However, on second thought, it seemed understandable.

After all, Consort Yang had been unwell for many years, and the stubborn ailment had long tormented her to the point of being unbearable. After Chen Yuan's treatment, she would naturally want to be completely cured.

Judging by the time, she should have recovered quite well.

"Your Highness..."

"You're here?"

"Yes."

"Come in."

"This..."

"Hurry."

Consort Yang urged him.

"Be careful someone sees you."

Chen Yuan nodded. Although he knew in his heart that no one in the Marquis's mansion dared to disobey his orders, he didn't say much, turned around, and closed the door tightly.

Consort Yang didn't seem to be in high spirits. She poured a cup of spiritual tea for herself and Chen Yuan, and sighed softly, appearing somewhat troubled.

"What troubles Your Highness?"

"His Majesty is about to name a Crown Prince."

"Oh? Who is he planning to name?"

Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow and immediately asked.

"His Majesty's intention is..."

Consort Yang briefly recounted the events of the family banquet that day in detail.

"This is not necessarily a bad thing. It's good as long as His Majesty has the idea of naming a Crown Prince."

If Jingtai never had this thought, then the princes could fight to the death without any use. But now, the position of Crown Prince has been completely brought into the open.

Sima Ke and his brothers were probably about to start fighting openly and secretly.

Whoever lost, lost not just the position of Crown Prince, but also the future throne, and... everything.

Winner takes all, loser has nothing.

"I came this time to ask you to give Ke'er a hand."

Seeing that Chen Yuan didn't express any opinion, Consort Yang immediately stated her intention. Sima Ke's training in the Sky Surveying Division couldn't be done without Chen Yuan's help.

If he helped, it would naturally be twice the result with half the effort.

But if he refused, it would be impossible to move an inch.

"Didn't Your Highness say last time that you had no connection with the Fourth Prince?"

Chen Yuan asked with a faint smile.

"I...I..." Consort Yang's cheeks flushed red:

"Now that there's an opportunity, I naturally want Ke'er to take a further step. After all, no matter what, our relationship is also connected to Ke'er.

If he really ascends to the throne in the future, as long as the news is sealed, you can freely enter and exit the palace, and anything you want to do will have assistance. It's a good thing for you too..."

Consort Yang advised Chen Yuan.

Although they had some friendship, she couldn't guarantee that Chen Yuan would definitely be willing to help Sima Ke ascend to the throne.

"Helping the Fourth Prince ascend to the throne is not as simple as giving him a hand."

Chen Yuan slowly sat down, enjoying Consort Yang's service of actively feeding him tea.

"Then Marquis, give Ke'er a few more hands. No matter what, he can be considered half your son. Hmm... As long as Ke'er ascends to the throne, I'll agree to any request you have."

Consort Yang said softly, the blush on her face deepening.

"This is difficult."

"Marquis, please help him. Before, when you were in Liang Province and the Northern Barbarians launched a large-scale invasion, Ke'er repeatedly asked me to say a few good words in front of His Majesty to transfer you back to the capital."

"Furthermore... I've also given you a few hands. Our interests are the same. If Sima Qian and Sima You ascend to the throne, they will definitely not tolerate you."

Consort Yang's eyes showed some pleading.

Chen Yuan's gaze flickered. In fact, what Consort Yang said was not wrong. Given the relationship between Chen Yuan and Sima Ke and his mother, it was most appropriate to help them.

However, Jingtai knew that he had great power and connections in the Sky Surveying Division, yet he still placed Sima Ke here for training. He wasn't sure if there was a deeper plan involved.

Looking at the sincerity and pleading in Consort Yang's eyes, Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes and nodded:

"To the best of my ability, Chen will help him."

"Thank you..."

"Just a verbal thank you?"

"Then what else do you want?" Consort Yang glared at him.

She was already wearing her palace attire. She didn't believe Chen Yuan didn't understand what it meant.

"Hehe, fine, then I'll trouble Your Highness to use your tongue. Given our relationship, a verbal thank you is fine." Saying that, Chen Yuan moved his divine sense.

The soft pillow on the bed fell to the ground.

Consort Yang took a deep breath, looked at Chen Yuan's expression, and her face became even more flushed, but after thinking about it, she didn't refuse, bent down, and knelt on the pillow. Her palace attire outlined her graceful figure as she began to thank Chen Yuan for his help.

Chen Yuan reached out and hooked Consort Yang's updo, narrowing his eyes and concentrating.

