"He's just trying to deceive you. If the Sima family's immortal is truly born, the poor monk and you will both perish today."

Clearly, Moro's Buddhist aspect was gaining the upper hand once more.

In truth, Chen Yuan himself wasn't sure whether the compassionate Buddhist aspect was Moro, or the demon aspect filled with demonic energy, ferocious and bloodthirsty, was Moro.

After all, in his memory, back in Martial Emperor City, an old man who concealed the secrets of heaven had once called him... the demonic monk Moro.

The title of demonic monk was definitely not for a benevolent monk.

He was probably both righteous and evil, otherwise he wouldn't have been split into Buddhist and demonic aspects.

It's just that, for some reason, it seemed that since returning from Liangzhou, Moro's Buddhist aspect hadn't been the only one in control. Last time, the demonic aspect had lent him a wisp of power.

And even now, it was still the demonic aspect speaking.

"You damned baldy, you're talking nonsense! If you honestly merged with me, wouldn't my strength be enough to kill a guy who's only been in the Sixth Realm for two hundred years?"

The demonic aspect said coldly.

"You can't."

The Buddhist aspect's reply was concise.

If he couldn't do it, he couldn't do it.

In his prime, he could, but the suppression of hundreds of years wasn't so easy to recover from. Even with the golden lotus, it would take some time to nurture it.

"Seniors, please don't argue. The focus today isn't on killing some immortal. We just need to escape from the capital safely," Chen Yuan said immediately.

Even if he could kill the Sima family's immortal, as the demonic aspect claimed, he wouldn't want to.

He wanted to live, not to have his primordial spirit and body collapse.

He aspired to longevity and martial arts, not a valiant death.

Besides, the Buddhist aspect had also said that even if his body collapsed and his primordial spirit was annihilated, he wouldn't be able to kill an immortal, and he would still perish in the capital. It would be a losing proposition.

"Humph."

The demonic aspect said no more.

"This is a tribulation in the poor monk's cultivation. Benefactor, you don't need to worry too much," Moro's Buddhist aspect told Chen Yuan after gaining the upper hand.

Then, he said no more and cut off the divine sense connection.

Chen Yuan didn't say much either. Along the way, he had arrived at the palace gate of the imperial city. The guards were still his former subordinates, although he didn't remember them well, he had met them a few times.

Seeing Chen Yuan approaching, more than a dozen people immediately bowed and saluted:

"Greetings, Divine Envoy!"

"Mm."

Nodding to them, Chen Yuan walked into the imperial city expressionlessly. Along the way, he also encountered some court officials who greeted him obsequiously.

Everyone in the capital knew that the emperor intended to recruit Chen Yuan as his son-in-law, and his future was bright. He was already in a high position of power, so what would he be like in the future?

Even if they didn't befriend him, getting acquainted with him wouldn't hurt.

Unfortunately, they didn't know that Chen Yuan didn't want this marriage and had already rejected Jingtai through Zhang Yantong.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Yuan quickened his pace and soon arrived outside the Golden Luan Hall. By this time, the sky was almost completely bright.

He stood to one side, his eyes straight ahead, with a dignified air.

He quietly waited for today's court meeting.

Before long, more and more civil and military officials gathered at the entrance of the Golden Luan Hall, discussing matters. The most talked about was the death of Lu Renjia, the Jin envoy from Shu Prefecture. Although the man's name was Lu Renjia, he was not without a presence. He was a high-ranking official in a foreign town, and even more remarkable as an official of a violent agency like the Sky Patrol Department.

Now that he had been killed in public, how could people not be furious?

Even if they were dissatisfied with the Sky Patrol Department, who would dare to gloat in this situation?

Without the Sky Patrol Department taking action, the emperor would have him dragged out of the Meridian Gate and beheaded for public display.

Estimating the time, when it was almost time, the gate of the Golden Luan Hall was pulled open from the inside by a eunuch, who shouted in a high-pitched, effeminate voice:

"Attend court!"

The atmosphere of the chattering civil and military officials suddenly froze, and they were silent. Then, they entered the Golden Luan Hall in order of official rank, preparing for the court meeting.

Unlike last time, Chen Yuan was now the Martial Peace Marquis, a third-rank Sky Patrol Department Heavenly Envoy. Although he wasn't in the first echelon of second-rank high officials,

He was considered a leader in the second echelon.

People like Zhang Yantong, Wu Tianxi, and Zuo Tiancheng let Chen Yuan stand on the left side, with a higher status than several military generals. His power was evident.

Civil and military officials entered the ranks.

Similar to before, when a eunuch shouted loudly "His Majesty has arrived," the civil and military officials below bowed to the emperor.

Those with higher ranks naturally only needed to bow, while the lower-ranking officials of the fifth and sixth ranks had to kneel and welcome Jingtai.

