Fang Chuning increasingly disliked people asking about his affairs with Xie Jue. Those who claid to be concerned for his well-being, prying into his and Xie Jue’s matters? For what reason? He didn’t like it at all. What status did these people have to pass judgnt on his affairs with Xie Jue? Even if they were parents or elders, he wouldn’t listen, much less past friends.
Chen Gui sneered, "You, a dignified man of seven feet, yet you willingly degrade yourself, submitting to others. The General feels ashad of you; otherwise, why would he hold a funeral for you, pretending he never had a son like you? I once considered you a friend, which is why I say these things to you. If it were others, I wouldn’t bother saying a single word. If you had even a shred of dignity, you wouldn’t dare debase yourself."
"Enough!" Fang Chuning was furious. He always greeted people with a smile, even those he disliked, as long as it didn’t touch his bottom line, he wouldn’t break ties.
But Chen Gui had crossed the line!
Fang Chuning said, "I’ve long lost my mory and don’t rember you. I ca today simply because I don’t want Xie Jue to waste effort on Zhongzhou matters. I can see the Chen Family is intentionally elevating their status. You want to hold out, but the Emperor must agree, and Xie Jue is willing. The longer this drags on, the more disadvantageous it is for you. I ant well, but if you don’t appreciate it, pretend I never ca."
Fang Chuning stood up; the wine wasn’t to his taste, and there was no need to continue drinking. He said deeply, "Rember, how I am with the Prince is our business. We are not murderers or arsonists, nor are we bandits who pillage. We walk upright between heaven and earth, with a clear conscience. We once fought side by side to protect the lands and people of Beining. We owe no one. We are different from those aristocratic children who sit comfortably in Zhongzhou enjoying peace. Perhaps you want family glory, a hundred years of prosperity and continuity. We just want to live honestly, fulfilling our duty to Beining in the first half of our lives and to ourselves in the latter half."
Perhaps they were selfish, but Chen Gui had no right to interfere.
Chen Gui, irritated and embarrassed, exclaid, "You’re simply beyond redemption!"
"What does it matter to you?" Fang Chuning brushed his sleeve and left, regretting coming to persuade Chen Gui.
When he talked about this with Zhou Buyan, Zhou mocked him, "You’re really amusing, actually going to advise Chen Gui. I told you, although you have a decent relationship in Zhongzhou, you’re not true friends. Why bother encouraging him in such matters of shallow acquaintance? This is your problem, being too loyal. Let go of the compulsion to help, respect others’ fates. What does the success or failure of the Chen Family have to do with us? Without them, Zhongzhou will undergo another purge; it’s just a matter of ti."
Fang Chuning shook his head and said softly, "The Chen Family is raising their own value, but why would soone as arrogant as Xie Jue actively seek out Chen Gui? He knows Zhongzhou cannot continue in decline. Zhongzhou is a connection point between Jiangnan and the twelve states. If it remains in decline, as people leave, it would take years to restore its forr prosperity. Currently, over a hundred officials in Zhongzhou have familial and kin relationships, a complete cleanup from top to bottom isn’t achievable in a year or two. Moreover, most of these people have served for many years, irreplaceable. They aren’t lacking in ability; therefore, they should be given a chance, not simply disregarded. Otherwise, with so many vacancies, how can the court fill them? For now, the Chen Family is indeed valuable and needs pacification and stabilization before gradually reducing their influence. It’s straightforward; the Chen Family requires a way out, and Xie Jue has offered them one. He should simply follow along. There’s no need for him to waste his ti on these matters or endure Chen Gui’s verbal insults. If Chen Gui dares to speak to like that, he would to Xie Jue too; how dare he!"
Zhou Buyan raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "You keep saying you don’t like the Prince, yet you care about him everywhere. Is this... a habit? Or instinct?"
That’s just absurd!
Still claiming not to like him, who would believe that?
Fang Chuning said, "You’re quite narrow-minded. If it were you and Xie Jue sharing a stance today, I’d also encourage Chen Gui for you."
"I’m touched, thank you. Our brotherly bond still holds strong."
Fang Chuning snorted coldly, not responding to him. He acted according to his heart; if Chen Gui didn’t appreciate it, so be it. Based on what Chen Gui had said, there wouldn’t be a second visit.
Xie Jue sohow learned he had t with Chen Gui and ntioned it while offering him dicine, "You saw Chen Gui?"
"How is your information so updated?"
"What did you et him for?"
Fang Chuning suspected Zhou Buyan was a traitor, reporting everything to Xie Jue. Otherwise, how would Xie Jue know? Fang Chuning said casually, "Nothing, just ran into him, had a drink, and casually talked about Zhongzhou."
"After a long ti apart, so much to talk about?"
"No, I don’t rember him."
"Don’t rember, yet talked so long?"
Fang Chuning, "..."
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