“…”
Everyone looked at Lu Chen carefully and couldn’t help whispering.
“Ahem!”
Liu Xueliang coughed twice, and the surroundings instantly became quiet.
It is very impolite to discuss with guests in person.
“Lu Chen, this is my grandpa, this is my grandma, this is my uncle, second uncle, third uncle, aunt, second aunt, third aunt, and my cousins…”
Cao Xuanfei smiled and introduced her family members one by one.
And Lu Chen also greeted politely.
“Grandpa, this is Lu Chen I mentioned to you. You met him in Jiangnan before.” Cao Xuanfei said again.
“Yes, he is a very energetic young man.” Chen Xueliang nodded with satisfaction.
He has asked someone to investigate Lu Chen’s information.
He is a genius who is both civil and military, barely worthy of his granddaughter.
As for his specific identity, it is quite mysterious. With his connections, he can’t find it out in a short time.
But the more this is the case, the more it proves that the other party is extraordinary.
“Grandpa, since this is your first visit, Lu Chen has specially prepared gifts for you.”
As Concubine Cao Xuan said, she waved her hand, and soon several servants came in with large and small bags.
Then, Concubine Cao Xuan took Lu Chen with her and began to distribute gifts from big to small.
Fortunately, the two of them were well prepared, and there were still some left after dozens of gifts were distributed.
Of course, the leftovers were not taken back, and all were given to several cute little guys.
“Hey! Just come, why do you send so many gifts? You are so polite!”
“Come on, don’t stand, sit down!”
“…”
The three uncles were very enthusiastic. After pulling Lu Chen to sit down, they began to ask about his well-being and various things.
How old are you this year? What is your occupation? Where are your parents from?
The three of them talked one after another, and their curiosity was overflowing.
Lu Chen smiled and responded one by one.
Looking at the three uncles who were gossiping non-stop, Concubine Cao Xuan felt helpless. They were checking the household registration right after they met? Is that polite?
Seeing that the three uncles were talking endlessly, Concubine Cao Xuan could only wink and ask for help from her grandfather.
“Okay, okay, all of you, stop talking. It’s almost time for dinner. Let’s eat first and chat while eating.”
As soon as Liu Xueliang spoke, the three finally quieted down.
Then, a group of people walked into the restaurant in a mighty manner.
Such a grand scene usually only occurs during the New Year and other festivals, but today is obviously an exception.
In the restaurant, two large round tables were almost full of people.
Lu Chen, the distinguished guest, was arranged to sit next to Liu Xueliang and sit in the main guest seat.
Just as everyone was preparing to eat, the housekeeper of the Chen Mansion suddenly hurriedly walked in and came to Chen Xueliang to report: “Master, Mu Guanyu from the Mu Palace is here to visit.”
“Mu Guanyu? What is he doing here?” Uncle Chen Kangjian frowned.
“Last time, the Mu Palace said that they wanted to form an alliance with our Chen family. Could this guy come to propose marriage today?” Second uncle Chen Guofei asked suspiciously.
“Humph! A playboy wants to marry our Chen family’s daughter. He is dreaming!” Third uncle Chen Zhengjun said coldly.
Obviously, the three of them did not have a good impression of Mu Guanyu.
Indeed, Mu Guanyu was one of the four princes of Yanjing. He was extremely outstanding in all aspects and was the object of countless women’s dreams.
But they really did not dare to compliment the other party’s character.
“We have guests coming to our house, so we naturally cannot lose our manners and invite them to the living room to discuss.” Chen Xueliang said lightly.
Mu Guanyu represents the Mu Palace. No matter what the other party is thinking, he cannot refuse him.
As for the so-called marriage, it needs to be carefully considered.
“Yes!”
The housekeeper responded and left quickly.
“You continue to eat, I’ll go meet the people in the Mu Palace.”
After saying hello, Chen Xueliang got up and left.
The three brothers Chen Kangjian looked at each other and followed him without any prior agreement.
They wanted to see what the Mu Palace was up to.
“Okay, okay, they can handle it, let’s eat our own food.”
Old Mrs. Chen smiled and said, motioning everyone to continue eating.
Three minutes later, in the living room of the Chen family.
Old man Chen Xueliang sat at the first seat at the main entrance, and the three brothers of the Chen family sat on the left, in order from oldest to youngest.
At this time, the housekeeper led a few people and walked quickly into the living room.
The leader was a young man with a handsome face, excellent temperament, and a pair of bright eyes, which sometimes showed a gleam of light.
