"So, Your Highness actually has no intention of marrying?"

"What Duke Wu'an said... is precisely my intention."

Princess Pingyang nodded and said.

In public, she naturally could not admit to having any feelings for Chen Yuan.

"Actually, Your Highness's intention is also Chen's intention. I am dedicated to martial arts and have no desire to start a family." Chen Yuan calmly replied.

What Noble Consort Yang said was not incorrect; even if she were willing, her cold-natured daughter would not agree to share a husband.

Moreover, Chen Yuan, knowing of Jingtai's schemes, would not risk danger for such desires.

Seeing Chen Yuan's unperturbed expression, Princess Pingyang knew these were not insincere words. While she was relieved, she also felt an inexplicable loss.

It was the first time a man had no feelings for her.

Somewhat... disheartened.

However, she did not show it on the surface and simply said:

"Duke Wu'an's ambitions are high. Pingyang admires this, but my father holds celestial authority, making it difficult to disobey an imperial decree."

"Since Your Highness specifically invited me through Master Li, there must be a plan in mind." Chen Yuan squinted, looking at the aloof princess before him.

Princess Pingyang hesitated but eventually spoke:

"Since the Duke is unwilling to marry, there's only the option of leaving the Capital swiftly."

"Leaving the Capital... Does Your Highness think His Majesty would approve?"

Chen Yuan currently holds the position of Golden Envoy, lacking real power. Leaving the Capital rashly would be akin to resigning without notice, causing a stir in the court and the Heavenly Patrol Bureau.

Furthermore, Chen Yuan still aspired to the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy.

Leaving directly wouldn't align with his plans unless Princess Pingyang could arrange his transfer, which is impossible.

Given Chen Yuan's rank, any transfer would require the Emperor's approval.

"If something happens in another state, could the Duke leave?"

"I am willing to return to the South; if Your Highness can achieve this, I would be willing to leave." Chen Yuan offered her a difficult challenge.

"This..."

"Your Highness is favored by His Majesty. If truly unwilling to marry, you can petition. If there's any movement on my end, I will also refuse. If we work together, we might avoid this situation."

Chen Yuan smiled, then stood up.

The other party couldn't think of a good plan, so there was no need to stay and prepare to leave.

Just as he stepped out of the hall, Princess Pingyang called to him again:

"Duke, please wait."

"What else does Your Highness have to say?"

Chen Yuan turned and asked.

"Does the Duke truly not wish to marry?"

Princess Pingyang tightly clenched her fists under her sleeves and asked calmly.

Chen Yuan looked at her, smiling, and countered:

"Does Your Highness wish to?"

After saying this, he chuckled lightly and left.

As the footsteps grew distant, Princess Pingyang's eyes flickered, and she softly said:

"If the Duke is willing, I... might agree."

She didn't know if Chen Yuan heard it, but her face blushed. Chen Yuan's footsteps did not stop, gradually fading away.

...

...

After bidding farewell to Li Hongshuang, Chen Yuan left Shuanghe Temple alone, heading towards Duke Wu'an's mansion, pondering Princess Pingyang's last words.

If I am willing, she might agree...

Chen Yuan carefully savored this phrase.

With his cultivation capability, he could hear the sound of a pin dropping miles away, so he naturally heard this as well but did not stop.

Because he had no interest in this matter.

If he were unaware of Jingtai's schemes against him, he might consider marrying Princess Pingyang for a brighter future and discuss entering Dao with her mother.

But knowing the danger, he would not venture into it.

He would not agree to Jingtai's arranged marriage.

He was renowned across the lands, with a strong reputation both in the north and south, and considerably stronger than before, with many supporters.

He simply did not believe that even with a firm refusal, Jingtai could force him to marry and wed Princess Pingyang.

Would it not disgrace the Royal reputation?

Is the Sima Family out of women to marry?

Also, Chen Yuan was on good terms with Wei Jinfeng, and Gu Tianqiong admired him, along with the support of Li Hongshuang's backer, Shen Wu True Monarch Li Kuangxiu.

At that time, they might speak on his behalf.

Would Jingtai truly dare to act against him for a marriage contract under the public eye?

He had contributed to the court, bled for it, and nearly lost his life.

He was also well-known in the Capital.

Killing him was impossible; at most, they would suppress him.

If Jingtai were to act shamelessly against him, it would just force him to hastily initiate rebellion.

Dispelling such thoughts, Chen Yuan returned to Duke Wu'an's mansion.

But upon arriving home, a Heavenly Patrol Envoy came, stating they were sent by Great Governor Xiao Jing to summon him.

Chen Yuan's mind stirred as he recalled Xiao Jing's previous words.

Considering the timing, it was likely the time to decide on the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy.

Not delaying, he followed the Heavenly Patrol Envoy to the Capital's Heavenly Patrol Bureau headquarters.

If there was an opportunity, he naturally wanted to compete for this position for easier future dealings.

However, if Jingtai insisted on suppressing him, he would find a way to quickly transfer from the Capital.

Returning to Qingzhou.

To prepare for what lay ahead.

Passing through several checkpoints of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, Chen Yuan once again stood before the Heavenly Patrol Hall. After being announced, he took a deep breath and stepped into the hall.

As he entered, several gazes in the Heavenly Patrol Hall simultaneously fell upon him.

Great Governor Xiao Jing was seated at the head, with the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy vacant, and the other three Divine Envoys each seated. Additionally, two unfamiliar middle-aged men sat towards the back.

Chen Yuan squinted, almost guessing who these two men were.

....

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