I play the role of Jiajing in Zongwu: What crime have I committed?

They never imagined that this usually calm and composed genius, the Jiangzuo Mei Lang, would lose his composure so drastically in court.

Princess Nihuang also turned her head sharply to look at Mei Changsu, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.

Why did Mei Changsu react so strongly?

Moreover, he just addressed Prince Jing by his given name, which is not something a well-read scholar would do.

Xiao Jingyan slowly turned around, looked at Mei Changsu with a deep gaze, and said disdainfully.

"Mr. Su, this is a contest between me and Warrior Baili. What does it have to do with you?"

Upon hearing this, Mei Changsu's heart trembled violently, as if he had been stabbed by a sharp blade.

Could it be that twelve years have changed the heart of Xiao Jingyan, who was once upright and hated evil?

He suppressed his surging blood and qi, a metallic taste rising in his throat.

Just as he was about to question her, Zhu Houcong asked meaningfully, "What's wrong with Su Qing?"

"Could it be that you have some unique insight into what Jingyan just said?"

This question struck like a thunderbolt, instantly bringing Mei Changsu to his senses.

He realized that he had just lost his composure and almost exposed his identity.

Now they are in a difficult situation and must find a way to salvage the situation.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Despite his illness, Mei Changsu knelt on the ground, but his voice was unusually clear.

"This humble citizen merely thought that His Highness Prince Jing is an expert in military strategy; if he were to marry Princess Nihuang, the 100,000 iron cavalry of Yunnan would all fall under his command..."

He paused deliberately at this point, then made it clear.

"If Yunnan were completely under our control at that time, it would likely be a bad thing for the nation!"

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent instantly.

Everyone's hearts skipped a beat, they looked at each other in bewilderment, and even their breathing became cautious.

They all knew that Mei Changsu's words were true, but how could such a scathing remark be made public in the palace?

A hint of surprise flashed in Crown Prince Xiao Jingxuan's eyes, while Prince Yu Xiao Jinghuan frowned deeply.

How could this brilliant strategist be so reckless?

The renowned Mei Lanfang of Jiangzuo, is he really this cunning?

That's it?

Upon hearing these hurtful words, Xiao Jingyan's expression of disgust became even more pronounced.

He stared at Mei Changsu through gritted teeth, his jaw muscles clearly visible on his resolute face.

"Your Majesty, I did not think that far ahead. Please punish me."

"Get up. I'm not blaming you. Why do you kneel down all the time?"

Zhu Houcong's fingers, hidden in the dragon sleeve, relaxed slightly, and his palms were already covered in a layer of cold sweat.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief, not expecting that he had actually managed to break Mei Changsu's guard.

Who would have thought that the brilliant strategist, who was always so adept at planning, would be driven to such disarray by his own scheme of "brothers stealing wives"?

Sure enough, even someone as cunning as Mei Changsu would lose his mind when he saw that Xiao Jingyan, whom he considered a good brother, was going to marry his woman.

Just now, at the critical moment, if I hadn't spoken up in time to interrupt, Mei Changsu would probably have shouted "I am Lin Shu" in his desperation.

By then, what's the point of playing around? Meng Zhi will be right beside you!

Are we going to gamble with our lives on whether his knife is sharp or not?

Zhu Houcong subconsciously touched his neck and suddenly felt that the dragon throne was a bit uncomfortable to sit on.

However, the show must go on for now.

Zhu Houcong adjusted his crown, then slammed his hand on the dragon-headed table, causing the jade beads on the crown to jingle: "Su Zhe!"

The angry shout made the candlelight in the hall tremble.

"I and Jingyan are a loving father and son. You, a commoner from the Jianghu, speak of the instability of the state. Do I not even trust my own son?"

Mei Changsu immediately knelt down, secretly regretting his actions.

In a moment of panic, I lost my senses.

At this moment, Prince Jing's burning gaze felt like a thorn in his back; without even looking, he knew that those eyes were filled with rage.

But since things have come to this, we have no choice but to grit our teeth and continue to negotiate.

"Your Majesty, please understand. This humble subject is filled with sincere righteousness and is truly concerned for the well-being of all people..."

Before he could finish speaking, Emperor Liang interrupted him with a cold laugh.

"So many things have happened, the rise and fall of dynasties, as the endless Yangtze River flows on and on."

"With your limited knowledge, having read some high-level lectures and studied some Neo-Confucianism lectures by Li Chong from your hometown, you dare to presume to talk about world affairs and point fingers at the state of the nation?"

"I think you are trying to sow discord between the emperor and his sons."

[Learn Jiajing's classic quotes, role-play Jiajing +1, reward: Medicine King's Golden Elixir]

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze.

Mei Changsu touched his forehead to the ground: "This humble subject would never dare."

"Hmph, you've already dared to do it."

Zhu Houcong suddenly stood up, grabbed a teacup from the table, and smashed it to pieces, with shards flying towards Mei Changsu's hand.

