Chapter 992: Chapter 545: What Is Chen Yuan Doing? (Enter Only If Interested) (3)
“It’s best that Eunuch Cao doesn’t know about this matter.”
“Yes, Your Majesty is correct.”
Cao Zhengxian quickly agreed.
“How is the task I previously assigned to you?”
“Which matter does Your Majesty refer to?”
Cao Zhengxian was a bit confused, as Jingtai had instructed him on many matters, and with such a vague question, he couldn’t immediately figure out which task was being referred to.
Jingtai snorted lightly and pointed to the scroll on the table.
Only then did Cao Zhengxian realize, and he quickly replied,
“Your Majesty, the whereabouts of the painter Wu Daozi have been confirmed to be hidden in Shuzhou. This old minister is intensifying the search and believes it won’t be long before he is found.”
Jingtai nodded slightly,
“This fellow is not simple. There is something in his possession that’s extremely important to me. I will give you another half year. If he is not found, don’t blame me for being unmerciful.”
“Yes, I follow Your Majesty’s orders.”
A drop of cold sweat slid down Cao Zhengxian’s forehead.
Although he was a strong cultivator at the Refining God Peak level, he felt fear facing this emperor whose cultivation was far inferior to his. He knew clearly that even he could not break through the emperor’s defenses within the Imperial City.
Moreover, his methods were extremely mysterious!
He is truly an extraordinary emperor.
“This Wu Daozi is very important. Besides the thing in his hands, I have received intelligence that there is someone extremely important next to him.”
Jingtai’s gaze narrowed slightly.
“Who?”
Cao Zhengxian was stunned for a moment, not understanding.
This was the first time he had heard His Majesty say such a thing.
“The direct heir of the former Chu’s Xiang Royal Family, only son of Xiang Qianqiu!” Jingtai articulated word by word.
“Isn’t Xiang Lingtian dead?”
Cao Zhengxian knew that Chen Yuan had come back to the capital with a head, and that head was Xiang Lingtian’s. After various verifications, the true identity of that person was known.
The current heir of the Xiang Family.
Xiang Qianqiu was the former Chu Crown Prince, naturally he should be the current clan leader of the Xiang Family; hence, the heir should be his son!
“Xiang Lingtian is not his son, just a younger generation he valued highly. Perhaps the one following Wu Daozi is.” Jingtai spoke solemnly.
“How does Your Majesty know this?”
Cao Zhengxian felt quite puzzled, having never heard of such things.
“I have other channels for investigation. Anyway, these two must be brought back to the capital for me, I have great use for them.”
“Yes, I follow Your Majesty’s orders.”
Since they are with Wu Daozi, as long as he finds Wu Daozi’s trail, he should naturally find that supposed only son of Xiang Lingtian.
“These remnants have existed for too long, bringing great hidden dangers to the court that must be completely eradicated.” A cold light flickered in Jingtai’s eyes.
Back when the Sima Family founded the nation, it wasn’t completely overthrown but rather a base built upon the foundations of the former Chu, even now many nobles in the capital were once those who defected.
In the future, if the Xiang Family counterattacked, they might defect again.
This is a significant hidden danger and a thorn in his flesh.
“Your Majesty is correct.”
Jingtai heaved a heavy sigh, and the atmosphere in the Imperial Study Room fell silent for a moment. Cao Zhengxian pondered again before speaking,
“What position does Your Majesty plan to arrange for Chen Yuan?”
In today’s honors, only Chen Yuan’s title was conferred without granting him real power. While this pleased Cao Zhengxian, it also piqued his curiosity about the emperor’s arrangement.
The other party has already broken through to Yang Transformation, accomplished great feats, and should no longer be suitable for the position of Heavenly Patrol Golden Envoy.
“Chen Yuan…”
When Jingtai mentioned this name, he seemed a bit displeased.
This resulted from various factors, involving matters from Liangzhou and beyond.
In any case, Jingtai didn’t find this person as agreeable as before.
He felt this person wasn’t so easy to control.
“What do you think?”
Jingtai asked back.
“This old minister does not know; it’s up to Your Majesty to decide.”
At this moment, Cao Zhengxian was certainly not going to express any opinions, for fear of displeasing the emperor.
“When the Great Governor resigned previously, he recommended Chen Yuan to assume the role of Heavenly Divine Envoy, but I don’t want to give him this position so quickly,
this person is proud and difficult to tame, loyal to the world rather than the Sima Family.”
Jingtai expressed.
Only then did a hint of realization flash through Cao Zhengxian’s eyes.
The emperor’s heart is indeed the hardest to fathom.
“What Your Majesty says isn’t without reason.”
“Moreover, I heard that this person associates somewhat closely with the Prince. Hmm…” Jingtai snorted coldly.
It’s alright if Chen Yuan’s influence and renown aren’t so great, but his fame is known throughout the land. If he supports Sima Ke, what about the other two princes?
“Speaking of which, the Fourth Prince does have some means. Previously, everyone knew he had a falling out with Chen Yuan, and Deputy Commander Yang was exiled to the borders due to Chen Yuan. Everyone thought they’d never interact again, yet the Fourth Prince managed to persuade him. No one knows what means he used.”
Concerning matters of the prince, Cao Zhengxian dared not speak much and could only follow the emperor’s words.
Listening to Cao Zhengxian, a smile finally appeared on Jingtai’s face.
“The lad certainly has some skills, able to let go of grudges and use some other means to pull Chen Yuan to his side and gain his support. Were it not for… I would support him.”
Thinking of the issue with Noble Consort Shu, Jingtai felt a bit unnatural.
No matter the case, Sima Ke was overly brazen; were it not for concerns about influence, Jingtai might have directly abolished him.
“The Fourth Prince’s abilities are indeed exceptional, very skillful.”
Cao Zhengxian chuckled awkwardly.
Clearly, he was aware of certain hidden matters.
“This time, directing focus to Chen Yuan doesn’t completely eliminate others’ suspicions, but it is enough.” Jingtai suddenly said before abruptly asking,
“What’s Chen Yuan doing now?”
“I heard from this old minister that several princes invited him to a banquet. Now, I believe he has returned home.”
“Hmm, Chen Yuan is indeed capable; if only he could completely dedicate himself to the imperial family, it would be even better.” Jingtai shook his head and sighed.
“Your Majesty is correct…”
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