"Huff..."

After a long time, Chen, who had been pondering for a long time, exhaled a breath of turbid air.

Consort Yang spat lightly and quickly picked up the teacup on the table.

"Besides naming a Crown Prince, what else did Jingtai say at the family banquet?" Chen Yuan's expression turned serious, quite upright.

Having exhaled the turbid air, he was now without desires and entered another state of sagehood, continuing to inquire.

Consort Yang, who had finished drinking the spiritual tea in her cup, looked somewhat gloomy when she heard these words.

"What's wrong?"

Chen Yuan glanced at her and asked curiously.

It shouldn't be.

She quite liked the taste of this *shinan* flower spiritual tea.

"His Majesty intends to betroth Princess Pingyang to you."

Consort Yang said in a deep voice.

Chen Yuan secretly said "as expected." He wasn't a fool. When the atmosphere in the capital changed for the second time, he had anticipated this. He guessed that this family banquet was probably Jingtai's instruction.

In less than a day, everyone in the capital would know.

"You're unwilling?"

Chen Yuan chuckled lightly.

"What do you think?"

Consort Yang snorted softly.

How could she be willing?

It would have been fine before they became Dao companions. She could still suppress her stubborn ailment. But the deed had already been done. Once Pingyang married him, what kind of relationship would that be?

She felt uncomfortable just thinking about it.

"If Princess Pingyang marries me, Sima Ke's power will greatly increase, and his chances of ascending to the throne will also soar. Chen believes Your Highness will support it."

"You really want to..."

"Hmm?"

"Really want to have it all?"

Consort Yang spat again, suddenly feeling that Chen Yuan was a bit shameless and perverted.

She originally thought he just had unusual preferences, but now it seemed to be far more than that.

"Chen has always accumulated virtue and done good deeds. It's only natural for him to have such good fortune. When that time comes, would Your Highness be willing to lend me a hand?" Chen Yuan joked.

"Impossible, absolutely impossible. I will never agree to such a request. You... don't even think about it." Consort Yang snorted coldly, but suddenly felt that her tone was a bit too harsh, and quickly added:

"Even if I agreed, Pingyang's temperament would never allow it. You should give up this idea."

"Your Highness, don't worry. Chen is just joking. Although Princess Pingyang is good, she's not what Chen seeks. I only seek to wholeheartedly pursue the Dao and have no intention of marrying and having children. Chen will decline this matter."

Chen Yuan said seriously.

Before he was clear about Jingtai's true intentions, he would definitely refuse.

He was a person who aspired to rebel and was planning to transfer away from the capital after seeking to ascend to the position of one of the four divine envoys of the Sky Surveying Division. There was no way he would get married here.

And become Jingtai's son-in-law!

"Really?"

Consort Yang looked at him suspiciously.

"What do you think?"

"But His Majesty's side..."

Consort Yang became somewhat worried for no reason again. If he disobeyed the imperial decree, Chen Yuan might be suppressed or even punished by the emperor. She didn't want to see that scene.

"There's always a way when the time comes. Can Jingtai really force me?"

Chen Yuan said calmly.

If Jingtai really used every means to force him to marry, then the plan involved would definitely be greater. He naturally wouldn't sit still and wait for death. At worst, he would just overturn the table.

With a Huayang cultivation base, where in the world couldn't he go?

People are always forced to their limits.

If Jingtai really became mad, Chen Yuan wouldn't mind letting the Shura Demon Lord take over and see if a Huayang Realm cultivator combined with the power of Senior Moro could launch a surprise attack and cripple him.

"That's not certain."

Yang Guifei was quite clear about Jingtai's character, who was truly ruthless in achieving his goals.

"Your Highness, don't worry about this matter. Chen will make his own decision."

"I believe you."

Yang Guifei's eyes flashed with light. She liked Chen Yuan's confident and tough demeanor. He was spirited and fearless of everything, even if any difficulties and obstacles stood in front of him.

He could still cut a bloody path with his fists and long saber.

"It's getting late. Hmm..."

Chen Yuan smiled and looked at the Imperial Concubine.

"It is getting late..."

(To save traffic, three thousand words are omitted here.)

That night.

On the rooftop of a tall building about several thousand feet away from the Martial Marquis Mansion, a middle-aged man with a stern expression stood with his hands behind his back, his brows furrowed, staring intently at the silent Martial Marquis Mansion.

