few times, the hairpin inserted through the crown, facing the bronze mirror and asked, "Your Highness, haven't you rested well?"

Wen Zhiheng came to his senses and glanced at the mirror.

He ought to have gone to court together with His Majesty today, but his mind was truly unsettled, so he made an excuse.

"No, hasn't Your Majesty come yet?"

Yun Wu covered her mouth and laughed lightly, "His Majesty just went to court a short while ago; Your Highness previously wouldn't let His Majesty enter our Hall of Resting Heart, but now it seems you've had a change of heart."

"Nonsense."

Wen Zhiheng offhandedly rebuked her, picked up the medicine bowl from the side, drank it slowly, and his thoughts drifted away again.

How exactly should he choose?

"Master, Your Majesty has arrived."

Shun Ping poked his head out from outside the door and shouted.

Jin Chen entered the hall; two maids immediately came forward, he waved them away, then untied his great cloak and shed the chill all over his body.

"The weather has been getting colder lately; if Huai Feng is going out, remember to bring more hot water bottles."

"I know, Your Subject."

Wen Zhiheng rose, ordered Yun Wu to prepare breakfast, poured a cup of tea for Jin Chen, and said, "Today's palace investigation of suspicious persons really doesn't resemble the posture of looking for a single secret agent."

He glanced at Jin Chen, quickly withdrew his gaze, passed the tea cup over, and asked, "Your Majesty, do you have any other ideas?"

What else could it be but to find that tyrant?

Jin Chen tilted his head back, drank the tea, casually set the cup on the table, then without hesitation pulled Wen Zhiheng into his lap, seated sideways on his thigh, and locked his waist with a strong arm.

"Your Majesty…!"

Wen Zhiheng was startled by his sudden move; by the time he steadied himself, he had already lunged into Jin Chen's embrace and could not escape.

"Huai Feng is especially concerned about this matter."

Jin Chen smiled meaningfully, rubbing the pad of his finger against his cheek, and said, "Actually, someone reported that they'd caught a batch of unregistered suspicious persons in the palace records."

"Huai Feng, would you accompany me to have a look?"

Wen Zhiheng's expression shifted slightly; he avoided Jin Chen's gaze, nervously gripped his cuff, and tried to keep his tone sounding ordinary.

"If I can ease Your Majesty's worries, I naturally would be willing."

Only now did Wen Zhiheng realize that perhaps Jin Chen really had discovered something, and also knew that he was in the know.

But why not expose it?

Seeing that his mind was elsewhere, Jin Chen used a bit more force, almost pinching Wen Zhiheng's chin as he kissed him—still a kiss overflowing with possessive desire, full of predatory intensity.

"Mm…"

Wen Zhiheng patted his shoulder, but to no avail; slowly, his reluctant struggle weakened, and he leaned against Jin Chen's chest.

Just moments ago the atmosphere had been rather tense, like swords drawn and bows bent, but now it finally became warm.

【Detected Villain Heartthrob Value +10, total 30!】

Jin Chen held the person in his arms tightly, his tone calm and unruffled, saying, "You belong to me."

Wen Zhiheng heard those words crystal clear, his heart sank, even his fingertips went numb.

As expected… Jin Chen already knew.

But he dared not test, wondering what this person's identity really was.

His breathing grew lighter; hesitating carefully, he reached out, slowly returning the embrace around Jin Chen's waist, silent, leaning against him, his heart still torn.

On one side were the etiquette rules he had observed since childhood, the emperor who had accompanied and assisted him for so many years; on the other side was the sudden appearance of Jin Chen, who gave him a sense of security and affection he had never known before.

The memories of the past are not false; he still thinks of those bygone times, yet he cannot likewise sever himself from the present.

Wen Zhiheng felt for the first time that he was a coward who dared not face it.

After breakfast, Jin Chen wiped the soup stain from Wen Zhiheng's lips with a handkerchief, then lowered his head and kissed him again.

"Come on, I'll take you to see those people."