Ye Xian smiled: “I’m not sure what I mean either, but Minister Chen certainly knows clearly.”

“Minister Chen has been dissatisfied with Zhang Ju Lian for a long time, hasn’t he? That old man holds everything too tightly; others in his grasp are squeezed until they have no vitality left. Perhaps only after his death will there truly be a change of generation. By then, the court will be a bloodbath, and it will certainly take three years to eliminate all his faction members. I can speak somewhat freely with the Emperor, and with the sudden shift in momentum these days, I can guess your intentions. The Emperor isn’t afraid of losing—after all, he has nothing to lose. The one who should be afraid is you, Third Master Chen. Not only might your wealth and glory vanish in an instant, but your family would also be implicated.”

Chen Yan Yun watched him quietly.

Outside the window, the moat displayed early spring scenery, a scene of prosperity and flourishing.

Ye Xian paused before asking, “Does Minister Chen know what he’s doing?”

“Young Master concerns himself too much with my affairs,” Chen Yan Yun merely replied indifferently. “Young Master possesses extraordinary talent and naturally sees through the situation with perfect clarity. However, given your current circumstances, this humble one advises you to conceal your abilities.”

Ye Xian smiled and sighed: “Chen Yan Yun, you don’t trust me? You think I’m approaching you with these words only because of ill intentions?”

“Could it be that Young Master wishes to intervene in this matter for the common people? My life-or-death struggle with Zhang Ju Lian would better serve the interests of Marquis Chang Xing’s household,” Chen Yan Yun also smiled. “If Young Master has no purpose, this humble one certainly dares not believe it.”

“I do indeed have a purpose,” Ye Xian nodded and smiled. “Then let me ask, does Minister Chen not want me to intervene because you fear I am the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind? Or is it merely because of inexplicable jealousy?”

Chen Yan Yun remained silent.

Ye Xian continued: “I knew Gu Jin Chao before you did. Back then, her life was more difficult than it is now. I helped her, though she helped me more. I promised her then that I would grant her a request. Chen Yan Yun, I will help you—yes, precisely because of Gu Jin Chao.”

“I used to hope for your death. After your death, Gu Jin Chao would have no one to protect her, and I could continue to shelter her—I wouldn’t mind. But that day after she was abducted, you came looking for her. I suddenly realized… if you truly died, Gu Jin Chao would certainly be devastated. No matter what I do, I can never give her another Chen Yan Yun.” Having said this, he seemed somewhat relieved, though also self-mocking.

Even with his pride and arrogance, never submitting to others, he had to admit that Chen Yan Yun… was truly irreplaceable.

“I’ve said my piece; whether you agree is up to you,” Ye Xian said. “You have no military power. If you truly confront Zhang Ju Lian directly, you’ll inevitably be at a disadvantage. Duke Zheng’s private troops are not half as strong as my Iron Cavalry. In the Ministry of War, his influence is not as deep-rooted as in Marquis Chang Xing’s household. He probably can’t help you much.”

Chen Yan Yun lowered his head to drink tea, asking softly, “Does Young Master wish to restore the glory of Marquis Chang Xing’s household?”

Ye Xian frowned, not immediately understanding Chen Yan Yun’s meaning.

Wasn’t he trying to persuade Chen Yan Yun? Even if Chen Yan Yun was reluctant to ally with him due to other considerations, he should at least yield somewhat given Ye Xian’s military power. Ye Xian himself had few ways to help Gu Jin Chao, but he could still protect Chen Yan Yun’s life for her.

“I am very willing to ally with Young Master,” Chen Yan Yun said. “But not in Gu Jin Chao’s name—and not because of jealousy. Young Master says you came to help me because of Gu Jin Chao, but what is she to you? She is my wife, so I would risk my life to protect and help her. But you have no such position. What if your gratitude fades and you turn against me? I’m afraid I cannot trust an ally who might change sides at any moment. If Young Master has no other reason, then please, for my wife’s sake, refrain from interfering.”

Ye Xian was nearly speechless at this rebuff. His tone showed some displeasure: “Chen Yan Yun, what more do you want?”

“At this critical juncture, what else does Young Master think I want?” Chen Yan Yun smiled. “This humble one is not so strategically brilliant. I fear failure too; I’m even arranging escape routes for my family. So Young Master’s talk of jealousy and narrow-mindedness—I have no time to consider it. It’s not that I don’t care, but at this life-or-death moment, such talk is meaningless.”

“If Young Master acts for the revival of Marquis Chang Xing’s household, to avenge your father, I respectfully await your arrival,” Chen Yan Yun said softly. “When Xiao You schemed against your household years ago, do you truly believe it was solely his and Prince Rui’s doing? Young Master has lofty ambitions; you’ve endured humiliation for the day when you can personally exact revenge on your enemies. Please consider carefully, this humble one will wait right here.”

Ye Xian thought for a while, his expression growing solemn.

The image of his father being struck by arrows, of Xiao You falling under his crossbow… all these were vivid memories.

It wasn’t that he had forgotten his grudge; he always felt there would be time. He was still young, with opportunities to plan.

His perspective had indeed been too narrow.

The carefree expression vanished from his face, and he said indifferently: “Minister Chen is quite clever. I’ve never admitted this before, but I must say, you have my respect. You may leave first; I need to think alone.”