The three princes followed behind Jingtai, entering step by step from the side door.

Jingtai's expression was calm, showing no joy or anger. He walked onto the dragon throne, looked at the cheers below, and said indifferently:

"All ministers, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

A fairly neat sound rang out, and the officials in the Golden Luan Hall stood up in unison.

"If there is something to report, let it be done. If there is nothing, dismiss the court..."

A middle-aged eunuch shouted loudly.

Grand Commandant Xiao Jing took a step to the side and said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, this subject has an important matter to report!"

"Speak."

Jingtai uttered a single word.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, news came from Shu Prefecture yesterday that Lu Renjia, the Jin envoy from Shu Prefecture, was..."

Xiao Jing recounted what he had said yesterday with a slightly gloomy expression.

The hall immediately became quiet, followed by a series of scoldings.

"Presumptuous! What kind of demon dares to despise the imperial court like this!"

"Damn it!"

"Bold demon, please, Your Majesty, issue an order to kill him!"

In the ranks of the military officials, voices rose and fell, and a strong killing intent enveloped the Golden Luan Hall.

Jingtai, sitting high on the dragon throne, also had a gloomy expression, and said sternly:

"Demons are wreaking havoc in Shu, they must be severely punished. Issue my decree to dispatch elites from the Sky Patrol Department to investigate this matter with all their strength. No matter who it is, exterminate their nine generations!"

"Understood."

Xiao Jing accepted the order and continued:

"This subject recommends Martial Peace Marquis Chen Yuan to pursue this matter. His strength and methods are both top-notch, and there is a precedent for the Sky Patrol Department to be stationed in foreign towns, so he should be stationed in Shu Prefecture."

Jingtai's eyes flickered, and he stared at Chen Yuan, who was looking straight ahead, and said indifferently:

"This matter..."

Before he could finish his words, a red-robed eunuch from outside the palace knelt in front of the Golden Luan Hall in a state of anxiety:

"Your Majesty, urgent reports have come from You Prefecture and Lan Prefecture."

The civil and military officials all looked back. Jingtai frowned and said in a deep voice:

"Speak."

The red-robed eunuch entered the Golden Luan Hall and lowered his head, whispering: "There is turmoil in You Prefecture. Northern barbarians and evil demons have entered the You Prefecture military camp through blood sacrifice, poisoning and killing over ten thousand elite soldiers. All the vegetation has been destroyed, and there is no life within ten miles. The state city of Lan Prefecture has been attacked by warriors from the Western Regions, with over ten thousand casualties..."

Silence!

The Golden Luan Hall was silent again for a moment.

The previous situation was repeated again.

Jingtai's pupils shrank, seemingly shocked, and his face was as gloomy as water.

Chen Yuan, who had been acting like an old god, also raised his eyebrows in surprise. So many things had happened. The North, the South, and the West had all experienced major events at the same time.

It was indeed rare.

The North and South were fine, as they had always been turbulent.

But the Western Lan Prefecture had a low profile in the Central Plains, and there were rarely any disturbances. Now that something had happened, it was a major event. Over ten thousand elite soldiers had been poisoned and killed.

The state city of Lan Prefecture had been attacked.

Adding to the fact that someone had forcibly attacked the state city of Shu Prefecture, it felt like the world was in chaos.

However, this was beneficial to Chen Yuan's current situation.

If Jingtai still had a bit of reason, he wouldn't put too much pressure on him. Otherwise, if these things all happened at once and weren't handled well, it could cause a chain reaction.

He glanced at Jingtai sitting high above and saw the strong killing intent on his face.

The entire hall could feel it, so one could imagine how heavy his anger was.

"Where is Wu Tianxi, the Yellow Character Divine Envoy of the Sky Patrol Department?"

Wu Tianxi, standing beside Chen Yuan, had a solemn expression. He stepped forward and bowed:

"This subject is here."

"I order you to mobilize five hundred elites from the Imperial Supervision Department and rush to You Prefecture to investigate which demons are causing the turmoil, and exterminate their entire family as a warning to others!"

"This subject obeys the decree!"

Wu Tianxi immediately cupped his fists and bowed.

He didn't seem surprised. Generally, the Sky Patrol Department would handle such matters, but it was the first time that people had been mobilized from the Imperial Supervision Department.

But thinking about it, it was normal. Other places also needed manpower, and the headquarters had to retain some strength, so they could only draw strength from the Imperial Supervision Department to be used.

"Where are Zhang Yantong, the Xuan Character Divine Envoy of the Sky Patrol Department, and Wu Shu, the General Who Pacifies the West of the Jing Capital Camp?"

"This subject is here!"

"This subject is here!"

The two stepped forward one after another.

