"Do you realize that even Chi Hengji, whom you keep mentioning, wouldn't dare act insolently before me? And are you sure Chi Hengji even knows who you are?"
After eating a few more bites, Jiang Yunsheng decided it was about time. This clown had been jumping around long enough. He set down his chopsticks, leaned back in his chair, and spoke casually.
Yang Junnan, whose claims had never been questioned before, visibly panicked for a moment at Jiang Yunsheng's words.
Then Jiang Yunsheng continued:
"Besides, I have never even met you. How could I possibly have praised you so highly?
You actually dared to use your emperor as a stepping stone. Have you swallowed a lion's heart and a leopard's gall?"
As he spoke, Jiang Yunsheng slowly straightened in his chair. His gentle, harmless demeanor gave way to an overwhelmingly commanding presence.
Seeing Jiang Yunsheng reveal his identity, the merchant who had recognized him hurriedly knelt and cried out:
"This commoner pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
The merchants who had heard Jiang Nuan's thoughts, including Zhu Zhizhuan, also knelt and echoed:
"This commoner pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
Yang Junnan froze on the spot, unable to make sense of what was happening.
The other merchants looked half-convinced and half-doubtful.
"No, impossible! You must be lying to me!"
Yang Junnan shouted as though trying to convince himself.
Despite his words, the ominous feeling in his heart grew stronger and stronger.
Jiang Yunsheng ignored him. Someone would give him his answer soon enough.
A clamor rose all around them, with faint flickers of fire appearing around the County Magistrate's Residence.
Soon, several servants came stumbling and scrambling up to Yang Junnan.
"B-bad news, sir! Government troops have surrounded the County Magistrate's Residence!"
Hearing the servant's words, Yang Junnan hurriedly looked