Green Mountain-Chapter 640 - 497: The Turning of Hearts

The Renshou Palace was quiet, the ministers looked at each other in confusion.

They knew that there were undercurrents, many people were unwilling to see the two dynasties negotiate peace, including people from both the Ning Dynasty and the Jing Dynasty.

Even if the alliance was signed, Yuan Cheng might not make it alive to Chongli Pass. Even if the envoy team could leave Chongli Pass, they might not make it back to Shangjing alive.

The Crown Prince wished to send Chen Ji to his death, understandable, but Chen Ji dared to drag the Crown Prince along to die, unexpected.

Yet at this time, the ministers were not too surprised, they had seen such things many times in the court, it was not unusual.

But they never expected that the Chen family and the Crown Prince would sever ties... all because of a bastard who had just entered the Imperial Capital less than a year ago.

The Crown Prince didn't expect it either.

The ministers looked at Official Chen, observing the wrinkles on his face and his drooping eyelids, they suddenly understood.

Official Chen was old.

Old enough that when he heard the news that his lifelong rival, Official Xu, was gravely ill, he felt a pang of sadness in his heart and began to ponder how much longer his own twilight years could illuminate the Chen family.

At this moment, Emperor Ning said slowly from his throne, "Draft the decree, for this is a major plan of the two dynasties, and must not be in error."

Wu Xiu replied in a low voice, "Yes."

Emperor Ning rose to walk behind the imperial screen, the Crown Prince suddenly said aloud, "Your Majesty, the Yulin Army is depleted, I request to send the Jiefan Guard to accompany and escort."

But Emperor Ning seemed not to hear, his figure disappearing behind the imperial screen.

Wu Xiu called out clearly, "Everyone, disperse."

Chen Ji rose slowly, the candlelight in Renshou Palace casting his shadow over the Crown Prince: "Your Highness, it will be a tough journey, if there is any lack of care, I hope you will be understanding."

The Crown Prince took a deep breath, stood up and replied warmly, "With the Marquis of Wuxiang around, I am at ease."

Hidden machinations lay between them, until the ministers left Renshou Palace, stepping aside for each other at the palace gates.

As Official Chen trembled past the two of them, the Crown Prince, as if nothing had happened, respectfully clasped his hands and said, "Teacher, I've been confined to Zhongcui Palace and haven't had the chance to visit you."

But Official Chen didn't look at the Crown Prince, instead slowly said to Chen Ji, "Let's go, come home with this old man."

Chen Ji clasped his hands, "Yes."

A little eunuch held a palace lantern to lead the way, the old and the young, one in front and one behind left the palace, Official Chen's bright red official robe draped loosely over him, like hanging on a scarecrow.

Chen Ji looked back, just in time to see the ministers filing out of Renshou Palace, the little eunuchs extinguishing the candles with long copper handles, darkness descending.

Official Chen slowly said without turning back, "When I was young, I walked with the wind every time I entered the palace, the official robe had to be clean, the emblems vibrant, the first time I wore the peacock emblem, I even thought the Ministry of Personnel's was not elegant enough, so I had Chen Xu order some new ones from Li Ji."

"When I was young, my courage was as big as yours, daring to think, daring to do, when Wang Bao was in power at the Ritual Supervision, I dared to point at his nose and curse him, and went home without fear, still eating three steaming bowls of noodle soup."

"Standing in the court with a straight back, all I saw was Qi Gong timid, Hu Gong reckless, Mr. Xu greedy, none of them could compare to me."

The jade pendant at Official Chen's waist swayed and slapped against the hem of his clothing, sounding dull, like the end of an era being beaten.

He dryly chuckled, "When I finally entered Wenhua Palace and became a cabinet minister, I looked in the mirror and realized I wasn't young anymore."

"Chen Ji, over the years I kept looking, kept choosing, but I've never been satisfied with anyone. I thought, the eldest is steady but can guard the city, the second is extreme and brooding but can pioneer and explore, it's really hard to choose. I picked from the side branches, Chen Shu had too much spirit but not enough depth, Chen Lang had talent but lacked adaptability, after much thought, I still couldn't decide."

"Later I realized, I was actually waiting all along, waiting for someone who could surpass me, only then could I willingly hand over the Chen family that I painstakingly managed." Official Chen stopped amidst the red walls and golden tiles, slowly turning to look at Chen Ji: "The other day, the second branch's affair, you won, narrowly, but you needed both courage and insight... the future of the Chen family is yours."

Though the two were still in the palace, surrounded by lamp-holding eunuchs and accompanying ministers, these words were spoken to Chen Ji, and to the world, the next leader of the Chen family had been chosen.

When Official Chen passes away, it will be Chen Ji, not Chen Lizun, who will preside over the Chen family's ancestral shrine.

Chen Ji clasped his hands, "Thank you, Family Head."

Official Chen continued walking forward, "Thank what, this is something you fought for with your life. If things cannot be accomplished during this journey to Chongli Pass, leave everyone else and return to the Imperial Capital, with the Chen family, as long as you stay alive, everything can start over."

Chen Ji clasped his hands again, "Yes."

Official Chen was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "I have only one request, stay away from the Eunuch Party. The hearts of the world's literati are the foundation of the Chen family, associating with the Eunuch Party is no different from digging our own roots."

