Chapter 2: Mother's Old Friend

You.... you say you want to report....

Your father, the Duke of Wei, still has two brothers?!

The old jailer, who had always been expressionless and unflappable, was astonished, his eyes wide open.

He originally thought Chen Yan, like the other death row inmates previously held here, was engaging in a laughable struggle, a pointless struggle.

But he never expected....

Yes, you heard correctly!

Chen Yan smiled, raised his eyebrows slightly, and affirmed.

He paused, then continued: "Go quickly and have your superior report to the Grand Minister; if there's any delay, you won't be able to bear the consequences....."

Yes, I'll go right away....

The old jailer dared not linger even a moment, and immediately turned to leave.

He had been in Tianlao for several decades, deeply aware of its importance.

Regardless of truth or falsehood, this needs to be reported.

Interesting!

Truly interesting!

I never expected that after the divorce drama, there would be an even more exciting play hidden!

Today was certainly not a wasted trip, hahaha!

The old jailer had just taken a few steps outside when he heard a hearty laugh coming from the neighboring cell.

Immediately afterward, several tall, imposing men walked out.

The old jailer turned to look at the visitor's appearance, shocked and fearful, and quickly performed a respectful salute: "Greetings, Grand Minister!"

"Step back first." Yuwen Hu waved his hand casually and said nonchalantly.

The old jailer nodded and withdrew as ordered.

Grand Minister? What a heroic man.... Chen Yan also sized him up, this powerful minister of Great Zhou, second only to the emperor and above all others, and couldn't help but feel moved.

His posture was straight and tall, like a sturdy pine and cypress; his facial lines were sharp as if carved by knife and axe; his sword-like eyebrows flew into his temples, his eyes deep yet bright, like shining stars in a cold night.

To call him dragon-like and tiger-like is not an exaggeration.

Chen Yan has seen the Grand Minister!

Chen Yan held the iron chain, lifted his chest, performed a salute neither humble nor arrogant, and then tentatively asked: "What is this....?"

He had just requested to see the Grand Minister, and the Grand Minister appeared before him moments later—what a coincidence!

Even if he could fly, he couldn't be that fast!

The only possibility is that this powerful minister, the Grand Minister, had already arrived at the neighboring prison.....

"This prince has come to see you, the brat reported by your own father and condemned for righteousness against kin!" Yuwen Hu crossed his arms, similarly sizing up Chen Yan, and spoke teasingly.

Chen Yan lifted his head, met Yuwen Hu's playful gaze, and asked meaningfully: "As the Grand Minister who handles myriad affairs, did you really come all this way just to see a prisoner's joke? Surely you're not that bored?"

If it were his scummy father and dog-like brother, then such a possibility might indeed exist....

But would a power minister who controls the state's military and politics waste his precious time to satisfy vulgar tastes, having so much leisure?

There must be a deeper reason....

But Chen Yan, in his memory, has no further impression of this Grand Minister.

"You brat, you're not the dull, stupid blockhead the rumors claim—your reaction is actually quite quick...."

Yuwen Hu shook his head, curled the corner of his mouth into an arc, and laughed.

It was neither praise nor criticism, but the tone sounded rather satisfied.

He paused, then continued: "Your mother once had a relationship with this prince!"

???

Chen Yan's small head was filled with great doubt.

At that moment, he smelled the scent of a big melon.

Had a relationship?

What kind of relationship?

As a seasoned Cao Zei of the new era, he still had some insight....

"Your mother is that astonishing woman who makes one glance feel like ten thousand years!"

Yuwen Hu ignored Chen Yan's reaction and continued on his own: "Your eyes and nose are exactly like hers back then...."

Saying that, he let out a long sigh.

He felt deeply moved, full of regret.

"Could this Grand Minister be having an affair with my old mother?"

Chen Yan muttered to himself, quickly controlled his expression, and replied flawlessly: "This humble person's body carries my mother's blood, so naturally it bears some of her traits....."

He gave verbal assent, but Chen Yan's mind did not stop; based on the information he had just gathered, he pondered his next move.

"Let's get back to the point: you brat, using the accusation against Chen Tongyuan as an excuse to see this prince, what exactly are you scheming?"

Yuwen Hu restrained his smile, turned the jade ring on his right hand, and asked with interest.

From the start he felt that reporting the Duke of Wei was Chen Yan's means to see him.

Through this brief contact just now, Yuwen Hu grew more confident in his judgment.

This brat is certainly not the useless good-for-nothing that outside rumors claim....

He is truly becoming more and more interesting!

"I dare not conceal anything from the Grand Minister!"

Chen Yan nodded, chose his words, and said: "Originally, this humble person planned to use the Death Tactic as a reason for you to provoke the Chen family, in exchange for a chance to live....."

He didn't lie; this statement is ninety percent true.

After reviewing his memories and realizing the dire situation he was in, he also keenly perceived the conflict between the new and old factions in the Da Zhou Court.

So, Chen Yan's initial plan was to throw himself into the fray, becoming a pawn for the Grand Chancellor to topple and settle scores with the Chen Family....

While taking revenge on those people, he also sought a sliver of hope for himself!

But now Chen Yan has changed his mind.....

"You're actually an honest man!"

Yuwen Hu laughed, stepped forward a few paces, his gaze turning sharp, lowered his eyes and asked: "And now?"

Yuwen Hu's purpose in coming was also to select a death-row inmate to replace an old friend's son, thereby ensuring the latter's future would be smooth and free of trouble.

"I now intend to make a deal with you!" Chen Yan raised his head, lightly shook the iron chain in his hand, and said with a smile.

"To make a deal with this prince?"

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Hu was somewhat surprised, yet grew even more curious, saying: "You kid, you've got guts—go on, let's hear it."

Saying that, he raised his hand.

Indicating for him to continue.

"A man facing death naturally has no fear."

Chen Yan exhaled a turbid breath, gave a faint smile, and said in a low voice: "I will exchange the Chen Family's military authority for my life and the title of Duke of Wei."

Upon hearing this, the several people who had accompanied the Grand Chancellor behind him all changed color, looking at one another in shock.

The same thought arose in their hearts:

This kid's appetite is truly not small!

They are your Gutou blood relatives, brothers-in-arms, beloved kin and friends!

Yuwen Hu wore a half-smile, the curve of his lips growing more playful, and asked: "Can you bring yourself to do this?"

He neither agreed nor refused.

Instead, he seemed to ask an irrelevant question....

Chen Yan lowered his gaze to scan the surroundings, then gave the iron chain binding him a hard tug, making it screech, before he slowly said: "If the father is not kind, the son will not be filial; if the younger brother is not respectful, the elder brother will not be friendly. It is their lack of benevolence and righteousness that comes first; I cannot be blamed for being heartless and unjust."

After a pause, he continued: "Of course, as one connected by blood, I will certainly see to their burial!"

His eyes were full of resolve.

Only Gutou blood relatives, brothers-in-arms, beloved kin and friends can fetch a good price, right?

"Indeed, you're ruthless enough!"

Yuwen Hu's eyes were full of appreciation, yet he shook his head, speaking playfully: "But relying solely on this to seek the Duke of Wei's title is far from enough...."

Chen Yan showed no trace of panic; he merely loosened the iron chain, clasped his fists in a salute, and said with deep meaning: "You now hold great power, wielding authority unchallenged—but do the court officials, great clans, and pillar-state nobles truly submit willingly in their hearts?"

"And how do you know they are not lying low, concealing their light, awaiting the right moment?"

"Especially those few who are contemporaries of Taizu and still alive, the old pillar-state nobles...."

"You still need a blade, a sharp blade, to utterly eradicate these shackles!"