Who put the yellow robe on me?

As night falls, the capital city is brightly lit, and the streets are bustling with people.

Jiang Chen, Jiang Sirou and others walked slowly on the way back home. The lanterns on both sides of the street were hung high, emitting warm light, which reflected on their faces, making them look particularly peaceful.

Jiang Chen's mind was full of thoughts, recalling what happened in the dilapidated temple today.

He knew that although the Sixth Prince's conspiracy had been temporarily exposed, the civil servants and military generals in the court each had their own positions and support objects, and the situation in the entire court remained complicated.

"Sixteenth brother, what are you thinking about?" Jiang Sirou asked with concern, gently holding his hand and looking at him tenderly.

Jiang Chen raised his head, a trace of fatigue flashing in his eyes. "I'm thinking about the current situation in the court. On the civil service side, Prime Minister He is the leader, but he hasn't publicly endorsed any particular prince. The six ministries—the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Rites—each have their own supporters. It seems that no prince will be able to dominate for the time being."

He paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "For the military, the situation is even more complicated. General Zhong Wenbin is a First-Rank General appointed by Emperor Liang. The other four garrison generals in the southeast, northwest, and northeast all obey his orders. Originally, General Zhong had a mediocre relationship with any of the princes in the court and had never publicly supported any of them."

Jiang Sirou listened, and her heart moved slightly: "What does General Zhong think of you now?"

Jiang Chen gave a bitter laugh. "Things are different now. I'm in the Western Regions with General Zhong, pressing the cities one by one. Emperor Liang has unknowingly come to believe that the Sixteenth Prince and the General are growing closer. If someone else were to gossip in Father's ear at this time, it would indeed make Emperor Liang wary, wary of my unpredictable future."

He paused, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. "It seems that Emperor Liang's trust in me is gradually increasing, but this also means more attention and pressure. If other forces intervene, it may be disadvantageous to me."

Jiang Sirou's tone was gentle but firm: "Sixteenth brother, you don't have to worry. I will talk to father after returning to the palace. There must be some misunderstanding. Father loves me the most."

After returning to Prince Yan's Mansion, Dianzhang was responsible for escorting the Thirteenth Princess back to the palace, while Jiang Chen and others returned to their own residences to rest.

The night was deep, and moonlight streamed through the windows into the room, illuminating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Jiang Chen sat in his study, holding a cup of tea in his hands, his eyes deep, but his heart was still turbulent.

The next day, the sun rose, and the sunlight shone through the windows onto the streets and alleys of the capital, bringing a touch of warmth. Jiang Chen, Jiang Sirou, and the others got up early and prepared to go to the court.

Above the imperial court, the Wanhe Hall is magnificent and splendid.

Emperor Liang sat on the dragon throne, which was finely carved and inlaid with gold threads, demonstrating the dignity of imperial power.

However, he looked even more haggard than he did half a year ago. There was a hint of fatigue between his brows, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were deeper. His breathing was filled with coughs, his voice was hoarse, and he looked particularly fragile.

Despite this, his gaze remained sharp, as if penetrating every minister present, searching for answers deep within their hearts.

With the sound of "Long live the emperor", all the ministers in the court saluted, wearing court robes of various colors, crowns on their heads, and knelt down in front of Emperor Liang with steady steps.

Jiang Chen stood in front of the hall, dressed in gorgeous court robes, with an exquisite sword at his waist. His gaze was firm and deep. He looked at Emperor Liang. Although he was pretending to be the Sixteenth Prince, seeing the haggard appearance of Emperor Liang, he couldn't help but feel a trace of pity and worry in his heart.

He knew that something major must have happened to Emperor Liang in the past six months, and his body had long been unable to bear the strain.

Emperor Liang's voice was low and weak: "Chen'er, what's the situation in the Western Regions?"

Jiang Chen took a deep breath, stood up, and spoke in a loud and clear voice: "Father, the situation in the Western Region has improved significantly. General Zhong Wenbin led the elite troops to capture five cities in the Western Region and subdued Xianyu Linyuan and Xuanyuan Feiyan, two important generals in the Western Region. The cities in the Western Region are being taken one by one, and Daliang's borders have been stabilized."

Every word he said was full of confidence and power, his voice was like a loud bell, shaking people's hearts.

Emperor Liang showed a look of satisfaction and nodded, "Well done, Chen'er. The soldiers in the Western Regions have always been a major concern for Daliang, and now you have made the greatest contribution."

Seeing that the Emperor of Liang was satisfied with Jiang Chen's report, the ministers expressed their approval. The entire court was filled with a peaceful atmosphere, as if Daliang had finally ushered in the dawn of unification.

However, the peace in the court was soon broken.

Minister of Rites Mu Shenru stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

Emperor Liang waved his hand and said, "It is granted."

Mu Shenru took a deep breath and said slowly, "Your Highness, Prince of Yan, a month ago, someone saw someone who looked just like you in the capital. Rumors circulated that person that person was the real Sixteenth Prince. May I ask, Your Highness, what do you have to say?"

The entire court suddenly fell silent, and all the ministers looked at Jiang Chen, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

Jiang Chen's heart seemed to be tightly gripped, his face turned slightly pale, and his heart was filled with anxiety and fear.

He knew that this was undoubtedly a trap set by the Sixth Prince Jiang Fu, who was trying to shake his "true identity" as the Sixteenth Prince through rumors, or even murder him.

Jiang Chen took a deep breath, calmed himself, and looked at Mu Shenru with a determined gaze: "May I ask, Minister Mu, if someone really is impersonating me, who was it, when, and where did you see them? Can you confirm their true identity?"

Seeing this, Mu Shenru showed a hint of embarrassment on his face, but then he regained his composure and smiled slightly: "This...this...someone has indeed seen it, but the specific circumstances still need to be investigated."

Emperor Liang pondered for a moment, his eyes moving back and forth between the Sixteenth Prince Jiang Chen and the Minister of Rites Mu Shenru, appearing somewhat puzzled and bewildered.

Jiang Chen chuckled inwardly, knowing that the Sixth Prince had no real evidence and that his mere inferences would be difficult to convince the public. He said calmly, "Minister Mu, if that's the case, do you have any real evidence to prove I'm a fake?"

Mu Shenru was not to be outdone: "Your Highness, Prince of Yan, may I ask if anyone can verify your identity?"

Jiang Chen smiled secretly: "Father, since I left the capital, I have been with the Thirteenth Princess Jiang Sirou. During the Western Expedition to the Western Regions, the Thirteenth Sister also helped me charge and kill the enemy. The Thirteenth Sister can verify my identity for me."

Emperor Liang looked at Jiang Chen in confusion, then asked, "Jingyi is back too? Why didn't she come to pay her respects to me?"

Jiang Chen's expression changed slightly, and he was shocked: "Father, are you saying that Thirteenth Sister didn't go to pay her respects to you?"