Chen Yuan, having left the Chunhua Palace, was unaware of the extent of Sima Ke's conjecture, which was a complete slander and defamation. He, the esteemed Marquis Wuwei, a Dao Lord of the Dao God Palace, and a fourth-rank official, would never stoop to such deeds.

His name was Chen Yuan, not Cao Yuan. He had nothing to do with the integrity of the Prime Minister.

After leaving the Chunhua Palace, Chen Yuan resumed his pretense of thoroughly searching the harem several times. He lingered until dusk before finally departing.

The truth was clear, but Chen Yuan couldn't reveal it. He could only use it to achieve his own goals, which could be considered a small compensation. Late at night, he contacted the other Dao Lords through the Heavenly Book Treasure.

"Everyone, the place where Senior Moro is suppressed has been found!"

This was Chen Yuan's transmission. Immediately, one after another, lights began to flicker and shine within the Heavenly Book space.

"Well done!"

Li Suqing replied.

"Excellent, we didn't misjudge you."

Chu Changfeng echoed.

Only now that Chen Yuan had located the place where Senior Moro was being suppressed did they breathe a sigh of relief. If they couldn't find it, even if they drew all the court's experts' attention elsewhere, it would be futile, just a pointless sacrifice.

But now that they had found it, they could accelerate the conclusion of some of their arrangements, ensuring absolute safety.

"Where is it?"

Jiang He's voice remained cold.

"The Cold Palace."

Chen Yuan said in a deep voice.

"The Cold Palace?"

"It's actually there."

"Knowing the location makes the subsequent tasks much easier."

Then, within the Heavenly Book, they discussed some matters regarding the Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony with solemn tones.

"Chen Yuan, we entrust you with the task of rescuing Senior Moro."

"Be careful in everything."

"Careful..."

One solemn voice after another echoed from within the Heavenly Book, their tone resolute. Chen Yuan was momentarily silent. He could imagine how dangerous it would be with so many powerful figures present at the court's Ancestral Sacrifice.

Even with the strength of these Dao Lords, it would still be extremely dangerous, likely requiring a life-for-life exchange to buy him more time.

And once they revealed themselves, leaving would be... difficult.

But these people remained unwavering.

He hadn't met that Senior Moro and didn't know what kindness he had shown them or what great charm he possessed that could compel these outstanding figures to rescue him at all costs...

"I will do my best."

Chen Yuan replied with a solemn expression.

Not only had the Dao God Palace repeatedly helped him, but now it was time to repay the debt. Moreover, tracing his own origins was inseparable from the help of this Senior Moro.

Although it would entail some risk, it had to be done.

After each sharing some additional information, the meeting concluded.

Chen Yuan put away the Heavenly Book and resumed his cultivation.

His Core Formation cultivation was ultimately too weak in the face of these individuals, so weak that they couldn't even consider Chen Yuan a main force, only entrusting him with the crucial task of rescuing Moro.

......

......

The night passed without incident. Chen Yuan opened his eyes early again. After having breakfast at the residence, he didn't delay much. He went to the East Imperial City Division for his inspection rounds, following his usual routine.

With the Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony approaching, being unconventional would be foolish. The best approach was to remain as ordinary as possible. And because this event was imminent, he could keenly perceive that the Imperial City seemed to be mobilized.

All for the sake of preparing for this ceremony.

The Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony, held every three years, was not uncommon. It had occurred dozens of times in previous years, so most people didn't associate this event with anything else.

Their mindset was very peaceful.

Of course, that didn't mean they didn't take it seriously.

Perhaps in the eyes of those high-ranking court officials, this was just a formality, but for ordinary officials, even the slightest mistake

could result in the loss of their heads.

After spending some time in the East Imperial City Division, before Chen Yuan could do anything else, Jingtai's decree arrived again, summoning him to the Imperial Study for an audience.

He knew that, as expected, it was about the death of Consort Shu.

But unexpectedly, Jingtai seemed quite anxious.

Chen Yuan had been waiting for Jingtai's summons, intending to gloss over the matter. He thought Jingtai might bring it up after the Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony.