His name was Xiang Qianfeng, one of the Huayang elders of the Xiang family and also the biological father of Xiang Lingtian. After learning that Xiang Lingtian had actually died at the hands of Chen Yuan, and his head was being heavily promoted by the Sima family,

He was furious.

Xiang Lingtian was his most promising son, and had always been his pride. He regarded him as the future patriarch of the Xiang family, and even the Crown Prince after their revival.

Even if Xiang Qianqiu, the current patriarch, tried to temper his son, he endured it.

But he couldn't bear Xiang Lingtian's death.

He didn't dare to confront Xiang Qianqiu, so he naturally placed the target of his hatred on Chen Yuan. This number one genius of the Central Plains, the guy who stepped on his son's head to become a marquis with ten thousand households, he was thinking about his death at every moment after hearing the news.

He even begged Xiang Qianqiu to use the hidden agents in the capital to kill Chen Yuan and avenge Xiang Lingtian.

He didn't know who Xiang Lingtian's agent was, but he knew that a lot of the Xiang family's resources had flowed into the capital. The accumulation of dozens or hundreds of years would definitely be an amazing number.

Moreover, according to his understanding, Xiang Qianqiu's arrangement was definitely not ordinary agents, because that would be meaningless. Only climbing to the high levels of the court would count.

It was also because the Xiang family had some power in the court that they were able to repeatedly foresee the court's several encirclements and suppressions of the Xiang family, so that the Xiang family did not suffer any losses.

It was just a pity that those forces were only controlled by Xiang Qianqiu alone. No one else knew about them except him.

Facing his request, Xiang Qianqiu was indifferent, and even told him that Xiang Lingtian's skills were inferior to others. Even with his heavy pupils, he couldn't kill Chen Yuan in the same realm, but was killed by him instead. He was a waste, and it was fine if he died.

He was also unwilling to use the power accumulated by the Xiang family over the years to retaliate against Chen Yuan.

Then, consumed by anger, he came to the Divine Capital alone.

Apart from Xiang Lingtian, no one else knew about his arrival, and no one stopped him from avenging his son, as if they thought he could succeed on his own.

However, after finding out Chen Yuan's residence, he did not act immediately.

After all, this place was still the capital. If he couldn't resolve everything within thirty breaths, it would definitely cause a major earthquake in the capital. And once a True Monarch Realm expert appeared, he would definitely die.

After all, at the end of the day, he was only at the peak of the Refining Spirit Realm.

Although his strength was a level stronger than Chen Yuan, he was still clear about Chen Yuan's reputation for being invincible in the same realm. Even if he was confident that he could kill him, it would definitely be impossible to resolve the battle in thirty breaths.

Therefore, after calming down, he decided to find a way to lure Chen Yuan out.

As long as he left the city, he would definitely die.

He also wanted to throw Chen Yuan's head in the capital to vent his anger!

He also wanted to let the court know that the Xiang family was not so easy to mess with.

Two hundred years of accumulation had already given them the strength to create turmoil.

The number one genius of the Central Plains, suppressing an era, invincible in the same realm, the youngest marquis, these titles were also worthy of accompanying Lingtian on the road to the underworld.

"Chen Yuan, cherish these few days, because... you are about to set off." Xiang Qianfeng snorted coldly and muttered to himself.

He was also one of the most talented disciples of the Xiang family back then. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to break through to the Refining Spirit Realm and give birth to a son with heavy pupils like Xiang Lingtian.

Normally, although he couldn't be considered wise, he would never impulsively kill his way into the capital. But Xiang Lingtian's death completely made him explode, as if a thought in his heart was urging him to kill Chen Yuan.

"Hmph."

Xiang Qianfeng narrowed his eyes, emitting a faint chill.

He turned around and disappeared into the night.

The next day, early in the morning.

Unlike the last time, the Imperial Concubine left the Martial Marquis Mansion before dawn, limping and covering her mouth. Obviously, her stubborn ailment had been treated a lot.

"Huff..."

Sunlight fell on the windowsill through the window, and Chen Yuan slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air.

This cultivation was very good overall.

In addition to entering the Dao, he also found another way, not just taking the ordinary route.

Thinking about it, the Imperial Concubine, who had been pushed to her limits, should need to recuperate for a few days.

Chen Yuan's prediction was indeed correct. In just one day, the events in the palace spread very quickly to the capital, causing a considerable reaction compared to the previous trend.