Chen Yan Yun did not linger; in truth, he had no time to spare. Zhao Huai had returned from Shaanxi today, and they needed to formulate plans.

But in his heart, he knew Ye Xian would not change his mind.

He bid farewell to Ye Xian and left the teahouse. Outside, the willow trees were already covered with new leaves, filling the streets with green.

…

Gu Jin Chao learned of this matter not from Third Master Chen, but because a few days after Zhou Hu Sheng’s arrest, the news had spread throughout North Zhili Province, reaching even secluded women like herself. The story of Zhang Ju Lian sheltering and indulging his nephew’s crimes was told in vivid detail.

Such rapid spread was impossible without someone pushing from behind the scenes.

Gu Jin Chao immediately realized this was a sign that Third Master Chen had begun to act. Thinking carefully, she felt this move was quite clever. Third Master must have preserved evidence against Zhang Ju Lian. Although such matters might not cause substantial harm to Zhang Ju Lian, they could damage his reputation. As the current Grand Secretary, a tarnished reputation was unacceptable.

When Third Master Chen returned, she specifically asked him about it.

Third Master Chen was practicing calligraphy in his study. Hearing Jin Chao’s words, he set down his brush and nodded: “Naturally it was me. However, Minister Li has been quite unfortunate. These days, many are openly criticizing him and secretly trying to kill him. The men I sent to protect him dare not leave his side for a moment…”

Gu Jin Chao knew of Li Ying, the former Minister of Revenue and her father’s superior.

She rolled up her sleeves to help grind ink: “Is Minister Li in danger? What if something happens to him?”

Third Master Chen said: “He came forward prepared to die… If he can escape this crisis, that’s best. But if something truly happens to him, Zhang Ju Lian won’t escape the reputation of harming loyal ministers.”

Gu Jin Chao secretly sighed, thinking the strategy was quite meticulous.

It was a dilemma.

If Zhang Ju Lian allowed Li Ying to continue, he would fear more secrets being uncovered, dragging himself down. But if he harmed Li Ying, he would fear the pressure of public opinion from both court and commoners, earning the reputation of persecuting loyal ministers. Either choice was problematic; killing or not killing both caused headaches.

Third Master Chen set down his brush and explained to her: “That’s why we had to use Li Ying to remonstrate. However, Li Ying has always been upright and honest, and his household follows all regulations properly; they can’t find any fault with him.”

Gu Jin Chao nodded as she listened: “Isn’t that good then?”

Chen Yan Yun shook his head: “Both good and bad.”

Zhang Ju Lian had spoken with him several times, indirectly probing about this matter.

It seemed he was growing anxious. If things continued this way, he might forcefully use his power.

So they couldn’t continue the investigation.

He said no more after that single statement, and Gu Jin Chao didn’t press further. She looked at the calligraphy Chen Yan Yun had practiced—a Buddhist sutra for calming the mind. The strokes were vigorous, soaking through the paper. His heart was not at peace.

Gu Jin Chao placed the paper in a box. Chen Third Master then had a maid help him wash his hands, preparing for the evening meal.

A guard came to deliver a message, saying that Old Madam Chen had gone to see Fourth Master Chen today. They weren’t sure whether to intervene, but since the old madam was just recovering from a serious illness, they hesitated to stop her. The two had spoken for quite some time in the room. When Old Madam Chen emerged, her eyes were swollen and red, and she appeared dispirited.

“…Fourth Master also said he wishes to see you. He has something to tell you.”

Chen Third Master merely uttered a faint acknowledgment and continued drinking his loofah soup: “In the future, don’t stop the old madam from visiting Fourth Master. As for whatever Fourth Master says, there’s no need to relay it to me.”

The guard acknowledged and withdrew.

No wonder there was no one at Half Bamboo Slope when she went to pay her evening respects…

Gu Jin Chao thought to herself as she ladled another bowl of soup for Chen Third Master: “These days, Mother keeps asking about your daily life, saying you haven’t visited her for several days. If you have time, perhaps you should go once. After all, if there are any misunderstandings, it’s better to clear them up in person.”

“When I have time,” he replied. These days he had been busy coming and going, with no leisure to attend to his mother.

If his mother wanted to see Fourth Brother, let her go. After all, Chen Yan Wen was also her child. No matter how cruel he might be, he couldn’t sever the bond between mother and son.

Jin Chao also sympathized with his busy schedule, and given the current situation, it was better not to trouble him with family matters.

So she said no more about Old Madam Chen.

The next day, when paying her respects, Old Madam Chen inquired about Chen Xuan Xin and the others’ studies. She would ask every few days, and if anyone fell behind in the teacher’s lessons, she would give additional reminders. Madam Qin was smiling as she watched Young Master Xian respond.

Chen Xuan Yue stood at the back of the group of brothers, idly staring at the black lacquered floor.

Gu Jin Chao cast him a questioning glance, and he gave her a helpless smile in return.

When Old Madam Chen questioned him, Chen Xuan Yue answered haltingly, very awkwardly. Everyone knew he had been in a stupor for over ten years and had only recently regained clarity, so naturally, he couldn’t understand everything at once.

Old Madam Chen had never felt much for this grandson, but seeing that his illness had improved, she wanted to give him more attention. She pulled him aside and advised him at length. Only then did Gu Jin Chao understand Chen Xuan Yue’s expression. He disliked listening to others talk too much.

Very intelligent people seemed to be like this; Ye Xian was the same.