“Oh?”
On the raised platform, Jiang Chengdao squinted his eyes, his gaze full of interest as he looked at the one figure below, standing out from the courtiers like a quail, daring to step forward and seemingly prepared to confront him.
He truly hadn’t expected that this group of courtiers, who had been suppressed by Empress Dowager Zhao’s ruthless methods for a full six years, would still possess such courage when faced with his presence, which was no weaker than Empress Dowager Zhao’s.
Unknowingly, he recalled the words his sister, Jiang Chengwan, had spoken before the Xuanwu Guard was about to be dispatched to the capital.
Within the court today, there were loyal and steadfast officials who upheld the orthodox way.
After gaining control of Luojing, he had been busy cleaning up Empress Dowager Zhao’s faction, quelling resistance within the city, sorting through various documents, accounts, treasures in the Empress Dowager’s chambers, and handling related follow-up matters. He had entrusted the command of the Xuanwu Guard to Jiang Chengwan and hadn’t had the chance to ask her who these loyal and steadfast officials were that she had mentioned.
Could it be him?
“And who might this esteemed gentleman be?”
Lu Chen arched his hand in a gesture of respect, speaking neither servilely nor arrogantly, “I am Lu Chen, with the courtesy name Huaiyu, bestowed by His Majesty’s grace. I currently hold the position of an official in the Engineering Ministry.”
“So, it’s Mr. Lu.”
Jiang Chengdao’s lips curled slightly beneath his mask, revealing a hint of meaningful amusement. He then offered a half-sincere, half-feigned statement, “I’ve heard about you for quite some time.”
Saying this, he subtly turned his head, casting a sidelong glance at his sister on the dragon throne, his eyes containing a hint of inquiry.
Jiang Chengwan seemed to have anticipated his gaze and, in that instant of eye contact, she nodded directly.
Jiang Chengdao immediately understood, and couldn’t help but take a closer look, his gaze falling on Lu Chen. He appeared curious and appreciative.
“I don’t deserve such praise.”
Lu Chen’s expression was incredibly stern, showing no deference to Jiang Chengdao.
Regarding Lu Chen’s blatantly defiant attitude, Jiang Chengdao found it somewhat amusing inwardly, though the cold smile he emitted from beneath his mask was genuinely chilling.
“Hehe, does Mr. Lu find any fault in the proposal I just made?”
“Hmph!”
His response was a resolute and powerful snort.
“Of course not.”
“Really?”
Jiang Chengdao’s voice carried a noticeable sense of intrigue.