Chapter 276: Chapter 219: An Unequal Candid Conversation

Jun Moling heard the report of Yan Zhen’s visit and couldn’t help but be momentarily stunned.

He thought that he had spoken clearly enough in the Imperial Palace, and with Yan Zhen’s intelligence, it was unlikely he wouldn’t understand the implications. Why then was he seeking an audience again?

“Is Yan Zhen here for Sister-in-law’s matter?” Ruoxi asked.

Jun Moling nodded slightly; he hadn’t told Ruoxi about Yan Zhen seeking him out in the palace.

In his view, Yan Zhen should have grasped his meaning, and the matter should have ended there. Unexpectedly, Yan Zhen came directly to the door.

“After morning court today, Yan Zhen sought me out; however, I had already hinted to him that he was inappropriate.

I thought he would understand, and thus I didn’t mention it to you. Yet he showed up at our residence.” Jun Moling explained patiently to Ruoxi.

Ruoxi frowned slightly, her heart filled with worry. If the Emperor knew how close her husband was with Yan Zhen, he would become even more wary of him.

Thinking of this, she said, “Why don’t you avoid him, husband, and I’ll meet him instead?”

Jun Moling gently tousled her hair, speaking warmly, “What difference does it make whether you meet him or I do? Do not forget, once he enters this Prince Mansion, even if he seeks you, it is as if he seeks me.

Moreover, the Emperor likely already knows, and hiding it serves no purpose.

I want to see what Yan Zhen really wants to say. If it becomes necessary, I will be frank with him. After all, he used to be one of my soldiers, and honesty might be better.”

Ruoxi pondered for a moment, realizing it was indeed inappropriate to involve herself in such matters. Hence, she nodded in agreement, “Alright, then I’ll avoid him.”

Seeing her somewhat weary appearance, Jun Moling said with concern, “Very well, dear, rest in the inner chamber.”

Ruoxi turned and entered the inner chamber. Shortly afterward, Yan Zhen was ushered in.

Yan Zhen first respectfully saluted Jun Moling, then got straight to the point, “Prince, I have arranged a banquet at Quanjude. Let us discuss there; do you think that is feasible?”

Jun Moling had always admired Yan Zhen. After contemplating briefly, he nodded in agreement, “Very well, I will change clothes and head over.”

Yan Zhen hurriedly and respectfully responded, “Thank you, Prince, for doing me the honor.”

Jun Moling turned and went into the inner chamber, informing Ruoxi of the situation.

Ruoxi nodded and said, “That’s good; brazenly going out together during the day may actually not arouse the Emperor’s suspicions too much.

After all, if someone were plotting, how could they let everyone know they were together? The more open it is, perhaps the less likely something will happen.”

Hearing this, Jun Moling gently patted her hand for reassurance and then turned to change clothes for the banquet.

In the most luxurious private room at Quanjude, Jun Moling and Yan Zhen slowly took their seats.

The waiter first respectfully served fragrant tea, wearing a smile, “Gentlemen, please wait a moment, the food will be out shortly.”

Yan Zhen busily poured a cup of tea for Jun Moling, saying respectfully, “Prince, please.”

Jun Moling nodded slightly, took a gentle sip of tea, and then looked kindly at Yan Zhen, “General Yan, you’re now a Second-rank Official; there’s no need to be so formal with me, feel free to speak your mind.”

Yan Zhen showed a helpless smile, “Prince, even if I became a First Rank Official, I am still under your command. But recently, I truly didn’t dare get too close to you, Prince.”

Jun Moling gave a faint smile, his demeanor calm, “Since you know the reason well, then why seek me out today?

You should be aware of how many eyes are watching, and who knows how they might speculate about the two of us.”

Yan Zhen’s smile became more bitter, his heart full of emotion, “Ah, the border city was better, charging into battle and then returning to sleep—that was true freedom.

But here in the Capital City, it’s all schemes and plots. A slight misstep and you’re at someone else’s mercy.

And I, by nature, am straightforward, without those intricate calculations, which makes it truly difficult to cope.

But to avoid undue trouble for you, Prince, I’ve forced myself to stay away.

Yet now, there are words I must clarify with you, to let you know what is truly in my heart.”

Jun Moling gestured for him to continue.

Yan Zhen spoke, taking another sip of tea, “The Emperor has appointed me as General of the Country; I understand his intentions.

You relinquished military power, so he wishes to promote me, to hand me the Commander’s Seal, and control over more than half of the Capital City’s army.

Because of this, I discussed it carefully with my parents and consulted with the strategist.

The Emperor knows I am your man, but his actions are clearly to estrange us, hoping power will sow discord between us.

Yet he doesn’t understand the bond forged by over five years of shared experience at the border.

Perhaps because I am usually reticent, or seem solitary, the Emperor mistakenly believes I am but an ordinary soldier under your command, not a trusted confidant.”

Jun Moling placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, “I have already relinquished everything; there’s no need for you to worry.

Just do your duty well, for the court, for His Majesty. We are all servants of the Emperor.”

But Yan Zhen’s gaze was firm as he spoke without hesitation, “Prince, indeed we serve His Majesty, yet I remain forever your soldier.

On the battlefield, in the camp, no one else’s words hold sway but yours. The Emperor’s scheming is misguided this time.”

Jun Moling frowned slightly with a serious expression, “Yan Zhen, you must not act rashly! Once military power is in your hands, we can ensure safety. If it falls into others’ hands, we will be at a severe disadvantage.”

Yan Zhen smiled lightly, determination showing in his smile, “Prince, why believe that some lifeless military power can decide everything?

We’ve followed you for years, through life and death innumerable times. The brothers recognize you, not the cold Commander’s Seal!

Today, I am determined to ask the Emperor to arrange a marriage for me. I must marry Shu; we’ve missed over ten years together. Prince, could you truly bear to forcibly separate us?”

Jun Moling’s eyes were icy and resolute. He spoke in a low voice, “Do not act impulsively! Do you think joining the Shen Mansion is that simple?

Not at all; it involves many complexities. I am already close to becoming a thorn in the Emperor’s side.

Your impulsiveness would escalate conflicts to the peak. At that time, not only will I be in jeopardy, but you will find yourself in a passive position too.

The Emperor will make an example of you, and even if you resign from your posts, he will not let you enter the Shen Mansion unharmed.

Moreover, Ruoxi mentioned that Sister-in-law believes that once missed, it is lost. So carry on as the General of the Country and avoid complications.”

Yan Zhen raised his eyes and looked directly at Jun Moling; his gaze was piercing, almost intimidating. Jun Moling furrowed his brow tighter, “Speak your mind; why stare at me so?”

Just then, the sound of the waiter’s footsteps came from outside. Yan Zhen had to swallow back the words he was about to say, watching as the waiters brought in dish after dish. The waiter respectfully said, “Gentlemen, enjoy your meal.” then withdrew.

Only then did Yan Zhen lower his voice and speak again, “Last night, my father said to let me enter the Shen Mansion, and if the Emperor dares to act…” He deliberately drew out his tone, leaving the rest implied.

Jun Moling’s brow instantaneously knitted tightly, his eyes dark and cold, as if frost could form, “Do not speak such words again!”

Yan Zhen merely gave a light smile, undeterred, “The old Prince died mysteriously; who doesn’t know whom the former Emperor wished to make heir?

It’s just that you were young at the time, and though the former Emperor wished to pave the way for you, he too died unexpectedly, causing the throne to pass to someone else.

How many ministers are dissatisfied now? As long as you give the order, that position…”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep