Chapter 989: 544: The Prince's Lair! (Part 3)

Chapter 989: Chapter 544: The Prince’s Lair! (Part 3)

Spiritual Wine is nearly the most elite form of imperial wine, with each cup brimming with spiritual energy, intoxicating the heartstrings.

The delicious food and wine are present, and the beauty of Sima Qian hasn’t been left out either.

His methods are somewhat like Wei Wuque of Beiliang, gathering many beauties, both fat and thin, from the Western Regions and overseas barbarians, including a renowned Oiran from the Capital.

However, Chen Yuan remained unmoved, simply speaking with a faint smile on his face.

This kind of steadfastness earned Sima Qian and Sima You’s admiration.

They couldn’t help but admire him inwardly.

They considered that rumors weren’t necessarily true, that the notorious reputation of Chen was mere groundless talk, slandering Brother Chen, who is clearly a virtuous gentleman, not close to women.

During the banquet, Sima Qian and Sima You flattered Chen Yuan with many compliments, praising him as the first person since the founding of Great Jin to be directly appointed Marquis, overseeing ten thousand households.

Never before in history, and unlikely to have successors!

Surely a person to be recorded in the annals of history.

Chen Yuan responded modestly, without arrogance.

Afterward, the two subtly probed Chen Yuan about why he helped Sima Ke, seeking the reason behind it, but Chen Yuan skillfully steered the conversation away.

This left Sima Qian and Sima You somewhat frustrated.

Seeing that Chen Yuan did not want to talk about the Righteous Path, they asked about his past in Liangzhou, about which they knew more than ordinary people, but not as clearly as Chen Yuan himself.

They were very curious how Chen Yuan could have slain the legendary Six Realm Barbarian God.

And still be able to wield the True Martial Immortal Sword.

It was truly strange.

After all, the Wudang Seven Sons fought in that battle….

Faced with such repeated queries, Chen Yuan without avoiding reiterated what he had said many times before to the two sons, leaving them astonished.

A fractured void, a massive hand reaching into heaven, countless bloodshed on the battlefield, shattered flesh and severed limbs covering the open ground outside Liangzhou City, blood rivers flowing.

Even thinking about it is enough to send shivers down one’s spine.

Even Hell couldn’t be much worse?

Chen Yuan gained fame and prestige in such a world-shaking battle, something enviable only with reverence, as his current status and power were entirely earned through his own efforts with blade and sword.

“Your Highnesses have flattered me, a little reputation is not what Chen cares for, all I wish for is nothing more than the four characters for world peace,” Chen Yuan’s words raised the level of casual talk.

This wasn’t too high, if one truly wanted higher, it would have to be the Four Sentences of Hengqu.

Though now isn’t quite the occasion.

Saying it lacks meaning.

At the banquet, many conversations ensued, and the two princes spoke of the currently vacant position of Heavenly Divine Envoy in the Heavenly Patrol Bureau. After some praise, they subtly suggested that if Chen Yuan would not help Sima Ke anymore, they could put in a good word to the Emperor.

But Chen Yuan simply wouldn’t bite.

Sima Ke, hearing these words, slightly curled his lips, as if sneering, he spoke little at the banquet, mostly listening.

But Chen Yuan keenly noticed his gaze always looking outward.

No one knew what he was looking at.

However, tonight the moon was indeed quite round and bright.

“Fourth brother, what are you looking at?” Sima You casually asked.

Sima Ke coughed twice, laughing unnaturally:

“Nothing, just appreciating the beautiful nightscape.”

“Yes, it is indeed nice.” Sima You glanced outside once, then focused his main attention back on Chen Yuan, not aiming to win over Chen Yuan, as long as Chen Yuan no longer supported Sima Ke, their purpose would be achieved.

Whoever coveted the position of Crown Prince, losing one counted as one.

“Ah, Brother Chen, it’s a pity we met too late. It’s a regret to Qian, if we’d known each other long ago, I would surely have been proud of it. Truly a great man, with grand poise,” Sima Qian said, slightly flushed and tipsy.

Whether it was drunken talk, or intentionally voiced with an excuse of inebriation.

“Indeed, Brother Chen has remarkable literary talent, even if not dedicated to martial arts, he could have shone brightly on the literary path. Alas, the human world gained a martial arts master but lost a literary sage.”

Sima You added.

“Second royal brother’s words are off, martial arts reign supreme under heaven, the Dynasty founded on martial might, the path of martial arts is the way to longevity, a great man truly should command the heavens, shake the firmament, defeat countless foes, and be renowned worldwide.

In comparison, martial arts are the true path, the way of clarity, while literary arts are a minor path, unclear…”

“There’s no need to argue. Both paths ultimately lead to the same end. Cultivating literature can indeed lead to longevity, except Confucian Dao is rather diminished nowadays,” Chen Yuan chuckled.

Sima Ke glanced again at the sky, calculating the time was nigh, then proposed:

“It’s getting late, I suggest we wrap things up for today.” He signaled to Chen Yuan subtly as he spoke.

Chen Yuan, curious but pondering, played along:

“Indeed, Your Highnesses should rest early. Let not the indulgence delay tomorrow’s matters.”

“Qian will escort Brother Chen.”

“And this palace shall…”

“No need, no need, Your Highnesses stay put, a little wine will not trouble me much,” Chen Yuan laughed softly, getting up to leave straight away.

Sima Ke hurried to rise and soothe Sima Qian and Sima You with a few words before quickly catching up with Chen Yuan’s footsteps, speaking only after seeing him out of the Prince Mansion:

“Brother Chen, hold on.”

“What does the Fourth Prince wish to discuss?”

Chen Yuan had felt earlier that this young man was somewhat off, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

Sima Ke looked around, stepped closer and whispered:

“Today Brother Chen is titled Marquis, it’s only fitting for some celebration.”

“What does Fourth Prince wish to convey, speak plainly?” Chen Yuan frowned.

Unsure of what could be the hidden intentions.

Sima Ke steadied his mind and softly continued:

“I’ve arranged with my mother’s concubine yesterday for a celebration tonight outside the palace for Brother Chen’s honor. Now that the storm of Brother Chen’s return to the capital has passed, so… ehem…”

“What do you mean?”

“Yes, my mother’s concubine is currently at Duke Wuwei Mansion, Brother Chen…. should cherish her….”

————

Today I wrote twenty thousand words!

Absolutely in progress, brothers, if you still have Monthly Tickets, please support, double will soon be over!

Thank you, thank you!

Raise the Monthly Ticket, tomorrow….. haha….