Chapter 633: A Xiong, Are You Recommending Me?!

Chang'an.

The sweltering heat steamed all day, until night fell, when the evening breeze, carrying a hint of locust‑flower fragrance, drifted gently over the vermilion palace walls of the Jin Wang Fu.

The gilded palace lanterns hanging from the soaring eaves and upturned corners swayed lightly in the wind, spreading warm yellow halos that made the courtyard's Qingshi stone‑paved road a play of light and shadow.

The cicadas chattered, rising and falling, which only served to make the study deep within the manor even more tranquil.

Inside the study, sandalwood incense curled, suffusing the room with a graceful fragrance.

Yuwen Hu stood by the window, wearing a moon‑white brocade robe with subtle patterns as his everyday attire.

The robe's hem was embroidered with flowing‑cloud motifs that swayed gently as he moved his brush.

His face was like polished jade, his brows and eyes bearing the composure of years; though a few strands of frost‑white tinged his temples, they only added to his dignified bearing.

On the desk lay a sheet of Chengxin Hall paper, its weight held down by a piece of jade that pressed the edge.

Holding a purple‑hair brush, he applied pressure with his wrist, letting the tip glide slowly across the paper; the ink's tone varied just right, each stroke exuding vigor.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like fine silk, filtering through the diamond‑patterned panes and spilling onto the paper.

Yuwen Hu steadied his breath and focus, his gaze fixed on the tip; the final stroke landed, its force penetrating the paper's back, forming a single character "Ping", neatly concluded.

Two large characters leapt onto the paper.

Peace.

He set the brush down, his fingertips lightly brushing the inked marks, a flash of light seeming to flicker in his eyes.

These two characters were what he had sought for half his life, and also the longing of the common folk in this chaotic age.

To the east, Qi State watched like a tiger, border skirmishes still smoldered, the court was rife with hidden currents; writing the words "Peace" was easy, but achieving them was fraught with countless difficulties.

While he was pondering, a soft, steady footstep sounded outside the study, followed by the Personal Guard's low, respectful report: "Grand Preceptor, the Crown Prince and Chen Zhuguo request an audience!"

Yuwen Hu heard the voice, snapped his head up, the gloom in his eyes instantly vanished, replaced by a barely concealed delight.

He murmured softly, his tone full of relief: "These two children have finally returned…."

Before the words finished, he raised his voice to command, his tone bright and urgent: "Let them come in!"

"Yes!" the Personal Guard nodded and turned, hurrying away.

Soon after, the study's door was gently pushed open.

Two figures clad in dark brocade robes entered side by side.

On the left stood Chen Yan, his dark robe embroidered with dark‑gold kirin patterns, a jade belt at his waist, giving him a tall, heroic bearing.

His brows were sharp as swords, eyes bright as stars, his face handsome, yet a hint of dust‑stained weariness lingered—clearly he had just rushed back from outside the city, not resting before heading straight to the manor.

On the right was Yuwen Ze, also wearing a dark brocade robe, its hem embroidered with cloud motifs.

Both were dust‑covered from travel, the lower hems of their robes stained with a speck of earth, their hair slightly disheveled, clearly having trekked a long distance, eager to return.

As soon as they entered, Chen Yan immediately bowed, his movements precise, his tone respectful, showing deference to his elder: "Your servant has seen the Grand Preceptor!"

Yuwen Ze followed suit, also bowing, his voice clear and full of filial admiration: "Child has seen father!"

Yuwen Hu looked at the two upright youths before him, his heart filled with satisfaction.

He raised his hand in a feigned gesture, his tone friendly: "No need for formalities!"

Having said so, he pointed to the two pear‑flower wood chairs placed before the desk and laughed: "Sit!"

Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze exchanged a glance, both bowing and clasping fists, replying in unison: "Thank you, Grand Preceptor (father)!"

When the words ended, the two moved and took their seats.

Their sitting posture remained upright, backs straight, daring not a moment of laxity.

Yuwen Hu leaned against the chair back, his gaze wandering over their faces, scrutinizing their expressions; seeing that though they wore a hint of fatigue, their spirits were bright, he let his mind settle.

He spoke slowly, his voice gentle and concerned: "Was the journey smooth?"

Chen Yan heard this and nodded first.

He turned his head to glance at Yuwen Ze beside him, both eyes shining with youthful vigor.

Then he rose, bowing and clasping his fist, his voice modulated with confidence, proclaiming loudly: "Thanks to the Grand Preceptor's great blessing, Your servant and A Ze have not disgraced our mission!"

"We captured the Qi State prince Gao Changjing alive, along with all the accompanying Qi State traitors, none missed!"

"A total of fifty‑seven people!"

Yuwen Hu slapped the armrest hard, stood up, his voice trembling with excitement: "Excellent! Wonderful!"

He paced two steps within the study, his eyes blazing at Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze, the smile on his face unable to hide: "Having captured Gao Changjing alive and removed these traitors, Chang'an can finally be rid of a major internal threat!"

Then he halted, looking at Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze, his tone full of praise, unmasking his fondness for the two: "You two brothers truly deserve great merit!"

Chen Yan, hearing this, quickly bowed, his demeanor modest, his tone sincere: "Grand Preceptor, you overpraise! This is merely my duty!"

"I dare not claim credit!"

Yuwen Ze also rose, respectfully bowing and clasping his fist, echoing: "Yes, father! It is what the child and A Xiong should do!"

Yuwen Hu watched their humble demeanor, his heart growing ever more pleased.

He waved his hand, indicating they sit, his eyes filled with admiration for the two youths.

Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze sat as instructed, still upright with straight backs, though the weariness in their brows faded a bit in the warm study.

Yuwen Hu's gaze first rested on Chen Yan, and he asked slowly: "A Yan, how do you think we should deal with the captured Gao Changjing?"

With those words, the atmosphere in the study seemed to thicken slightly.

Cicada cries filtered through the window lattice, yet in this silence they sounded especially clear.

Chen Yan lowered his eyes, pondering for a moment.

He tapped his knee lightly with his fingertip, his brows slightly furrowed, as if weighing his words or contemplating something.

After a moment, he lifted his gaze to Yuwen Hu, his eyes sharp as swords, his tone brimming with righteous vigor: "This villain's evil is boundless, repeatedly seeking to disrupt Great Zhou's state, causing the people of Chang'an to suffer, and the populace has long harbored resentment toward him!"

He paused slightly, each word striking the floor: "Your servant believes he should be sentenced to the Extreme Punishment, only then can the people's anger be appeased!"

"Excellent! What a people's anger!" Yuwen Hu heard this, unable to restrain a clap of approval, nodding heavily, his eyes full of commendation: "You think just as I do!"

To cut the grass you must remove the root; Gao Changjing is such a poisonous tumor—if not eradicated completely, it will become a great trouble later.

He shifted his tone, his gaze sweeping over Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze, and continued, "Then who should handle it?"

That question is the key.

Dealing with Gao Changjing is not merely a simple punishment of evil and reward of good, but a contest concerning court prestige and the people's allegiance.

If handled well, it will be a sky‑splitting merit, allowing the responsible person to reap countless praise and prestige.

Chen Yan heard this, and a hint of profound light flashed in his eyes.

The corner of his mouth curled slightly, forming a meaningful arc, and his peripheral glance barely flicked at Yuwen Ze beside him.

Then, with head held high and chest out, his voice clear and firm, he said without doubt, "The Prince of Ancheng, who can set a scheme with wit and bravery, capture thieves and expose treachery, and in one stroke clear the great trouble, is the most suitable!"

When his words fell, he raised his hand and pointed steadily at Yuwen Ze beside him.

That finger made Yuwen Ze startle sharply.

His pupils contracted slightly, his eyes filled with astonishment, his heart roiled with waves, and subconsciously he exclaimed in his mind, "Is this about me???"

He stared blankly at Chen Yan, then turned his head to Yuwen Hu, momentarily unable to process.

The next moment, as if suddenly realizing something, his eyes flashed, and he muttered to himself, "Wait! Brother is recommending me?!"

In an instant, Yuwen Ze understood his elder brother's earnest intention.

Gao Changjing's notorious reputation and the long‑standing resentment of the Chang'an populace make his execution by Torture Extreme Punishment a gratifying act.

And whoever personally handles this Northern Qi prince can seize the people's hearts and gain enormous prestige.

Brother is offering this sky‑splitting merit to himself!

At that thought, a warm current surged in Yuwen Ze's heart, and his gaze toward Chen Yan was full of gratitude and emotion.

Yuwen Hu took it all in, and his eyes toward Chen Yan held added admiration and relief, causing him to smile knowingly.

Sure enough, A Yan is clever; without any hint, he already understood his thoughts.

Then, turning his gaze to the still‑dazed Yuwen Ze, he asked gently, with a hint of expectation, "Yuwen Ze, did you hear?"

"Your brother recommends you to take on this burden; do you accept?"

Yuwen Ze was snapped back to his thoughts by the voice, sprang to his feet, his back straight as a pine, bowed his fists to Yuwen Hu, and replied with a resonant, powerful voice, "I, the son, will exhaust my abilities and not disappoint father and brother's expectations!"

The firmness and resolve in that tone seemed ready to shoulder the burden steadily.