He hadn't expected that after just the second day, the other party would be so eager to urge him.

Could it be...

Jingtai really didn't know?

He didn't think so.

With various thoughts swirling in his mind, Chen Yuan returned to the Imperial Palace's Imperial Study. After being announced, he met Jingtai and Cao Zhengxian, almost identical to yesterday.

Jingtai still calmly fiddled with something, while Cao Zhengxian attended to him on the side.

"Clatter."

Hearing Chen Yuan's arrival, Jingtai casually put down the paintbrush in his hand, raised his head, and gazed at Chen Yuan.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Chen Yuan bowed.

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Chen Yuan calmly raised his head.

Jingtai casually asked, "The people in the palace said that Marquis Chen returned quite late yesterday and didn't go to the harem again today. Did you find anything?"

Chen Yuan's eyes flickered, and he quickly said:

"Your Majesty, your subject did find some things."

"Tell me..."

"Your subject believes that the Consort Shu's drowning was an accident."

Jingtai frowned:

"An accident? Is that your answer?"

"Yes." Chen Yuan nodded respectfully and then said:

"Consort Shu often admired the moon in the pavilion, not allowing palace maids to follow. On the day of the drowning, the starry sky was dim. Perhaps the night was too dark, and she accidentally lost her footing and fell into the water.

As for the two palace maids... they had previously received orders from Consort Shu not to rashly go to the pavilion and disturb her poetic mood. Your subject deduces that it was because of this

that Consort Shu drowned."

"Anything else?"

Jingtai asked with an indifferent expression.

From Chen Yuan's obscure words, it was already clear that Consort Shu had died during an affair and that this matter had been going on for quite some time.

However, it seemed that he was not satisfied.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Yuan knew that he had to reveal something more to Jingtai, otherwise he would still be seen as somewhat ineffective. Immediately, he said:

"Your subject also smelled a faint scent of Dragon Ink on Consort Shu's body. However, Consort Shu has always been quite proficient in calligraphy and painting, so this matter is not unusual."

Having said this, Chen Yuan had basically revealed most of the clues, directly pointing to several princes in the palace. Saying any more would only expose Sima Ke.

He estimated that Jingtai's mind was sufficient to deduce some things.

Jingtai stared at Chen Yuan with an exceedingly calm gaze. The atmosphere within the Imperial Study seemed to completely solidify, and immense pressure instantly and invisibly enveloped Chen Yuan.

If he didn't possess some composure, he would be flustered under this pressure and completely confess everything. However, doing so

would not only anger Jingtai but also expose the Waist Token.

An outsider threatened a Consort to get a pass to freely enter and exit the harem. What was he planning?

Anyone with a brain would know that Chen Yuan's intentions were impure.

It wasn't that Chen Yuan deliberately shielded Sima Ke; he actually couldn't wait to kill this guy. But the situation was right in front of him, and he couldn't act. Once he did, he would be implicated.

Besides, holding this guy's dirt was useful for controlling him if there were any plans in the future.

However, he didn't think he would need this guy...

After a long time, Jingtai slowly withdrew his gaze and said indifferently:

"I understand."

"Now that this matter has been concluded, there's no need to investigate further. Execute all the palace maids by Consort Shu's side as a warning to others. Also, collect and bury Consort Shu's body..."

Jingtai slowly sat down, his fingers constantly tapping on the desk.

"Your subject obeys the decree."

Chen Yuan nodded.

It was just a pity for those two palace maids. Even if they cooperated in uncovering the truth, they still had to die. Because sometimes, the truth wasn't important, not even as important as the royal family's reputation.

Thinking about it now, perhaps the other palace maid, who hadn't begged for mercy from the beginning, had already foreseen her fate, so she didn't say a word and allowed herself to be tortured.

"The Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony is in a few days. After Marquis Chen finishes dealing with this matter, go back and start preparing."

Jingtai said indifferently.

"Yes, your subject obeys the decree."

"Withdraw."

"Your subject takes his leave."

Chen Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, staring at the ground as he slowly left the Imperial Study.

About ten breaths after he left, Jingtai stared at the teacup in front of him and asked softly:

"What does Marquis Cao think of Chen Yuan's words?"

