Chapter 816: 487: I'll Agree to Any of Your Conditions!

Chapter 816: Chapter 487: I’ll Agree to Any of Your Conditions!

Zhang Yantong smiled faintly and gently stroked his long beard, saying:

“What you said makes sense. With these remnants of the former Chu, we must neither be too careless, allowing them to exploit loopholes, nor too concerned, losing our sense of proportion.”

“You must have other matters to discuss on this visit, correct?”

Suddenly, he changed the topic, inquiring about Chen Yuan’s intentions.

“Uncle, with your insight, you’re right. Aside from visiting you, I indeed have a personal matter to discuss.”

Chen Yuan remained calm, his gaze serene.

“An external posting?”

Zhang Yantong raised an eyebrow, seemingly seeing through Chen Yuan’s intentions.

“Uncle, your insight is as sharp as ever. It’s indeed about an external posting. According to court regulations, only a Heavenly Core Master is qualified to be posted as a Golden Envoy. My efforts in cultivation have been for this purpose.”

“Hmm?”

Zhang Yantong squinted, looking at Chen Yuan with a hint of amusement.

“Isn’t a position in the Capital worthwhile?”

“A man should not seek comfort in one corner of the world when residing between heaven and earth. Now, the court’s situation is unclear, with external threats and internal strife. Staying in the Capital might be stable, but it is not my desire.”

“What is your desire?”

“To oversee a region, stabilize the court’s situation, bring peace to the land, and ensure the people live and work in peace, this is what we martial artists should do!” Chen Yuan’s expression gradually became serious and steadfast.

He truly appeared as an upright official dedicated to the country and its people, exuding a righteous aura from head to toe.

“Your talent is outstanding; if you stay in the Capital, you will surely be greatly valued.”

“Being posted externally is also a great responsibility.”

“I understand,” Zhang Yantong returned to business, referring to himself formally.

His fingers kept tapping on the tabletop, leaving only the faint sound of tapping in the entire study.

“I ask for your assistance, Uncle!”

“Where do you wish to be posted?”

Zhang Yantong’s eyes flickered, gazing at Chen Yuan.

“Any state in the world would be suitable.”

Zhang Yantong smiled:

“Unfortunately, there are currently no vacancies in any state. If you wish to go, you might have to wait a bit longer.”

“That’s no problem, Uncle. I only wanted to mention it to you. It’s not too late to take up a position when a vacancy arises.”

“Hmm, this matter should not be rushed. Uncle will take note of it and consider it for you. In the meantime, you must diligently cultivate and not slack off. States and governments differ widely. Those closer to Central State are more stable, while those further away are more turbulent. Uncle will try to ensure that your position as Golden Envoy will be easier to fulfill.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

Chen Yuan expressed gratitude on his face but actually hoped the other would not be so considerate. If it’s too close to Central State, how could he hastily gain power?

The court’s control is not weak and can scrutinize him deeply.

However, he cannot say too much now, lest Zhang Yantong overthinks. After ensuring stability for another month or so, he plans to find an opportunity to remove the Golden Envoy of Shuzhou and then approach him.

“It’s no bother, no bother.”

Zhang Yantong nodded with a light smile and suddenly said:

“Since you’re already back, quickly go and take charge of some matters of the Imperial City Department. Only by fulfilling your duties can His Majesty trust you.”

A state Golden Envoy is a top Fourth Rank official, considered a regional governor. Such officials, along with titled generals and Third Rank state overseers, jointly handle the military, political, and martial affairs of a state.

It is impossible for the Heavenly Patrol Bureau alone to make decisions.

They only have the power of recommendation. The final decision-maker is the Emperor.

Of course, generally speaking, the Emperor would not say much and would approve those Golden Envoys recognized by the four Divine Envoys of Heaven, Earth, Mystic, and Yellow.

But they just want to guard against any chance occurrences.

“Rest assured, Uncle, I understand.”

Chen Yuan cupped his hands respectfully.

After remaining at the Zhang Mansion for a while, about until dusk, he excused himself. Overall, his purpose this time was fulfilled, informing Zhang Yantong of his return to take over his previous position and expressing his desire to be posted elsewhere.

Now, he simply had to wait….

Once the time was ripe, he could begin preparing for action!

Upon leaving the Zhang Mansion, Chen Yuan returned to the Duke Wuwei Mansion and had a very comfortable sleep, waking up slowly the next morning.

After having breakfast in the mansion, he set off directly for Shuanghe Temple.

This time was similar to before. After announcing himself, Chen Yuan was led by a Daoist into the main hall, where he met Jiang He’s old acquaintance, Li Hongshuang.

She still sported the same indifferent Daoist robe look, but even the loose robe couldn’t hide Li Hongshuang’s graceful figure. She glanced at Chen Yuan with a tranquil gaze and then instructed:

“Alright, you may leave for now.”

“Yes, Temple Master!”

The guiding Daoist gave a salute and withdrew.

Once she left, Chen Yuan smiled and cupped his hands towards Li Hongshuang, saying:

“Greetings, sister-in-law.”

Li Hongshuang suppressed a strange feeling in her heart and said indifferently:

“Did he send you?”

“Yes.”

Upon hearing the confirmation, Li Hongshuang pondered for a while:

“Did he have anything for you to say?”

“This is something Brother Jiang asked me to bring to sister-in-law.”

Chen Yuan took out a brocade bag from his sleeve and placed it in front of Li Hongshuang.

She stared at the brocade bag for a while, seemingly reluctant to learn any bad news from it, but couldn’t help harboring a flicker of hope in her heart.

Seeing this, Chen Yuan tactfully said:

“Sister-in-law, take your time to look at Brother Jiang’s brocade bag. I will take this opportunity to stroll around Shuanghe Temple.”

Saying this, without waiting for Li Hongshuang to respond, he turned and left.

After Chen Yuan had left for a while, Li Hongshuang gradually regained her composure. She glanced in the direction Chen Yuan had gone and slowly opened the brocade bag in her hand.