Chapter 560: The Capital Stunned Numb
Great Jin Jingtai Year Nine, June 14.
It has been a full day since Chen Yuan assumed the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy in the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, and both those who should and shouldn't know within the Capital are aware of this event.
Chen Yuan's reputation is unmatched at this time.
No,
To be precise, since Chen Yuan returned to the Capital from Liangzhou, his fame has been unequaled, becoming the center of idle chatter in the Capital, a man who lives on the 'hot search list'.
Not everyone is paying attention to him, but certainly a significant number are.
The Capital is shaken once more.
Even Chen Yuan feels that the people of the Capital are completely stunned...
And, in the eyes of some, this has not yet reached the pinnacle. Previously, the uproar and discussions in the Capital and the information coming from the palace have made it evident that the Emperor intends to take Chen Yuan as his son-in-law!
The Princess Pingyang, who always resisted marriage, did not send anyone to clarify this matter. Clearly, this is a sign that a good thing is about to happen.
Moreover, with Chen Yuan being granted the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households and now becoming the Heavenly Divine Envoy of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, it is indeed something that sparks much speculation.
Is the Emperor preparing for this marriage proposal?
If that is really the case, then Chen Yuan is quite extraordinary, highly likely to become a truly pillar-level figure in the court in the future.
Many who see through this matter are filled with envy.
To have the Emperor's favor, immense power, a reputation that shakes the Jianghu, and to receive assistance from a wife as accomplished in both literature and martial arts, as well as virtue and talent, such as the Princess,
is this not the epitome of a successful life?
But the admired Chen Yuan has never thought so; the higher the position, the harder the fall, and he must be cautious and prudent in his actions and words during these few days in the Capital.
Especially since he does not intend to marry Pingyang.
He can already envision the scene of Jingtai's fury.
As a minister, defying the imperial will, probably few in the court dare to do this, but he has no choice; he does not want to become a dog for the Sima Family.
He desires the Sima Family to become his dog.
He must avoid falling into Jingtai's trap and being forced to swear an oath!
During this one day, besides establishing deeper relations with several Divine Envoys and understanding some of the government structures and forces of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, Chen Yuan has been scheming for himself.
With his current status and power, finding information regarding the Nine Rivers, Dragon Gate Crossing, and Yan Mountain is very easy.
He had earlier learned about the Nine Rivers, though his understanding was somewhat superficial; deeply probing the opportunity was unnecessary; his main focus is on the Dragon Gate Crossing and Yan Mountain.
Yan Mountain, as the name implies, has a different geological structure from ordinary mountains, mainly composed of very hard rocks. It is said to have been a valuable mine, but it has long been excavated empty.
However, the constitution remains very hard; otherwise, it couldn't withstand the converged flow of nine rivers here.
Dragon Gate Crossing is located in the river channel of Yan Mountain, its origin related to the second prophecy, which states, 'June 15, Carp Fragrance'.
According to his investigation, every year in June, is the time when carp gather in the nine rivers, especially peaking on June 15. Although there are other fish, carp are the most abundant and popular among people.
Hence, during this season, people on both banks of the rivers start to catch carp, and this time is also when carp are at their fattest.
The event draws locals from Lin'an Prefecture.
Carp leap from the nine rivers into the Nine Rivers, where there is a gathering place for water at Yan Mountain, thus earning the elegant title of Dragon Gate Crossing.
Initially, the spectacle of carp competing to cross the Dragon Gate attracted the attention of many Jianghu people who thought there might be treasures here, but after thorough investigation, they found nothing but mud below.
Gradually, over many years, Dragon Gate Crossing became mainly a gathering for common folk.
Due to the story of carp leaping the Dragon Gate, it is regarded as a good omen, and many young men and women make promises under the moonlight, akin to a lantern festival.
However, that's merely what most people believe. At least, guided by fate, Chen Yuan comprehends that the carp leaping eagerly on the full-moon night is most certainly not that simple.
It's likely related to the Flood Dragon Pearl indicated by fate.
And tomorrow is June 15!
Chen Yuan naturally won't arrive late; he currently has no specific responsibilities, holding a high position, allowing him leisurely freedom without anyone overseeing him.
Even if someone does come, he can refuse citing his injuries.
Having decided to go, Chen Yuan did not hesitate, for delay brings change, and staying in the Capital is meaningless, he might as well visit the somewhat renowned Dragon Gate Crossing.
Just as Chen Yuan was preparing to set off, a familiar guest arrived at his residence.
It's Zhang Yantong's second daughter, Zhang Wanshu.
"Why has Second Sister come?"
Chen Yuan invited her into the residence and ordered tea to be served.
Zhang Wanshu spoke with some concern:
"I heard from Father that you accidentally suffered some injuries a couple of days ago, how are you now, is there still a problem?"
"Just minor injuries; thank you, Second Sister, for your concern."
Chen Yuan smiled faintly.
"Oh."
Second Sister Zhang nodded, her eyes lowered, contemplating something; Chen Yuan realized Zhang Wanshu might have something on her mind, and promptly asked:
"Second Sister, is there something you came for this time?"