Chunhua Palace.

Consort Yang's complexion was not very good. She had just heard about the Northern Barbarians mobilizing 700,000 troops to attack Liang Province, and she felt inexplicably anxious and apprehensive.

Chen Yuan... was on duty in Liang Province.

Faced with the Northern Barbarian cavalry's attack, as the Golden Envoy of Liang Province, he would inevitably not be able to escape and had to face this great battle.

It was often said that on the battlefield, swords and spears had no eyes.

Even if his cultivation was profound and his talent outstanding, what could he amount to in the face of an army of 700,000?

Yes, she was worried about Chen Yuan.

This feeling was hard to explain, but she was certain of it.

As for when it started, Consort Yang subconsciously touched her left cheek, her fair fingers gently caressing it, as if it had started at the Shuanghe Temple.

Then, on that evening at the Earl's Mansion, it reached its peak.

Thinking of what happened under the table that day, Consort Yang couldn't help but feel a surge of saliva in her mouth, and she couldn't help but swallow. A layer of blush crept up her smooth face.

Too... shameful!

That Chen Yuan actually dared to put it in her mouth!!!

Since Chen Yuan left, she had never forgotten what happened that day. Just as she was recalling it in detail, a maid came forward and bowed, saying:

"Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince has arrived."

"What is he doing here? I won't see him!"

Consort Yang snorted coldly.

Her expression was a little unnatural.

Ever since Sima Ke said those treasonous words, she had stopped seeing this rebellious son. Besides shame and indignation, there was also what happened in the Earl's Mansion that day.

It made it even more difficult for her to accept.

She remembered that the distance between her and her son at that time was no more than three feet, with only a tablecloth separating them. Whenever she recalled it, Consort Yang felt uncomfortable all over.

However, at the same time, a strange feeling filled her heart.

Therefore, whenever Sima Ke wanted to see her, she felt extremely awkward and naturally wouldn't agree to see him. However, this time Sima Ke did not leave.

She had just said she wouldn't see him when Sima Ke forced his way in before the maid could turn around and tell him to leave. The maids outside naturally didn't dare to stop him.

After all, no matter what conflict Consort Yang and the Fourth Prince had, they were still mother and son, and blood was thicker than water.

"Your son greets Mother Consort."

Sima Ke bowed with a calm expression, a smile on his face.

He was not at all embarrassed by the displeasure on Consort Yang's face.

"I told you I wouldn't see you. Get out."

Consort Yang snorted coldly.

"Has Mother Consort still not forgiven your son's unintentional words after so long?" Saying flattering words, Sima Ke gave the maids around him a look to tell them to leave.

The maids looked at each other. Seeing that Consort Yang only snorted, they bowed and retreated.

"What else do you want to say?"

Consort Yang's expression changed slightly, and she asked.

The Fourth Prince smiled and walked closer, whispering:

"Mother Consort, your son was wrong before. You should let go of your anger."

"Hmph."

"However, the words your son said that day, although a little harsh, were not without some reason."

"You..."

Consort Yang stared at Sima Ke.

Seeing that Consort Yang was about to get angry, Sima Ke quickly changed the subject and said:

"Mother Consort, you've heard about the Northern Barbarians' large-scale attack, haven't you?"

"Yes."

Consort Yang was silent for a moment and nodded.

"Then what does Mother Consort think?"

"Think about what?"

"This time, the Northern Barbarians' 700,000 cavalry attacking the Central Plains is a dangerous thing for the officials of Liang Province. Your son remembers that Chen Yuan seems to be the Golden Envoy of Liang Province."

"What Chen Yuan does has nothing to do with me."

Consort Yang tried her best to maintain an unhappy expression.

Sima Ke looked at the expression on Consort Yang's face, as if he had already seen something, and then said:

"This Chen Yuan is now a strong supporter of our mother and son. If he dies in Liang Province, there will really be no hope for your son to ascend to the position of Crown Prince."

"You want me to ask His Majesty to transfer Chen Yuan back?"

Consort Yang frowned, understanding the meaning in Sima Ke's words.

"With Chen Yuan's talent, as long as he is given a few years to grow, he will definitely be able to become an important minister in the court. And you have also seen the means he used to deal with your son.