"I order Zhang Yantong to mobilize three hundred elites from the Sky Patrol Department, and Wu Shu to draw two thousand elite soldiers from the various military camps in Lan Prefecture. In the shortest amount of time, quell the turmoil in Lan Prefecture, and exterminate all the warriors from the Western Regions. Build a Jingguan with their heads and place it outside the Yumen Pass for me!"

Jingtai's eyes contained killing intent, and cold air was spreading.

Lan Prefecture's Yumen Pass was the largest pass connecting to the Western Regions, and every day there were huge caravans of warriors from both sides passing through, making it a good place to serve as a warning.

"This subject obeys the decree!"

"This subject obeys the decree!"

Zhang Yantong and Wu Shu, a general from the capital, immediately responded.

"Grand Commandant Xiao Jing, listen to the decree."

"This subject is here."

"I order you to oversee this matter, and you must resolve all issues in the shortest amount of time." Jingtai stared at him.

"Your Majesty, Shu Prefecture..."

Xiao Jing raised his head and looked at Jingtai, hesitating.

Jingtai's eyes showed some hesitation. This was indeed not the time to put too much pressure on Chen Yuan. Last night, he was still thinking about temporarily suppressing Chen Yuan and waiting for him to agree to the marriage before entrusting him with an important task.

But he didn't expect that the North and West would have consecutive incidents, and at this time, it was indeed a bit tricky.

And his confidant had insisted on recommending Chen Yuan, which was really troublesome. Looking at Chen Yuan, who was bowing his head in thought, Jingtai took a breath and his eyes moved:

"Where is Martial Peace Marquis Chen Yuan?"

Seeing Jingtai finally call his name, Chen Yuan let out a breath, took a step to the side, and bowed:

"This subject is here."

He thought that in this situation, if Jingtai still insisted on the marriage, it would be too unsightly and should be temporarily suppressed, which would be a good thing for him.

If they could avoid a complete falling out, it would naturally be best.

Being feared by the emperor and being valued by the emperor were two completely different things, and it would have a great impact on his future actions.

"I intend to station you in Shu Prefecture for a period of time to investigate those demonic cultivators who dare to attack the state city. Do you have the confidence to do it?"

"This subject will certainly not fail His Majesty's expectations."

Chen Yuan immediately said loudly.

"Good, worthy of being my Martial Peace Marquis, with courage and ambition, I am very gratified. You have repeatedly made great contributions for me and promoted the power of my Great Jin, I don't know how to reward you."

The gloomy look on Jingtai's face gradually disappeared, replaced by appreciation.

Hearing this, Chen Yuan's heart sank, understanding that Jingtai still hadn't given up on the idea of forcing the marriage even at this time. First, he suppressed, then praised. He could already guess what was coming next.

Taking a deep breath, he said:

"This subject is a court official, eats the court's salary, and enjoys the court's title. It is my duty to work for Your Majesty and the court. Your Majesty is fair in rewarding and punishing, and has already rewarded this subject. I really dare not ask for any more rewards."

Seeing Chen Yuan decline, ordinary officials couldn't detect anything and only thought that Chen Yuan was saying beautiful words. However, Jingtai on the dragon throne frowned slightly.

He knew what he was saying.

Chen Yuan also knew what he was saying.

But he was still refusing, which made him feel unhappy. He didn't speak immediately, but moved his eyes to look at a civil official on the right.

Cui Wenli, the Minister of Rites, twitched his lips, knowing what the emperor was hinting at.

But...

It was really inappropriate to mention this kind of thing at this time.

However, he also understood one thing. If this matter wasn't settled, it would be even more difficult to recruit him as a son-in-law after Chen Yuan left the capital.

Looking at the urging in the emperor's eyes, Cui Wenli took a deep breath, took a step to the side, and bowed:

"Your Majesty, this subject has a way to reward Martial Peace Marquis."

"Oh? Tell me about it?"

Jingtai said indifferently, unable to tell whether he was happy or angry.

But the civil and military officials in the Golden Luan Hall were a bit confused. Just now, they were still filled with killing intent and wanted to deal with those demons. Shouldn't they be in a state of collective excitement now?

Why did they suddenly want to reward Chen Yuan?

He had already obtained the title of Marquis, and he was still a Marquis of Ten Thousand Households. Now he had become a third-rank Sky Patrol Department Divine Envoy. The rewards had already been given, so did they find him pleasing to the eye?

Thinking of this, many officials felt a pang of envy.

Having a holy favor was comfortable.

But Chen Yuan would rather not have such a holy favor. He wanted to interrupt, but he knew his situation and remained silent, calculating whether he could rush up and directly kill Jingtai if things became too critical.

Duke Wei Gu Tianqiong, Duke Zhen Guolie Kuangxiu, and National Preceptor Puxian Bodhisattva were all absent, so it seemed like there was a real possibility.

