After briefing everyone, Chu Chen left the imperial court and returned to the Prime Minister's mansion, but a knot in his heart remained unresolved.
Perhaps he should go find Qian Jieren to talk?
With that old fellow leaving like this, he would surely encounter trouble on the road.
Chu Chen felt that if he were to save him, this fellow would at least have to offer some reward, right?
Qian Jieren, who had left the imperial court, was utterly dejected. Ever since he passed the imperial examination and entered officialdom, this was the first time he had experienced such a setback, falling into an abyss in one go.
Although His Majesty had not pursued him relentlessly, his official career was effectively ruined.
He dared not seek trouble with Chu Chen, as this matter was ultimately his own doing.
Slumping into a chair, Qian Jieren quickly made a decision: resign and return home!
Although his hometown might not be as convenient as the capital, it was, after all, his roots.
This setback in his official career felt like losing half his life; he felt as if his time was short.
He immediately drafted his resignation letter, preparing to leave the capital the next day.
After this upheaval in the imperial court, the officials became much more compliant. Chu Chen's proposals were mostly passed smoothly.
The Empress also received Qian Jieren's resignation. With a stroke of her imperial brush, she approved it and sent people to give Qian Jieren some silver for his travel expenses.
Subsequently, the Empress informed Chu Chen of this matter. Chu Chen frowned and pondered for a moment before immediately taking his leave from the Empress.
At this time, Qian Jieren was already seated in a carriage leaving the capital. No former colleagues saw him off; only a young servant accompanied him.
Qian Jieren sighed, "Xiao Linzi, if you wish to stay in the capital, I, your master, will not stop you. You may return. Take this silver; it should be enough to help your family."
Before the servant could reply, a commotion erupted in front of the carriage.
"You surnamed Qian, leave your life behind. Your soul may return to your homeland."
The carriage suddenly stopped. Qian Jieren frowned and alighted, looking bewildered at the masked figures in front of the carriage.
"Who might you be? I don't believe we know each other."
"We do not know each other, but you cannot live. Die!"
Saying that, the person charged towards Qian Jieren.
Qian Jieren was startled, but seeing the opponent's skill, he feared he could not escape death this time.
With this thought, Qian Jieren closed his eyes, awaiting his end.
He then heard a "poof" sound, the sound of a sword entering flesh, followed by the sound of someone being kicked and falling to the ground.
Qian Jieren couldn't help but open his eyes. Seeing Xiao Linzi lying on the ground, blood seeping from his abdomen and from his mouth and nose, Qian Jieren trembled.
"Xiao Linzi, why did you take the blow for me? This matter had nothing to do with you."
Xiao Linzi opened his mouth to speak, but only a mouthful of blood came out, and he could say nothing.
The black-clad assailant continued to approach Qian Jieren, raising his hand to strike him down. Suddenly, a metallic clang was heard, and Qian Jieren was startled.
Opening his eyes again, he saw a Jin Yi Wei (Imperial Guard) standing before him, locked in battle with the black-clad assailant.
After exchanging dozens of blows in an instant, the black-clad assailant immediately retreated.
After casting a deep glance at Qian Jieren, the assailant immediately flashed away without the slightest hesitation.
Qian Jieren was about to thank him when he saw the assailant's figure move, appearing dozens of feet away. Standing there was Chu Chen.
Qian Jieren hurried to Chu Chen's side and said, "Prime Minister Chu, why did you come to save me? In my opinion, Prime Minister Chu, if not hatred, at least you wouldn't have made a special trip to save me."
Chu Chen dismissed the Jin Yi Wei and said, "That's right, I wasn't specifically here to save you. I just happened to pass by."
"Regardless, I, Qian, must still thank Prime Minister Chu for your righteous assistance. If not for Prime Minister Chu, I fear I would have truly died at the hands of that black-clad assailant."
Chu Chen looked at Qian Jieren and asked, "Why would someone want to kill you? Although you were apprehended, you didn't implicate anyone."
"Moreover, the Empress has decided not to pursue this matter further. There is no motive for anyone in the court to target you."
Hearing this, Qian Jieren's expression changed slightly, and he then smiled, "Prime Minister Chu has saved me this time, and I am eternally grateful. Upon returning to my hometown, I will burn incense and pray for Prime Minister Chu every day."
Chu Chen, however, stared into Qian Jieren's eyes and said, "You are changing the subject. Believe it or not, if I can save you, I can also kill you."
Hearing this, Qian Jieren gave a wry smile, "I am well aware of Prime Minister Chu's capabilities. However, Prime Minister Chu, you are young and hold a high position. You must be careful."
Chu Chen frowned upon hearing this, not quite understanding his meaning.
Qian Jieren smiled and said, "Prime Minister Chu, don't you understand? The truly formidable methods are not just martial arts and abilities, but also schemes and traps."
"If you fall into them, it will be difficult to escape."
Hearing this, Chu Chen looked confused, not understanding why Qian Jieren would say such things, and to him.
Seeing Chu Chen's perplexed expression, Qian Jieren immediately smiled and said, "Prime Minister Chu, what you said earlier only revealed half the truth. The person who wanted to kill me this time is indeed not from the court."
"As for the other half of the truth, although this person is not in the court, he controls at least thirty percent of the court officials. What he intends to do is to replace the Empress."
"Perhaps Prime Minister Chu thinks this is nothing, but matters of life and death like this warrant careful consideration from Prime Minister Chu."
Chu Chen pondered for a moment and said, "Who is this ambitious person?"
Qian Jieren sighed, "Prime Minister Chu, do you think I can tell you this person's name?"
He had only resigned and returned home, yet he was pursued by assassins. If he truly revealed the other party's name, he would be silenced, even if he fled to the ends of the earth!
Qian Jieren sighed, "Prime Minister Chu, I can give you a hint about this matter, but I cannot say too much."
Saying that, Chu Chen saw him point his finger towards the north, a trace of fear in his eyes.
Chu Chen was greatly shocked, "Are you referring to the Xiongnu Chanyu in the north?"
Although Chu Chen could not yet confirm the truth of Qian Jieren's words, the mere possibility indicated a grave situation.
It should be known that the Xiongnu and the Yunyue Kingdom had a significant disparity in national strength. If the Xiongnu Chanyu intended to deal with the Yunyue Kingdom, it would be difficult for their Yunyue Kingdom to resist.
Qian Jieren smiled and said, "Prime Minister Chu, I haven't said anything. However, this pursuit has made me realize one thing: I probably cannot stay in my hometown. Prime Minister Chu, we may never meet again. Please take care."
With that, Qian Jieren turned, dragged Xiao Linzi's body into the carriage, and drove away.
Chu Chen watched Qian Jieren disappear, then turned to look towards the distant north, lost in thought.