This man was Mu Guanyu, one of the four young masters of Yanjing, known as the Jade-faced God of War.
Behind Mu Guanyu, there was also a white-haired old man and two strong middle-aged men.
The white-haired old man was about the same age as Chen Xueliang. Although his face was haggard, he was full of energy.
When he walked, he took a square step and put his hands behind his back, which was quite domineering.
The old man was Mu Wuchang, the uncle of Prince Mu and the grandfather of Mu Guanyu.
In the entire Mu Palace, Mu Wuchang has a very high status. Almost no one dares to offend him. Even Prince Mu has to show respect when he sees him.
As for the two middle-aged strong men behind Mu Wuchang, they are guests of the Mu Palace, masters of the Grandmaster level, and their status is also good.
However, here, they can only play the role of bodyguards.
After entering the door, Mu Guanyu bowed politely.
He was smiling and graceful, and he looked very pleasing at first glance.
“Why didn’t you notify us in advance that you are a distinguished guest so that we can prepare early.” Chen Xueliang smiled faintly.
“Junior’s visit is really a bit abrupt. Please forgive Duke Chen.” Mu Guanyu bowed again.
He naturally heard the meaning of Liu Xueliang’s words, but he did not pretend to be stupid, but apologized very frankly.
This attitude surprised the three brothers of the Chen family.
Based on their understanding of Mu Guanyu, he is a person who looks down on others.
He is young, holds a high position, and has a large number of troops under his command. He is very arrogant.
Although he is not arrogant, he is also a master who is arrogant.
When he came to visit today, he did not show his former edge at all.
Has he become mature and restrained?
“General Mu is visiting the Chen family. I wonder if you have any advice?” Chen Xueliang got straight to the point.
“Before explaining the purpose of your visit, let me introduce you first.”
Mu Guanyu moved aside and then extended his hand to the white-haired old man Mu Wuchang: “This is my third master. He is highly respected in the Mu Palace, but he usually stays at home and rarely shows up.”
“So it’s the third master Mu. I have heard of your name for a long time.”
Chen Xueliang stood up and clasped his fists.
Of course, he had heard of the name of Mu Wuchang, the third master of the Mu family.
Although he is not as famous as his two brothers, he also has a heavy weight in the Mu Palace.
“It’s been a long time since I last saw Duke Chen. He is still strong and healthy. Today, I see that he is indeed as good as his reputation says.” Mu Wuchang politely returned the greeting.
But there was no smile on his face, and he looked quite stiff.
In fact, in his heart, he didn’t take Chen Xueliang seriously at all.
Looking at the whole Yanjing, the Mu Palace is the supreme existence second only to the imperial power.
Among the four major royal families, the Chen family, the Cui family, and the Zhao family all have to stand behind.
Although Chen Xueliang is in a high position, in his opinion, he is just a dying old man who will not live for many years.
Once Chen Xueliang dies, the Chen family will be in a period of transition and will become even weaker. At that time, they will not even be qualified to carry shoes for the Mu Palace.
“Mr. Mu, thank you for your compliment.”
Chen Xueliang could see Mu Wuchang’s cold attitude, and said with a fake smile: “General Mu invited Mr. Mu this time, I guess there is something important?”
“Duke Chen has a keen eye, I admire you.”
Mu Guanyu first flattered him, and then said: “I am here on behalf of the Mu Palace, mainly to discuss marriage with the Chen family.”
“Marriage?” Chen Xueliang raised his eyebrows, but did not continue.
“Yes, marriage.”
Mu Guanyu smiled and said: “Throughout the ages, marriage has been the best choice to enhance the relationship between the two families and maintain power. The Mu Palace and the Chen family are both one of the four royal families. If our two families can have a marriage, they will grow stronger in the future.”
“Is this your idea, or your Lord Mu’s idea?” Chen Xueliang asked tentatively.
Marriage between royal families is not a trivial matter.
If it was a collateral line, it would be fine. But if it was a direct line marriage, it would easily cause the royal family to be wary.
As the saying goes, the merits are greater than the master. Once the royal families unite and work together, they may threaten the imperial power.
In this regard, the four royal families and the royal family have maintained the same tacit understanding. From beginning to end, no one has crossed this red line.
And today Mu Guanyu secretly came to the door, obviously to climb up on the red line.
So he wants to figure out whether Mu Guanyu is determined to do it? Or is Mu Xuefeng ambitious?
