I Have A Qi Fortune Altar.
Chapter 638: 428: I Have Decided on Xiao Qingmu's Fate!

Chapter 638: Chapter 428: I Have Decided on Xiao Qingmu’s Fate!

Eastern Imperial City Bureau.

Chen Yuan’s expression remained calm as he held an invitation, slowly reading it once over. His gaze narrowed slightly, so it turned out… the old acquaintance Sima Ke mentioned was her.

This Xiao Qingmu really made him search hard.

To think she’s even involved with the current dynasty’s prince, indeed it’s quite intriguing, it seems that’s probably why Yang Hucheng deliberately arrived late for roll call today.

It’s very likely a scheme directed by Xiao Qingmu.

Quite clumsy indeed, to use such a low-level tactic, utterly clichéd, but… one must admit it’s indeed effective, this woman seems to understand his character very well.

Knowing that he is someone who can’t tolerate any disobedience, she directly crippled Yang Hucheng!

Her goal was achieved.

So, what is Sima Ke’s purpose for inviting me?

Is it truly just to dissolve an old grudge?

Or is it perhaps a trap?

Mulling over this matter, Chen Yuan took a long while to refocus his spirit, and said indifferently to the bowing servant from the Fourth Prince Mansion, “Go back and tell the Fourth Prince,

since His Highness has kindly extended an invite, I naturally will not refuse. I’ll be there on time for the banquet tonight!”

“Yes, this humble one obeys.”

“Go.”

“This humble one takes his leave.”

The person exited the grand hall with utmost respect.

As the figure gradually moved away, Chen Yuan looked at the somewhat dim sky outside the hall and said indifferently,

“Summon Deputy Commander Tao!”

“Yes.”

…

…

Night fell gradually darker.

In the hanging moonlight, Chen Yuan cast a very long shadow. In winter, night falls early, while in summer, it would still be bright with the setting sun.

Looking at the imposing Fourth Prince Mansion in front of him, Chen Yuan halted his steps. A few servants in front of the door yawned and upon fixing their gaze, were startled.

They hadn’t seen how exactly Chen Yuan appeared…

This was normal, with Chen Yuan’s movement technique, he could instantaneously cover more than ten meters. If he wore a long white robe and had flowing hair, there wouldn’t be much difference between him and a ghost.

One of them swallowed nervously, then bowed and asked apologetically,

“Are you the Commander Chen Yuan from the Eastern Imperial City Bureau?”

“Indeed, I have come upon invitation.”

“Please, Commander Chen, come inside. The Fourth Prince is currently waiting in the central hall.”

“Lead the way.”

Chen Yuan nodded and flicked a goose feather he had casually picked up by the roadside into the servant’s hand.

“This… this is?”

The servants all seemed a bit puzzled.

“I am a person who understands etiquette. However, the Fourth Prince’s invitation came too late, and I had no time to prepare a proper gift. Let this suffice; as the saying goes, ‘a goose feather sent from a thousand miles away shows deep feeling despite its light weight.’ I believe the Fourth Prince will be most pleased.”

Hearing that it was a gift, the servant who held the goose feather glanced inside for a moment, then quickly nodded and said,

“Please, Commander.”

Inside the mansion.

Upon hearing that Chen Yuan had entered the mansion, the Fourth Prince Sima Ke immediately waited outside the central hall. From afar, he saw a black-clothed figure behind several servants and squeezed out a standard smile,

“Commander Chen has already arrived, there was no need to bring anything.”

Hearing this, the servant hurriedly held up the white goose feather above his head and respectfully said,

“The Commander Chen from Heavenly Patrol Bureau presents a goose feather.”

Sima Ke’s smile stiffened for a moment but quickly vanished as he smiled faintly,

“Commander Chen is truly unique, even in his choice of gifts.”

Compared to others, the title ‘Heavenly Patrol Green Envoy’ had stuck more with the people, so much so that even after Chen Yuan took the position of Commander of the Eastern Imperial City Bureau, many still referred to him as the Heavenly Patrol Green Envoy.

This was regarded as stepping out of the ‘Heavenly Patrol Green Envoy’ category.

“A goose feather sent from a thousand miles shows deep feeling despite its light weight; the Fourth Prince doesn’t mind, right?”

“Of course not, it’s an honor for this palace that Commander Chen could come,” laughed Sima Ke.

Unless he was a king, someone of Sima Ke’s princely status would refer to himself as ‘this palace’ or ‘this hall’ when outside. Chen Yuan did not find this odd in the least.

“But Commander Chen… today is a banquet, why are you still in your official uniform?”

“I’ve grown accustomed to it. Moreover, who knows whether rebels or traitors will be encountered on the way? Having this uniform makes dealing with such matters easier, right?”

Chen Yuan said with a faint smile, looking at Sima Ke.

Sima Ke’s gaze shifted, and he nodded, “You’re right, Commander Chen. Please, come in.”

The banquet Sima Ke had prepared for Chen Yuan was excellent; the wine was top-quality Spiritual Wine, and the tea was the finest Spiritual Tea, all prepared by the chefs from the famous Capital’s Ju Xian Tower.

The ingredients were all rare, showing that Sima Ke had put in some thought.

The value of just this banquet was no less than three Primordial Crystals.

Listening to Sima Ke’s introduction of Ju Xian Tower, Chen Yuan responded with a silent smile. He was, of course, aware of the tower’s reputation, which was nearly unrivaled in the Capital.

The guests who dined there were mostly nobility or Martial Artists above the Reach Profound realm; all others were not entertained.

However, Chen Yuan had no interest in dining. Who knew if Sima Ke would put something in the food? Caution was paramount. His objective today was Xiao Qingmu,

not to sate his appetite.

“Why doesn’t Commander Chen start?”

Seeing Chen Yuan sitting silently without even picking up his chopsticks, Sima Ke’s brow furrowed slightly and he asked lightly,

“Could it be that Commander Chen fears I’ve poisoned the food?”

“I’ve already eaten and have no appetite. I am sorry for neglecting Your Highness’s kindness, please forgive me,” Chen Yuan replied.

Sima Ke stared at Chen Yuan for a moment, then suddenly laughed and put down his chopsticks as well, saying with a light smile,