The stir that Chen Yuan caused within the Sky Survey Division was perfectly normal. After all, the aftermath of the great war with the Liang Barbarians had not completely dissipated, and Chen Yuan's reputation as the man who turned the tide was still rising.

At the same time, many people were already completely convinced that the imperial court was planning to bestow a marquisate upon Chen Yuan. This was no small matter. There were many marquises in the Great Jin Dynasty, but most of them had inherited their titles.

There were very few who could become a marquis solely on their own merits.

And there was not a single person who had achieved this at Chen Yuan's age.

Now, the key point of speculation for many was how many households would be in Chen Yuan's fief, and whether the emperor would grant him the title of "Marquis Within the Pass" (关内侯) or "Thorough Marquis" (彻侯).

The "Marquis Within the Pass" came with no fief and no real power, merely a nominal title.

The current four Divine Envoys of the Sky Survey Division held this level, to acknowledge their years of service to the country. A "Thorough Marquis," however, was at the top tier below the royal dukes, the level of Grand Commandant Gu Tianqiong and Grand Marshal Li Kuangxiu.

They had fiefs within the various states of the realm.

Although the territory was small, it was granted to them, and they controlled all tax revenue. Of course, it wasn't a country within a country; local officials operated as usual.

And this was undoubtedly a great honor.

Many people guessed that Chen Yuan would be given a "Marquis Within the Pass," as he was too young. But others disagreed, arguing that Chen Yuan's unparalleled achievements...

Even a "Thorough Marquis" would not be excessive.

Arguments even arose because of this.

With someone leading the way, Chen Yuan remained calm throughout. Along the way, some people noticed him, from Celestial Pill Grandmasters to ordinary patrol guards, all treating him with the respect due to a superior.

Their eyes shone with reverence and aspiration.

"A true man should be like this!"

And Chen Yuan did not ignore them. He would nod to some, and respond to others with a word or two. Even so, those Sky Survey Division officials who received a response felt inexplicably excited.

In other words, Chen Yuan had basically become an 'idol' for the young officials of the Sky Survey Division, and even the martial artists of the Jianghu held him in great esteem.

Very few people now mentioned the insulting phrase "imperial dogs."

They called Chen Yuan either "Envoy Chen" or "Lord Chen of Qingzhou." Few even dared to call him by his given name. The prestige and status established by that battle were evident.

Outside the Sky Survey Hall.

Chen Yuan stopped. Someone went inside to announce his arrival, and two people came out together: the previous patrol envoy, and Heavenly Divine Envoy Xiao Jing.

Xiao Jing, the Divine Envoy with a chance to become Grand Commandant of the Sky Survey Division.

"Lord Chen, the Grand Commandant is summoning you inside the hall," the patrol envoy said quickly, glancing at Xiao Jing.

Chen Yuan nodded slightly, then looked at Xiao Jing, cupping his fist in salute.

"Lord Xiao."

Xiao Jing unexpectedly smiled and returned the salute.

"Lord Chen."

"I dare not," Chen Yuan quickly demurred. The imperial court's reward had not yet been issued, and he was still a Golden Envoy of the Sky Survey, a Fourth Rank official, while Xiao Jing was a Divine Envoy of the Third Rank, a significant difference in status.

Since there were no grudges between them, Chen Yuan would naturally not accept it directly.

Xiao Jing smiled and gave Chen Yuan a deep look.

"Envoy Chen, there's no need to be so formal. It's only a matter of time. The Grand Commandant is waiting in the hall. You should go in soon."

After saying this, he brushed past Chen Yuan and left.

Chen Yuan frowned, looking back at Xiao Jing. He wondered if it was his imagination, but he felt that Xiao Jing's gaze was different.

It wasn't just because of his rising status; it seemed to be something else.

But what else about him, besides his official identity, would be worthy of the other man's attention?

Very strange.

Chen Yuan kept Xiao Jing's gaze in mind, but he didn't have time to think about it now. He quickly entered the Sky Survey Hall.

Sensing Chen Yuan's gaze receding, Xiao Jing subconsciously glanced at Chen Yuan again, as if there was something special about him.

He chuckled softly and gradually walked away.

Inside the Sky Survey Hall.

Similar to when Chen Yuan had left the capital last time, Grand Commandant Gu Tianqiong was still seated high above, emanating a powerful aura, his eyes fixed on Chen Yuan.

Chen Yuan looked up at him, composed himself, and bowed, cupping his fist in salute.

"Subordinate Chen Yuan greets the Grand Commandant!"

"Chen Yuan..." Gu Tianqiong tapped the table lightly with his finger, chuckling.

"This time in Liangzhou, you accomplished something great. You turned the tide, and with your sword you slayed the Barbarian God, saving ten million people in Liangzhou from suffering. This Commandant truly underestimated you before."

He praised Chen Yuan, but the words sounded strange. Chen Yuan could only pretend not to notice and continued.

"The Northern Barbarians invaded the Central Plains. As an official of the Sky Survey Division, this subordinate should set an example. But to say I turned the tide is inaccurate. The one who truly saved ten million people in Liangzhou from suffering was Northern Liang King Wei Jinfeng, the 300,000 Northern Liang Iron Cavalry, and the united Jianghu comrades of Liangzhou.

This subordinate merely contributed a little."

"What? You don't accept this Commandant's praise?"

"It is not that this subordinate dare not, but that I am ashamed and unworthy."

Gu Tianqiong narrowed his eyes and chuckled.

"It seems that this trip to Liangzhou has truly been a good experience. You not only dare to speak these words in front of this Commandant, but you also disobeyed the imperial decree."

"Chen Yuan, do you know that when His Majesty summoned you back, it was because he feared you would fall on the frontier? It was his earnest expectation for you, and he was cultivating you to be a true pillar of the state in the future."

His voice rose slightly.

Chen Yuan had long prepared his response and continued.

"It is precisely because of this that this subordinate had no choice but to disobey the imperial decree. This subordinate was personally appointed by His Majesty, and personally assigned by the Grand Commandant to go to Liangzhou to take over as Golden Envoy, representing His Majesty, the imperial court, and even more so, the Grand Commandant!"

"I ask, at that critical moment, if this subordinate had silently returned to the capital, what would the Northern Liang King think? What would the 300,000 Northern Liang soldiers think? What would the ten million people of Liangzhou think?

It is a small matter if this subordinate dies, but the face of the imperial court, His Majesty, and the Grand Commandant is a great matter.

Although this subordinate is only seven feet tall and his cultivation is weak, he is still willing to fight for his country and die for his country. I hope the Grand Commandant will understand! I hope His Majesty will understand!"

After this impassioned speech, if Chen Yuan didn't know it was fake, he would have almost believed it himself.

He portrayed the image of a young official serving his country and bravely facing death perfectly.

As expected, after hearing these words, Gu Tianqiong suddenly fell silent. He looked at Chen Yuan solemnly, recalling his past actions.

It seemed... that was really the case.

But he wouldn't say so on the surface, only humming softly.

"Sharp-tongued."

Being able to say these words meant that the matter was almost over. In fact, this was also very normal and within Chen Yuan's expectations.

No matter what, he had contributed to the country and selflessly saved thousands of people. Even if Emperor Jingtai was still unhappy and felt that Chen Yuan had disrupted his plans, he would have to swallow his anger.

He would still have to reward him.

This was a conspiracy.

Chen Yuan had made unparalleled contributions. If he was not rewarded, the people of Liangzhou would not accept it, nor would the people of the world. They would only think that the emperor was foolish and that there were countless treacherous officials in the court.

They would view meritorious officials as nothing.

Chen Yuan could even publicly declare, "I have contributed to the imperial court, I have shed blood for the imperial court, and I have risked my life for the imperial court!"

Once the chaos started, the direction would definitely be unfavorable to the imperial court.

"It is all thanks to the Grand Commandant's teachings," Chen Yuan said with a smile.

"Sit," Gu Tianqiong waved his hand.

"Thank you, Grand Commandant."

Chen Yuan slowly walked to the seat on the lower left and sat down.

"This time you have made great contributions and should be heavily rewarded by the imperial court. His Majesty has also summoned this Commandant and decided on the matter of conferring a marquisate. After the imperial court meeting, you will be the youngest marquis since the founding of the Great Jin.

Remember not to be arrogant or complacent. His Majesty and this Commandant have high expectations for you, understand?" Gu Tianqiong's tone changed and became much gentler than before.

"Thank you for your kindness, Grand Commandant. This subordinate will definitely be disciplined and devoted to the imperial court," Chen Yuan continued to express his loyalty.

Anyway, these words didn't cost any money. It wouldn't hurt to say a few more.

As for rebelling in the future, that would definitely be because the imperial court was too oppressive!

Chen would have no choice but to save the people from suffering!

"Well, remember what you said today."