Yuwen Hu nodded approvingly, his right hand gently turning the Jade Ring on his thumb.

He looked at Yuwen Ze, and slowly advised, "This is not only your service to the nation, but also an excellent chance to amass prestige!"

Yuwen Ze nodded heavily, his eyes bright, and said solemnly, "I understand, father!"

How could he not understand?

Father and brother are paving the way for him!

There is no more perfect stepping stone than Gao Changjing!

By stepping over him, one can further solidify one's footing in the court and secure a place.

Yuwen Hu was even clearer in his mind: to fully drain Gao Changjing's utility, making his death the catalyst for Yuwen Ze's rise and the smooth outcome of his own power.

Thinking of this, Yuwen Hu turned his gaze to Chen Yan, his tone both admonishing and solemn, "A Yan, Yuwen Ze is still new to this; you as the elder brother should lend more support!"

Chen Yan heard the words, immediately rose, clasped his fists, his expression solemn, and replied gravely, "As you command!"

Yuwen Ze stood aside, hearing his father's arrangement, and instantly felt assured.

The lingering unease vanished, replaced by full confidence and assurance.

Outside, the cicadas' chirping gradually faded, the evening breeze grew stronger, making the window lattice creak softly.

Moonlight, like water, filtered through the window panes, spilling onto the two characters "Taiping" on the desk, as if coating them with a silver sheen.

Yuwen Hu looked at the two youths before him—one steady and wise, the other increasingly sharp—and his expectations for Great Zhou's future grew ever stronger.

Suddenly, as if recalling something, his hand that had been lightly twirling the Jade Ring halted.

His knuckles tapped lightly on the sandalwood desk, a crisp "thud‑thud" resonating clearly in the quiet study.

His gaze first swept over Chen Yan, seeing the same unhurried composure, then slowly shifted, finally landing on Yuwen Ze, his tone deepening with undeniable solemnity, "Your brother is present!"

Chen Yan heard the words, gave a slight nod, a faint smile curling his lips.

His marriage to the Ye family had long been arranged by his Grand Preceptor father; now an auspicious day has been chosen, awaiting the perfect moment to hold the grand wedding ceremony.

Yuwen Ze was startled at first, then quickly bowed and replied, "Yes!"

When his words fell, as if fearing his father's urging, he hurriedly added, "I will soon find someone to calculate the date, select an auspicious day, and splendidly bring the Lu family into the household!"

The marriage to the Fan Yang Lu clan lady had also been arranged early by his father and brother.

Previously, because Shuying was pregnant, the matter was set aside; now that the major issue is settled, it truly should be scheduled.

Yuwen Hu exhaled a faint murmur, his brows tightening with seriousness, his voice deep and tinged with sigh, "Since you, the Jin Wang Fu has not been populous; now we have only one Jimin, which is far insufficient…"

Yuwen Jimin is not only Yuwen Ze's youngest son but also the sole child of the third generation of Jin Wang Fu.

In this world, a flourishing lineage is not only the continuation of blood but also the foundation for standing in the court.

He looked up at Yuwen Ze, his eyes full of depth and gravity, and warned imperiously, "Therefore, regarding offspring, the more the better!"

Yuwen Ze felt a chill in his heart and instantly grasped his father's meaning.

He quickly straightened his back, clasped his fists, and vowed, "Father, rest assured! Taking Lu as a secondary consort, I will work diligently!"

"Strive to have her conceive early, to let Jin Wang Fu branch out!"

In Yuwen Ze's view, as long as Lu bears a child, the father's request is fulfilled.

Unexpectedly, Yuwen Hu, upon hearing this, lightly raised his hand and waved, his lips curling meaningfully, and said with authority, "Not enough!"

Before his words finished, he pointed at Yuwen Ze, his gaze stern, his voice clear, each word ringing into their ears, "The women you keep outside must also conceive soon!"

The remark made Yuwen Ze freeze, a hint of embarrassment flashing on his face, a forced smile at his lips, his voice lowering, "Father… you already know…"

He had thought his few kept‑outside confidantes were hidden, yet they had already been observed by his father.

Yuwen Hu looked at his son's embarrassed demeanor, couldn't help but smile, his laugh carrying a hint of understanding, and calmly asked back, his tone full of confidence: "What do you think, in this vast Chang'an, could hide from a father's eyes?"

Chen Yan stood aside, hearing this he merely lowered his gaze slightly, a faint smile at the corner of his lips, and said nothing more.

Yuwen Ze's embarrassment was even greater, yet he dared not speak further, and again bowed and clasped his fists, his tone exceedingly solemn, each word resonant: "The child understands!"

