Volume One: The Hidden Dragon Beneath the Abyss Chapter 106: Circumstances

Xu Wei pondered for a moment and then relayed Zhong Jie’s exact words.

“Minor matters,” Wang Chuan nodded. “A man pursuing great achievements should have no distractions at home. I’ll keep an eye on things here. Those petty troublemakers can be dealt with easily enough.”

After all, in the Summer Kingdom, there was no one worthy of his serious attention. It made no difference who came or went.

Xu Wei finished her meal, and Wang Chuan gently wiped her mouth. At that moment, she asked, “Brother Chuan, have you ever thought about taking concubines?”

“Why the sudden question? I never really considered it before,” Wang Chuan chuckled. “Though I have thought about how I might refuse if His Majesty ever demanded it.”

“That poem you recited last time—I really liked it,” Xu Wei said, blushing slightly.

“That’s good,” Wang Chuan nodded. “There’s not much I can do for Wei’er, but I keep thinking about it.”

“Well, what do you think of Sister Qing?” Xu Wei asked directly.

“What’s gotten into you today?” Wang Chuan was surprised. “Zhong Yuqing… she’s alright. But these matters, Wei’er, you should decide for yourself. Don’t worry about my feelings. I just don’t want you to be lonely; it’d be good to have someone with you. But if that someone is Zhong Yuqing, she’s even more boring than I am—better off with Chen Lingyan, really.”

“You even fancy Sister Lingyan?” Xu Wei was startled.

“I’m just using an example,” Wang Chuan said, wiping sweat from his brow. “There’s no such feeling.”

…

The weather grew warmer.

Wearing the heavy official robes, the air felt even more stifling.

After Chen Ying entered the hall, a deeper sense of oppression settled over him.

“Ahem…”

A cough rang out from the seat of honor, tightening the nerves of everyone present as they looked up.

“Zhong Jie has already received the imperial decree to go south. The things you’ve done—how many deaths will it take before you’re satisfied?” A voice, tinged with desolation and still weakened by illness, echoed through the room.

“Father, rest assured. Shizhou is still our territory. Shall I send someone to quietly deal with him?” a young man hurriedly said.

His brows were sharp, an air of arrogance radiating from him.

“Do you really think you can cover the sky with one hand?” Yuan Lianji sneered coldly. “I have always said the court belongs to the court, the jianghu to the jianghu. One must have boundaries and principles when acting! Killing one another endlessly—what’s the use? Why even bother studying or taking the imperial exams? Learn martial arts and just eliminate anyone who displeases you?”

“Then let’s bring him down. The court cannot do without you, Father. We’ll petition His Majesty. Besides, the entire two states are under our control; he won’t find anything,” Yuan Zhan said confidently.

“I must have been mistaken about you. I never should have held such high hopes. I didn’t expect you to be so foolish!” Yuan Lianji stared at him for a moment before speaking.

“Father…” Yuan Zhan called out hurriedly.

“Yes, the court cannot do without me. For all these years, I have killed, imprisoned, and dismissed people, but I have done much for the court. His Majesty is busy; so many matters depend on me,” Yuan Lianji said. “But since I fell ill, how many foolish deeds have you done under my name?”

“I’m not refusing to give you chances, but you fail at everything,” Yuan Lianji’s voice was heavy with disappointment. “You disappoint me time and again; how can I still trust you? How did that family at the guild die? How did Zhong Jie find out about your selling of military supplies? There’s no outsider here today, so why not just be honest? How much money have you made?”

Yuan Zhan looked up in shock and asked, “Father, you knew all along?”

He glanced at the other officials, but none spoke.

Fewer than ten people were present—all key officials from the Chancellor’s faction.

“You know what I know, and even what you don’t know—I know!” Yuan Lianji said. “I have long intended to retire, always carefully planning how to protect you and me. But you keep courting disaster! You reckless fool.”

“Father, I did it all for you,” Yuan Zhan said with a tone of grievance.

“Shut up. I don’t want a stupid son who betrays his own father. Don’t blame me for being ruthless. When the time comes, I won’t be able to save you. But your son—I will plead for him with His Majesty. I will teach him well. Our Yuan family legacy will continue,” Yuan Lianji said calmly. “Many years ago, I won money at the gambling table to travel to the capital for the imperial exams. I remember that well. Only when at the end of one’s rope should one risk everything. When against the wind, seek opportunities; when with the wind, be cautious. Know when to advance, retreat, and what to keep in reserve.”

“But many who sit at the gambling table act rashly, just like you. In the end, they lose everything.”

