Feeling the gazes coming from the palace, Chen An felt a chill in his heart.
Sure enough, there were experts in the palace, and there were many of them.
In those scrutinizing gazes, each one was probably a martial artist who had reached at least the Inner Qi Stage.
As for true Gang Qi, how many were there here?
It probably wasn't uncommon, right?
Chen An's mind flashed with various thoughts.
But the Fourth Princess clearly didn't think so much.
She just followed the steward Liu in front of her and rushed into the inner court, looking like she had no manners at all.
In this way, she didn't look like a princess at all, but more like a wild girl.
But the guards around, including Steward Liu, were not surprised at all, and showed no reaction to the Fourth Princess's behavior.
Or maybe if one day the Fourth Princess suddenly changed her behavior, they would find it strange.
After all, this was the place where the Fourth Princess grew up, equivalent to her home.
If she didn't behave like an outsider when she returned home, that would be strange.
As they rushed into the inner court, the Fourth Princess's speed was fast.
So fast that Chen An had to quickly catch up and respectfully follow behind her.
Once inside the inner court, Chen An showed a respectful demeanor, completely different from the majesty he had outside.
There was no choice, after all, the occasion was different.
Such behavior outside could be seen as standing up for the Fourth Princess, but if it continued inside the inner court, it would be disrespectful.
There were many experts in the inner court.
Although Chen An was not afraid, it would be good to avoid trouble.
In fact, while Chen An walked on, there were also many people observing him.
The experts in the inner court were not blind.
They had naturally witnessed the earth-shattering battle outside before.
The scene, the strength, truly shocked them.
They had thought that a young genius with such strength must be arrogant and domineering, but after seeing him up close, he was surprisingly polite, which was unexpected.
Watching Chen An's respectful behavior, many people couldn't help but feel some goodwill towards him.
Perhaps this was the contrast.
Ignoring the reactions of others for now.
The Fourth Princess had already entered the inner court.
"Father!"
A cry of surprise rang out.
Chen An's heart tightened, inexplicably nervous.
He knew that the time to reveal the answer was approaching.
The result would depend on the present moment.
With this in mind, Chen An walked in.
Inside the spacious palace, a delicate bed lay there, with a middle-aged man lying on it.
The middle-aged man's face was pale, looking a bit weak, but his eyes were bright, not at all like a weak patient.
The Fourth Princess held him tightly, crying loudly.
"Father!"
She cried out loud, "I miss you so much!"
"It's been months, and I finally see you."
"Good."
The middle-aged man's face was a bit pale, but looking at the Fourth Princess crying in front of him, he couldn't help but show a hint of tenderness, "Am I not fine right here?"
"Don't worry, everything is fine."
The Fourth Princess didn't speak, just crying with her head in her hands, choking on her sobs.
The man couldn't help but sigh.
He understood that during this time, his daughter must have suffered a lot outside.
As the Emperor, he understood the filth in other people's hearts better than anyone else, and he also understood how his daughter would be treated during this time with her personality.
Although he had expected it a long time ago, and he also had the intention of toughening his daughter's character, after seeing this scene, he still couldn't bear it.
After all, she was his most beloved daughter, and the love from the bottom of his heart was not fake.
"It's okay, it's all in the past."
He patted his daughter's head and comforted her in a soft voice.
Far away, Chen An lowered his head, silently watching this scene of fatherly love and filial piety, his heart calm, and even a hint of a smile.
At the moment he saw the middle-aged man, he understood that he had made the right bet this time.
Attacking the palace was actually a big deal.
If we talk about it in a good way, it was for the Fourth Princess to see her father and to meet the Emperor, preventing the Crown Prince and the Second Prince from isolating themselves from the outside world.
But if we talk about it in a bad way, it was an attack on the palace, a great disrespect.
All good and bad could be explained, depending on the individual's intentions.
So, Chen An was actually gambling.
On the one hand, he was gambling that the Emperor was not unconscious and was still alive, and on the other hand, he was gambling that the Third Prince could defeat the Crown Prince and the Second Prince.
Whether the Emperor was still alive or whether the Third Prince could ultimately defeat the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, he would be fine.
In the former case, it goes without saying, after all, it was the matter of helping the Fourth Princess fulfill her wish, such filial piety, if you still want to punish, is there any justice?
As for the Third Prince, it's even simpler.
This was a friend.
If the Third Prince could eventually ascend to the throne, then Chen An would be his greatest contributor, with rewards coming non-stop. How could there be any punishment?
So he was gambling.
Of course, even if he lost the bet, it wasn't a big deal for Chen An.
He could just leave and retreat strategically.
He was still young, if he couldn't survive in Dahua, he could try his luck in other countries.
Southern Song was not bad.
Could it be that he, a Gang Qi realm powerhouse, would be suppressed to death?
Of course, failure could mean a strategic retreat, but success would be even better.
Who would want to fail?
It's not like he was a masochist.
And from the current situation, the Emperor was not unconscious, but still alive.
Chen An's bet was obviously successful.
"So, you are Chen Chang'an?"
On the bed, the Emperor's gaze fell on Chen An, "The son of Duke Chen's family?"
"Yes."
Chen An nodded, confirming his identity.
The Emperor sighed, "None of Duke Chen's sons are promising, but among his grandchildren, there is such a talented person."
"I remember, you are only seventeen years old, right?"
"Yes."
Chen An felt a chill in his heart, nodding again.
By the looks of it, the Emperor had sent someone to investigate the people around his daughter, probably having already thoroughly investigated Chen An's past deeds.
Otherwise, how could the Emperor know how old he was.
From another perspective, this also showed how much the Emperor loved his daughter, to the point of thoroughly investigating anyone around her.
"A Gang Qi realm at seventeen. Truly formidable."
The Emperor sighed, his words filled with complexity.
In this world where martial arts were flourishing, the current Emperor naturally also practiced martial arts, so he naturally understood the difficulty of Gang Qi cultivation.
It was because of his understanding that he was sighing at Chen An's achievement.
Gang Qi.
How many martial artists struggled for half their lives and still couldn't touch the edge of Gang Qi.
Like the former Duke of Wu who was killed by Chen An, he had only reached the half-step Gang Qi realm in middle age, barely touching the edge of Gang Qi, and was already considered a rare figure, relied upon by the Second Prince and trusted as a confidant.
As for true Gang Qi, even the sons of the Crown Prince had to personally invite them.
Otherwise, they wouldn't show respect.
The strength of a Gang Qi martial artist could be seen.
"I already know about the situation outside."
Looking at Chen An in front of him, the Emperor sighed and then spoke softly, "You were able to break into the palace with Yi'er, it was a bit reckless, but also loyal."
"What you practice, is it the Profound Ice Energy?"
"Yes."
Chen An nodded again.
"By whose grace?"
The Emperor asked next.
This time, Chen An hesitated for a moment, then spoke, "His Highness the Third Prince."
The Profound Ice Energy bestowed upon Chen An by the Third Prince was most likely taken from within the Dahua Palace.
There were probably some clues left in this process, maybe unknown to others, but if investigated, they would probably find something on the Third Prince.
Since that was the case, instead of hiding it, it was better to just speak out.
"You are honest."
The Emperor smiled, "I recall that Yi'er had also asked for a technique for you before, but was rejected by me."
"Now looking at it, it seems that my judgment is not as good as it should be. Otherwise, I should have noticed such a talent as you earlier."
"Your Majesty is too kind."
Chen An slightly bowed, calmly speaking, "I am just a rotten piece of wood, how can I be considered a talent."
"If you are a rotten piece of wood, then there are no pillars in the world."
The Emperor shook his head, looked at his daughter in his arms, then at Chen An, and said, "You were able to break into the palace for Yi'er, although it was a bit impulsive, it is also commendable loyalty."
"In that case, I also want to be a matchmaker for you."
He smiled and said, "I have a daughter, sixteen years old, just a year younger than you, a bit spoiled, but not bad in nature, kind-hearted, friendly, and can be considered a good match."
"I don't know if Chang'an is willing to agree?"
As the words kept falling, each word caused the Fourth Princess's face to turn redder, until it was directly crimson, like a red apple.
You almost called her out by name, who doesn't know who you're talking about?
But it was still okay before, but to say pure-hearted, kind, and gentle. Can those words really be used on the Fourth Princess?
Chen An looked at the Fourth Princess next to him with some doubt, but his actions were not hesitating, and he nodded directly, "If the princess agrees, Chang'an is willing."
After all, it was just selling oneself, sell it.
This was not the first time he had done this, and he had long since lost any resistance.
"I agree, I agree!"
Before the Emperor could speak, the Fourth Princess immediately blurted out, afraid that others would think she disagreed.
But when everyone's eyes turned to her, she suddenly blushed, quickly lowered her head to pretend to be reserved.
"Haha, it seems like my daughter is a bit impatient."
Watching this scene, the Emperor couldn't help but shake his head and smile, "Girls, they grow up so quickly."
