Chapter 4, The Target of All Criticism

Is that so

Young Master Chen, I know you are unhappy, but you and Zhen'er are worlds apart in terms of identity, status, and strength; you are simply not on the same path. You cannot expect Zhen'er to always protect you, can you? For Zhen'er's sake, I suggest you keep your distance from her and not bring harm to her and the Wei family.

Do you think everyone is the same as you? Young Master Jun is my friend, and you are not allowed to speak of him like that

Xiao Wuhou initially seethed with anger, but following the gaze of Xiao Tianjun, he caught sight of a scene on the city wall, and instantly his whole body trembled, all his fury vanished completely

Zhou Hai, Yang Yan, come here

The sky trembled, and just after the young celestial lord Zhou Yanxing, a golden-blue boot came crashing down. In an instant, a scorching wave surged forth, an aura of utmost yang and strength, akin to flames, swept towards Chen Shaojun from the left.

At the moment when the atmosphere was awkward, with a rustle, the crowd parted, and a finely dressed young servant, bending his body, nimbly slipped through like a raccoon. Upon seeing Young Master Chen, a flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly turned his head away

But who would know that he and the seemingly unattainable Fairy Wei, in the eyes of everyone, are actually childhood sweethearts who grew up together

Ah, go ahead. Everyone is in the capital, will there not be opportunities to meet in the future?

Chen Shaojun could not help but let out a cold laugh upon witnessing this scene

In the final sentence, Xiao Tianjun Zhou Yanxing turned his head to look at Chen Shaojun beside him, his gaze extremely cold.

Ah!

In contrast, Chen Shaojun is merely an ordinary scholar, and his father is just a minor assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, indicating a significant disparity in their social status.

Zhen'er, do not overthink it; we are also doing this for your own good. There are too many unscrupulous individuals nowadays. They may flatter you, but their intentions are unknown. One must remain vigilant!

Wei Zhen was filled with rage, her face resembling a cold frost. She had long instructed that the matter of her being grounded for three months should not be disclosed to anyone. Not only did Zhou Yan speak of it, but he also revealed Chen Shaojun's identity.

Not bad! Zhen'er, you must not be deceived by him

Miss, the Lord has issued an order. Please proceed to Xuanhe Tower as soon as possible. The Lord's commands are always as firm as a mountain, and Wei Long and Wei Wu have already been punished for this. I kindly ask you not to make it difficult for us.

As soon as the voices of Xiao Tianjun and Xiao Wuhou faded, a voice immediately rang in their ears. Upon hearing this voice, both of them instantly changed their expressions slightly.

"Yangguan Cloud, do you dare!"

It is said that the Little Heavenly Monarch and the Little Martial Marquis are formidable, but having seen them today, they are nothing extraordinary. Zhen'er, I now understand why you did not allow them to follow.

On the towering walls of the imperial city, directly facing the city gate, a commander of the imperial guards clad in golden armor was originally patrolling the walls. However, at that moment, he suddenly turned his head, and his pair of eyes, sharp and icy, fiercely gazed at me.

She wore a moon-white silk robe, her hair like clouds, black and lustrous, cascading down like a waterfall. Her eyes were clear, her skin as smooth as cream, and upon closer inspection, the snow-white complexion subtly shimmered with a radiant light, giving Wei Zhen an ethereal glow of soft white all over, truly resembling a celestial fairy descended from the heavens.

Wait a moment! Wei Zhen, is he the one who caused you to be confined by Wei Hou for three months? Is it also because of him that you pleaded for the Chen family, leading to a strained relationship with Wei Hou and his daughter?

Just as the two were conversing, a voice of unparalleled nobility suddenly came from beside them. The young lord Zhou Yanxing, with his graceful demeanor and a smile playing on his lips, had approached without anyone noticing.

Upon hearing these words, both the Young Heavenly Monarch and the Young Martial Marquis changed their expressions dramatically. No one expected that this commoner would be so bold as to dare to mock them in front of Wei Zhen

At this moment, Chen Shaojun's gaze was fixed on only one person. After several months of not seeing each other, Wei Zhen appeared even more beautiful.

Noticing Chen Shaojun's expression, Xiao Tianjun and Xiao Wuhou felt an increasing anger in their hearts

At that moment, Xiao Wuhou also spoke, looking at Chen Shaojun, not concealing his hostility in the slightest

Upon hearing the words of the young servant, Wei Zhen's eyes revealed a sense of reluctance

Suddenly, a sharp reprimand echoed, and Wei Zhen's face turned as cold as frost, finally unable to contain her anger, she shouted.