“To reply to Duke Chen, this marriage between the two families is not only for me, but also for my adoptive father, and even for the entire Mu Palace.” Mu Guanyu smiled and said.
“According to the default rules, the direct line between the royal families cannot be married. Have you forgotten it?” Liu Xueliang said lightly.
“Sticking to the old ways is not conducive to development.”
Mu Guanyu shook his head and smiled: “Now Longguo is in trouble, with constant internal and external troubles, and I heard that the emperor is not in good health and intends to abdicate in advance. I believe that Yanjing will soon be in turmoil.
By then, whether it is the four major royal families, the eight major wealthy families, or other forces, they will be caught in this vortex.
So I hope that before this, the Mu Palace and the Chen family can form an alliance through marriage and tide over the difficulties together.”
Hearing this, Liu Xueliang still looked calm and said: “It is normal for the emperor to appoint a crown prince, so how can there be turmoil? As ministers, we just need to do our part, and don’t worry too much about the rest.”
Before Mu Guanyu opened his mouth, Mu Wuchang, who was watching, could not listen any more and frowned and said, “In all dynasties, every time there was a dispute over the crown prince, there would be a bloody storm. You have been an official in the court for so many years, you don’t even understand this truth, right? Or are you deliberately pretending to be crazy and stupid?”
“Master Mu, since it has come to this, I will tell you openly.”
Chen Xueliang remained unmoved: “Our Chen family is weak and does not want to wade into this muddy water, let alone participate in any dispute over the succession. Our Chen family has always been a neutral party and will never favor anyone. This is the attitude of the Chen family.”
He naturally understood the intention of the Mu Palace, first forming an alliance through marriage to bring together the major forces.
Then support a certain prince to take the throne.
In this way, after the new emperor ascends the throne, the status of the Mu Palace will be further improved.
To put it bluntly, it is all about power.
“Duke Chen, don’t blame me for speaking frankly. If the Chen family is just a third-rate force, no one will care.”
Mu Guanyu’s expression became serious: “But the problem is that the Chen family is one of the four royal families, and you are a duke, with a high position and power. Under such a premise, it is really difficult for the Chen family to protect itself and not be involved in the storm.
Now, there are only two ways for the Chen family.
First, stand in line in advance and support the new emperor to ascend the throne. In this way, even if you are a minister of the dragon, the Chen family will prosper in the next hundred years.
Second, try to stay out of it, which will not please many parties, and finally end up losing both the wife and the army.
You are a smart person, you should know that what I said is true.
No new emperor can tolerate a minister who is in a high position and power and is not under control.”
Hearing this, Chen Xueliang suddenly fell silent.
I have to admit that Mu Guanyu’s words make sense.
If he was just a lone minister, it would be easy to say, but he has the entire Chen family behind him.
With the power and influence of the Chen family, it is a hot commodity that all the princes are fighting for, and it is difficult to stay out of it.
If you don’t stand on the side, you may be used as cannon fodder.
When the new emperor ascends the throne, the Chen family will soon be replaced by new forces.
Once the Chen family is weak, enemies from all sides will flock to it.
There is no need for the emperor to take action, those ambitious people will swallow up the Chen family without leaving any bones.
But on the other hand, if you choose to stand on the side, even if you win, it will ensure the prosperity of the Chen family for a hundred years.
So now, he doesn’t know how to choose.
The matter is of great importance, and if you take a wrong step, you will lose everything.
“I have to think about this matter carefully, and I can’t give an answer to the Mu Palace for the time being.”
Chen Xueliang spoke again.
The matter is of great importance, and if you take a wrong step, you will lose everything, so he has to be cautious.
“I understand. After all, this is not a trivial matter. However, I hope that Duke Chen can make a decision as soon as possible.” Mu Guanyu smiled slightly.
“Duke Chen, there are more forces that want to marry into our Mu Palace than yours. Don’t think about waiting for a good price. Time waits for no one. There are not many opportunities for your Chen family to choose.” Mu Wuchang said lightly.
“Duke Chen, please think about it carefully. We will not disturb you. Goodbye.”
Mu Guanyu stood up and bowed, then walked away slowly with a few people.
As soon as the people from Mu Palace left, the three brothers of the Chen family could not help it.
“Dad, this Mu Palace is too arrogant. They even dared to threaten us. It’s really too much!” Chen Zhengjun had a gloomy face and looked very unhappy.
Born in the military, he had a relatively hot temper. If he had not been cautious, he would have just exploded.
