Chapter 1138: Ancient Academy Records, Lots of Fun 25

Jin Chen propped his head with one hand, his hair loosely draped, his gaze on Xie Yuancheng as he lowered his eyes and thought for a moment.

"There are not only Beifeng Kingdom's spies in the court, but also inside the Divine Pavilion."

His tone was languid, as if sighing.

"The problem is, the Divine Pavilion's spy was turned, not replaced; that person is my father's close friend, an elder who has watched me grow up since childhood."

"Even on the day General Song and the two bandits died, Jin Chen began to suspect that a spy had appeared within the Divine Pavilion."

"After all, few people knew he had entered the academy."

"Moreover, in the original plot, the spy who replaced Prince Li still has an unknown identity, and the emperor never mentioned it to anyone."

"Then the leak could only be someone from the Divine Pavilion; he never expected that the one uncovered would be the Right Protector, that old fellow who had supported his stepfather for half a lifetime."

"Xie Yuancheng froze, only reacting after a while, nervously leaning in."

"So now, do many people already know your identity? Then you… are in great danger."

Jin Chen raised his brows in surprise, saying, "I thought Yuancheng would be shocked that there are spies in the court."

Xie Yuancheng shook his head: "Actually it's not that surprising; using such a precious Jade Pendant as a token and even managing to place General Song in the academy—only someone in the court could do that."

He was solemn and earnest, as if clearing his own name: "Everyone says I am very clever."

But after saying that, Xie Yuancheng let out a weary sigh, dragging his tone: "But knowing that, what can we do? There are many high officials in the court; even though I am the Crown Prince, I can't just launch an investigation."

Jin Chen, whose hand had just been opened, lightly poked the little Crown Prince's cheek, the corner of his mouth curving: "You haven't done anything wrong; with the situation unclear, holding back is not a bad approach."

This time Xie Yuancheng didn't dodge; his cheek was poked into a small dent, he lifted his gaze to Jin Chen, pursing his lips: "Then do you know who the spy in the court is?"

Jin Chen thought for a moment, then didn't speak directly: "According to the Divine Pavilion Intelligence Division's investigation, it might be a member of the imperial clan."

As he spoke, he observed Xie Yuancheng's expression, then added: "It is very likely Prince Li."

"Ah?! Imperial Uncle…"

Xie Yuancheng was genuinely startled, thinking that Xie Beiyao was still outside the room, he hastily lowered his voice as a great panic gradually engulfed his heart.

"If… if it really is the Imperial Uncle, the Beifeng Kingdom could dominate the Border City with ease… that wouldn't be difficult at all."

"After all, the Border City lies exactly within Prince Li's fief."

"Besides, I never doubted whether Jin Chen's words were true."

Jin Chen had certainly noticed this; his smile deepened as he changed from poking the cheek to patting the head, comforting the frightened little Crown Prince.

"Don't worry; now that I've entered the academy, my father has already spoken with His Majesty, and even if the competition ends, the Divine Pavilion will still secretly submit to Heavenly Mystery."

"Any information gathered about the imperial family will also be reported."

Xie Yuancheng slowly nodded: "It's not yet certain; should I not tell my older cousin, for fear of hurting him?"

Jin Chen: "It's not too late to wait until we have solid evidence."

With Jin Chen's comfort, Xie Yuancheng at least eased a little, then sighed deeply: "I actually don't know how to handle these things; although the Grand Tutor has taught me, putting it into practice is another matter."

If I said that normally, I would surely be reported and scolded by the Grand Tutor.

But today Xie Yuancheng doesn't want to be so cautious; perhaps his subconscious already feels he can say anything in front of Jin Chen.

He lowered his head glumly, the more he spoke the unhappier he became: "I really am not suited to be the Crown Prince."

Jin Chen suddenly rose, pulling him into an embrace; this hug differed from the previous playful ones, and Xie Yuancheng felt only warmth and security.

This isn't your fault; you're still young, don't put so much pressure on yourself.

Xie Yuancheng took a deep breath, lowered his eyes slightly, and leaned against Jin Chen's shoulder: "Father Emperor says I'm no longer small; in a few years I'll help him share state affairs."

Xiu Yu and my older cousin also said I should study more on how to be a good Crown Prince.

I came to comfort Jin Chen, yet I ended up hurting myself.

Xie Yuancheng closed his eyes, unwilling to face it.

"If… when the competition ends, will you return to the Divine Pavilion?" He suddenly changed the subject.

Jin Chen held the person, giving an ambiguous chuckle: "If someone doesn't want me to leave the Imperial City, staying is not impossible."

Xie Yuancheng paused for a few seconds, didn't respond: "But you martial arts folk, don't you all yearn for freedom and dislike being bound?"

If I… He hurriedly Change Address, "Even if someone wishes you could stay, you might not necessarily be happy."

Who said that? Perhaps I would have a different answer.

Jin Chen lowered his gaze to meet the eyes of the obedient Xie Yuancheng in his arms; the deep, dark peach blossom eyes glimmered with amusement: "Of course, it also depends on who that 'someone' is."

His voice was low and heavy, as if each word struck the heart, seemingly conveying some unspoken unique emotion.

Xie Yuancheng avoided his gaze, his cheeks flushing, he broke free from Jin Chen's embrace without admitting that the 'someone' was himself.

All right, all right, I know.

He feigned calm, picked up the tea on the table and took a sip.

Who would have thought that as soon as he drank it, he heard Jin Chen laugh and say, "This is the cup I just drank from."

Cough! Cough cough……

Xie Yuancheng's face grew hotter, he Stared at Jin Chen: "Who let you not put the tea cup down properly."

I… still have to go train; as long as you're not upset, I'm leaving.

He had just reached to push the door open when his steps suddenly halted.

No, this is my room.

Xie Yuancheng pointed at the doorway: "You leave."

Speaking, his gaze drifted, and he simply dared not look into Jin Chen's eyes.

【Villain Heartthrob Value +10, accumulated 50!】

Jin Chen feigned nonchalance, drawing out his tone: "Crown Prince Your Highness teased a commoner, and now you're trying to drive me away—really……"

Jin Chen!

Xie Yuancheng's hair stood on end: "I didn't tease you!"

This sound was extremely loud; the people outside had been eavesdropping for a long time, and finally they only heard this sentence.

Lan Wuyang, who had come over to gather military intelligence, stared in surprise.

It turns out the one who took the initiative is their family's little Your Highness!