The Emperor admired Chen Yuan very much and mentioned him specifically at the family banquet. And the Eldest Princess Pingyang also had a good impression of Chen Yuan, which made many daughters of nobles feel sad.

They could only shed tears while leaning on the pillar.

The most uncomfortable person was Zhang Wanshu. After hearing about this, she didn't eat a single meal all day and was restless, which made Zhang Yantong feel very sorry for her.

But who dared to mess with the Emperor's affairs?

The Zhang family had not reached the point where they could make the Emperor step back.

However, compared to another matter, the rumors between Chen Yuan and Princess Pingyang seemed to be nothing. Yes, it was the matter of Jingtai wanting to establish a Crown Prince.

It stirred up a great hurricane in the capital.

This was the first time Jingtai had taken the initiative to mention this matter in the decades since he ascended the throne, which relieved many civil and military officials in the court. They were really afraid that Jingtai would only seek longevity and not care about state affairs.

They did not object to seeking longevity, nor did they dare to object, but at least they had to put state affairs first. If they really wanted longevity, wouldn't it be better to directly abdicate and become the Supreme Emperor?

It was just that anyone with a little brain and a family of nine clans would not dare to say it.

The capital was in an uproar, and Chen Yuan learned about it after leaving the Martial Marquis Mansion. However, he didn't care about it and went straight to Qingyun Temple.

Moro had been silent for a long time, and he would not disturb him unless it was absolutely necessary. And the person from Tai Xu Palace was obviously a knowledgeable person, and he planned to ask for some advice.

If he really couldn't get any advice, he could only try to wake up Senior Moro.

Soon, Chen Yuan, who was traveling at full speed, arrived at Qingyun Temple. Under the smiling reception of the young Taoist boy, he saw the meditating old Taoist Tianxu in the same hall as yesterday.

The other party opened a crack in his eyes and said with a chuckle:

"Benefactor Chen came here in such a hurry so early in the morning. It seems that something has happened."

"Senior is as good as a god. Chen has indeed come here with something to ask Senior for advice."

"Is it about the marriage with the Eldest Princess?"

A flash of light appeared in the eyes of the old Taoist Tianxu.

"That's right. Can Senior tell this junior the pros and cons of this matter?" Chen Yuan asked with a solemn expression.

As for the things that the other party had guessed, he did not feel surprised or shocked. Currently, there were many people in the capital spreading this matter, and it was not surprising that Taoist Tianxu knew about it.

This was not the point.

Taoist Tianxu pondered for a moment and nodded:

"This matter, as far as you are concerned, must not be agreed to."

Chen Yuan's expression froze:

"What is the reason?"

"This poor Daoist knows a thing or two about this Emperor. He is actively promoting this matter with a lot of planning, wanting to completely incorporate you into the Sima family and forever be loyal to the royal family."

"With just a marriage?"

"Of course not." Tianxu shook his head and continued:

"Marriage is just a beginning. Hmm... If this poor Daoist is not mistaken, once you get married, you will have a karmic connection with the Sima family.

Jingtai will use a treasured treasure to make you swear a great oath. This oath must not be violated, otherwise... you will find it difficult to peek into a higher realm in this life."

"What if I don't want to take the oath?"

"The Eldest Princess Pingyang is the Emperor's eldest daughter and is inherently extremely important. The Emperor is connected to the national fortune. As long as you enter the game, it will be almost impossible for you to escape, and then it may not be something you can stop.

But this is not the most important thing. If you are forever loyal to the Sima family, this matter will only be beneficial to you. With your talent and potential, the Emperor will also fully support your cultivation.

But you have another fatal problem..."

"The Xiang family's bloodline?"

"That's right. Once the national fortune is involved and a Dao oath is taken, the Emperor will use the power of the national fortune to see through the Xiang family's bloodline in you. At that time, even if you take any oaths, the Emperor will not keep you."

"You don't know much, and you don't know the terror of the Xiang family. The former Great Ancestor had already reached the peak of the human world and left an imprint in the bloodline. Therefore, the cultivation talent of the Xiang family's children has always been very good.

For this reason, the Sima family has always been exterminating the Xiang family, rather kill the wrong person than let one go."

"Do you think that if your identity is exposed, Jingtai will leave you, a great hidden danger? After all, the Xiang family is a centipede that never falls. With eight hundred years of heritage, there may be means to help you break the Dao oath."

"He won't gamble, and he doesn't dare to gamble."