Chapter 299: The Imperial General Was Again Force-Flirted 27

The meeting ended quickly, and Chester left through the special passage without anyone noticing.

That night, Yalikesi remained with Jin Chen, staying inside the embassy.

Outside the window, snowflakes flew, a thick layer of snow had accumulated on the ground, and the ever‑lit streetlamps cast a dim yellow glow, clearly tracing the falling snow's path.

Yalikesi stood by the window, staring at the snow in a daze.

"What are you thinking about?"

After washing up, Jin Chen came out and saw Yalikesi standing by the window in a thin shirt; he picked up the blanket from the bed, walked over, and wrapped Yalikesi in it.

"I was thinking about when I used to live here."

Yalikesi relaxed his body, leaning against the person behind him; perhaps the indoor heating was strong, and his words carried a hint of warmth.

"Back when I studied at the military academy, many people paid attention to my grades, because I was adopted by Yixidole into the military, and my father was a famous warrior, so I could never afford to slack off."

"But sometimes I would get tired, not daring to tell anyone, so I could only go out for a walk on my own or rest at a random corner park."

His gaze gradually focused on the streetlamp, Yalikesi spaced out, remaining silent for a long time, as if lost in memory.

When a warm sensation brushed his cheek, he came back to himself, turned away from the window, rested his chin on Jin Chen's shoulder, and continued.

"That period was tough, but it was also one of the few good times. After graduation I constantly thought about achieving something, not wanting to disgrace my father. Although my ideas often differed from Yixidole's on how to run the military, I'm grateful to him, after all, he gave me the chance to keep studying."

"Even if I believed the military would eventually collapse under this imperial rule, I never thought of betraying it, constantly striving through my own efforts to salvage whatever I could."

Jin Chen listened patiently, his warm hand gently stroking the back of the person in his arms; his side profile caught the light, sharp-angled, his peach‑blossom eyes soft and tender.

"If the empire ever gets a new ruler, things might improve a lot—Yixidole simply isn't fit to be a monarch."

"I hope so."

Yalikesi rubbed his cheek lightly against Jin Chen's neck, his tone softening.

No matter how the empire changes in the future, it's nothing to do with him.

His parents had devoted half their lives to serving the imperial military, only to meet a miserable end in a conspiracy; if he hadn't met Jin Chen, he wouldn't have escaped either.

He had no lingering attachments to this place.

"It's late, I'm a bit sleepy."

He shook his head, shaking off the flood of thoughts in his mind, and wrapped his arms around Jin Chen's neck.

Jin Chen shut the window with one hand and drew the curtains.

A few minutes later, the lights in the room went out; only the bedside night‑lamp emitted a soft glow, illuminating the two people entwined in sleep on the bed.

——

The next day, the welcome banquet.

The banquet hall was located next to the Imperial Palace; it had always received only the most exalted dignitaries, but this time it was arranged for the Federal Marshal, which was somewhat beneath his station—yet he was also the beloved adopted son of the Federal President, so no one questioned it.

Those attending the welcome banquet, aside from the Imperial family, included the leaders of the military and ducal nobles—it was a full show of respect.

Of course, this was only on the surface.

When Jin Chen, in uniform, walked into the banquet hall side by side with Yalikesi, they both sensed how many ambushes lay nearby, some even blatant.

Especially at the poolside where they stood.

Yet among the military personnel present, not one showed surprise, indicating either they had known beforehand or simply didn't care whether Jin Chen and Yalikesi would die here.

"How shameless." Yage followed behind Jin Chen, muttering under his breath.

He looked at Jin Chen, unable to contain his anger.

"Commander, can I kill a few more people today?"

Jin Chen took a wine glass from the waiter's tray, sniffed it, and replied, "Whatever, feel free to kill anyone lying in ambush."

Yalikesi looked at them helplessly, saying, "Pull it together, the show hasn't even started yet."

Yage immediately fell silent, "Yes, ma'am."

Several diplomats also eyed the surroundings warily; although they had known the plan yesterday and had protection nearby, once inside the banquet hall they all felt as if every imperial subject wanted to harm the emperor.

Everyone at the banquet, aside from a few clueless nobles, was full of ulterior motives.

Yixidole only entered after the banquet had begun.

His hair was white‑tinged, he still wore a golden imperial robe, and on his head sat a jewel‑encrusted crown symbolizing the emperor.

He immediately shook hands with Jin Chen and greeted him.

"How is President Qiaoyisi's health lately?"

Jin Chen forced a smile, "Pretty good, eats well, strong constitution—he'll probably kick the bucket after you."

Yixidole: "……"

All the imperial personnel present: "……!"

What gall this Federal Marshal has!

The diplomats from the Federation looked relieved; the Marshal was finally being himself!

Yalikesi silently rubbed his forehead, reached out to pull Jin Chen aside, handed him a glass of red wine, and said, "Sorry, Your Majesty, Jin Chen is always blunt—don't take it personally."

Yixidole snorted twice, seeming amused, "When will it be that you, an imperial, have to explain for him? It just makes you seem even more distant from me."

He took the wine cup, the jade ring on his thumb gleaming translucent.

"You haven't been back in a while—don't you have anything to say?"

"Of course," Yalikesi replied, no longer hiding his aura before others as he used to to bolster the emperor; today he made no effort to conceal it, his presence undiminished.

"It's just that there are too many people talking here; if a rumor accidentally spreads, it wouldn't be good."

He especially emphasized the four words "rumor" with heavy stress.

"Your Majesty is suspicious and overly concerned with others' gossip; I'd still rather speak to you directly."

These words made the imperial personnel present suck in a cold breath, as if they were just realizing this famed general of past victories—are you saying the emperor doesn't trust him because he listens to others' slander and lacks his own judgment?

Yixidole has crossed swords with others for years—how could he not grasp the meaning of these words?

He didn't say anything else, only replied: "Then let's wait until after the banquet, you come to the palace and tell me in detail how you didn't flee the battlefield."

"Naturally," Yalikesi raised his cup toward him, his brows cold, his smile not reaching his eyes, "I also look forward to a long, intimate talk with Your Majesty after the banquet."

Speaking of this, General Jin Chen surely doesn't know who arranged today's banquet, right?

The middle-aged man beside Yixiduole suddenly spoke up, looking like his royal assistant.

He gestured to the person beside him, "Introduce him to the general, this is Your Majesty's close nephew, Duke Yueshuya."

Yueshuya wore expensive, splendid noble attire, blond hair and blue eyes, very handsome, causing everyone present to glance sideways.

Jin Chen glanced over, took a look, and then heard that voice continue.

"At the same time, it is also the fiancée originally prepared for Yalikesi by Your Majesty."