If such a person can be used by us, what worries will there be about success?"

Sima Ke said in a low voice.

He had no choice but to ask Consort Yang for help.

Ever since that incident, Jingtai had looked at him with disgust in his eyes when he saw him. How could he dare to beard the lion? The officials who were attached to him had also been eliminated by the eldest and second sons.

Even his eldest sister was very unfriendly to him.

Here, he was hated by everyone.

He could only find Consort Yang and ask her to whisper a few words in the emperor's ear.

"I said this matter is not appropriate."

Consort Yang replied coldly.

Although there was no explicit rule prohibiting the harem from interfering in politics, this was an unspoken rule. What would it look like if she interceded for Chen Yuan?

"No... Mother Consort, it is actually most appropriate for you to say this. Because of your uncle's matter, His Majesty knows that you are tired of Chen Yuan and will definitely not think too much about it.

I'm afraid he will only think that you are eager to find talent. Furthermore... if Chen Yuan really dies in Liang Province, how will Mother Consort... relieve your worries in the future?"

Sima Ke lowered his voice and hinted slightly.

Unexpectedly, Consort Yang's face suddenly changed, and she suddenly picked up a jade ornament on the table and smashed it at Sima Ke, sternly saying:

"You bastard, what nonsense are you talking about? I told you last time that I am innocent and have a clear conscience with that Chen Yuan. How dare you say such a thing?

Treasonous!!!"

Consort Yang's hands were trembling slightly, obviously she was very angry.

Sima Ke quickly dodged and retreated a little distance, saying in a low voice:

"Mother Consort, please calm down. Your son... your son was just speaking without thinking. But you should think about this matter carefully. Even for the sake of your son, you have to help me."

"Help you? You are simply a useless person who can't be helped. Get out. Don't come to Chunhua Palace in the future. Get out!"

Consort Yang roared with a livid face.

Seeing his mother's reaction, Sima Ke nodded repeatedly:

"Your son will take his leave, your son will take his leave. Please don't be angry anymore, Mother Consort. Your son will be worried if you hurt your body."

After saying that, he moved his lips, but still suppressed the rest of the words and bowed to retreat.

After Sima Ke left for a long time, Consort Yang finally let out a long sigh and breathed heavily. The anger on her face gradually faded.

After a long time, Consort Yang's eyes flickered, and she was a little hesitant. In the end, a firm look flashed across her face, and she sighed. If that was the case, that evil son would definitely find out in the future.

He would think about it in a deeper way.

But...

There was also a firm voice in her heart telling her that she must help Chen Yuan once.

Help him a few times.

An unsuccessful son was probably really in need of someone as capable as Chen Yuan to assist him. Otherwise, once their mother and son lost power in the future, that bitch would definitely not let her go.

After another moment of silence, Consort Yang ordered outside:

"Qing'er, go and secretly cook a bowl of soup. I... I'm going to send it to His Majesty to nourish his body."

"Yes, Your Majesty..."

The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

After being informed, Consort Yang personally carried a bowl of spiritual soup into the room. She saw the very busy Jingtai at a glance, lowered her eyes, and softly called out:

"Your Majesty..."

Jingtai frowned, a flash of disgust in his eyes, but he concealed it very well and was not noticed by Consort Yang. He put down the things in his hand and said lightly:

"What brings you here, Consort?"

"Your concubine heard that Your Majesty has been very busy recently and is worried about Your Majesty's health. Even with profound cultivation, you can't be too tired. So, I personally cooked a bowl of spiritual soup for Your Majesty to nourish your body."

Consort Yang put the spiritual soup in her hand on the table, with a sweet smile on her face.

Glancing at the steaming spiritual soup, Jingtai quickly shifted his gaze with a calm look, revealing a flat smile:

"You have worked hard, Consort."

"It is Your Majesty who has really worked hard, managing all kinds of affairs every day and worrying about national affairs. Your concubine sees it in her eyes and feels it in her heart." Consort Yang quickly echoed.

"You came here today, is there something you want to say?"

Jingtai didn't want to beat around the bush and directly asked her intention.

He hadn't been to the harem for many years, and the people there didn't dare to come here casually, so he saw at a glance that Consort Yang had something on her mind.

