After breaking through, Chen Yuan spent another half day cultivating in his room, only stopping when he had completely stabilized his cultivation.

Although he was still at the False Core level, his strength had reached almost the Heavenly Core level. The only uncertainty was whether he could defeat a Heavenly Core expert.

After all, he had only ever observed Heavenly Core Grandmasters making their moves, never actually fought such an existence. Therefore, he didn't have an accurate gauge.

He desperately needed an opponent to measure himself against.

Of course, this was just a thought. He didn't really need to find such an opponent for a fight. He had neither the intention nor the mood for it.

If possible, he even hoped that his strength would remain unknown.

Staying low-key was the key to living longer.

The clamor within the capital continued. Perhaps due to the deliberate efforts of some, in just a few days, half of the capital knew that Chen Yuan had clashed with the Fourth Prince, Sima Ke.

The conflict was deep.

And this was a sight many people were happy to see. One was the current prince, the other a peerless dragon among men, renowned throughout the martial world. Neither of them was a pushover.

Many people wanted to see who would win.

The First Prince, Sima Qian, and the Second Prince, Sima You, who had previously invited Chen Yuan for a meeting, had also gone silent, seemingly waiting to see the show.

They were waiting for the last moment to befriend Chen Yuan.

But this meant nothing to Chen Yuan. He had no interest in paying attention to these things. His top priority was still cultivating martial arts. The Ancestral Worship Ceremony was approaching.

The more strength he could gain, the more chances he had of survival.

At least, that's how Chen Yuan saw it...

Although he had already broken through to the Vajra Indestructible Realm, he hadn't reached the peak yet. He still had a long way to go. To break through to 'Spiritual Derivation,' he had to temper his physical body to the extreme.

A few days passed in a flash.

These few days seemed calm on the surface, but undercurrents were surging. The people that the Fourth Prince, Sima Ke, had sent to Qingzhou had returned, bringing back Xiao Qingmu's wanted order.

What angered him the most was that the wanted order had been issued when Chen Yuan went to the banquet.

He had tricked him, and he had believed it!

Now it was too late to say anything. Could he go to Chen Yuan again?

The wanted order was already in effect. Chen Yuan was right to arrest Xiao Qingmu. But the news he received was that Xiao Qingmu hadn't been taken to the heavenly prison and had disappeared without a trace...

She must have died at Chen Yuan's hands.

He just didn't know if before killing her, he had...

Thinking of Xiao Qingmu's graceful figure and the treasure she had promised him, Sima Ke's eyes couldn't help but reveal a hint of killing intent. Chen Yuan, this thorn in his side, this pain in his flesh, must be removed to quell the hatred in his heart!

Under the Fourth Prince's manipulations, provocations and tests, after several days of silence, quickly enveloped Chen Yuan. The court also began to impeach him.

Even many guards under his command were deliberately creating obstacles.

Tao Qingyuan reported this to Chen Yuan, who said coldly:

"Investigate the backgrounds of these people."

Upon investigation, it turned out that these people were not clean. Chen Yuan directly arrested them for various crimes, which also made his fierce reputation quickly spread within the Sky Survey Department.

The other two Deputy Commanders were a little frightened, fearing that Chen Yuan would turn his anger on them.

At the same time, Chen Yuan's counterattack continued.

At the suggestion of Zhang Yantong, the Profound-Rank Divine Envoy, an official directly impeached Yang Hucheng's seven deadly sins during the grand court meeting, prompting Jingtai to order a thorough investigation.

The conflict between Chen Yuan and Sima Ke completely escalated.

At this moment, in the imperial harem.

When she learned that the Emperor was going to thoroughly investigate her younger brother, Consort Yang was immediately furious. She knew that her younger brother had things to hide.

Once everything was investigated, even if he didn't die, he would be exiled to the frontier.

But he was her only precious younger brother. How could she bear to let him die?

After her anger, she was filled with worry, and she immediately prepared to go to the Emperor to plead for mercy, but she was stopped outside the door. She was told that His Majesty was currently in secluded cultivation with the National Teacher and no one was allowed to disturb him.

Upon hearing the Emperor's reply, the dignified Consort Yang immediately smashed a valuable vase, and hatred for Chen Yuan rose in her heart. She felt that he was the one who wanted to put her younger brother to death.

He must pay the price.

