Chapter 1736: Chapter 826: Opportunity in Hand! Curtain Falls...

"How has your mother, the Empress, been lately?"

Amidst countless cheers, as Chen Yuan entered the Divine Capital City, he interacted with the people lining the streets while quietly conversing with Sima Ke.

Noble Consort Yang was undoubtedly a woman of great charm and beauty. Had he no interest in her, he wouldn’t have recklessly opposed her initially. However, since Chen Yuan left the Capital...

He had too many affairs at hand, unable to attend to her.

Gradually, their correspondence ceased.

Now, entering the Divine Capital City as a victor, it was time to resume ties with old acquaintances. Such would not waste the woman’s painstaking assistance over the years.

"The Empress has been well lately, but she misses the King dearly, often wondering why King Yan’s army has not arrived yet. Perhaps due to some obstacle,"

Sima Ke saw through things cleverly and spoke.

Chen Yuan’s eyes lit up, understanding the urgency.

Just right, it’s been itching for him as well.

"Hehe, after these matters, what position would you like?" Chen Yuan shifted the topic, no longer discussing Noble Consort Yang, but instead, focused on Sima Ke’s arrangement.

He was indifferent to Sima Ke’s thoughts; nonetheless, if his actions counted as smart by voluntarily divulging Sima Yuande’s matters and righteously rejecting the adjustment of national fate.

It saved him some trouble.

Clever people deserve rewards.

"As a defeated monarch, I dare not ask for rewards. I merely hope for a stable residence to spend my remaining life in the Capital," Sima Ke smiled bitterly, knowing he had no right to negotiate, relying entirely on Chen Yuan’s disposition.

He couldn’t even express his desire to leave the Capital; a vanquished monarch should accept being a mascot as his fate.

"Rest assured, my actions are always honorable and trustworthy. If you wish to stay in the Capital, you may stay; if you wish otherwise, I can grant you a fief to enjoy peace."

Great Jin was annihilated; later, he intended to settle accounts with the Sima Family. An individual like Sima Ke was insignificant now; even to win some reputation, he must treat him well.

Of course, provided Sima Ke behaves sensibly and doesn’t seek his own demise.

Sima Ke’s eyes brightened upon hearing this.

"King, I..."

"It seems you wish to leave; that’s fine. How about Shuzhou? Once I ascend the throne, I’ll grant you the title of Duke of Comfort, forever stationed in Shuzhou, enjoying your later years," Chen Yuan smiled faintly.

"I’ve long heard of Shu’s beauty; never imagined the King could see through it. I’m impressed; I’m willing to remain in Shuzhou forever, not troubling the King."

"Hehe..."

"Pingyang, greet King Yan."

Summoned, the tall Princess Pingyang, dressed in red armor, radiating vigor, gradually approached, bowing respectfully to Chen Yuan, her expression indifferent.

"Your efforts are appreciated, Pingyang."

Chen Yuan was not completely unaware of matters within the Divine Capital; Zhang Yantong would regularly send messages, keeping him informed on the movements within the Capital.

It could be said that entrusting power to Princess Pingyang was a very wise decision; she managed the Divine Capital orderly, without causing him trouble.

As for Sima Ke, he resembled more a mascot in front of Pingyang.

Princess Pingyang, observing the black-clad figure atop the spirited steed, smiled faintly:

"Since King Yan entrusted power to Pingyang, I naturally dared not be negligent."

At that moment, Chen Yuan, with power in hand and the throne within his grasp, exuded a formidable and majestic aura, which to her was very fatal.

People admire strength.

Some types of women more so, like an existence such as Pingyang.

"Anything you desire, I can promise you."

Chen Yuan seriously regarded her, thinking it wouldn’t be a bad idea to let such a capable woman share some of the court’s trivial matters, as he cared only for the position, indifferent to some authority.

His pursuit was longevity.

"Really, anything?"

Princess Pingyang suddenly raised her head, looking at Chen Yuan with the faintest hint of a smile.

"Once a word is given, it’s irrevocable."

"Offer me the position of Empress, how about that?"

Pingyang directly proposed.

Chen Yuan instinctively furrowed his brow, unexpected that the usually strong Princess Pingyang would make such a request, caught him unprepared, though he had contemplated a beneficial union.

Yet didn’t think it achievable, as Pingyang had always been quite strong-willed, while he preferred mutual consent, not coercing into such matters.

"King Yan, was Pingyang joking too much?" Princess Pingyang suddenly became playful, contrasting her prior composure, adding a touch of spirit to catch Chen Yuan’s eye.

"Hehe, not at all. You and I are acquainted from adversity; mere jest, it means nothing."

"That’s good."

"So, tell me, what exactly do you want?"

"I want to ultimately..."

"Hmm???"

"Hehe... Though Pingyang dares not aspire for the Empress’s position, she was fond of you back then. Sadly, life’s uncertainty led to your refusal; now with fame achieved, how about offering me the title of Imperial Concubine?"

"Pingyang, regarding Empress Dowager Yang..." Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes.

"Henceforth, there shall be no Princess Pingyang; I’ve decided to change my name."

Chen Yuan understood Pingyang’s intent as they exchanged a smile, seemingly very in tune.

"Alright."

...

Outside the Divine Capital, on a certain hilltop, Daoist Feng Yuan sat cross-legged; before him stood a case table with three incense sticks inserted as offerings.

In a short while, he opened his eyes, a cold glint flashed in them.

——————

Promote a new book by a veteran author; guaranteed excellence, full of thrill points. Below is the transmission portal.

"To Complete My Graduation Project, I Became an Academician"

Recommendation: The beginning of a second-generation rich, yet he forsakes billions of assets instead plunging into scientific research.

Reflecting on past events, standing at the academician award ceremony when asked why he chose this field, he calmly replied:

"Honestly, at first, I just wanted to complete my graduation project."