"From now on, the child will devote more effort in this regard, and will not disappoint father's expectations, ensuring the Jin Wang Fu's lineage thrives!"

He was, of course, aware that his father's admonition was all for the good of the Jin Wang Fu.

In this treacherous court, only a flourishing family with solid foundations can stand unshaken.

Yuwen Hu looked at Yuwen Ze's demeanor and finally nodded with satisfaction.

He slowly withdrew his gaze, then looked again at the two characters "Taiping" on the desk, his eyes distant.

Night deepened, the moonlight like silk bathed the Jin Wang Fu's pavilions and towers in a layer of clear radiance.

Yuwen Ze and Chen Yan took leave of Yuwen Hu, and walked side by side out of the Shufang.

The evening breeze, carrying the scent of locust‑flower from the courtyard, brushed the face, dispersing some of the incense inside the hall.

Yuwen Ze raised his hand to smooth the collar of his dark Brothel, kept walking, heading straight toward the Qinfang Pavilion on the west side of the manor, and loudly ordered the attendant behind him: "Go, summon Zhang Poqi!"

Zhang Poqi, the legitimate eldest son of Zhang Yinxian; after his father was murdered, he changed his name to Poqi.

The attendant obeyed, and soon the two arrived at the Qinfang Pavilion, followed by Zhu Yi and Lu Cangfeng.

At the four corners of the pavilion hung crystal lamps, their warm yellow halos illuminating the stone tables and benches inside.

Chen Yan stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze falling on the lotus leaves in the pond outside the pavilion; the evening wind brushed by, the leaves swayed gently, rippling in layers.

Yuwen Ze leaned against a pavilion column, his fingertips lightly tapping the carved patterns, a sharp glint in his eyes as he waited for the guests.

Not long after, a rapid footstep sound approached from afar. A figure in sturdy armor hurried forward—it was Zhang Poqi.

He was barely in his early twenties, tall as a pine, with a resolute face, eyes bright, yet a lingering melancholy shadowed his brows.

Upon entering the pavilion, Zhang Poqi clasped his hands and bowed: "Shuyi has seen the lord, has seen Chen Zhuguo!"

Yuwen Ze lifted his eyes to him, his gaze landing on his tense shoulders, then spoke loudly, his voice unusually clear in the silent night: "Poqi, I have captured your father's murderer!"

"What?" Zhang Poqi shivered all over, his composed expression shattered, he looked up sharply, eyes filled with incredulous light, blurting out, "Captured Gao Changjing?"

He steadied himself, his Adam's apple bobbing a few times, his voice trembling with uncontrollable excitement and surprise: "Lord, you and Chen Zhuguo have left the manor this time to seize Gao Changjing?!"

Yuwen Ze slowly nodded, a cold arc curling at the corner of his mouth: "Indeed."

"That traitor infiltrated Great Zhou's interior, daring to stir the clouds, how could we let him escape?"

Chen Yan turned, his gaze landing on the reddened eyes of Zhang Poqi, and added: "Now he is confined in the Mingjing Office's main prison."

Hearing this, Zhang Poqi clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening, his chest heaving violently, clearly unsettled.

Yuwen Ze took in his reaction, then shifted tone, asking in a deep voice: "These days, have your martial and equestrian skills slackened?"

"Never!" Zhang Poqi blurted out, his voice resonant and forceful, bearing a tone of resolve: "Since entering the Jin Wang Fu, Shuyi rises at dawn each day to train, never once slacking!"

"Day and night we train hard, only to avenge my father's death soon!"

As his words fell, the pavilion fell silent, only the rustle of wind over lotus leaves could be heard.

Yuwen Ze nodded approvingly, his eyes sharp as knives, and said word for word: "Very good!"

After a pause, he continued: "I have discussed with A Xiong, and we intend to have you execute Gao Changjing. Poqi, what do you think?"

"What?!" Zhang Poqi trembled, as if a thunderclap rang in his ears.

He felt the blood in his veins ignite instantly, a scorching surge racing from his feet to his head, his eyes reddening instantly.

He could no longer restrain his excitement and gratitude, and with a "thump" he knelt before Yuwen Ze, his knees striking the Qingshi ground heavily.

Then he bowed his head deeply, his forehead pressed to the cold stone slab, his voice choked yet each word resonant, full of sincere devotion and gratitude: "Shuyi kowtows to the lord!"

"Shuyi thanks the spirit of my late father in heaven for the lord's great kindness!"

This bow was his long‑suppressed hatred finally released, and also his gratitude for Yuwen Ze's great favor...

Chen Yan stood aside, watching this scene, a faint light smile curling at the corner of his lips.

The moonlight grew richer, pouring into the Qinfang Pavilion, stretching the three figures' shadows long and long...