His chest heaved violently, his body beneath the dragon robe trembled slightly with rage, and his face was flushed red, with the veins on his temples clearly visible.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"

Meng Zhi strode forward and knelt on one knee to persuade him.

"Such uncouth men of the martial world are ignorant of the majesty of the Emperor, and their crude language is to be expected. Although he speaks rudely, I observe that he is genuinely concerned for the nation. Your Majesty should perhaps spare him."

Xiao Jingrui hurriedly stepped forward, pleading, "Your Majesty, please have mercy! Since the founding of our Great Liang Dynasty, there has never been a precedent of anyone being punished for their words!"

Zhu Houcong coldly glanced at the two kneeling figures, a barely perceptible sneer curling at the corner of his mouth.

The treacherous minister has already revealed himself.

Meng Zhi is one, and Xiao Jingrui is another.

The Crown Prince and Prince Yu are now highly skeptical of Mei Changsu's abilities, and therefore have not offered him any assistance.

"Yes, my two ministers are right. Today is the auspicious day for the princess to choose a husband, so I will spare your life."

He keenly noticed that when he said "I'll spare your life," Meng Zhi's hand on the hilt of the knife loosened noticeably.

That traitor!

Mei Changsu is your father!

She's protecting him like this.

If I hadn't said that, you traitorous dog, were you planning to kill me?

Zhu Houcong was immediately filled with anger.

"Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty." Mei Changsu prostrated himself and kowtowed.

Just as he was about to get up, he heard Zhu Houcong suddenly cough lightly.

"but…"

Zhu Houcong's voice trailed off, like a dull knife slowly slicing through everyone's hearts.

"The death penalty may be waived, but punishment is inevitable."

"You are under house arrest for one month, effective immediately, and are prohibited from contacting outsiders."

"However, the construction of the Wanshou Palace cannot be delayed. I have specially granted permission for the Jiangzuo Alliance to assist. Go back and begin preparations."

Chapter 20 Initial Arrangement of Marriage

Looking at Zhu Houcong's face, Mei Changsu felt his blood surging and a metallic taste rising in his throat.

He suppressed his churning inner energy, digging his fingertips deep into his palms to barely maintain a calm expression.

The male protagonists in these female-oriented stories seem to never realize the terrifying power they wield.

Or perhaps they simply enjoy the pleasure of being tortured.

If it's a male-oriented novel, then this kind of power is in hand.

They had already raised their arms and shouted, "Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?"

Zhu Houcong sneered inwardly.

such a pity!

You're the male protagonist in a female-oriented novel, while I'm the main villain.

If you just abandon the female-oriented mindset, I have ninety-nine ways to destroy you.

Ninety-nine kinds!

Zhu Houcong, the emperor, sat upright on the dragon throne, a faint smile playing on his lips.

It felt like watching a meticulously choreographed show.

Mei Changsu understood that Zhu Houcong's blatant extortion was clearly an abuse of imperial power to fleece the wealthy.

Even though he was furious, he only raged for a moment.

"This humble subject...receives the imperial decree."

Finally, he slowly knelt down, his lowered eyelashes concealing the cold glint in his eyes, and his voice was completely calm.

Zhu Houcong sipped his wine absentmindedly, not even sparing a glance.

"Go down."

He arrived amidst great fanfare, but left all alone.

The brilliant strategist, the Jiangzuo Mei Lang, now walked alone through the many palace gates.

As Princess Nihuang watched Mei Changsu leave, she suddenly pressed her hand to her chest, a strange, sharp pain shooting through her.

She couldn't understand why that receding blue robe reminded her of the old friend who had perished in Meiling many years ago.

The two don't look alike at all!

After Mei Changsu left Fengtian Hall, Zhu Houcong said, "Jingyan, let's begin. Don't disappoint me."

Xiao Jingyan nodded slightly and said, "Brave warrior Baili, please!"

Everyone held their breath, their eyes focused on the two people in the center of the room.

Bai Liqi grinned, clasped his hands in a respectful bow, and said, "Your Highness Prince Jing, please enlighten me!"

Before he finished speaking, he strode forward and his right fist, like a hammer, slammed straight into Xiao Jingyan's face.

The force of the punch was so strong that it caused the surrounding candlelight to flicker.

Xiao Jingyan slightly turned his body, formed his left palm, and smoothly deflected Baili Qi's punch to the side.

When Bailiqi's first attack missed, he immediately changed his move, sweeping his left leg like a whip, aiming straight for Xiao Jingyan's waist and abdomen.

Xiao Jingyan lowered his waist and sat on his horse, crossing his arms to block.

With a muffled thud, he was unharmed, but Bailiqi was knocked back five or six steps.

"That was powerful."

Xiao Jingyan felt the force coming from his arm, his gaze sharpened, and he was secretly alarmed.

Although Bailiqi was only at the seventh rank, the power of his kick was comparable to that of a martial artist who had just entered the eighth rank.

Seeing that he couldn't gain the upper hand, Bailiqi launched a series of punches, raining down on Xiao Jingyan like a storm.