Princess Pingyang, who was beside her, looked at her angry appearance, which was completely different from her previous dignified and graceful demeanor, and said in a deep voice:

"Mother Consort, Pingyang doesn't think what Father Emperor said is unreasonable. Over the years, Uncle has indeed committed many crimes in the capital because of Mother Consort's doting.

Now, he even dares to keep boys and disrespect his superiors..."

Before she could finish her words, Consort Yang immediately stopped her:

"Shut up, Pingyang. No matter what, Hu Cheng is your uncle. How can you speak for outsiders? Don't you know that Chen Yuan even humiliated Ke'er in public?

As your brother's older sister, instead of thinking about how to win back face for your brother, you want to speak up for him.

Do you even have me, your Mother Consort, in your eyes!"

Pingyang was silent. From a young age, she knew that her Mother Consort didn't like her because she was a daughter and hadn't been the first prince that Jingtai wanted.

This had led to the First Prince's Mother Consort overshadowing her back then.

But it was precisely because of this that Pingyang had developed an independent personality, resulting in the well-rounded Princess Pingyang, skilled in both literary and martial arts.

"Why aren't you continuing?"

Consort Yang stared at Princess Pingyang.

She faced her Mother Consort and said calmly:

"Then what does Mother Consort want me to say?"

"Aren't you usually very scheming? Why don't you plan for your brother on how to deal with Chen Yuan and rescue your uncle from the Sky Survey Department?"

"Deal with Chen Yuan?" Pingyang said in a deep voice:

"What Imperial Brother should do is befriend Chen Yuan, show the people in the capital who are paying attention to this matter his magnanimity, and eliminate his relatives for the greater good, instead of antagonizing Chen Yuan for a mere remnant of Qingyun. As for Uncle... it's good for him to learn a lesson."

She wasn't speaking up for Chen Yuan, but from an outsider's perspective, this was the best choice. How could a prince not have any magnanimity?

This matter might seem like a small thing, but in reality, it was being watched by countless people, even her Father Emperor, who had been living in the depths of the palace for a long time, might be paying attention to it.

"You..." Consort Yang stared at her unyielding daughter, speechless for a moment.

Pingyang lowered her gaze and said nothing more.

Taking a deep breath, Consort Yang turned her gaze to the palace maid beside her and said sternly:

"Someone, convey my decree and summon Chen Yuan to the palace. I want to personally meet this Yao Knife Chen Yuan, who is famous in the martial world!"

"Your Majesty, the imperial harem is an important place..."

The palace maid quickly reminded her.

The imperial harem was an important place, and foreign officials were strictly forbidden from entering the palace. If this reached Jingtai's ears, it would inevitably cause some displeasure.

Pingyang watched indifferently, not saying a word.

She had already expressed her opinion, but her Mother Consort still wouldn't listen. Then it had nothing to do with her. Independent and self-reliant, she didn't have much affection for her Mother Consort, who was related to her by blood.

She had her own plans.

Consort Yang snorted lightly:

"Is the Imperial City Commander considered a foreign official?"

As the commander guarding the imperial city, Chen Yuan could enter the imperial harem, but of course, he had to be summoned into the palace. It was just more convenient.

Usually, if something happened in the palace, the commander of the Eastern Imperial City would be summoned.

Because it was the closest to the imperial harem.

This was one of the reasons why Yang Yuanqing wanted to become the commander of the Eastern Imperial City.

"This..."

"Hurry up and go!"

"Yes, this servant obeys!"

......

......

"Summon me to the palace?"

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes, staring at the eunuch in front of him, his eyes slightly moving.

This Consort Yang was really interesting. For the sake of a mere Yang Hucheng, she actually had him specially enter the palace to pay his respects. Didn't she know that this matter had been handed over to the Sky Survey Department?

Wasn't it being jointly handled by the Ministry of Justice and the Sky Survey Department?

Even he didn't have the right to order anything now. She was actually putting pressure on him, really treating him as a pushover.

If he broke through to Transforming Yang and became a Transforming Yang True Lord, would Consort Yang dare to do this?

The little eunuch who was announcing the decree squeezed out a fake smile:

"Consort Yang's decree has been delivered. This servant won't stay any longer. Before noon today, I hope Commander Chen won't be late."

"This official understands."

Chen Yuan glanced at the eunuch and turned to leave.

The Emperor's decree was called an imperial edict, and the Empress's decree was called an imperial mandate. These were inviolable orders. But something like Consort Yang's decree was called a 'directive.'