"I wonder what title His Majesty intends to give this subordinate?" Chen Yuan asked.

"This... you will know at the imperial court meeting. His Majesty has high expectations for you," Gu Tianqiong chuckled.

Chen Yuan's eyes flickered and he didn't ask any further.

He didn't have any particular obsession; he was just asking casually.

However, carrying the emperor's expectations was a little interesting.

"How is the matter I asked you to do going? If it's not done well, this Commandant won't be able to..." Gu Tianqiong asked casually.

"Grand Commandant, are you talking about the remnants of the former dynasty?" Chen Yuan quickly understood the meaning in Gu Tianqiong's words.

"Yes."

"Thanks to the Grand Commandant, this subordinate has indeed made some gains."

"Hmm... Hmm?" Gu Tianqiong looked at Chen Yuan with a hint of surprise, frowning slightly.

"You... have made some gains?"

It had only been three months since Chen Yuan went to Liangzhou, and most of that time was spent on the great war with the Liang Barbarians. Where did he get the time to investigate those remnants of the former dynasty?

He wasn't even holding out hope.

He was just about to give him a hint, telling him not to be too proud, because even if he had made great contributions, it would still be a mistake if he didn't do the things he had been told to do.

But before he could finish speaking, the other party actually said such a thing.

This... this... this...

This young man...

"I have made some small gains. It can be considered that I have not failed the Grand Commandant's mission," Chen Yuan said with a cupped fist and a smile.

Gu Tianqiong stared at Chen Yuan and coughed twice.

"What gains?"

A flash of light appeared in Chen Yuan's hand, and a lifelike human head that had been well-preserved fell to the ground with a thud.

With Chen Yuan's current strength and status, he could now keep Mustard Seed Sumeru treasures and divine weapons without having to hide anything, as long as he didn't let the other party know that it was the Heavenly Book.

After all, there were still quite a few Yang Transformation Realists in the Jianghu who possessed Mustard Seed Sumeru treasures and divine weapons.

He wasn't that unusual.

"Who is this?" Gu Tianqiong asked directly.

"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, this person is named Xiang Lingtian. He is the heir of the Xiang family, the remnants of the former Chu imperial family. He has a peak Celestial Pill cultivation, possesses the Heavy Pupils, and has great strength. This subordinate was injured while killing him..."

Chen Yuan introduced Xiang Lingtian's background. Gu Tianqiong's pupils also contracted, showing some shock. This was actually the heir of the Xiang family!

And Chen Yuan had killed him!

He really... he really didn't know what to say.

He didn't think that Chen Yuan dared to deceive him. The Xiang family's traces were difficult to track, but the imperial court had made some progress over the years. If this person was really the heir of the Xiang family,

He could find out through some means.

What surprised him was that Chen Yuan had done so many great things in just three months. It completely exceeded his previous expectations.

The great war with the Liang Barbarians, returning from the brink of death, and also making such gains.

There was probably only one person like him in the world.

"How did you find the Xiang family's traces?" Gu Tianqiong took a deep breath without showing any emotion. He was extremely shocked, but in front of Chen Yuan, he still had to maintain the dignity of a superior, so he naturally wouldn't make a fuss.

But he was really surprised.

He hadn't given Chen Yuan much help. Finding these people's traces in the vast Youliang Prefecture was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, this..."

Chen Yuan had long woven a very clever lie, saying that not long after he took office as the Golden Envoy of Liangzhou, he accidentally obtained some vague clues from the Northern Liang King's son.

And he relied on this clue to track all the way, encountering countless dangers, and finally caught up with this person on the grassland and killed him, etc...

The specific process was naturally meticulous, dangerous, and made people worry and exclaim in admiration.

"Good, very good, Chen Yuan, this Commandant was right about you. Being able to offer the head of the Xiang family's heir is definitely a great contribution. This Commandant will ask His Majesty to reward you," Gu Tianqiong said in a deep voice.

The appreciation for Chen Yuan in his eyes was overflowing.

"Thank you, Grand Commandant," Chen Yuan's lips curled up slightly.

The imperial court was very cautious about the remnants of the former dynasty, but there hadn't been much progress over the years. Offering the head of Xiang Lingtian, the direct heir of the Xiang family, was definitely an indelible achievement.

It was also Chen Yuan's trump card.

How could he contend for the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy without something to show for it?

Xiang Lingtian, if he really went by blood relations, Chen Yuan would have to call him brother. Stepping on his head to secure a high position, he hoped that he could rest in peace under the nine springs.