Chen Ji was slightly startled, "Yes."

...

...

The next morning dawned.

As the morning bell rang, Chen Ji, who was stationed outside Huitong Hall, opened his eyes. He stretched his limbs while sitting in the carriage, his body making cracking sounds.

He looked up at the roof, where Li Xuan was vigilantly surveying the surroundings. Seeing him approach, Li Xuan shook his head gently: no abnormalities.

Chen Ji sighed inwardly. The vigilance around Princess Liyang was too tight; Si Caogui and Si Caoding likely abandoned their plans to act within the Imperial Capital.

He had always been doubtful. It stood to reason that after Wang Daosheng captured Yuan Cheng and returned to the Ning Dynasty, given Si Caogui's way of operating, he should have long suspected his loyalty.

Yet ever since he returned from Changping, Si Caogui seemed to suddenly become indifferent and let him be... why?

At this moment, footsteps echoed from Huitong Hall. Chen Ji turned back, only to see Princess Liyang stepping over the threshold: "Lord Chen, let's go."

This Princess Liyang seemed to have lost her previous liveliness, growing much more somber overnight.

Chen Ji lifted the curtain for her: "If we depart the capital today, traveling by carriage will take about half a month to reach Chongli Pass. Once we pass Changping, you will need to switch to horseback to avoid delays, and it will take just four days."

The Princess climbed into the carriage: "Rest assured, I understand the severity."

Chen Ji let the curtain fall and signaled to the Yulin Army.

The procession slowly left East Rongmi Lane heading toward the Imperial Palace Gate. The moment they passed through Chengtian Gate, they saw the Crown Prince standing in white archer's attire before the gate.

Beside the Crown Prince, a little eunuch was holding the reins of a horse for him, while behind him, the Jiefan Guard escorted a man wearing a black hooded cloak, clad in white prison garb, hunched over.

Yuan Cheng.

On horseback beside the carriage, Li Xuan lamented: "Just looking at him now, who would think this was a once-powerful figure in the Jing Dynasty? When fallen, fame and fortune become fleeting illusions, leaving not a shred of dignity."

Inside the carriage, Princess Liyang replied: "Once he returns to the Jing Dynasty, he will again be that high-ranking Council Chief Executive Officer. In this life, what matters most is utility; only usefulness can lead to salvation."

The procession halted before the Imperial Palace Gate, while the Jiefan Guard escorted Yuan Cheng inside the carriage, quickly retreating back to the gate as if avoiding a plague, afraid of being implicated.

The Crown Prince took the reins from the little eunuch and mounted his horse.

He did not look at Chen Ji but instead turned to Li Xuan: "Lord Li, this scene reminds me of our previous trip to Guyuan. Unfortunately, last time, we had many people seeing us off, extending ten miles out to Meiting before dispersing. This time, it's lonesome."

Li Xuan replied courteously: "Your Highness, we act with a clear conscience and require no applause from others."

The Crown Prince smiled: "I haven't seen you in a while, but you seem more mature and steady now. I entrust the journey to you."

Li Xuan remained courteous: "Your Highness praises too highly; I will indeed fulfill my duties."

The Crown Prince scrutinized Li Xuan before him, his gaze sweeping over the hundred Yulin soldiers. Unlike before, loyalty had been expressed before departure, a crowd gathered.

Though words still expressed respect, their demeanor concealed detachment.

Undeterred, the Crown Prince continued smiling: "On this journey to Chongli Pass, Lord Li shall have full control. Which official road shall we take, and how many days will it take to reach?"

At these words, the Yulin Army suddenly realized that the Crown Prince intended to delegate power to Li Xuan.

Li Xuan held the highest rank within the procession and was the governor of the Yulin Army. If there was disagreement between Li Xuan and Chen Ji, the Yulin Army should heed Li Xuan, not Chen Ji.

Yet Li Xuan did not reply directly to the Crown Prince but instead looked at Chen Ji: "Lord Chen?"

Seated in the carriage, Chen Ji addressed the Crown Prince: "Your Highness, we've traveled to Chongli Pass before. Just follow us; there's no need to inquire further."

The Crown Prince scrutinized Li Xuan: "Is that also your stance, Lord Li?"

Li Xuan calmly replied: "Indeed it is."

The Crown Prince's expression turned insipid: "It seems the Marquis of Wuxiang has such skills, rallying the Yulin Army to follow your lead in just these few months."

Chen Ji replied indifferently: "Your Highness, historically, sincerity has led to success. Fate's comings and goings, public sentiment's sways, are solely determined by this. Watch and learn."

Before the Crown Prince could respond, the sound of hooves was heard outside the gate.

Everyone turned to see Zhang Xia riding a chestnut horse, halting before the gate. From a distance, she tossed the Whale Blade and a hard bow from the Yang family over.

Chen Ji caught them curiously: "I asked Xiao Man to deliver them. Why did she slack off?"

Zhang Xia laughed and explained: "I share a friendship with Her Highness, Princess Liyang, and should see her off; so I brought them along... Travel safely."

With that, she turned her horse and galloped away. Princess Liyang, just opened the window curtain, could only watch her disappearing figure.

Chen Ji took a deep breath: "Let's move out."