If it were really him, he would have turned around and run away a long time ago. But that kid—

Wei Zhen was taken aback for a moment, carefully observing Chen Shaojun. She saw that Chen Shaojun was dressed in a simple blue robe, though thin, he exuded a proud and resolute demeanor, possessing an air of elegance and confidence.

The usually cold and aloof Fairy Wei unexpectedly smiled at that commoner boy

Chen Shaojun remarked that he has a very open-minded perspective

However, the struggle for the throne among the princes is no trivial matter, and both of them are truly unwilling to have too much involvement with this young man

However, Xiao Tianjun did not stop; he turned around and looked at Chen Shaojun, who was behind Wei Zhen, and spoke earnestly. Throughout history, those in the martial arts have held the greatest disdain for scholars.

Chen Shaojun's actions were quite unexpected, causing both Xiao Tianjun and Xiao Wuhou to change color. The two involuntarily took a step back.

The "Prince's Struggle" is no trivial matter; if not handled properly, it could lead to the extermination of the entire family, rendering any status or position useless. Although the Young Heavenly Monarch and the Young Martial Marquis hold themselves in high regard, they are also unwilling to get involved in this affair

Last time, there was a significant conflict with my father. This time, having finally met with Chen Shaojun, it is disheartening for Wei Zhen to leave so soon

Young Master, what are you looking at!

Chen Shaojun had been observing coldly from the sidelines, but upon hearing this remark, his expression changed involuntarily as he turned to look at Wei Zhen beside him

Chen Shaojun smiled faintly, neither affirming nor denying. After experiencing so much, there should be some changes.

Little Tianjun lowered his voice and said

Xiao Wuhou was both shocked and angry. Within the imperial palace, there were numerous experts, hidden dragons and crouching tigers; anyone who could become the commander of the Imperial Guard was undoubtedly a top-tier master. This was something that even he and Xiao Tianjun were deeply wary of. Moreover, at the foot of the imperial city, in front of the Son of Heaven, the regulations were strict. Even if the two held prominent positions, if they were to engage in a fierce battle here and alarm the Imperial Guard, the consequences would likely be severe

House arrest for three months

Zhen'er, is what he said true

Chen Shaojun had always been unaware of who it was, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be Wei Zhen

Xiao Wu, stop!

He squinted his eyes, sizing up Chen Shaojun from top to bottom, yet a chill emanated from his narrow, elongated gaze

Zhen'er, Chen Zongxi and his son Chen Zhengche have colluded with the Fourth Prince to secretly harm the Crown Prince, resulting in the Crown Prince falling gravely ill. This matter is of great significance, and the Emperor is currently dispatching officials to thoroughly investigate it. Now, among the nobles and wealthy families in the capital, everyone is on edge, fearing they might be implicated. Zhen'er, you must not get too close to them, lest the Wei family be dragged into this!

Wei Zhen was truly enraged, and the silver-white energy, as cold as frost and snow, surged violently, like a giant wave sweeping forward, ready to collide and block the aura of the young Wu Hou from the outside

The words of Chen Shaojun immediately captured everyone's attention. Xiao Tianjun had originally been focused on Wei Zhen, but upon hearing this, his expression changed slightly, and he abruptly turned his head to look at Chen Shaojun.

A simple sentence, upon hearing it, made both Xiao Tianjun and Xiao Wuhou's eyelids twitch, and their expressions instantly grew even more unpleasant, yet neither of them said anything as they followed Wei Zhen's footsteps and left

Chen Shaojun spoke as he bypassed Wei Zhen, holding his head high and chest out, and suddenly took two steps towards the direction of the Little Heavenly Monarch and the Little Martial Marquis

Zhen'er, I do not know who this young gentleman is, as I have never seen him before

Wei Zhen is an unattainable paragon of beauty in the capital, with numerous suitors, all of whom are distinguished young talents and martial arts prodigies.

Hmph

You little brat, are you looking for death

Zhen'er, long time no see. I just visited the Bamboo Garden and passed by here.

Upon hearing the words of the two, both the Young Heavenly Monarch and the Young Martial Marquis wore expressions of embarrassment. In front of so many onlookers, being forced to retreat by a frail scholar who could not even tie up a chicken was truly humiliating for individuals of their stature

Wei Zhen suddenly said

Chen Shaojun met the gazes of the two individuals, smiled faintly, and finally spoke up

Before Wei Zhen could comprehend, the voice of the Young Heavenly Sovereign suddenly rang out

The young man in the fox fur coat was drenched in cold sweat, casting a gaze akin to that of a person staring at the dead, glancing at Chen Shaojun for a moment before swiftly turning around and hastily walking out. However, at the very moment he turned, the young man in the fox fur coat suddenly froze, as he noticed the surrounding crowd's expressions of fear; they had already taken a step back, keeping a considerable distance from the Little Heavenly Sovereign and the Little Martial Marquis.

Zhou Yanxing, Yang Guanyun, what are you doing? Out of consideration for the good relations between our two families, I reluctantly allowed you to follow, but I did not say you could interfere in my matters

Brother Zhou, why are you being so polite to him? Kid, no matter who you are, keep your distance from Wei Zhen!

Zhou Yanxing, what are you doing

However, Xiao Wuhou was already filled with anger between his brows

In an instant, countless gazes from all directions converged upon Chen Shaojun. Everyone widened their eyes, staring at Chen Shaojun with disbelief written all over his face. Meanwhile, the suitors of Wei Xianzi were in a state of despair; if looks could kill, Chen Shaojun would have been pierced by the multitude of gazes, suffering countless wounds and dying innumerable times.

At that moment, a hand reached out and stopped her. Wei Zhen turned her head to look and saw Chen Shaojun with a smile at the corner of his mouth, gently shaking his head

Zhen'er, thank you

What a pity

Xiao Wuhou also spoke

Upon hearing the words of the young heavenly sovereign, a sudden gasp of astonishment arose from all around

Brother Jun, you are indeed just the same as before

Not far away, the young man in fox fur saw this scene and broke out in a cold sweat. These two individuals were practically at the height of their power in the capital; anyone who offended them met with no good end. If it weren't for Young Master Chen just now, he would likely be the one caught in the middle between Young Marshal Wu and Young Lord Tian right now

As Chen Shaojun spoke these words, he slightly raised his head, and a powerful confidence radiated from his face

There is no need for the two of you to worry about the matters between Zhen'er and me

Are you only just realizing it now

Bastard

Behind them, the family guards of the two glanced at the direction in which Chen Shaojun had departed, let out a cold laugh, and quickly followed suit

Zhou Yanxing

The young master in the fox fur glanced at Chen Shaojun, who surprisingly remained calm and composed, standing there as if nothing were amiss. Upon closer inspection, he was even smiling.

Zhen'er, I know you want to protect me, but let me handle this matter myself

Just as the two were seething with anger, a sudden burst of suppressed laughter came from the side. Wei Zhen, dressed in white as snow, with her fair and delicate fingers lightly covering her cherry lips, laughed until her eyes curved into a crescent moon

What? He is a remnant of the chaotic party

Wei Zhen's father is the Marquis Wei of the Great Merchants, holding a first-class official title, possessing the Dan Book and Iron Certificate, and wielding immense power

When my father was arrested before, he was supposed to be taken to the dungeon as well. However, for some unknown reason, he was not captured. Later, it was said that someone had helped him

You two, this is at the foot of the imperial city. It is my freedom to go wherever I wish and to meet whomever I desire. It seems that you have no need to interfere, do you?

Damn! So it turns out to be the remnants of the Chen family. Brother Zhou was right. Zhen'er, you must not be confused!

Gazing at the enchanting Wei Zhen before him, Chen Shaojun could not help but momentarily lose his senses.

In that instant, Xiao Wuhou saw clearly that the back of the right hand of the commander of the imperial guards was bulging with veins, tightly gripping a beast-patterned golden halberd, the whole person resembling a taut bow, ready to unleash a devastating strike at any moment

Suddenly, Zhou Yanxing's eyelid twitched. The speaker was oblivious, but the listener was attentive. Upon hearing Wei Zhen's words, Zhou Yanxing abruptly recalled something, and his expression instantly darkened

Seeing Wei Zhen angry, Zhou Yanxing and Yang Guanyun couldn't help but restrain themselves a little. The two observed for a while from behind, and to their surprise, the usually aloof Fairy Wei was being quite warm towards this commoner lad. Instantly, both of them became vigilant, and their gazes towards Young Master Chen were filled with hostility.

Two waves of breath surged, causing the surrounding crowd to gasp in astonishment and immediately retreat in haste

Young Master

On the other side, Wei Zhen, who had just been smiling brightly, suddenly turned cold upon witnessing this scene. She positioned herself protectively in front of Chen Shaojun, and at the same time, with a loud bang, an overwhelming icy aura surged forth, blocking the fiery presence of the young Marquis Wu.