Consort Yang pursed her lips and slowly said:

"I heard that the barbarians in the north are going to launch a large-scale attack again?"

"Yes, these barbarians never stop every year, making the imperial court exhausted. If it weren't for the King of Northern Liang guarding Liang Province for Us, how could there be peace in the Central Plains?

We are thinking about how to transfer more troops and strong men to support Liang Province."

Jingtai sighed lightly, as if he was really a good emperor who was worried about the country and the people.

"Yes, it's a pity that the imperial court doesn't have that much power. Otherwise, we could wipe out those barbarians in one fell swoop and return a completely peaceful Central Plains."

"Yes."

Jingtai narrowed his eyes, as if thinking of something:

"You want Us to transfer Yang Hucheng back to the capital, right?"

From the current point of view, it seemed that this was the only idea Consort Yang could have. After all, Yang Hucheng was Consort Yang's younger brother, but after the previous incident, he was directly exiled to the border of Liang Province.

Consort Yang breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. Everything was still within her expectations. She didn't have any big plans, but she kept making small moves. She definitely couldn't take the initiative to mention Chen Yuan.

Otherwise, it would make people suspicious.

It was best to let the emperor take the initiative to mention this matter.

After Jingtai finished speaking, Consort Yang shook her head repeatedly:

"Your Majesty misunderstood. Hu Cheng committed a crime, and it is appropriate for him to be exiled to Liang Province. Now is the time of national crisis, and he, as a member of the royal family, should take the lead so that people can see Your Majesty's determination."

"Oh?"

Hearing her say such words, Jingtai raised his eyebrows, slightly surprised.

Such sensible words didn't seem like something the always easily angered Consort Yang could say.

Before he could ask anything, Consort Yang continued:

"If Hu Cheng can sacrifice himself for the country, although your concubine will feel pain in her heart, she will also feel gratified. Those who are related to the royal family should have such determination. Moreover, Hu Cheng is neither good at writing nor martial arts. It would be unwise to transfer him back, risking being criticized by the people of Northern Liang."

"In your concubine's opinion, even if we transfer someone, it should be those martial arts geniuses with outstanding talents and leading generals. These people are the foundation of the imperial court.

They are Your Majesty's reliance in the future. It would be a pity if they died in the hands of the barbarians at a young age."

Consort Yang lowered her eyes, not daring to look at Jingtai's eyes, as if she was just saying it casually.

Jingtai heard this and pondered, tapping the table lightly with his fingers, muttering the eight words 'martial arts genius, foundation of the imperial court'. Obviously, Consort Yang's words had stirred his thoughts.

Not to mention others, Chen Yuan, who he had high hopes for and was to become a sharp knife in his hand, must not be lost in Northern Liang. This person had the qualifications of a True Lord, and he had even bigger plans for him in the future.

Just as he was thinking about it, Consort Yang hesitated for a moment and said:

"Your Majesty, the spiritual soup is getting cold."

"Yes."

Jingtai came back to his senses slightly, but he didn't pick it up, just saying, "What you said, Consort, also makes some sense. Young geniuses have great potential. It would be a pity if they died in Northern Liang."

"Hehe..."

"Alright, We will drink the spiritual soup. You may withdraw first, Consort." Jingtai ordered.

Consort Yang's eyes moved, and suddenly said:

"Where will Your Majesty... sleep tonight?"

Jingtai stared at her, suddenly realizing that he was still a little curious just now, how could Consort Yang, this stupid woman, say such a thing, it turned out to be paving the way for this matter.

He was almost fooled, waved his hand and said:

"We have been cultivating in recent years and should not engage in carnal matters. You may withdraw, Consort."

Disappointment was hard to hide on Consort Yang's face. She apologized and slowly bowed to withdraw. After turning around, she changed to another face, calm, indifferent, as if she was not disappointed at all.

No...

To be precise, it was as if she had already foreseen this answer.

After Consort Yang left, Jingtai subconsciously touched the crown on his head, then put the spiritual soup aside and waited for the eunuch to throw it away.

"Someone, summon Cao Zhengxian. We have an edict to bestow."

"Yes, this servant obeys."

On the other side, Consort Yang, who had returned to Chunhua Palace, stayed there bored for a while, only to feel a little depressed in her heart, and then asked someone to send two pots of spiritual wine.