Feeling the gazes coming from the palace, Chen An felt a chill in his heart.
Sure enough, there were experts in the palace, and there were many of them.
In those scrutinizing gazes, each one was probably a martial artist who had reached at least the Inner Qi Stage.
As for true Gang Qi, how many were there here?
It probably wasn't uncommon, right?
Chen An's mind flashed with various thoughts.
But the Fourth Princess clearly didn't think so much.
She just followed the steward Liu in front of her and rushed into the inner court, looking like she had no manners at all.
In this way, she didn't look like a princess at all, but more like a wild girl.
But the guards around, including Steward Liu, were not surprised at all, and showed no reaction to the Fourth Princess's behavior.
Or maybe if one day the Fourth Princess suddenly changed her behavior, they would find it strange.
After all, this was the place where the Fourth Princess grew up, equivalent to her home.
If she didn't behave like an outsider when she returned home, that would be strange.
As they rushed into the inner court, the Fourth Princess's speed was fast.
So fast that Chen An had to quickly catch up and respectfully follow behind her.
Once inside the inner court, Chen An showed a respectful demeanor, completely different from the majesty he had outside.
There was no choice, after all, the occasion was different.
Such behavior outside could be seen as standing up for the Fourth Princess, but if it continued inside the inner court, it would be disrespectful.
There were many experts in the inner court.
Although Chen An was not afraid, it would be good to avoid trouble.
In fact, while Chen An walked on, there were also many people observing him.
The experts in the inner court were not blind.
They had naturally witnessed the earth-shattering battle outside before.
The scene, the strength, truly shocked them.
They had thought that a young genius with such strength must be arrogant and domineering, but after seeing him up close, he was surprisingly polite, which was unexpected.
Watching Chen An's respectful behavior, many people couldn't help but feel some goodwill towards him.
Perhaps this was the contrast.
Ignoring the reactions of others for now.
The Fourth Princess had already entered the inner court.
"Father!"
A cry of surprise rang out.
Chen An's heart tightened, inexplicably nervous.
He knew that the time to reveal the answer was approaching.
The result would depend on the present moment.
With this in mind, Chen An walked in.
Inside the spacious palace, a delicate bed lay there, with a middle-aged man lying on it.
The middle-aged man's face was pale, looking a bit weak, but his eyes were bright, not at all like a weak patient.
The Fourth Princess held him tightly, crying loudly.
"Father!"
She cried out loud, "I miss you so much!"
"It's been months, and I finally see you."
"Good."
The middle-aged man's face was a bit pale, but looking at the Fourth Princess crying in front of him, he couldn't help but show a hint of tenderness, "Am I not fine right here?"
"Don't worry, everything is fine."
The Fourth Princess didn't speak, just crying with her head in her hands, choking on her sobs.
The man couldn't help but sigh.
He understood that during this time, his daughter must have suffered a lot outside.
As the Emperor, he understood the filth in other people's hearts better than anyone else, and he also understood how his daughter would be treated during this time with her personality.
Although he had expected it a long time ago, and he also had the intention of toughening his daughter's character, after seeing this scene, he still couldn't bear it.
After all, she was his most beloved daughter, and the love from the bottom of his heart was not fake.
"It's okay, it's all in the past."
He patted his daughter's head and comforted her in a soft voice.
Far away, Chen An lowered his head, silently watching this scene of fatherly love and filial piety, his heart calm, and even a hint of a smile.
At the moment he saw the middle-aged man, he understood that he had made the right bet this time.
Attacking the palace was actually a big deal.
If we talk about it in a good way, it was for the Fourth Princess to see her father and to meet the Emperor, preventing the Crown Prince and the Second Prince from isolating themselves from the outside world.
But if we talk about it in a bad way, it was an attack on the palace, a great disrespect.
All good and bad could be explained, depending on the individual's intentions.
So, Chen An was actually gambling.
On the one hand, he was gambling that the Emperor was not unconscious and was still alive, and on the other hand, he was gambling that the Third Prince could defeat the Crown Prince and the Second Prince.
Whether the Emperor was still alive or whether the Third Prince could ultimately defeat the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, he would be fine.
In the former case, it goes without saying, after all, it was the matter of helping the Fourth Princess fulfill her wish, such filial piety, if you still want to punish, is there any justice?
As for the Third Prince, it's even simpler.
This was a friend.
If the Third Prince could eventually ascend to the throne, then Chen An would be his greatest contributor, with rewards coming non-stop. How could there be any punishment?
So he was gambling.