The young servant spoke respectfully, bowing deeply, and then turned to the young Heavenly Lord and the young Martial Marquis beside him

You

Wei Zhen was taken aback, her heart silent. Her gaze glanced over the imperial edict not far away, and suddenly she thought of something. She hesitated to speak, and finally comforted softly:

Chen Shaojun smiled as he looked at the young girl before him, a warm current surging through his heart. True feelings are revealed in times of adversity; during the Chen family's misfortunes, Chen Shaojun had become accustomed to the fluctuations of human emotions. It was only the young girl before him who was willing to genuinely help him in such times.

Chen Shaojun smiled faintly

Right behind Wei Zhen, the young Heavenly Monarch Zhou Xingyan and the young Marquis Wu Yang Guanyun deliberately slowed their pace, creating distance between themselves and Wei Zhen

Bamboo Garden

Xiao Tianjun did not pay any attention to Chen Shaojun, but continued to look at Wei Zhen, speaking with a serious expression

Chen Shaojun stood with his arms crossed, observing clearly from the side what strategies Xiao Tianjun and Xiao Wuhou were employing in their fight; he understood their intentions perfectly.

Additionally, we also invite Lord Xiaotianjun and Lord Xiaowuhou to join us.

Do not act impulsively, quickly look over there

However, Chen Shaojun merely smiled faintly. Based on his years of understanding of Wei Zhen, these two individuals had no chance whatsoever.

Zhou Yanxing, Yang Guanyun, do not go too far!

However, I already have a plan. No matter what, I will definitely rescue my father and elder brother

The incident of the Fourth Prince's rebellion has caused quite a stir, and no one expected that the one favored by the Immortal Lady Wei would turn out to be a rebel.

No one expected that this commoner not only would not retreat, but instead had the audacity to boldly retort and confront them in front of Wei Zhen

If it were not for Wei Zhen, a delicate scholar like Chen Shaojun would not even spare a glance, let alone engage in such a lengthy conversation with him

Chen Shaojun was dressed in simple cloth attire, clearly indicating his lowly status. Throughout the entire Shang Dynasty, the hierarchy was strict, and commoners like him would typically retreat far away upon encountering noble figures such as the Young Heavenly Lord and the Young Martial Marquis, without the need for either of them to speak.

A thunderous voice, full of vigor, resounded in the ears of the crowd. Amidst the rolling heat waves, the young warrior Yang Guanyun approached with a cold expression, his tall figure seemingly blocking out even the sunlight from the sky

... ...

Damn it! This kid actually plotted against me

Chen Shaojun smiled faintly, his sleeve lightly brushing, and suddenly walked up from behind Wei Zhen

A look of hesitation appeared in Wei Zhen's eyes. Upon witnessing this scene, Chen Shaojun suddenly understood, filled with a sense of pity in his heart

Yang Guang frowned deeply, suddenly turning his head away, his gaze unfriendly

Chen Shaojun smiled coldly in his heart, his eyes filled with mockery

Under Chen Shaojun's gaze, Wei Zhen couldn't help but lower her head, a hint of shyness appearing on her face, which was fairer than frost and snow. However, she quickly regained her composure:

Young Master, my father is still waiting for me, I am afraid I must take my leave first

Who exactly is that guy

Upon witnessing this scene, Chen Shaojun could not help but let out a silent sigh in his heart

As two individuals, this has never happened before

Two individuals, one on the left and one on the right, formed a pincer formation, enclosing Mr. Chen in the middle, exuding a powerful sense of pressure

Hehe, is there?

With a thunderous shout, before the Young Heavenly Monarch could speak, the Young Marquis Wu was already filled with rage. In an instant, the surrounding heat surged, and the supreme yang and unyielding energy emanating from the Young Marquis Wu increased several times, ready to strike towards Chen Shaojun.

He called over two of the guards beside him, and after a brief exchange of whispers, he gave them a few instructions. They quickly mounted the carriage and departed

Chen Shaojun smiled faintly, his expression serene and his demeanor graceful. Although he was surrounded by eyes filled with murderous jealousy, Chen Shaojun remained oblivious, as if the atmosphere were light and breezy, completely unaffected.

Young Master, you can rest assured that Uncle and Elder Brother will definitely be fine. I will also find a way to help you

Young Master, you seem different from before

Wei Zhen's voice grew increasingly cold

... ...

Oh my! What have I just seen

Whether it is a chaotic party or not, it is not for you to say. If I were part of a chaotic party, then given how close we are right now, wouldn't that be called a secret conspiracy

Boom, from the opposite side, a similarly powerful aura erupted, unexpectedly arriving first and dispersing Xiao Wu's attack

It is possible to be stripped of one's title and imprisoned in the celestial dungeon if things go awry

Little Heavenly Lord, Little Martial Marquis

What is the background of this fellow? Is he not afraid at all? Never mind him, let's leave this place quickly