Chapter 16 Chen Family Banquet

That night, the bright moon hung high in the sky, and the clear moonlight in Chu Prefecture filled the courtyard, as bright and clear as still water.

If one were to ask whose courtyard this was, it turned out to be the inner residence of the Chen family.

Three people were drinking until they were half-intoxicated.

One had a fair, beardless face and wore a Confucian robe with wide sleeves; another had a sharp, fierce face and wore a short martial robe; the third had a feminine, delicate appearance, with disheveled hair and a grey robe.

They were none other than Young Master Huang Yue, Chen Yuan, and Yang Mo.

The three of them talked by candlelight late into the night, and after several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere was lively.

Chen Yuan raised his hand to pick up the wine pot, poured a full cup of strong liquor, pushed it in front of Young Master Huang Yue, and said with a hearty laugh: "Brother Young Master Huang Yue, you and I hit it off the moment we met, and our temperaments are compatible. Today, let me toast you another cup!"

Young Master Huang Yue hurriedly picked up his wine cup, his cheeks flushed with a bit of drunkenness, and he stood up and cupped his hands: "Big Brother Chen, you are too polite. I am a few years older, so in terms of seniority and friendship, it should be me toasting you. I am new to Chu Prefecture and unfamiliar with the area. I have been imposing on the Chen family for many days and am grateful for your care. I will finish this cup first as a sign of respect."

"Hahaha, good! Straightforward!" Chen Yuan raised his cup and downed it in one gulp. He turned the bottom of the cup downward to show it was empty, not a drop left. He patted his chest and declared: "Since you call me Big Brother, from now on in Chu Prefecture, whenever you have any need for me, just say the word. I, Chen Yuan, will never refuse."

Young Master Huang Yue followed suit and finished the strong liquor in his cup. The spicy liquid burned from his throat into his stomach, but he was completely unaware. He just held the empty cup, his eyes slightly unfocused, staring blankly at the bottom of the cup, his thoughts drifting away to who knows where.

Seeing this, Yang Mo set down his wine cup and spoke as if unintentionally, breaking the momentary silence: "I heard quite a few rumors in the market today. I wonder if you two brothers have heard anything related to them?"

Chen Yuan waved his hand and laughed indifferently: "Brother Mo, feel free to speak. There are no taboos at the wine table. We are just chatting, so it doesn't matter even if you let something slip."

Yang Mo nodded slightly and lowered his voice: "I heard that the high-level military officials have been making frequent moves recently, and this is by no means just for the State Religion to build the spirit connection platform. The capital and the Holy City are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the military deployment and morale control in the Northwest Region. Within half a month, I fear they will take major action to thoroughly reorganize the Northwest Army."

"Sigh—I didn't expect you to be talking about this, Brother Mo. My uncle must have disclosed this to you as well. It is indeed true. The military appears to be one family, but in reality, it is already fractured. Many do not submit to the State Religion, and many do not submit to the current Magistrate, General Lin Jian." Chen Yuan sighed.

"Not only that, take Chu Prefecture for example. The number of garrison troops in the city has exceeded 70,000. Many soldiers do not engage in production, and the city's economy can no longer bear it." Yang Mo said.

"Hmph. Ridiculous. How many storms has Chu Prefecture endured over the centuries! Even when the demon tide was raging, our ancestors fought to the death to defend it, and finally, the clouds cleared, and we stood tall. The garrison in Chu Prefecture once even reached over 100,000, and back then, it was still thriving. Chu Prefecture was once even the largest city in the Northwest. Who would have thought that today, it has fallen to such a state." Chen Yuan said indignantly.

"Since the State Religion moved into the city, they have distributed farmland, sold goods at fair prices, and provided interest-free loans. Many of these actions seem to be for the sake of the people, but in reality, they are buying hearts. Little do they know that small favors do not win over the people!"

"Whether it was the National Temple in the city or the spirit connection platform currently under construction, such extravagance. Naturally, they are crying poverty, saying they can't afford to support us soldiers!" Chen Yuan's voice thundered.

"Judging by Big Brother Chen's meaning, the State Religion is not only reorganizing the army, but also planning to downsize it?" Yang Mo looked shocked and asked tentatively.

"This... I dare not make a rash judgment." One moment Chen Yuan was filled with indignation, and the next, he suddenly threw the topic to Young Master Huang Yue.

"Brother Huang, your grandfather holds a high and powerful position and is highly respected both in the State Religion and in the capital. Now that he has arrived in the city, I wonder if you have heard any other news?"

"Ah?" Young Master Huang Yue had been dazed and lost in thought, not listening carefully to the conversation between the two just now.

Chen Yuan repeated the question.

"This, I did hear my grandfather mention it during casual conversation. However, he was just mentioning it in passing at the time. I have known since I was young that my grandfather is a serious person. If he had made up his mind, he would not have said it so casually." Young Master Huang Yue seemed reluctant to talk more about this matter.

He turned his head to look at Chen Yuan, appearing as if he had something to say but hesitated.

"Chen, Big Brother Chen. To be honest, I do have a favor to ask." Young Master Huang Yue said shyly.

"Oh? What is it? Speak your mind. Your brother Chen keeps his word, and my words carry weight." Chen Yuan declared.

"Uh, I have fallen for a young woman..." Young Master Huang Yue said.

"Which family's young woman in Chu Prefecture? She actually managed to catch your eye?" Chen Yuan asked, surprised.

"She, she is someone in Yun Bai's household." Young Master Huang Yue dared not look directly at Chen Yuan.

"Could it be his younger sister?"

"No, no, it's someone from another family staying at his house. That girl is called Shen Qi." Young Master Huang Yue hurriedly defended, "She is a close friend of Lady Yun Qian. I have already inquired about it. Originally, after Yun Bai joined the State Religion, the State Religion helped him find someone to take care of his sister. Later, they got along well, and the two families started calling each other brother and sister."

"Hiss, Shen Qi? I seem to have heard of her. It seems she was a maid in my sister's inner chambers before. She is very pretty. I didn't expect you to have bumped into her by chance." Chen Yuan laughed.

"Hey, Big Brother Chen, I don't agree with that. People are not divided by high or low status; everyone is equal regardless of their background. Although Lady Shen comes from a humble background, she has a refined and resilient temperament. I fell in love with her at first sight that day. Unfortunately, I cannot get to see her. I don't know why, but during this time, I have been thinking about her day and night, tossing and turning. Because of her, I have no appetite for tea or food."

"That day, when you went to negotiate with Yun Bai, I knew it was abrupt, but I still asked to go with you. Only to catch a glimpse of the beauty. But I didn't expect that fate was shallow, and I couldn't get a look. Sigh!" Young Master Huang Yue, emboldened by three parts of wine and feeling depressed, slapped his thigh hard.

"This..." Chen Yuan and Yang Mo exchanged glances.

"I love one saying the most in my life: If it is destined to be yours, it will eventually be yours; if it is not, you must force it to be! Brother Huang, why are you so discouraged by this small setback? Since you are pursuing a beauty, you must naturally find ways to create opportunities. Since you have spoken up, your brother will think of a way for you!" Chen Yuan agreed immediately.

"Then, then thank you very much, Big Brother Chen! If this matter can be accomplished, I will definitely thank you with a generous gift!" Young Master Huang Yue was moved to tears.