As Li Kuangxiu stepped into the Golden Throne Hall, his voice was as loud as a bell.

It was deafening.

Gu Tianqiong's gaze fell on Chen Yuan, freezing for a moment. He originally didn't want to meddle in this matter, but couldn't resist when the old guy Li Kuangxiu came knocking.

Thinking about the promise made to Chen Yuan that was squashed by the Emperor, it was only through his own efforts that he finally assumed the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy.

Now, to speak favorably for him didn't seem unwarranted.

He still valued this young man highly. Exceptionally talented, with the potential of a True Monarch. Had he not already grown to this stage, he might have considered taking him as a disciple.

It's a pity he's too stubborn; even dared to refuse the olive branch extended by the Royal Family, his courage is not ordinary.

With the appearance of two Dukes, Chen Yuan's immense pressure was directly alleviated, yet he maintained his composure, not daring to relax even a fraction, as now two True Monarchs had appeared.

If he were to act, the chance would be even slimmer.

Escape might have some possibility.

But now, it seems unnecessary.

Li Kuangxiu and Gu Tianqiong possess some influence. Unless Jingtai is mad, he would certainly have reservations, which is more to Chen Yuan's liking.

The timing isn't right.

That's the biggest issue.

Otherwise, Chen Yuan wouldn't bother with this, he'd jump in directly.

Seeing Xiao Jing reaching this stage, his previous intent to protect himself was fading, deciding to lend Chen Yuan a hand, he solemnly said, "The words of the two Dukes are reasonable, I beseech Your Majesty to hold back your thunderous wrath."

Zhang Yantong and the other two exchanged a glance and then unanimously echoed:

"I beseech Your Majesty to hold back your thunderous wrath!"

"I beseech Your Majesty to hold back your thunderous wrath!"

"I beseech Your Majesty to hold back your thunderous wrath!"

With these high officials taking the lead, the officials who previously felt the Emperor was somewhat oppressive spoke up:

"I beseech Your Majesty to hold back your thunderous wrath."

Jingtai took a deep breath, surveying the scene in the Golden Throne Hall, most officials had spoken up, if he persisted, the consequences would be hard to predict.

What a pity, now is not the time!

Jingtai's eyes twinkled.

After three breaths, he suppressed his anger, a smile appeared, he laughed aloud and said:

"The Marquis of Wuan is an esteemed minister of mine, how would I truly be angry? I'm merely observing Chen's response, and now that I've seen it, I'm quite comforted. An official should be firm, without some backbone, how can one support my Great Jin's kingdom?"

"Good, very good indeed!"

"I dare not, having angered Your Majesty, I ask for your pardon!"

Seeing Jingtai seemingly relent, Chen Yuan let out a sigh of relief, immediately offering Jingtai an exit. As long as the current predicament passes, he will proceed to Shuzhou as instructed by Jingtai.

From then on, vast seas await the leaping fish, the skies open for birds to soar!

Jingtai laughed heartily, the murderous glint in his eyes faded, he spoke:

"The world is unsettled, how to speak of home! This saying is well met, beyond the court the Northern Barbarians, Southern Demon, Eastern Barbarians, Western Hu surround, within lies the grave Blood State issue, it's indeed not a time for complacency. These problems are vast, not easily resolved, Chen cannot remain unwed forever, leaving no heir for the Chen Family.

Hmm… let it be thus, since Chen harbors great ambition, I'll grant you an opportunity, one year, you have a year's time to oversee the Heavenly Patrol Bureau of Shu, Blood, and South States.

You wish to quell troubles, I agree with you. If you can reclaim a third of Blood State within a year, eliminate the Demon Dao denizens of Shuzhou completely, annihilate the demon tribes infiltrating from the Ten Thousand Great Mountains to South State, fortifying for me the Southern borders, then the matter of marriage shall not be imposed."

On the contrary, if you fail, after the year's promise, if things remain as now, it proves these matters are indeed not easily resolved, you… must meekly accept the imperial marriage, and establish a family first before your career… how does that sound?"

This was Jingtai's bottom line; today the Dukes spoke, officials obstructed, and Chen seemingly impossible to compromise, thus he had to concede, or the aftermath would be too detrimental.

Yet binding someone like Chen Yuan firmly to the Sima Family was part of his strategy, not something he'd abandon.

Today, having stirred matters to this point, their relations can no longer be intimate, Chen Yuan won't necessarily maintain his previous loyalty, hence earning his heart is paramount.

The year-long challenge was Jingtai's scheme.

The time is too short; despite Chen's exceptional talents, reclaiming a third of Blood State's domain and settling issues that trouble Nangong Lie is nearly impossible.

He'd have to return and marry, thus completely submitting.

Moreover, this isn't harming him, he didn't mention any penalties, it's merely a promise, he'll even be rewarded with the Princess' hand, it would appear as a good deed to outsiders.

Chen Yuan nodded solemnly:

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great favor. After a year, regardless of success, I shall visit the Capital once more."

A year is indeed short, but sufficient for his power to soar once more.

At that time, whether to return, will not be Jingtai's decision to make.

Once this crisis is overcome, won't everything be up to him?

Even if he does return, it will not be to marry the Princess of Pingyang, but to claim… Jingtai's life!

"Good, I shall vow this with a high five!"

Jingtai nodded, stepped forward a few steps, raising his hand.

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