Chapter 998: 547: Entering Dao!

Chapter 998: Chapter 547: Entering Dao!

Chen Yuan was also happy to have peace and quiet. After lending his reputation to the other party, he began visiting friends and forging connections, attending banquets hosted by several nobles with decent reputations without missing any.

Even though he was just sitting around, as long as his attitude was appropriate, it was enough.

Chen Yuan’s former colleagues from the Eastern Imperial City Bureau, such as Tao Qingyuan, also came to Duke Wu’an Mansion to offer congratulations, conveniently strengthening the relationship even further.

He had already become a pillar within the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, and was gradually becoming more influential, naturally attracting those who wanted to ally themselves with him.

Officials Guo Peng and Guo Zifeng, who lived their lives around Li Hongshuang’s notion of four words, all met Chen Yuan in these few days, drawing closer in relations.

Of course, this included the Eldest Prince Sima Qian and the Second Prince Sima Ke.

Chen Yuan’s support for Sima Ke had already been established as a fact; it was unavoidably heading towards a reduction. Instead of showing hostility, they continued to persistently try to win him over.

Soon, Sima Ke, dressed in a faint yellow robe with python patterns, approached with a cheerful smile, looking quite pleased.

With nearly explicit support from Chen Yuan, Sima Ke’s influence saw rapid growth. Although it was still far from being on par with Sima Qian and Sima You, it had at least begun on a good note.

Many officials were eager to place another bet.

Which further strengthened Sima Ke’s position.

Under Chen Yuan’s guidance, Sima Ke shed his former arrogance, transitioning from outward arrogance to inner pride. Even when facing ordinary people, he adhered strictly to etiquette and never oppressed the common folk.

Towards talented young officials, he was accommodating and respectful.

Faced with some seasoned veterans in court, he remained calm and composed, no longer flamboyant.

This change brought him considerable renown, possibly seen as a transformation of a wayward son turning back. Although his original renown wasn’t particularly obvious, the change in his demeanor caused more people to focus on him.

And all of this was thanks to Chen Yuan’s guidance. Thus, although Sima Ke wasn’t overly humble when facing him, he felt close to him like to a fatherly figure.

Respectful and courteous!

“Brother Chen.”

Sima Ke’s face bore a slight smile, his demeanor gentle.

To those unaware, they might actually mistake him for some kind of elegant noble.

“Come and sit since you’re here.”

Chen Yuan waved his hand.

“Thank you, Brother Chen.”

Although Sima Ke clearly knew his relationship with Chen Yuan had become quite complex at this moment, after thinking, he decided to call him ‘Brother Chen’ anyway, as anything else would feel awkward.

“Brother Chen, that matter… how is it?”

Sima Ke lowered his voice to ask.

That night, Chen Yuan returned to the mansion, seemingly having established a connection, but these past few days he was too busy with work and hadn’t visited his mother, so he didn’t know the truth.

Upon meeting Chen Yuan now, he instinctively wanted to inquire.

Chen Yuan looked at Sima Ke’s curious yet odd smile, pondered for a moment, and poured himself a cup of spiritual tea. After a while, he nodded and said:

“Hmm… entered Dao.”

“Entered Dao… entered what Dao?”

Sima Ke didn’t understand the meaning of Chen Yuan’s words, only felt it strange; wasn’t this a matter about cultivation? What he asked wasn’t about that.

“Nothing.”

Chen Yuan immediately shook his head again.

“Brother Chen, my intended meaning is, my mother…?” Sima Ke paused, continuing.

“Hmm… very smooth.”

Reflecting on those words ‘very smooth’, Sima Ke suddenly understood, with a hint of smile flashing in his eyes.

As long as the planning wasn’t in vain, that’s good.

From now on, they would be allies bound on the same rope together.

Not just friends, but also fellow countrymen…

Judging by Chen Yuan’s expression, he seemed quite satisfied, which made him admire the tactics of both his mother and Chen Yuan.

“That’s good, that’s good…”

“Why doesn’t His Highness go and consort with talented people today, but comes to the mansion?” Chen Yuan smiled, not continuing this topic further, and directly asked.

Sima Ke’s eyes flickered momentarily, then calmly asked:

“Brother Chen, are you aware of the rumors outside?”

“What rumors?”

“It’s… concerning rumors about Brother Chen’s marriage.”

“I’ve heard a little, but it’s merely gossip. Chen has a mind to pursue Dao, and now has no intention to settle down.” This was Chen Yuan’s answer, both serious and sincere.

He was someone with rebellious intentions, truly marrying Princess Pingyang was entirely inappropriate.

Given his stature, he was perfectly matched with Princess Pingyang, yet he lacked that desire, that woman was clever, and part of the Sima Family, Chen Yuan wasn’t keen on engaging too deeply with her.

After all, it turned out that not only did Chen Yuan frequent Sima Ke’s homeland, but he also incidentally passed through Princess Pingyang’s homeland multiple times.

“This… Brother Chen really doesn’t consider it? Though the princess’ nature is somewhat aloof, she’s undeniably a remarkable woman, admired by countless talented young men in the capital.”

Sima Ke couldn’t resist saying.

“Are you entrusted by someone?”

“Uh… not really, just feel Brother Chen and the princess are somewhat well-matched.” He didn’t have much true purpose, solely relying on his mother wasn’t enough as her charm was fading.

He wanted to bind himself even tighter and deeper with Chen Yuan.

“About this… I have no intention regarding it.”

Chen Yuan shook his head.

“But, as Ke speculates, this matter might be driven behind the scenes by Father.” Sima Ke contemplated and decided to voice his uncertain speculation.

Chen Yuan picked up the teacup and took a sip:

“Your Highness worries too much. The emperor is busy managing national affairs, surely he wouldn’t focus on such matters. It might simply be intentional maneuvers by the capital’s enthusiasts.

Once the buzz dissipates, it will naturally vanish.”

“What Brother Chen said was also reasonable.”

“Haha…”

“By the way, Brother Chen, Ke just received news that Father will hold a family banquet in the palace tomorrow, where all princes and princesses should attend. Do you think… it could be related to these rumors?”