Chapter 1729: Chapter 824: Long Live! Long Live! (Part 2)

"That’s good, that’s good..."

Zhang Yantong quickly said.

In front of Chen Yuan, he dared not put on any airs of being an old superior or father-in-law.

"How is the situation in the city?"

Chen Yuan sat back at the head seat and casually asked.

"Princess Pingyang instructed me to inform King Yan that the Divine Capital City is now purged and clear. All rebels have either died or been imprisoned, and no one dares to resist anymore.

Sima Ke, during today’s court meeting, sent Zhang here as an envoy to inform King Yan that the city can be surrendered at any time, just waiting for King Yan’s command."

Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

After Sima Yuande appeared, saying he would wait for him in the Capital, Chen Yuan thought that with his methods, he would control everything. He didn’t expect that he did nothing at all.

He didn’t even stop his descendants from surrendering the city, which truly exceeded his expectations.

"Alright, since His Majesty is so benevolent, I will naturally not refuse. Tomorrow at noon, let His Majesty leave the city, surrender the Jade Seal and Dragon Robe, and announce it to the world."

Though he was puzzled by Sima Yuande’s methods, he did not show it outwardly.

The other side not appearing is certainly because of some schemes.

However, he was not afraid at all.

"Yes, I will return immediately to report to Princess Pingyang and prepare for this matter."

"Uncle, thank you for your hard work."

"No, no...."

...

The friendly talks between King Yan and the envoy Zhang Yantong, when reported back to the Capital, caused quite a stir. At the same time, many people heaved a sigh of relief, genuinely worried that Chen Yuan would not agree.

If he decided to eradicate the tyrant’s rule, even they, the nobles of the previous dynasty, would be executed.

When the news reached Princess Pingyang, she quickly issued various orders, instructing all the defending soldiers to lay down their arms and await orders, forbidding anyone from taking action.

Anyone who disobeys will face extermination of their entire family.

As if rehearsed many times before, all the soldiers in the Capital complied without any complaint at the orders given from above.

The fall of the Great Jin is already a foregone conclusion; even the Emperor is thinking of surrendering, who would want to fight to the death?

Within the Harem.

The atmosphere was rather cold; all the eunuchs and palace maids were cautiously doing their duties, awaiting the judgment of tomorrow, hoping that the legendary King Yan might spare their lives.

Cining Palace.

Since Sima Ke ascended the throne, the former Chunhua Palace was no longer suitable for the Empress Dowager’s residence, naturally transforming it into Cining Palace, where the Empress Dowager resided.

After dismissing those around, Sima Ke, in his plain clothes, once again met with his mother, Yang Huanyu. As Chen Yuan’s influence grew, he frequently visited this place.

After having some inappropriate thoughts, he once implored his mother for help but was scolded, told to let Princess Pingyang take charge and not to entertain any other thoughts.

Along with several reprimands from Pingyang, he finally discarded those thoughts.

"Buzz...."

The palace was filled with the sound of music, as Dowager Yang played the guzheng. Those who entered the palace were all from first-class families, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and she was no exception.

This music even carried a hint of joy, starkly contrasting with the impending demise of the Great Jin Dynasty, as though in celebration.

"Mother."

Once the song ended, Sima Ke bowed in greeting.

A beautiful woman in a long light-red robe slowly lifted her head, revealing an exquisite face that bore little trace of age despite being in her forties.

In fact, once Sima Ke became the Emperor, the former Noble Consort Yang, now Dowager Yang, appeared even younger. At a glance, she looked barely over thirty.

Truly in the prime of her life.

"The Emperor has arrived."

Dowager Yang retracted her delicate fingers and waved her hand, signaling the palace maids to leave. In an instant, only the mother and son were left in the palace.

"Mother, tomorrow... I must abdicate."

Sima Ke said quietly. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"What, reluctant?"

"No, it’s not that... I owe my position entirely to King Yan’s support, so I know what I should and shouldn’t do, but I’m just worried about whether he will... afterwards."

To be honest, Sima Ke was indeed a bit conflicted.

The source of his dilemma was from the last time he saw the Grand Ancestor Emperor, who told him that once the time came, he should open his spirit, allowing him to take the national destiny.

The Jin Court could still be sustained.

But doing so would inevitably lead to an irreconcilable conflict with Chen Yuan, which made him very conflicted. One day he thought of surrendering for peace and prosperity; the next, he thought of resisting and continuing as Emperor.

These thoughts grew increasingly conflicting as the crucial moment approached.

"You know Chen Yuan’s character. As long as you remain peaceful, he won’t trouble you and might even set you up as a paragon to show the world.

Moreover..." Dowager Yang’s cheeks flushed slightly as she said softly:

"There is also some affection between me and him; he might not consider you his son, but there’s some connection, perhaps like a foster father. He won’t harm you."

"I, I just...."

Dowager Yang seemed to notice something unusual in the Emperor’s expression, frowning slightly:

"Ke’er, are you planning something?"

Sima Ke gritted his teeth and whispered:

"Mother, if there is an opportunity for me to continue being Emperor, should I take the risk for the sake of the Great Jin’s fate?"