Second Sister Zhang hesitated for a moment, her heart skipped unexpectedly.

"Is it just like this?"

Zhang Yantong instinctively glanced at Zhang Wanshu standing outside the door.

"Yes, I, Chen, have someone in mind."

Chen Yuan said calmly.

However, the person in his heart belonged to many.

Upon hearing these words, the unpleasant expression that was originally on Second Sister Zhang's face outside the door completely vanished, replaced by genuine joy; even if Chen Yuan knew she was deceiving him outside, she believed it!

Zhang Yantong furrowed his brow, unsure whether Chen Yuan's words were true or false, but continued to ask:

"Is this the Emperor's will? Do you really want to refuse?"

"Marriage is a significant matter, I hope to make my own decisions and not let others interfere, including the Emperor!" For the first time, Chen Yuan showed his dominance and his dissatisfaction with Jingtai in front of Zhang Yantong.

It immediately startled him.

He gave Chen Yuan a deep look and after a long pause said:

"If the Emperor is enraged...."

"Then let him be enraged."

"I understand."

"Sorry to trouble you, Uncle."

Zhang Yantong waved his hand; he couldn't force Chen Yuan and could only hope that the Emperor would be broad-minded enough not to suppress Chen Yuan over this.

Otherwise, it would truly be a pity.

"Creak."

Having calmed herself, Second Sister Zhang entered with feigned surprise and said:

"The Marquis is here too?"

"Second Sister."

Chen Yuan smiled slightly.

"These are freshly made pastries by Mother, please try some, Marquis."

Second Sister Zhang placed the plate in front of Chen Yuan, ignoring Zhang Yantong, making him exhale, not knowing what to say.

...

...

Divine Capital City, East Gate.

Valley Master Ouyang Zhi of Hidden Soldier Valley, clad in a white robe, passed the gate guards' inspection and entered the heart of the empire, the essence of the court.

"Truly worthy of being the Capital; I wonder how Father is doing now."

Ouyang Zhi thought silently.

Since the news of Chen Yuan's return to the Capital from Liangzhou spread, Ouyang Zhi had been entrusted by Lady Xu to come to the Capital to have a look, as words on paper could never soothe the longing in one's heart.

She couldn't free herself, lest something happens.

Naturally, Ouyang Zhi had to come here.

Yes...taking this opportunity to deepen the relationship between Chen Yuan and Ouyang Zhi would be good, especially since Chen Yuan was no longer who he used to be.

Of course, Ouyang Zhi himself was also interested in the world-renowned Divine Capital City and had longed to see it, which was just right for this opportunity.

Upon arriving at the Capital, Ouyang Zhi immediately inquired about the location of Duke Wu'an Mansion, but instead of going there, he inquired about Chen Yuan's recent situation as well.

Listening was shocking; learning was astonishing.

Besides the previous ennoblement that made him famous, it turned out that his adoptive father had done so many great deeds, even the noble Princess was deeply infatuated with him.

Today, he further shook the Capital with a single battle, and may rise to one of the four Heavenly Divine Envoy positions in the Heavenly Patrol Bureau.

He couldn't help but be in awe.

Chen Yuan, indeed, is Chen Yuan; no matter where he is, his legends abound.

Mountains may be moved easily, but not Chen Yuan!

Thankfully, their relationship far exceeds what ordinary people could compare; even if Chen Yuan becomes successful in the future, with his mother whispering in his ear, could he really neglect him?

Remaining loyal to Chen Yuan is enough!

However, amidst the awe, there was inevitably some concern that Chen Yuan might get lost in the Princess's tender embrace, forgetting about his mother waiting anxiously back in Tangshan Prefecture.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Ouyang Zhi steadied his expression and set out for Duke Wu'an Mansion.

Coincidentally, Ma Ke from the Fourth Prince Mansion, upon hearing about today's battle, also decided to visit Chen Yuan and offer congratulations.

With the impact of this battle and his own merits, rising to a Heavenly Divine Envoy position should not be difficult for him, and he would soon gain a Divine Envoy-level ally!

Unfortunately, the person sent to the palace brought back bad news.

His motherly concubine was ill, needing to recuperate in the palace.

It left Ma Ke sighing, missing the good opportunity to further strengthen their connection.

Fortunately, the royal sister was soon to be betrothed to Chen Yuan, then, with the motherly concubine Yang Huanyu on one side and the royal sister Princess on the other, with their combined efforts, how could Chen Yuan not be swayed?

If he could 'hop like a rabbit,' it might further tie Chen Yuan's heart.

After all, such temptation is indeed hard to resist.

With these thoughts, Ma Ke quickly arrived at Duke Wu'an Mansion and immediately spotted the man in a white robe conversing with the mansion's steward.

For some reason, a inexplicable sense of closeness arose in his heart.

"Who might this brother be?"

Ma Ke, dressed in a black robe with dragon motifs, stepped forward and asked.

"Fourth Highness."

The mansion's steward immediately bowed in salute.

"Your Highness...." Ouyang Zhi thought, a hint of curiosity flashed between his brows.

"May I ask where this brother hails from? Here to visit Duke Wu'an?" Ma Ke asked curiously.

"I am Ouyang Zhi, from Shu State's Hidden Soldier Valley, an old acquaintance of.... Brother Chen, and I happened to pass by the Capital today, so I came to visit Brother Chen." Without knowing the other party's details, Ouyang Zhi naturally wouldn't reveal his relationship with Chen Yuan.

As it indeed was somewhat peculiar.

According to age, Chen Yuan should technically be younger than him....

"Hidden Soldier Valley, Ouyang Zhi..." Ma Ke furrowed his brow, feeling he had heard this name somewhere before.

But he didn't dwell on it, and turning to the steward, asked:

"Is Duke Wu'an not in the mansion?"

"The Marquis is visiting friends and is expected to return later."

"Hmm, it's not hospitable to leave Brother Ouyang waiting here alone, shall we both wait inside the mansion?" Ma Ke proposed to the steward.

"This...." Steward Fu hesitated for a moment, then nodded:

"Your Highness, this gentleman, please."

Seeing the steward allow it, Ouyang Zhi turned to Ma Ke, cupped his hands, and said:

"Thank you.... Your Highness."

"Brother Ouyang, there's no need for formality, I'm Ma Ke, just call me Brother Ma Ke. To be honest, the first time I saw you, I felt a sense of familiarity."

"Oh? To be honest, Brother Ma Ke, I also felt the same way, but since we've never met, it's indeed peculiar to share such a feeling."

"Haha, it just means we are destined to meet..."

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