C14 Putting His Heart into His Sleeve

Yan Beichen spoke with a hint of bitterness in his eyes. Among the high-ranking officials, Wang Xuanyang, the head of the civil officials, held the esteemed position of Grand Preceptor. Emperor Yan Chen seemed inclined to pass the throne to Yan Nantian, leaving Yan Beichen without any real power base.

In the military ranks, Yan Feng, who commanded significant forces, had a lukewarm relationship with Yan Beichen. Only Lord Protector Chen Dou treated Yan Beichen with some degree of respect. Now that Chen Dutian had become a reading partner to the prince, Yan Beichen naturally had to treat him as an honored guest.

"I'm not exactly a scholar," Chen Dutian said, his eyes gleaming with cunning. "In the capital, I've always been seen as a bit of a playboy. But now, thanks to the emperor's favor, I've become a reading partner to the prince. From now on, I'll follow your lead, Your Highness!" He made his intentions clear to Yan Beichen.

Lord Protector Chen Dou wielded considerable military power, causing Emperor Yan Chen to constantly seek ways to eliminate him. Chen Dutian wasn't one to sit idly by. If he could help Yan Beichen ascend to the throne, perhaps the Chen family could avoid future conflicts with the Yan family.

Born into the imperial family, Yan Beichen had never been favored by Emperor Yan Chen. Most of the influential ministers were loyal to the crown prince, leaving Yan Beichen, a prince without power or influence, largely ignored. It was impossible for Yan Beichen, who had endured such neglect, not to harbor ambitions for the throne. Chen Dutian's task was to help him achieve that goal, ensuring the Chen family's security in the process.

Upon hearing Chen Dutian's words, Yan Beichen was visibly shaken, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes. He nodded and said, "I'll remember what you said, Mr. Chen. If I ever find myself in trouble, you better not stand by and do nothing!"

"Of course! But you should know, my family is in a precarious situation right now," Chen Dutian sighed theatrically, though inwardly he was pleased that Yan Beichen was taking the bait.

"What do you mean by that, Mr. Chen? Your father, Lord Protector Chen Dou, wields immense power in our dynasty, commanding an army of half a million. Who could possibly threaten your family's safety?" Yan Beichen asked, puzzled. He wasn't concerned with court politics and was unaware of the worries plaguing Yan Chen and Yan Nantian.

"Ah, it's the age-old story: when the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked; when the birds are gone, the bow is put away. My father holds significant military power, and the Emperor has long been suspicious of him. Wang Xuanyang has a longstanding grudge against my family. The Emperor made me a reading partner for the prince, keeping me in the capital to keep my father in check!"

Yan Beichen was silent for a long while before nodding in understanding. "Don't worry, Mr. Chen. I may not have much influence, but as long as I'm alive, I'll do everything in my power to ensure your family's safety!"

Chen Dutian was waiting for just those words. He hurriedly stood up, half-kneeling on the ground, and gratefully said, "Thank you, Your Highness. I, Chen Dutian, am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty. The Chen family vows to protect you!"

As evening approached, in the Imperial Garden of the royal city, Yan Chen sat calmly by a stone table, holding a cup of fragrant tea. Before him stood Wang Xuanyang and Crown Prince Yan Nantian, both silent, creating a somewhat heavy atmosphere.

"Have you visited Minister Lee?" Yan Chen asked slowly, taking a small sip of tea and opening his eyes with a serene expression.

"Your Majesty, I have already taken care of the matters with Minister Lee," Wang Xuanyang replied, bowing.

"Good. Promote Lee Yu to First Scholar of the Scribes' Hall and grant him the title of Marquis of Anguo," Yan Chen nodded, speaking nonchalantly.

In the Phethia Dynasty, titles could be inherited. Granting Lee Yu the title of Marquis of Anguo was Yan Chen's way of compensating the Lee family.

"With only three days until the Harvest Festival... issue my decree. All officials' descendants in the capital are to gather at Cloudwatch Palace. I want to select some talented individuals," Yan Chen commanded.

Wang Xuanyang acknowledged the order, bowing to take note. The Crown Prince stepped forward and reported, "Father, in another fortnight, Lord Protector Chen Dou is expected to return with the troops."

When the name Chen Dou was mentioned, a sharp look flashed across Yan Chen's face. It was a name he least wanted to hear and a person he most wished to avoid. Not even the vast mountains could trap Chen Dou, and the southern empire couldn't stop his Red Banner Army. Now, with such a powerful general returning, a sense of unease crept into Yan Chen's heart.

"Your Highness, don't worry. Although Chen Dou has reached the Skyflight level and commands an army of half a million, as long as Chen Dutian is in the capital, Chen Dou wouldn't dare act recklessly," Wang Xuanyang said with a sly smile.

Yan Chen nodded slightly, but his furrowed brow remained. After a moment of silence, he gave a cold order, "Grand Preceptor Wang, summon the head of Jademanes back. Instruct Tang Xuan to closely monitor the Red Banner Army's every move and prevent them from entering the capital!"

Wang Xuanyang was taken aback, his expression turning serious as he quickly bowed to accept the order. Beside him, the prince Yan Nantian also frowned deeply.

Jademanes was the gathering place for the most elite warriors within the Phethia Dynasty. The head of Jademanes possessed the strength of the Sixth Heaven in the Skyflight realm. Apart from the Yan family member in the capital, only the head of Jademanes could stand against Chen Dou in the entire dynasty.

Three days flew by in the blink of an eye. During this time, Chen Dutian stayed inside Sunlit Palace, focusing on his training. Although his progress was slow, he managed to reach the Sixth Heaven of the Spirit Convergence stage. With the martial skills he honed in his previous life, no one in the Spirit Convergence realm could match him.

Yan Beichen treated Chen Dutian as a trusted confidant, offering him the best food and drink, treating him like an honored guest.

"Mr. Chen, tomorrow is the Harvest Festival. My father has decreed that all the officials and their families gather at Cloudwatch Palace. You should be wary of the Crown Prince's supporters," Yan Beichen mentioned during a casual evening banquet with Chen Dutian.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. We're not a threat to the Crown Prince's position right now. He probably won't cause us any trouble at the festival," Chen Dutian replied with a relaxed smile.

In the capital, Yan Beichen was known for his laid-back demeanor, lacking ambition, and not particularly favored by Yan Chen. The Crown Prince never saw him as a rival. On the other hand, Chen Dutian, with his status as the Lord Protector's Heir, often found himself a target.

"My father mentioned that this time there will be separate stages for scholars and warriors to select the nation's future leaders. With your current Sixth Heaven strength, Mr. Chen, you're already among the top of your peers!"

Yan Beichen initially valued Chen Dutian for his influential background. If the son of Lord Protector Chen Dou were to support him, a significant portion of the military leaders would likely become loyal to Yan Beichen. However, after spending a few days with him, Yan Beichen realized that Chen Dutian was not the unskilled individual others made him out to be. Despite his young age, he had already achieved the Spirit Convergence level of skill. As the son of the Lord Protector, how could he possibly be an ordinary person with mediocre talents?

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