This wasn't a big deal for officials above the third rank, but for his current official position and strength, he really couldn't refuse.

Since that was the case, then he would go.

He also wanted to see what the imperial harem was like.

Were there really three thousand beauties?

Of course, the main purpose was to take this opportunity to explore the situation in the imperial harem first, and then find an opportunity to carefully search for the dragon vein where Senior Mo Luo was suppressed.

He hadn't been idle these past few days. In addition to cultivating every day, he had also investigated one of the suspicious places that Jiang He had mentioned before.

Now, apart from one place in the south of the city that hadn't been investigated, only the imperial harem was left.

Even if this place was a tiger's den, he had to take a chance.

Um...

Jingtai hadn't favored any concubines in recent years. Perhaps, for him, it really was a tiger's den...

The little eunuch watched Chen Yuan ignore him and turn to leave, feeling a little contempt. But he didn't say anything more, snorting lightly and quickly leaving.

With Chen Yuan's current rank of Fourth Grade, although he couldn't be called a court official, he was definitely above average. There was no need for him to curry favor with an eunuch.

He even beat up Yang Yuanqing, the adopted son of the Chief Eunuch of the imperial palace. A low-level eunuch really didn't catch his eye.

These eunuchs were all people who looked down on others and judged people by their appearance.

If they faced a True Lord, they would be eager to kneel on the ground to announce the decree.

After the eunuch left, Chen Yuan didn't take it too seriously.

At most, the other party would scold him a few times. Did they really dare to have executioners waiting on both sides?

If that was the case, then he would probably have to fight his way out.

Tao Qingyuan, who was beside him, looked at Chen Yuan with some worry after hearing the decree. He seemed to fear that something would happen to him in the palace. After all, no matter what, Chen Yuan was being summoned into the palace because of the Consort.

She was second only to the Empress in the palace.

With Chen Yuan's current strength, it seemed that he was still lacking something.

The visitor was not friendly!

Chen Yuan gave Tao Qingyuan a reassuring look, then returned to his room to continue cultivating. He waited until the time was almost up, then slowly got up,

Changed into his official uniform, and expressionlessly headed towards the direction of the imperial harem.

This was Chen Yuan's first time entering here. It was indeed filled with palace towers and pavilions, and the gardens were filled with brocade. Although it was winter, it was still filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers. Arrays were obviously placed around the area.

At the same time, the vitality of heaven and earth was also very rich.

It was indeed a grand undertaking.

Entering the imperial harem was very troublesome. Chen Yuan was questioned layer by layer before entering. He didn't walk fast, carefully looking at the nearby palace buildings.

His mind was drawing a map.

With his photographic memory, he wouldn't forget what he had seen in a short time. When he was almost done, he asked a palace guard and went straight to Consort Yang's palace.

At this moment, inside Chunhua Palace.

Consort Yang, dressed in palace attire, had a gloomy face, obviously suppressing her anger. Chen Yuan hadn't come yet. Did he dare to disobey her decree?

If that was really the case, she would definitely punish him.

"How long is it until noon?" Consort Yang asked casually, her eyes narrowed.

"Replying to Your Majesty, there is still a quarter of an hour."

A palace maid immediately replied.

"Why is Mother Consort so anxious? Since you have issued a decree, Commander Chen probably wouldn't be ignorant of the importance of deliberately arriving late. But given his personality, he will arrive right on time."

Pingyang said calmly.

She had wanted to take her leave, but her Mother Consort had refused.

"Hmph."

Consort Yang snorted coldly.

Even if he arrived right on time, it was still contempt for her.

This Chen Yuan was too arrogant and conceited, and looked down on everyone. He actually dared to be so disrespectful to a consort like her. If it wasn't for her fear of his background and identity,

Would she be like this?

She was thinking with a gloomy face about how to deal with Chen Yuan when suddenly a palace maid entered the palace and reported:

"Your Majesty, Commander Chen has arrived."

"Let him in."

Consort Yang said in a deep voice.

Outside Chunhua Palace, Chen Yuan looked around, standing with his hands behind his back, his eyes calm and without a trace of fear. A consort... wasn't worth his fear.

Or rather, there was no one in this world who could make him afraid.

Chen Mouren feared nothing!

"Envoy Chen, Her Majesty asks you to enter."

The palace maid said in a low voice.

"Mm, thank you."