Of course, even if he lost the bet, it wasn't a big deal for Chen An.
He could just leave and retreat strategically.
He was still young, if he couldn't survive in Dahua, he could try his luck in other countries.
Southern Song was not bad.
Could it be that he, a Gang Qi realm powerhouse, would be suppressed to death?
Of course, failure could mean a strategic retreat, but success would be even better.
Who would want to fail?
It's not like he was a masochist.
And from the current situation, the Emperor was not unconscious, but still alive.
Chen An's bet was obviously successful.
"So, you are Chen Chang'an?"
On the bed, the Emperor's gaze fell on Chen An, "The son of Duke Chen's family?"
"Yes."
Chen An nodded, confirming his identity.
The Emperor sighed, "None of Duke Chen's sons are promising, but among his grandchildren, there is such a talented person."
"I remember, you are only seventeen years old, right?"
"Yes."
Chen An felt a chill in his heart, nodding again.
By the looks of it, the Emperor had sent someone to investigate the people around his daughter, probably having already thoroughly investigated Chen An's past deeds.
Otherwise, how could the Emperor know how old he was.
From another perspective, this also showed how much the Emperor loved his daughter, to the point of thoroughly investigating anyone around her.
"A Gang Qi realm at seventeen. Truly formidable."
The Emperor sighed, his words filled with complexity.
In this world where martial arts were flourishing, the current Emperor naturally also practiced martial arts, so he naturally understood the difficulty of Gang Qi cultivation.
It was because of his understanding that he was sighing at Chen An's achievement.
Gang Qi.
How many martial artists struggled for half their lives and still couldn't touch the edge of Gang Qi.
Like the former Duke of Wu who was killed by Chen An, he had only reached the half-step Gang Qi realm in middle age, barely touching the edge of Gang Qi, and was already considered a rare figure, relied upon by the Second Prince and trusted as a confidant.
As for true Gang Qi, even the sons of the Crown Prince had to personally invite them.
Otherwise, they wouldn't show respect.
The strength of a Gang Qi martial artist could be seen.
"I already know about the situation outside."
Looking at Chen An in front of him, the Emperor sighed and then spoke softly, "You were able to break into the palace with Yi'er, it was a bit reckless, but also loyal."
"What you practice, is it the Profound Ice Energy?"
"Yes."
Chen An nodded again.
"By whose grace?"
The Emperor asked next.
This time, Chen An hesitated for a moment, then spoke, "His Highness the Third Prince."
The Profound Ice Energy bestowed upon Chen An by the Third Prince was most likely taken from within the Dahua Palace.
There were probably some clues left in this process, maybe unknown to others, but if investigated, they would probably find something on the Third Prince.
Since that was the case, instead of hiding it, it was better to just speak out.
"You are honest."
The Emperor smiled, "I recall that Yi'er had also asked for a technique for you before, but was rejected by me."
"Now looking at it, it seems that my judgment is not as good as it should be. Otherwise, I should have noticed such a talent as you earlier."
"Your Majesty is too kind."
Chen An slightly bowed, calmly speaking, "I am just a rotten piece of wood, how can I be considered a talent."
"If you are a rotten piece of wood, then there are no pillars in the world."
The Emperor shook his head, looked at his daughter in his arms, then at Chen An, and said, "You were able to break into the palace for Yi'er, although it was a bit impulsive, it is also commendable loyalty."
"In that case, I also want to be a matchmaker for you."
He smiled and said, "I have a daughter, sixteen years old, just a year younger than you, a bit spoiled, but not bad in nature, kind-hearted, friendly, and can be considered a good match."
"I don't know if Chang'an is willing to agree?"
As the words kept falling, each word caused the Fourth Princess's face to turn redder, until it was directly crimson, like a red apple.
You almost called her out by name, who doesn't know who you're talking about?
But it was still okay before, but to say pure-hearted, kind, and gentle. Can those words really be used on the Fourth Princess?
Chen An looked at the Fourth Princess next to him with some doubt, but his actions were not hesitating, and he nodded directly, "If the princess agrees, Chang'an is willing."
After all, it was just selling oneself, sell it.
This was not the first time he had done this, and he had long since lost any resistance.
"I agree, I agree!"
Before the Emperor could speak, the Fourth Princess immediately blurted out, afraid that others would think she disagreed.
But when everyone's eyes turned to her, she suddenly blushed, quickly lowered her head to pretend to be reserved.
"Haha, it seems like my daughter is a bit impatient."
Watching this scene, the Emperor couldn't help but shake his head and smile, "Girls, they grow up so quickly."