He just didn't know if there were any hidden strongmen guarding him, or if Jingtai had any backup plans...

This guy was a bit strange. Chen Yuan felt that he wouldn't be so easy to kill.

Zhang Yantong knew the inside story and frowned, subconsciously glancing at Chen Yuan.

Xiao Jing also knew the inside story, but he couldn't help, and if there was a conflict, he couldn't help either. Otherwise, the Xiang family's years of planning would be ruined.

Anyway, no matter what, Jingtai couldn't directly kill Chen Yuan.

Otherwise, the impact would be too great.

More than a dozen gazes measured Cui Wenli, who, after making up his mind, continued with a normal expression:

"Although Martial Peace Marquis is young, he is almost thirty years old, but he still hasn't started a family, which is really a pity. Recently, this subject has heard rumors in the capital saying that Martial Peace Marquis and the eldest princess Pingyang are a perfect match. One is the number one martial arts genius of the world, the youngest Marquis of Ten Thousand Households of our dynasty, whose reputation shakes the world.

One is the emperor's eldest daughter, both civil and military, virtuous and talented, and possessing beauty that could topple kingdoms. They are the most suitable couple in the world. This subject has been thinking about it and also feels that it is so. Therefore...

Why not bestow a marriage to Martial Peace Marquis, marry the eldest princess, and form a marital relationship with the royal family? In this way, not only will Martial Peace Marquis be satisfied, but the eldest princess will also be satisfied. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"

Cui Wenli rambled on and on.

Chen Yuan remained unmoved.

Nearly thirty?

He wasn't even twenty-five yet...

Where did the thirty years come from?

The fourth prince Sima Ke unconsciously grinned, overjoyed.

The first prince Sima Qian and the second prince Sima You frowned, but didn't dare to say anything.

The civil and military officials below whispered.

Several officials from the Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Revenue, and Ministry of Works immediately stepped forward and bowed after Cui Wenli finished speaking:

"This subject agrees. Martial Peace Marquis and the eldest princess are a match made in heaven, and marriage is a natural result. With the eldest princess present, it is thought that Martial Peace Marquis will be able to serve the court more wholeheartedly."

"Lord Zhao is right. This subject also thinks it is suitable. Only Martial Peace Marquis in the world is worthy of the eldest princess, and only the eldest princess is qualified to be the wife of Martial Peace Marquis."

"What the lords said is true. This is a match made in heaven."

Voices rang out one after another, completely forgetting the killing intent of denouncing demons and heretics, and instead becoming a scene of urging marriage.

Many officials who didn't know the inside story were stunned.

Chen Yuan concentrated and calmed his mind, his fists clenched slightly in his sleeves.

Such unified words clearly meant that it had been rehearsed long ago.

Jingtai really wasn't giving up.

He even wanted the officials below to propose it in order to maintain the royal family's dignity.

However, this was also within his expectations, so the temporary reaction wasn't very strong.

Zhang Yantong thought that Chen Yuan was going to acquiesce, and the scene of his daughter sitting at home in a daze flashed in his eyes, and he couldn't help but sigh lightly.

Royal orders were hard to disobey. He hoped that Chen Yuan would recognize the situation.

A faint smile flashed across Jingtai's lips, and he nodded slightly:

"I didn't expect that there would be such rumors in the capital, which is quite interesting. However, what Cui Qing said also makes some sense. Putting aside everything else, Martial Peace Marquis has made many great contributions to the court, but he still hasn't started a family, which is also my negligence."

"Hmm..." Jingtai pondered for a moment, his eyes fixed on Chen Yuan, and he said with a faint smile:

"Martial Peace Marquis."

"This subject is here."

Chen Yuan lowered his eyes, staring at the slightly reflective black jade on the ground, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

"You are loyal to me and have repeatedly made great contributions to the court. I originally wanted to reward you with other things, but you are now a third-rank Sky Patrol Department Divine Envoy and a Marquis of Ten Thousand Households, so some rewards may not catch your eye.

Since you haven't married yet, I will take the lead and betroth the eldest princess Pingyang to you as your wife... Hmm... you have received my orders to go to Shu Prefecture,

The time shouldn't be delayed too long, so... let's choose a day to get married."

The emperor made a decision with a single word, with a smile on his lips.

Chen Yuan let out a breath and said:

"This subject doesn't want to get married yet. Please withdraw Your Majesty's decree."

"What did you say!"

Jingtai's face turned cold, and the atmosphere in the Golden Luan Hall changed dramatically.

Chen Yuan raised his head, looked at the figure on the dragon throne, and said word by word:

"Please withdraw Your Majesty's decree!"

Ding Ding Little Stone reminds you: Remember to collect after reading.