Chapter 982: Chapter 542: Grand Court Assembly (Additional Update) (2)
“I ask you, at such a critical moment, if I were to quietly be called back to the Capital, what would the King of Beiliang think? What would the three hundred thousand Beiliang Army think? What would the millions of common people in Liangzhou think?
My death is a small matter, but the face of the Emperor’s Great Governor is a big one.
Though I have but a seven-foot body and weak cultivation, I am still willing to fight for the country, to die for the country. I hope the Great Governor sees this! I hope the Emperor sees this!”
These passionately and vigorously spoken words, if not for Chen Yuan knowing they were false, might have even convinced himself soon enough.
The image of a young official serving the nation and willingly facing death was portrayed in full.
As expected, after saying these words, Gu Tianqiong suddenly fell silent, looking gravely at Chen Yuan, reflecting on his long-standing behavior.
It seemed… it truly was so.
However, outwardly he did not say this, only let out a light snort:
“Sharp-tongued.”
To say such words indicated that the incident had nearly passed, which was actually very normal and within Chen Yuan’s expectations.
No matter what, he had made his contribution to the country, saving countless people without fear of death. Even if Jingtai was displeased and believed Chen Yuan had disrupted his plans, he had no choice but to swallow it.
He would still have to reward him.
This was an open strategy.
Chen Yuan had rendered unparalleled service. If he were not rewarded, the people of Liangzhou would not agree, and neither would the people of the world, only thinking the Emperor was incompetent and the court full of traitors.
Regarding meritorious officials as nothing.
Chen Yuan could even openly declare, “I have made contributions to the court, I have shed blood for the court, I have risked my life for the court!”
Once turmoil broke out, the public sentiment would definitely be unfavorable to the court.
“It’s all thanks to the Great Governor’s guidance.”
Chen Yuan showed a slight smile.
“Take a seat.”
Gu Tianqiong waved his hand.
“Thank you, sir.”
Chen Yuan slowly walked to the seat at the lower left and sat down.
“This time, you have rendered great service and should be richly rewarded by the court. The Emperor has summoned me, and the matter of conferring a marquisate is already settled. After the court meeting, you will be the youngest marquis since the founding of Great Jin.
Remember not to be prideful, not to lose yourself in success. The Emperor and I have high expectations for you, do you understand?”
Gu Tianqiong’s tone shifted, becoming much gentler than before.
“Thank you for your favor, sir. I will certainly be self-disciplined and loyal to the court.”
Chen Yuan continued to express his stance.
After all, these words cost nothing, so saying a little more doesn’t hurt.
As for future rebellion, that would be only because the court forced me too far!
I, Chen Yuan, would have no choice but to save the people from disaster and misery!
“Hmm, remember what you said today.”
“May I know what title the Emperor plans to bestow upon me?” Chen Yuan asked.
“This… you will find out during the court meeting, as the Emperor has high hopes for you,” Gu Tianqiong chuckled lightly.
Chen Yuan’s gaze flickered, and he did not ask further.
He wasn’t obsessed, merely asking casually.
Yet carrying the Emperor’s expectations, that was rather interesting.
“How did the matter I previously assigned to you go? If not done well, it would be hard for me to…” Gu Tianqiong asked casually.
“Are you referring to the matter of the remnants of the previous dynasty?”
Chen Yuan quickly grasped the meaning in Gu Tianqiong’s words.
“Yes.”
“Thanks to the Great Governor, I have indeed made some gains.”
“Hmm… hmm?”
Gu Tianqiong looked at Chen Yuan with slight surprise and a light frown:
“You… made gains?”
Chen Yuan had been in Liangzhou for a mere three months at most, most of which was during the Liang barbarian battles. Where did he find the time to investigate those remnants of the previous dynasty?
He had not harbored any hope initially.
Intending to give some advice that even if he rendered great service, failing an assigned task was still a fault.
Yet before he could finish his words, the other party unexpectedly said such a thing.
This… this… this…
This young man…
“I have indeed made some gains, considered not to have shamed the Great Governor’s command.” Chen Yuan smiled with a slight bow.
Gu Tianqiong stared at Chen Yuan, coughing lightly:
“What gains?”
A glow flickered in Chen Yuan’s hand, and a lifelike preserved head fell to the ground, making a sound.
With Chen Yuan’s current strength and position, it was possible to keep Jiezixumi treasures and Divine Weapons; there was no need to hide anything, as long as the other party did not know it was a Heavenly Book.
After all, in the Jianghu, there were quite a few Yang Transformation True Masters possessing Jiezixumi treasures and Divine Weapons.
He was not unusual.
“Whose is this?”
Gu Tianqiong asked directly.
“Reporting to the Great Governor, this person is named Xiang Lingtian, the heir of the Xiang Family, remnants of the former Chu Imperial Family, of this generation. At the peak of Heavenly Core cultivation, possessing double pupils, his strength was formidable. I suffered considerable injuries while killing him…”
Introducing the background of Xiang Lingtian, Gu Tianqiong’s pupils contracted, appearing somewhat shocked; this was indeed the heir of this generation of the Xiang Family!
And Chen Yuan had killed him!
Truly… he truly did not know what to say.
He did not suspect Chen Yuan would dare deceive him; the Xiang Family’s whereabouts were elusive, but the court had achieved some success in recent years. If this person was indeed the heir of the Xiang Family.
It was completely possible to ascertain through some means.
What astonished him was that Chen Yuan had accomplished so much in just three months, utterly beyond his previous expectations.
Liang barbarian battles, returning on the brink of death, and even such achievements.
Perhaps there is only one person like this in the world.
“How did you find the Xiang Family’s whereabouts?”