Cao Zhengxian quickly said:

"Marquis Chen's ability to handle matters is trustworthy. Since he said so, presumably... Consort Shu's death was an accident."

Jingtai sneered:

"The scent of Dragon Ink, Marquis Cao, who in the Imperial Palace do you think is qualified to use Dragon Ink?"

Cao Zhengxian naturally knew what Jingtai was talking about and said in a low voice:

"Perhaps someone deliberately framed them."

Chen Yuan understood the reasoning, so how could Cao Zhengxian not know?

He held a high position in the Imperial Palace and was a veteran official of several dynasties, but it was still better to avoid the scandals of the royal family if possible.

Jingtai: "Chen Yuan is a smart man."

Just as Chen Yuan had guessed, did Jingtai really not know that there was a problem with Consort Shu's death?

No, he knew.

He not only knew but also knew that it must be a scandal, so he ordered Chen Yuan not to publicize it. His gaze had already suspected several princes.

Especially... Sima Ke.

With the Emperor's means, investigating some matters was simply too easy.

But he still pretended not to know.

The purpose was almost the same as Chen Yuan had guessed: first, to silence the gossiping mouths; second, not to publicize it; and third, to see if Chen Yuan was a discerning person.

If he really made a prince's scandal with Consort Shu public, it would prove that Chen Yuan was not a smart man and lacked... respect for the royal family.

Such a person, no matter how talented, was not worth nurturing by the court.

Fortunately, Chen Yuan knew what was important, not only saying the general situation but also not mentioning any scandals, handing over the initiative to him to handle.

Such a person, if properly nurtured, would be a fine steed for the Sima family in the future.

"Marquis Chen is indeed smart."

Cao Zhengxian echoed.

"What do you think... about marrying Princess Pingyang to Chen Yuan?" Jingtai said with a glint in his eyes.

The best way to win over Chen Yuan and consolidate his loyalty to the Sima family was to make him a royal relative. Even granting him promotions and titles was inferior.

Only by truly making him one of their own could he feel at ease nurturing him.

"This..." Cao Zhengxian narrowed his eyes.

"What, does Marquis Cao have a different opinion?"

"This old subject just feels that it's a bit inappropriate."

"Hmm?"

"Chen Yuan is indeed a rare talent in this world, one in a hundred years, but Princess Pingyang is also Your Majesty's treasured daughter and has a stubborn personality. Marrying her to Chen Yuan

would likely be unwilling. Moreover, this Chen Yuan has a cruel and violent nature, and it's inevitable that conflicts will arise with Princess Pingyang. Most importantly, Chen Yuan has family members in Tangshan and is particularly fond of women... Princess Pingyang deeply resents this..."

Jingtai took a deep look at Cao Zhengxian and said in a low voice:

"In that case, let's discuss this matter another day."

"Your Majesty is wise."

A faint smile appeared on Cao Zhengxian's face.

Because of Yang Yuanqing's matter before, he had some small grudges with Chen Yuan. Although he wouldn't bully him with his status, he could still stir up some trouble sometimes.

Chen Yuan belonged to the Sky Patrol Division and was valued by those guys. He didn't want Chen Yuan's status to become even higher, but he also knew that he couldn't stop this matter with just his words.

If Jingtai insisted on doing so, then no one's words would be of any use.

"I heard that the people from the Imperial Prison Division recently caught some restless fellows?"

Jingtai suddenly said.

"Recently, some were indeed caught. Your Majesty knows that whenever major events like the Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony approach, some demonic bandits always think about causing trouble."

"How were they dealt with?"

"They have been imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison and are being interrogated under strict supervision."

Jingtai's gaze became solemn:

"The Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony is no small matter and must be handled with caution to prevent any unrest. Interrogate those fellows thoroughly. It would be best if we could know some of their plans in advance."

"This old subject understands."

"Hmm... if they don't speak, use some torture. If they still don't speak, castrate them so they can't be men and become neither men nor women."

Jingtai stared at Cao Zhengxian with a smile in his eyes.

Hearing these words, Cao Zhengxian, whose face had been creased with a smile, suddenly froze and nodded sheepishly.

He understood that Jingtai was also warning him...

......

......

After leaving the Imperial Palace, Chen Yuan led his men straight to the harem to conclude the Consort Shu case. Since Jingtai had spoken, he would naturally follow his intention. Consort Shu's death was an accident, and this matter must be concluded, not allowing anyone to question it.

At the same time, he buried Consort Shu's body, completely sealing this matter, and then took it out on a few palace maids, and the matter ended logically.

As for whether Jingtai associated it with Sima Ke, it was none of his business. Even if he knew that Sima Ke had overstepped his bounds by having an affair with Consort Shu, he would never act at this juncture.

Moreover, without the child in Consort Shu's belly, there was no solid evidence.

To better control the Fourth Prince and Consort Yang, Chen Yuan directly sent Tao Qingyuan to secretly remove the unborn stillborn in Consort Shu's belly and place it somewhere.

If he ever wanted to nail Sima Ke, this would be solid evidence!

Sima Ke in the harem, upon hearing the news that this matter had been concluded, finally breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, he no longer struggled with whether Chen Yuan had something to do with his mother.

Even if he did, he couldn't control it.

Being able to manage himself was already a stroke of good fortune.

Moreover...

His mother had been lonely for a long time, and Chen Yuan was young and strong. Who was at a disadvantage was not certain...

After resolving the Consort Shu case, Chen Yuan no longer stepped into the harem, which made Consort Yang, who had been staring at Chen Yuan, a little suspicious. She thought Chen Yuan wanted the harem pass because he had some secret. Could it be that she had overthought it?

Afterward, things continued to develop in a better direction. The Dao Lords of the Dao God Palace had all arrived in the capital. Everyone agreed to meet at Chen Yuan's marquis residence the day before the action.

Time passed day by day. In the capital, news about Chen Yuan breaking through the barrier and the Dongying martial artist gradually faded, replaced by new major events in the martial world.

For example, the Wind and Cloud Ranking had changed again, and how big was the gap between the top three of the new Hidden Dragon Ranking and the previous one?

For example, two Transformation Yang Immortals fought somewhere, causing several mountains to collapse.

For example, the Northern Barbarians had attacked the border again.

They even took advantage of the time when the Great Jin Dynasty was holding the Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony to attack, causing great losses to the border.

Chen Yuan had also completely fallen into silence, cultivating while waiting for the arrival of the Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony, and also preparing for this matter.

In fact, his responsibility was very simple, which was to work with the other Imperial City Commanders to do a good job in the outer defense when the ceremony started, and then... basically there was nothing else to do.

The real defense was definitely still done by the Imperial Palace Guards and martial arts experts.

But in these few days, a piece of gossip spread from the Imperial Palace, saying that the Emperor intended to take Chen Yuan as his son-in-law and marry Princess Pingyang to him.

As soon as this news came out, it surprised many people.

After the shock, they only regarded it as a casual joke. Everyone in the capital knew that Princess Pingyang had the most stubborn and independent nature. Such a thing as a marriage decree could never happen to her.

Jingtai had promised Pingyang that as long as she didn't want to, Jingtai wouldn't force her on the marriage matter.

This was the first time among the princesses and the only one who had this honor.

Therefore, many people did not believe that this was true at all.

Even Chen Yuan thought so. After learning about it from Tao Qingyuan, he just smiled casually and then ignored it, focusing on cultivation.

He himself was not interested in becoming Jingtai's son-in-law, and he believed that Princess Pingyang also felt the same way.

Just as people thought, Princess Pingyang did not issue any clarification, as if she did not care about this kind of thing.

There was only one person who really cared, and that was the Fourth Prince, Sima Ke.

After hearing about this, his first reaction was that it was impossible.

Pingyang was his own royal elder sister.

His mother was his own mother.

How could this kind of thing happen?

He absolutely did not allow it...

Obviously, Sima Ke had misunderstood something. He had seen the way Chen Yuan looked at his mother before. It was simply unbridled. If he had the opportunity to control her,

how could he not make some excessive demands?