“Although the Mu Palace’s style of doing things is not very particular, what they said just now is not without reason. The dispute over the crown prince has always been a national event. With the current status of the Chen family, it is too difficult to stay out of it.” Chen Guofei shook his head.
Although he is a businessman, he also understands the affairs of the court. Now this muddy water has to be waded in.
“Dad, what do you think?” The eldest brother Chen Kangjian asked tentatively.
“Headache!” Chen Xueliang rubbed his temples and sighed.
It is related to the survival of the Chen family. Even if he is bold, he dare not make a decision easily.
“Dad, since it cannot be avoided, why don’t we choose the prince who has the most hope of ascending the throne to support.” Chen Guofei suggested.
“Among the many princes, the eldest, second, and third princes are the most likely to ascend to the throne.”
Chen Kangjian began to analyze carefully: “Normally, it should be the eldest prince Li Wenxing, who is both the legitimate and the eldest, and it is natural for him to become the crown prince. Unfortunately, the eldest prince is weak and sickly, and his life span is not long, so he is not the most suitable candidate.
As for the second prince Li Guanglong, he has been tempered in the military since he was a child, and his martial arts value is extremely high. He is respected by the soldiers and is brave, but he has no ability to govern the country.
The third prince Li Juntang is both civil and military, and is excellent in all aspects, but his biggest shortcoming is that he is stubborn and jealous. He is not a magnanimous person, and he is still a little short of being an emperor.”
Hearing the analysis, Chen Zhengjun felt a little headache: “Brother, after all you said, who should I support?”
“You ask me, who should I ask?” Chen Kangjian said unhappily.
If there is a particularly suitable candidate, the civil and military officials in the court will not be so embarrassed.
After all, the fight for the throne is inevitable.
As for who will win in the end, no one can predict it.
At this time, the second son Chen Guofei suddenly said.
He is a businessman who pursues maximum profit, so he doesn’t care who will be the emperor.
He only cares about who is more likely to be the emperor.
Choosing that person and then supporting him is the wisest choice.
“Who has the most hope depends on who has the most supporters.” Chen Kangjian thought thoughtfully.
“Oh, by the way, I forgot to ask just now, which prince does the Mu Palace support?” Chen Zhengjun slapped his head.
After discussing for a long time, it is still unknown who the Mu Palace prefers.
“I guess it should be the third prince.”
Chen Guofei narrowed his eyes and analyzed: “The third prince Li Juntang has a good personal relationship with Mu Guanyu. He has amazing potential and is very popular with the emperor. The Mu Palace may bet on the third prince.”
“Mu Guanyu cannot fully represent the Mu Palace. Personal personal relationships are not worth mentioning compared to family interests.” Chen Zhengjun shook his head.
“Dad, you are knowledgeable. What do you think?” Chen Kangjian asked.
“If I guess correctly, the person that the Mu Palace is betting on should be the second prince Li Guanglong.” Chen Xueliang looked serious.
“The second prince? Any explanation?” Chen Kangjian was a little confused.
“The power of Prince Mu’s Mansion is extremely huge. Looking at the whole Yanjing, under the imperial power, only the Zhao family can be compared; and Prince Mu Xuefeng is already the most powerful official, with no room for advancement. If Mu Xuefeng wants to go further, then his desire should be to pursue the supreme power!” Chen Xuening’s expression was solemn.
As soon as this was said, the faces of the three brothers changed.
“You mean… Mu Xuefeng wants to usurp the throne?” Chen Kangjian was surprised.
“No way? I heard that Prince Mu is kind and generous, makes friends with people, and never interferes in court affairs. How could he have such a big ambition?” Chen Zhengjun was a little unbelievable.
“Don’t judge a person by his appearance. Some people who are more kind on the surface are more ruthless. Mu Xuefeng has been dormant for half his life, maybe waiting for this opportunity today.” Chen Guofei frowned.
He has been doing business for many years and has seen all kinds of people.
On the surface, they are brothers and give gifts, but once they seize the opportunity, they are truly open-hearted.
“Although it is a little unbelievable, this possibility is not impossible.”
Chen Xueliang continued: “Of course, for Mu Xuefeng, the risk of usurping the throne is too great. What he really wants to do is to use the emperor to control the princes!”
“Use the emperor to control the princes?”
This reminded them of the mysterious Dragon Guarding Pavilion.
Although it is not obvious, all the civil and military officials in the court are terrified.