“You’re getting more confused with age, Father,” Yuan Zhan boldly retorted. “Who besides His Majesty can touch me? They wouldn’t dare. And His Majesty trusts you so much; if anything goes wrong, I’ll handle it.”

“Do you think kneeling at the palace gates will solve anything? As long as I’m not at court, you can’t stir up any trouble! The day your father really dies, you won’t even have the chance to surrender; even sitting at home, one imperial edict will have you all arrested! You’ll die a miserable death,” Yuan Lianji said harshly.

The words stung. Yuan Zhan quickly said, “Father, as long as they find nothing, it’s fine. His Majesty doesn’t know…”

“You’re still deluded. Do you take His Majesty for a fool? I think you’re the biggest joke here!” Yuan Lianji’s years as Chancellor gave his voice a commanding weight that shook everyone present. “I once heard a story about an ant tripping an elephant, but today I realize my son is just as ignorant and ridiculous! I can’t even laugh.”

“Father, am I really so worthless in your eyes?” Yuan Zhan was shocked. “I’ve always sought your approval and looked up to you as an example.”

“Maybe in your next life,” Yuan Lianji said.

Watching his son storm off in anger, Yuan Lianji sighed.

The others could only offer words of comfort.

“And you? If you’re not involved in this matter, the troubles of Shizhou don’t concern you,” Yuan Lianji glanced at those below. “Do your own work quietly. Don’t overthink things. If there’s nothing else, you may leave.”

They all bowed and took their leave.

“Chen Ying,” Yuan Lianji called after him. “I recall Zhong Jie is from your hometown, and you were classmates. I was also the examiner that year. What a coincidence.”

“Yes.” Chen Ying replied calmly.

“Your father-in-law commands the imperial censors now. It’s a pity those people are even more troublesome than when I was young. Tough work, maintaining peace for His Majesty and the court,” Yuan Lianji said. “You and Zhong Jie jointly manage the capital’s security and judicial affairs. It’s a thankless task.”

“It’s my incompetence that such a major case happened at the Royal Guild House, and there’s still no progress,” Chen Ying bowed.

“That’s not your fault. Sometimes things are beyond control,” Yuan Lianji sighed. “When the tide is against you, you cannot go against the current!”

“Chancellor, you have worked hard,” Chen Ying said respectfully.

“I fear this hard work may be in vain. I am old and intend to resign to return home. The court’s future rests on you all,” Yuan Lianji continued. “That’s just how it is.”

“The court still needs you as Chancellor,” Chen Ying said quickly.

“No longer. I can no longer do much,” Yuan Lianji said. “I fear great events are coming in the court. You should spend a few years in the northern border and return stronger later.”

Chen Ying looked at him in surprise, his feelings complicated.

“I probably cannot save my own son; he seeks his own doom. I have done little these years; in my twilight, I employed the wrong people, disgracing my late years. But I do not mind,” Yuan Lianji said to him. “However, Chen Ying, I have always had high hopes for you, ever since back then. You are different from them. You must pretend to be at odds with me, break with the Chancellor’s faction. I will angrily send you to the northern border. When others rise, His Majesty will still remember you and summon you back for important duties. You must achieve great deeds then.”

“You are different from them.”

Chen Ying looked at the old man, feeling the sincerity from his heart.

Perhaps this was exactly what he needed—a moment of true resolve.

“Thank you, Chancellor,” Chen Ying said sincerely. “I will not disappoint your expectations.”

“Good. The fate of Daxia depends on you now. Zhong Jie is talented too, but one tree cannot support a great roof,” Yuan Lianji said, grasping his hand. “A country with talented men is truly fortunate!”

As Chen Ying left, he suddenly heard coughing behind him, causing him to pause.

The words stirred something within him, and he pondered deeply for a long time.

Outside the gate, he saw Yuan Zhan had not yet left and was waiting.

Seeing him, Chen Ying greeted him warmly.

“Lord Chen, I have already dismissed the concubines at home. I guarantee that after marrying Sister Lingyan, I will lavish all my attention on her alone. So, why don’t you help make this a happy union?” Yuan Zhan said, pounding his chest in assurance.

Chen Ying glanced at him dispassionately and ignored him, continuing on his way.

“Lord Chen, please reconsider. Are you going home now? Come with me, I even brought a gift for Sister Lingyan,” Yuan Zhan said cheerfully.

“Young lord, I don’t know if you’re truly foolish or just brainless. This is absolutely impossible!” Chen Ying stopped and said firmly. “We’re out of your league. Please stay back.”

(End of chapter)