Gu Tianqiong looked at Xiang Lingtian's head on the ground and then looked at the calm Chen Yuan, and said sternly:

"His Majesty intends to make this Commandant a Duke and transfer me away from the Sky Survey Division, and then choose one of the four Divine Envoys below to take over as Grand Commandant, so there will be a vacant seat.

Well... are you willing to take another step forward?"

If Chen Yuan hadn't brought out Xiang Lingtian's head, his achievements in Liangzhou wouldn't have been enough to convince everyone. After all, his achievements were military achievements, not internal achievements of the Sky Survey Division.

In addition, he was still young and couldn't bear such a great responsibility.

He wouldn't even have told Chen Yuan this news before.

However, now...

Chen Yuan was qualified.

Although his cultivation strength was weak, his achievements were real and not inferior to those of the experienced Yang Transformation experts. He also had great reputation and greater potential!

It seemed that it was not impossible for such a person to become a Heavenly Divine Envoy.

It was just a little difficult to balance the other Divine Envoys below.

He knew very well that, apart from Xiao Jing being detached, the other three Divine Envoys had their own little plans and were even divided into Zhang faction, Wu faction, and Zuo faction...

And Chen Yuan was very close to Zhang Yantong. If the two of them joined forces, the other two would definitely have opinions and break the balance.

He still needed to see Xiao Jing's opinion.

"This subordinate is willing to make more contributions to the imperial court and the Sky Survey Division," Chen Yuan said very seriously.

It was impossible not to seek progress, but he had to say it nicely. He didn't want power and status; he wanted to contribute more to the imperial court.

How could he contribute?

Naturally, he would have to be in a high position.

Gu Tianqiong nodded slightly.

"Let's put this matter aside for now. This Commandant will plan for you. It would be best if you can get the position. If not, there's no need to take it to heart too much.

You're still young, and there will be many opportunities in the future."

"This subordinate understands. As long as I can contribute to the imperial court, even if I don't succeed, this subordinate is willing to dedicate everything to the imperial court," Chen Yuan said sternly.

"Good..."

Inside the Sky Survey Hall, Chen Yuan and Gu Tianqiong talked a lot about the great war with the Northern Barbarians, about Xiang Lingtian, and about his breakthrough to Yang Transformation.

And Chen Yuan naturally responded with lies, saying that Wudang Mountain had helped him a lot, that he had walked out of the gates of hell, and that he had even benefited from the disaster and broken through to Yang Transformation, etc.

It was noon when Chen Yuan finally said goodbye and returned to his residence.

Now, he just needed to wait quietly for the imperial court meeting to arrive.

Two days passed in a flash, and Chen Yuan also began to attend some banquets and win over some relationships. The most notable thing was that he and Sima Ke had resolved their grievances.

Not only that, but they also talked loudly in the city, getting along well.

He also began to reveal to the outside world that he was standing on Sima Ke's side.

This immediately caused no small shock.

Yes, Chen Yuan caused another shock.

The capital knew all about the grievances between him and Sima Ke, so severe that they could be described as irreconcilable. But now they had reconciled, which was really surprising.

No one knew what method Sima Ke had used to win over Chen Yuan, a rising star among the nobility.

The former decline had begun to disappear, replaced by an impending resurgence.

This matter also surprised the First Prince Sima Qian and the Second Prince Sima You, who quickly sent invitations, wanting to meet Chen Yuan and ask what was going on.

But Chen Yuan declined, waiting for the grand imperial court meeting tomorrow.

The next day, early in the morning.

Chen Yuan, who woke up early, put on the official uniform of a Golden Envoy of the Sky Survey, a Fourth Rank official, passed through the east gate, and joined the stream of civil and military officials entering the imperial court, exchanging greetings with the people around him.

Several Divine Envoys had shown him kindness.

Of course, this was on the premise that they didn't know that Chen Yuan was interested in the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy. Seeing that the Sky Survey Division had successors, they were naturally very pleased.

But if they knew the truth, the situation would be different.

Chen Yuan also pretended not to know. If others showed him kindness, he would return it. But if others were unhappy, he would directly show them his displeasure and wouldn't even look at them.

The sun hung high, and the sky and earth were bright.

A long, thin eunuch's voice sounded.

"All officials enter the court!"

The civil and military officials gathered in front of the Golden Luan Hall began to enter the Golden Luan Hall in an orderly manner, according to their official rank.

In fact, this seemed to be Chen Yuan's first time formally participating in an imperial court meeting.

——————

The second update is here!

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