She sat alone in Chunhua Palace, pouring and drinking by herself.

She did not know how long had passed, and Consort Yang was already a little tipsy, her face stained with a thick blush, and her eyes were also a little dazed and blurred.

With messy footsteps, she came to a secret place in Chunhua Palace, trembling fingers opened a mechanism on the wall, and with a rumbling sound,

A plain black box appeared in front of her.

She opened it casually, revealing the things inside.

A smile immediately appeared in her eyes.

Inside was a shiny jade lotus root, about the size of a baby's forearm. Consort Yang held it in her hand and gently stroked it.

Unconsciously, she thought of the study in the Earl's Mansion.

"Still a little small..."

Consort Yang muttered to herself, then a wave of alcohol rushed to her head, and she soon fell crookedly to the ground, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, as if she had entered a dream.

"Bold... how dare you hit me!"

"Stop!"

"Please... please, don't hit me."

"No..."

She lightly spat out vague words of rejection, but Consort Yang's face showed a satisfied smile.

......

......

Liang Province, Jianmen Pass, military camp.

Chen Yuan, who was sitting cross-legged in cultivation, suddenly frowned, then slowly opened his eyes, a look of confusion flashing in his eyes.

He hadn't been sleeping just now, he had been concentrating on his cultivation.

But...

For some reason, he seemed to have fallen asleep.

Moreover, he had a very strange dream.

The protagonists of the dream were him and the Consort Yang in the capital, who was the mother of Sima Ke and Princess Pingyang.

They were locked in a small place, surrounded by darkness.

The strangest thing was that Consort Yang asked him to hit her, but when he hit her, she showed a look of resistance, but she also said something like don't stop, keep hitting.

Weird, really weird...

Chen Yuan hadn't had a dream for a long time, especially when he was cultivating. He frowned immediately, thought for a long time in place, then he shook his head slowly.

It couldn't be a shared dream, he must have been thinking too much.

Maybe... it was because the enemy was at hand that he was a little inexplicably nervous.

After Chen Yuan ordered all the Sky Survey Divisions of Liang Province to be incorporated into the military camp that day, he completed the assembly in just one day and took them to Jianmen Pass.

As for the Sky Survey Guards at all levels in the prefectures and counties below, they also quickly gathered here under his order.

Walking out of the military camp tent, Chen Yuan looked around, his eyes slightly nodded. Perhaps it was because he was suppressing them, or perhaps it was because the name of the King of Northern Liang was too heavy.

In short, the Sky Survey Division was very calm.

The nearly 200,000 Northern Liang troops gathered at Jianmen Pass were also unusually calm.

There was a feeling that a storm was brewing.

The great battle was coming, the calm before the storm.

Chen Yuan sighed slightly.

He originally wanted to keep communicating with Senior Moro, but since the Qishan tribe was destroyed, Senior Moro had fallen into silence. In his words, he was trying his best to recover from his injuries.

He might take action during the war.

Therefore, Chen Yuan did not interrupt him and quietly waited for Moro to wake up.

But he was thinking about how to maximize his interests.

Taking advantage of this Northern Barbarian-Central Plains war, he would raise his prestige to the extreme, and it would be best if he could break through to the Huayang Realm in the process of the battle.

Moro's strength was ultimately his, and Chen Yuan still wanted his own!

Admittedly, his cultivation had already improved fast enough, but it was not enough in the upcoming chaotic world. What he wanted was not just self-preservation.

What he wanted was real power!

To occupy a dominant position in the future war.

In this way, he could implement his series of plans.

Chen Yuan walked in the military camp, pondering, when suddenly, in the distance, a fire bomb shot straight into the sky, breaking the silence of Jianmen Pass.

A loud roar resounded for tens of thousands of meters:

"The Northern Barbarians... are entering the border!"

A roar, a low roar, completely awakened the sleeping people of Jianmen Pass. The things they had been waiting for for a long time finally happened.

The Northern Barbarians... are entering the border!

Discovered by the outposts further away, it was like a beacon fire, passing the message to Jianmen Pass.

Then, many sleeping Northern Liang soldiers crawled out of their dreams, quickly put on their armor, mounted their war horses, and waited for the military order of the King of Northern Liang!