A secret in Yan, which might affect the general situation.
Chu Chen merely glanced at it and couldn't help but frown.
Setting aside the mysterious small box, the weakness of the Xiongnu Chieftain, compared to the secret of Yan, was clearly more important.
After all, the Xiongnu Chieftain was currently intending to deal with him, Chu Chen. If he could discover a weakness, it might be a good opportunity.
Chu Chen immediately chose the second reward: the weakness of the Xiongnu Chieftain.
[One thousand points were consumed, and the weakness of the Xiongnu Chieftain was successfully obtained.]
Subsequently, a new memory appeared in his mind.
[The Xiongnu Chieftain was fond of beautiful women. Once, in order to win the love of a beautiful woman, he personally killed her lover, which led to the beautiful woman's suicide. From then on, the Xiongnu Chieftain was very cautious when facing beautiful women he favored, fearing that they might perish.]
Chu Chen's eyes lit up. This Xiongnu Chieftain was lustful and had also suffered a trauma, making him afraid to treat beautiful women too harshly.
If he could select a beautiful and capable woman, and find a way to infiltrate the Xiongnu royal court, or even appear before the Xiongnu Chieftain.
Perhaps it could achieve an unexpected effect.
Soon, the carriage arrived at the imperial palace. After the guards at the palace gate reported to the Empress, Chu Chen was led by the soldiers into the great hall.
The Empress at this moment was wearing casual attire, exuding a lazy charm.
Especially the faintly visible cleavage, which made Chu Chen blush slightly.
"Chu Chen, why are you here?"
The Empress, seemingly unaware of her unusual attire, smiled and said casually.
Chu Chen cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, your humble subject has something to report."
The Empress paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "What is it? Speak."
Chu Chen organized his thoughts and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Lord Qian was assassinated on his way home after resigning."
Upon hearing this, even the Empress's eyes suddenly sharpened.
"Such a thing has happened? Who did it?"
The Empress looked at Chu Chen, her gaze becoming fiercer.
Although she had dismissed Qian Jieren, Qian Jieren was still a minister under her.
To lay hands on Qian Jieren was a blatant provocation to her authority as Empress.
"No matter who did it, the truth must be investigated, and the culprit brought to justice. By the way, how is Qian Jieren? Is he dead?"
The Empress asked with some curiosity.
Chu Chen shook his head, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Lord Qian is unharmed. Your humble subject saved him."
The Empress looked Chu Chen up and down with surprise.
"You are quite thoughtful. How did you know someone would assassinate Qian Jieren?"
Chu Chen shook his head with a wry smile, sensing that the Empress seemed to suspect him.
"Your Majesty, your humble subject intended to escort Lord Qian, but unexpectedly encountered an assassination attempt and lent a hand.
"Your humble subject believes the perpetrators were from the Xiongnu."
The Empress's eyes flashed with golden light upon hearing this.
"Xiongnu? Do you have any evidence?"
Chu Chen shook his head and said firmly, "Your Majesty, your humble subject has no evidence, only that the assassins' accents sounded like Xiongnu."
The Empress paused, her expression turning bewildered, then her eyes became somewhat vacant as she said, "The Xiongnu, they are thousands of miles away from us. Why would they attack our officials?"
Suddenly, the Empress seemed to recall something.
"Could it be that Qian Jieren had some agreement with the Xiongnu? And the Xiongnu wanted to silence him when he resigned this time?"
As she spoke, the Empress's face became very grim.
"It's hard to say, but it's highly possible. Your Majesty, your humble subject has a request for Your Majesty this time."
Hearing this, the Empress looked Chu Chen up and down with curiosity.
"Oh? Minister Chu has something to ask of me?"
"Speak, whatever your request, I will grant it all."
The Empress waved her hand generously.
Chu Chen breathed a sigh of relief, "Your Majesty, the person your humble subject wishes to request is the Old War God."
"This time, your humble subject has stumbled upon these people's schemes. Your humble subject believes the Xiongnu are likely to come after your humble subject, so your humble subject wants to strike first."
The Empress was taken aback, "The Old War God? You mean Huo Qing?"
Chu Chen nodded solemnly, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The Empress, who had been full of confidence, now hesitated.
"The Old War God is busy enjoying himself these days, either bird-watching, fishing, or playing with crickets near the imperial city. He might not be willing to accompany you."
"By the way, the Xiongnu failed this time. How can you be so sure they will come after you? Perhaps they are afraid of alerting the enemy and dare not make a move against you anymore."
The Empress looked at Chu Chen with curiosity, appraising him.
Chu Chen nodded, "Your Majesty is right. The Xiongnu understand this, but your humble subject believes this matter is too significant."
"Even if they have to mobilize more forces and means, the Xiongnu will definitely not give up."
"Only when all loopholes are sealed will they be satisfied."
The Empress nodded upon hearing this.
Although Chu Chen's reasoning was somewhat far-fetched, the Empress had no reason to refute it.
It was just an Old War God anyway. Since Chu Chen wanted him, she might as well do him a favor.
"Minister Chu, I can only help you summon him. As for whether the Old War God is willing to help, I cannot control that."
"The Old War God has made great contributions to Yun Yue, and I would rather not trouble him."
Chu Chen immediately nodded, "Your Majesty, it is enough that you can invite him. The rest is up to your humble subject."
The Empress nodded and immediately ordered someone to fetch him.
While waiting, the Empress inquired about the matter between Chu Chen and Xin Yue.
"My daughter, although a bit willful and capricious, has changed considerably since she's been with you. This is all thanks to you, Minister Chu."
Chu Chen quickly waved his hand, "Your Majesty flatters me. The Princess has grown on her own, it has nothing to do with your humble subject."
The Empress smiled and shook her head, her gaze suddenly becoming playful, "Chu Chen, now, the internal affairs of Yun Yue are relatively peaceful, and all aspects are improving. This is all your doing."
"However, your achievements are too great now. I don't know what reward to give you that would be fair."
Chu Chen smiled and shook his head, "Your Majesty need not worry about these things. Your humble subject is willing to do anything for Your Majesty."
"Even without rewards, your humble subject should dedicate himself to Yun Yue."
"This is the duty of your humble subject as a minister."
The Empress nodded.
"You don't need to be nervous."