Chapter 820: Chapter 488: A Touch of Green atop Jingtai’s Head (Part 2)
It seems Jiang He gave her a promise.
“Thank you very much this time.”
After the Daoist nun left, Li Hongshuang looked at Chen Yuan and said.
“Lovers eventually become family. Brother Jiang has treated me well, and so has Sister-in-law. Naturally, I am delighted to see you two no longer suffering from the pain of longing.”
Chen Yuan gave a faint smile.
This was true, and he was genuinely happy to see it, although, of course, it started with Jiang He’s acceptance, otherwise, he wouldn’t meddle in other people’s affairs.
“I will remember this kindness, as I said before, if you encounter any difficulties in the Capital in the future, do come and find me,
the old man still holds some sway.”
Li Hongshuang smiled.
Chen Yuan nodded to express his gratitude.
However, he recalled what his uncle had once told him in Chen Family Village, that when the former Chu fell, Li Kuangxiu and the Great Governor of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, Gu Tianqiong, played a significant role.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have reached such high positions, and they were evidently staunch supporters of the Sima Family, so if he were to rise in the future, conflict would be inevitable.
He understood this point very clearly.
After some small talk, Chen Yuan got up to take his leave and went straight to the Eastern Imperial City Bureau. Last night, after visiting Zhang Yantong, the Grandmaster who temporarily took his position left.
Today was the day for him to officially resume his duties.
Everything was the same as before, following the steps of patrolling and guarding. On his first day back in office, Chen Yuan gathered several Vice Envoys to inquire about the events during that period.
And this time, no one dared to act recklessly like Yang Hucheng. Even Mu Xiu hurriedly came to pay respects to Chen Yuan.
Reporting every detail of the past happenings, the acting Grandmaster knew his place, being a master from the Zhang Xi faction and aware that Chen Yuan was one of them, thus mostly being a figurehead, with most powers still held by the Vice Envoys, led by Tao Qingyuan.
After chatting, they congratulated Chen Yuan on reaching the twenty-first position on the Fengyun List, expressing their admiration for his deeds in Shuzhou, and so on…
After sorting out the affairs of the Eastern Imperial City Bureau, Chen Yuan returned to the Earl’s residence. This time, Fourth Prince Sima Ke did not send someone to deliver an invitation but visited personally.
The steward of the Chen Residence did not dare to neglect, nor dared to refuse him at the door as before, but instead invited him into the residence while hurriedly sending someone to notify Chen Yuan.
Sima Ke looked much more haggard compared to before, lacking the former spirited appearance, even his smiles seemed forced. Upon seeing Chen Yuan enter, he stood up hurriedly and cupped his hands saying:
“Envoy Chen, it’s been a long time.”
Chen Yuan assessed Sima Ke and nodded slightly:
“It has indeed been a long time since we last met, Your Highness. What brings you to the Chen Residence today?”
“You all may leave.”
Sima Ke instructed the guards beside him.
Once they left, only the two of them remained in the room. Sima Ke spoke sincerely:
“I was impulsive before, dissatisfied with Envoy Chen over an uncle who violated laws and discipline. I have reflected on this for a long time in the palace,
and today I came to apologize to Envoy Chen.”
“Your Highness is too serious.”
Chen Yuan smiled and ordered two cups of Spiritual Tea to be served.
Seeing Chen Yuan’s tone of courtesy yet distance, Sima Ke bit his lip and said in a low voice:
“When I went to the palace earlier, my mother concubine had already informed me of everything, although… it’s difficult to accept. After thinking for a long time,
I’ve come to terms, and I will not stand in your way.”
Chen Yuan furrowed his brow. What did Sima Ke mean by this?
Why is it so cryptic?
What had Noble Consort Yang previously told him?
What does not obstruct mean?
He sipped some Spiritual Tea without showing any reaction and directly asked:
“What does Your Highness mean by this?”
Sima Ke was taken aback. Can such matters be laid bare?
Could it be that Chen Yuan was still dissatisfied with him and wanted to humiliate him through this?
It shouldn’t be like this, as it’s said Chen Yuan is broad-minded. Chen Yuan’s question directly interrupted Sima Ke’s next words.
After a long pause, he continued:
“Envoy Chen, you and I are now people on the same side. I came here to resolve past grievances, and henceforth,
I need Envoy Chen’s support. Rest assured, if Envoy Chen finds it inconvenient, when necessary…. I… I can find an excuse to ask my mother to leave the palace.”
“Hmm???”
The confusion in Chen Yuan’s gaze thickened.
What was Sima Ke talking about?
Before he could say more, Sima Ke abruptly spoke again:
“These words shouldn’t be spoken by me, but I want to remind Envoy Chen; currently, the Emperor is in his prime and hasn’t aged, but he hasn’t visited the harem for many years,
so be cautious, otherwise… we all will commit the capital crime of beheading.”
Having said this, Sima Ke exhaled a long breath. He had already hinted to his mother about it and had a clear measure in mind, but Chen Yuan was different,
being young and impetuous. If he made any siblings for himself, they would be doomed.
This must be prevented.
As long as Chen Yuan understood, with his cultivation level, he could certainly prevent the birth of children.
Since it could no longer be stopped, he might as well accept it calmly, and now… he figured it out, thinking his mother must have too… long ago…
Moreover, Chen Yuan just so happened to be an insightful person.