"What are your plans now that you’ve returned to the mountain?" the Yun Family Patriarch, Yun Chuxiong, asked.
Chen Yuan did not hold back, facing the gaze of several friends, "I won’t hide it. Just now, I discussed this very topic with the officers of The Overseers."
"This ti, we’re preparing to take the initiative, changing from defense to offense, and currently working on preparations."
"Good!"
Yun Chuxiong seed sowhat excited, pounding his palm.
"Is there anything my Yun Family can assist with? My Yun Family will mobilize all personnel and resources to fully support you. Simultaneously, I will also call upon all major families in Jingguan City to contribute manpower and resources, gather money and provisions. Just make your request, and I’ll take care of it imdiately."
Due to the close ties to the Ninth Mountain held by the father and son, the Yun Family’s developnt in Jingguan City has soared in recent years, gaining nominal respect from local families. In truth, with Chen Yuan’s prestige, they would eagerly offer support without him needing to ask. After all, those defiant local families have tasted the iron-clad resolve of this Ninth Mountain General.
The latter sentence was redundant but demonstrated his sincere intentions.
"The Su Nu Sword Sect will also offer full support."
"I will gladly summon friends to co aid as well."
"..."
Listening to the pledges one by one, Chen Yuan’s heart was ward.
After all this ti, these people have not changed.
Though their cultivation might not be strong enough to make significant changes, the rivers and seas are all nourished by streams, gathering sand into piles.
He didn’t decline, "Then I thank you all sincerely!"
He then raised his glass, "I toast to you all!"
"Cheers!"
.......
The night grew deeper, the hour of Hai (9 p.m. to 11 p.m.) approached, the dinner table dispersed, and in the quiet room of the backyard, a bronze lamp flickered.
Chen Yuan sat cross-legged within, eyes closed, enveloped in pure tranquility.
Before long, faint footsteps were heard outside, followed by the silhouettes of two figures cast upon the parchnt-covered door.
Inside, Chen Yuan slowly opened his eyes, a golden gleam flickered before it faded.
"General, Thunder Mountain seeks a eting!" Outside, Gongsun Yang’s soft voice sounded.
"Let him in." Chen Yuan remained expressionless, his voice steady and unfazed.
Upon his words, the door gradually opened, but the mist outside was repelled by an unseen force, unable to enter.
From the mist erged a towering figure with a thunder god face, electric wings folded upon his back.
The door shut with a thud, and Thunder Mountain stepped from outside darkness into the circle of lamplight, pausing to salute with a lowered head.
"General Chen!"
"Have you co bearing news from Helian Mountain?" Chen Yuan looked up, speaking lightly.
Thunder Mountain’s eyelid twitched; his words were accurate.
"Indeed, after following General Chen’s orders this afternoon, I relayed information to Lord Helian. A ssage from Lord State Preceptor has also arrived."
He spoke in a low voice, head bowed.
"Speak!"
Thunder Mountain’s furrowed brow sensed Chen Yuan’s piercing gaze, and despite hesitation, he finally shared with difficulty:
"Lord State Preceptor ntioned that late last night, the court dispatched a secret envoy with imperial command, urgently summoning him back to the capital!"
The slow and rhythmic words broke the tranquility of the quiet room.
Upon hearing this, Chen Yuan’s previously composed face showed faint ripples, spreading into a mocking twist at the corner of his mouth.
"Dispatching secret envoys? Urgently summoning Helian Mountain back to the capital?"
"Ha!"
He stood, "The Emperor sitting on the throne in the Imperial Capital has never failed to disappoint ."
"This is a ploy, fearing unrest in Shu."
His expression grew cold, lowering the room’s temperature.
With Thunder Mountain’s lowered head, his heart chilled, his back stiffened, he dared not speak.
Then, out of peripheral vision, he saw Chen Yuan pacing toward him, the imnse pressure causing beads of sweat to form upon his forehead.
"But I’m curious why Helian Mountain would share such confidential matters with ?"
"Isn’t he afraid I would overturn the foolish emperor’s table?"
"And isn’t he worried about inciting distrust from both the court and myself?"
Chen Yuan’s words exploded beside Thunder Mountain’s ears, fostering fear, as if a thorn piercing his back.
"The master said the matter cannot be concealed. Instead of allowing General Chen to hear rumors and speculate, causing internal suspicion, it’s best to be forthcoming and ease his mind. His ssage assures that General Chen can rest assured, as he will secure Ding’an Prefecture." Thunder Mountain whispered cautiously.
These words halted Chen Yuan’s pace, his expression turning solemn.
He had underestimated the Daqian National Master, a veteran of three dynasties!
This one had an admirable spirit.
"It appears the Old State Preceptor has refused the emperor’s urgent summons."
"Indeed, this morning, after accommodating the court’s envoy, Lord Helian dispatched him from Anding Mansion." Thunder Mountain replied in a muffled voice.
Chen Yuan showed appreciation, "My own spirit pales in comparison."
"Thus, our emperor may beco suspicious, surely facing much disapproval among the court."
Thunder Mountain, now daring to et Chen Yuan’s gaze the first ti since entering, noted ruefully, "I also worry that no one can truly grasp Lord Helian’s earnestness."
"The master’s dedication to Daqian is clear to ."
Chen Yuan, pacing, tapped his shoulder, his voice resonating, "I understand, as will the people of Shu."
Turning his back, he spoke while walking, "Moreover, I will assist in covering this matter, ensuring Lord Helian isn’t overly troubled."
Thunder Mountain hurriedly inquired, "Please, General Chen, share your guidance!"
Chen Yuan, hands behind his back, his gaze flickering, "Since Helian Mountain rejected Emperor Wu’s summons, the court will not let this pass. Surely, they will find other excuses to call him back."
"If agreeable, I can dispatch my n to intercept the court representatives before they et Lord Helian, preventing any encounter. Later, this can be blad upon ; I’ve nothing to lose in court reputation—whatever accusations of rebellion or traitorship can be pinned on . One more or less doesn’t matter." He chuckled dismissively.
"Of course, this requires the cooperation of Lord Helian."
Thunder Mountain, taken aback, swiftly nodded, "I will explain to Lord Helian and thank General Chen for considering the master."
Having accompanied Lord State Preceptor, the situation involved more than just Helian alone, affecting their lives.
"No worries, as long as one does not turn against , I will remain loyal. You may leave." Chen Yuan spoke lightly.
"Yes!"
"I take my leave!" Having bowed, Thunder Mountain retreated several steps, exiting the lamplight circle, then turning, the door opened without wind, allowing him to leave.
After his departure, Gongsun Yang swiftly entered, bowed toward Chen Yuan’s figure, and whispered,
"General, does this Thunder God Clan mber have pressing business?"
"Yes, over at Ding’an Prefecture, that Emperor directly sent a secret envoy, issuing a decree wanting Helian Mountain to return to the capital!"
"What? What on earth is the emperor thinking? Isn’t this undermining everything?" Gongsun Yang’s expression darkened, "How did Lord State Preceptor respond?"
"Hmph, I also wonder what goes on in that dog’s mind." Chen Yuan snorted coldly, eyes gleaming with icy light, "I’ve lost patience with them."
However, he shifted, tempering his tone slightly,
"Helian Mountain didn’t agree."
"This State Preceptor has resisted imperial commands twice now; he is wise."
Gongsun Yang, upon hearing, deliberated, affirming: "General’s foresight is correct. I will expedite tasks, consolidate resources along Jiannan Road, fully entrusting them to General’s control."
"Proceed freely!" Chen Yuan’s voice carried imnse authority.
"Understood!"
Reviews
All reviews (0)