It seems that the Mu Palace is going to follow the old path of the Dragon Guarding Pavilion.
“The eldest prince is weak and sickly, and it is difficult for him to take on important tasks. The Mu Palace will not choose to invest.
The third prince is both civil and military, and is extremely shrewd. After he is supported to the throne, it will be difficult to control him, and he may even be suspected because of his superiority.
Only the second prince, who is brave but not wise, is the most suitable candidate for the Mu Palace to support.
He has potential, is easy to control, and is suitable to be a puppet, which is also in line with Mu Xuefeng’s expectations.
So I think the Mu Palace should support the second prince to take the throne.”
Chen Xueliang expressed his analysis.
He always felt that Mu Xuefeng was hiding his true power, but he had disguised himself too well before, and there was no clue at all.
Now that the Dragon Guarding Pavilion has been destroyed and the imperial power is weak, it is time for him to take the throne.
Mu Xuefeng finally showed his fangs.
“According to this analysis, supporting the second prince to take the throne can indeed maximize the interests of the Mu Palace.” Chen Guofei nodded in agreement.
“Dad, if the Mu Palace chooses the second prince, how should we choose?” Chen Kangjian asked.
“I’m worried too.”
Chen Xueliang shook his head and said helplessly: “The four royal families and the eight wealthy families, the choice of each force is very important, but the decisive factor is the Mu Wangfu and the Zhao family. Before making a decision, I need to understand what the Zhao family means.”
Speaking of this, Chen Xueliang suddenly looked at his eldest son Chen Kangjian: “Big brother, you have a good relationship with the fourth brother of the Zhao family, you should go over and test the waters.”
“Understood, I’ll do it right away.”
Chen Kangjian nodded and turned away quickly.
The situation is urgent now, and there is not much time left for them to make a decision. They must hurry up to investigate.
“Second brother, you should also ask the Cui family.” Chen Xueliang turned around and ordered.
Although the Cui family is not as good as the Zhao family and the Mu Wangfu, it is also one of the four royal families, similar to the Chen family.
“Yes!”
“Dad, what about me? What do you need me to do?” Chen Guojun was a little impatient.
He is an impatient person. He naturally cannot stand by and watch such a big thing happen.
“Old Third, your mission is the most important, because I need you to go to Xiliang.” Chen Xueliang’s expression became very serious.
“What are you going to Xiliang for?” Chen Zhengjun was stunned and a little unresponsive.
“In fact, the one who really affects the ownership of the imperial power is not the Mu Palace, nor the Zhao family, but the Xiliang Palace thousands of miles away!”
Chen Xueliang made a shocking statement: “The Xiliang Iron Cavalry is the best in the world. Looking at the entire Dragon Kingdom, no force can match it. Whether it is the Eight Great Families or the Four Royal Families, they are far inferior to the Xiliang Palace.
To put it bluntly, if the Xiliang King wants to **, no one can stop him!
So compared with the various forces in Yanjing, the opinions of the Xiliang Palace are particularly important. Once the Xiliang Palace chooses to stand on the side, whoever they support will be the future new emperor!”
“So that’s it.”
Chen Zhengjun nodded suddenly: “Dad, I know what to do. I’ll go to Xiliang right away!”
After a salute, Chen Zhengjun also walked away quickly.
“In the next period of time, Yanjing is afraid that there will be a bloody storm.”
Looking at the sky gradually darkening outside the door, Chen Xueliang couldn’t help but sigh lightly, with an indissoluble sorrow between his brows.
If you can’t protect yourself in the game, you can only go with the flow.
At night, in the inner city, in a hidden mansion.
Two young men are playing Go leisurely.
The man on the left is Mu Guanyu, who visited the Chen family not long ago.
The burly man in fancy clothes on the right is the second prince Li Guanglong.
The two of them are concentrating on playing chess on the chessboard, sometimes making moves quickly, sometimes thinking carefully.
After about a cup of tea, Mu Guanyu finally gave up.
“Brother Guanyu, I haven’t seen you for a few days. Your chess skills have improved. I almost lost to you.” Li Guanglong touched his beard and looked a little surprised.
“Your Highness is too flattering. Compared with you, my chess skills are really not worth mentioning. If it weren’t for your letting me, I would have lost long ago. How could I have been dealing with you for so long?” Mu Guanyu said with a smile.
“Hahahaha… you are still so good at talking.” Li Guanglong laughed loudly, looking quite proud.
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