Chen Yuan walked into Chunhua Palace expressionlessly. The interior was antique and furnished with valuable porcelain and jade. There were not many people in the palace.

There were only a few.

Chen Yuan's gaze slowly swept over the room, pausing for a moment on Princess Pingyang. The other party also stared at Chen Yuan and nodded slightly. Chen Yuan naturally wouldn't pretend not to recognize her.

He nodded at Princess Pingyang.

After that, the person in the entire hall who was most worthy of his attention was a beautiful woman sitting at the head of the table. The woman was wearing a light red dress that trailed a long way on the ground.

Her skin was very white, shining with light. She had an oval face, bright eyes, and white teeth. Various hairpins were tied in her hair. Her figure was very graceful and plump.

Her curves were very obvious, and she had a cleavage. According to his assessment, she should be second only to Su Ziyue.

As expected, she could be crowned as a consort. Her appearance was definitely top-notch. No wonder she could give birth to a beauty like Princess Pingyang and a handsome man like Sima Ke.

It was just a pity that her gloomy face ruined her beauty.

There wasn't a single wrinkle on Consort Yang's face. She didn't look like a woman in her late forties at all. If people who didn't know her were to judge, they would probably say she was at most thirty years old.

Chen Yuan sighed secretly, "When poor, focus on self-cultivation; when rich, focus on self-indulgence."

The Emperor was really good!

Consort Yang's gaze was also fixed on Chen Yuan, not saying a word. The atmosphere was a little stagnant.

In the end, Chen Yuan took the lead in breaking the deadlock, bowing and clasping his fists:

"This humble official, Chen Yuan, Commander of the Eastern Imperial City, greets Your Majesty."

"So you are Chen Yuan?"

Consort Yang looked at him coldly.

"That's right."

Looking at the two of them answering each other stiffly, a trace of suspicion flashed in Princess Pingyang's eyes. She always felt that Chen Yuan was different from when she had seen him before.

His temperament was still cold, but his appearance seemed to have improved.

Was it her illusion, or had Chen Yuan changed recently?

Princess Pingyang pondered.

It wasn't that she was having a crush on him, but she was a little curious.

Why had Chen Yuan changed in just a few days?

"Do you know why this palace summoned you into the palace?"

"This humble official doesn't know."

"No, you know very well. Was it you who sent this palace's younger brother to the heavenly prison?"

Chen Yuan raised his head and smiled:

"That matter? It was indeed done by this humble official."

"Just because Hu Cheng was a little late, you actually crippled all the meridians in his body and threw him into the heavenly prison, collecting false accusations to sentence him.

You also insulted the current prince in the prince's residence, and arrested Xiao Qingmu on false charges, causing the court to have many criticisms of the Fourth Prince. Chen Yuan, you really have great courage!"

Consort Yang scolded sharply.

Chen Yuan looked at Consort Yang and said firmly:

"Yang Hucheng disrespected his superiors, embezzled and perverted the law, kept boys, and killed people to cover up his crimes. Everyone should punish him. It is a light punishment to throw such a criminal into the heavenly prison.

Xiao Qingmu is a wanted person personally issued by Jiang He, the Gold Envoy of the Sky Survey Department in Qingzhou. Arresting her is in accordance with government laws. How can there be such a thing as false charges?"

"You..." Consort Yang didn't expect Chen Yuan to still not give in when facing her. She said coldly:

"You are sharp-tongued. You know the truth of these matters in your heart. Now this palace will give you a chance to repent. Withdraw the accusations that slander Yang Hucheng, and this palace will not pursue your guilt. Otherwise, don't blame this palace for personally reporting to His Majesty."

As long as the charges were withdrawn, and if she used her connections, then her younger brother wouldn't be sentenced too severely. If Chen Yuan knew what was good for him, through that Envoy Zhang, it wouldn't take long to close the case and release Yang Hucheng.

This was currently the best choice.

Chen Yuan was not afraid and said with a serious face:

"Since that is the case, then please report to His Majesty, Consort. This humble official has acted with a clear conscience throughout his life. What is there to fear? But Consort, interfering in politics in the harem is a violation of court laws."

It had reached this point, and there was no room for maneuver.

Whether or not Yang Hucheng was released, he would be retaliated against. Since that was the case, then why give in?

The more the other party acted like this, the more it proved that they were fierce in appearance but faint of heart.

"Presumptuous, Chen Yuan, you dare to contradict this palace!"

——————

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