Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 200 The Empress's Inner Thoughts, Ascending to Heaven in One Step

This tiger was several times larger than the wild boar king that Zhao Heng had hunted!
Especially its single horn on its forehead, which was like black jade, gleamed with a chilling light in the setting sun!
It really is a one-horned thunder tiger!
Everyone present gasped.

Hou En's wine glass fell to the ground with a crash and shattered into pieces.

The flesh on Qian Yi's fat face was trembling incessantly.

Zhao Heng's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He pointed at the thunder tiger and stammered, "Tiger... tiger whip...?"

On the high platform, the civil and military officials who had been sitting still all stood up, craning their necks, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.

Even the Empress behind the beaded curtain seemed to be slightly affected by this sudden scene.

Chen Wan'er stood behind the Empress, her beautiful eyes fixed on the figure approaching from afar, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

Because just now, she had learned the news from her subordinates.

After some investigation, only one woman was found to be a liking for the fragrance of orchids and who met the criteria.

That was Wu Mengwei, the daughter of Wu Daofu, the Grand Tutor of the current dynasty.

When Chen Wan'er heard this name, she couldn't help but feel a tremor in her heart.

She never imagined that her foolish younger brother would set his sights on the Grand Tutor's daughter!
If Grand Tutor Wu finds out about this, what will happen?
She was planning to find a way to deal with this troublesome matter as soon as the autumn hunt was over.

But to her utter surprise, before she could even deal with the trouble, Chen Ye gave her an even bigger surprise!

Hunt down the One-Horned Thunder Tiger!

Is this... is this still the younger brother she knows?
Just when the entire place was deathly silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Chen Ye had dragged the corpse of the one-horned thunder tiger to the open space in the center of the camp, and then let go of it.

A muffled thud struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

Chen Ye raised his head and calmly scanned his surroundings.

Seeing the horrified expressions on everyone's faces, he actually found it somewhat amusing.

That's exactly the effect he wanted.

If you don't call it, it's a blockbuster!
Chen Ye then straightened his clothes, knelt on one knee facing the high platform, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have successfully hunted a rare beast, the One-Horned Thunder Tiger, and present it to Your Majesty!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it roused those who had been lost in thought.

"Wow——!"

The crowd instantly erupted in uproar.

"How is this possible? How did he do that?"

"Is this still the same useless Chen Ye? When did he become so powerful?"

Discussions, exclamations, and doubts rose and fell, merging into a tremendous wave of sound.

The commander of the Imperial Guards strode over to Lei Hu's body and examined it carefully.

When he saw the fatal stab wound to Lei Hu's heart and the intact horn on his forehead, his pupils contracted sharply.

Kill with one blow!
And this was all without damaging the unicorn!

This requires extremely precise skills and formidable strength!
The commander of the Imperial Guards gave Chen Ye a deep look, then took a deep breath, turned around and said to the high platform, "Your Majesty, after examination, it is indeed a One-Horned Thunder Tiger. Its heart was pierced by a sharp blade, and it died instantly!"

After this statement was made, no one doubted the truth of the matter anymore.

All eyes were once again focused on the figure kneeling on one knee.

The figure appeared exceptionally tall and imposing in the sunset, even carrying a hint of... mystery.

There was a long silence on the high platform.

Just as everyone was getting impatient, the Empress's clear, cold voice finally came from behind the beaded curtain again.

"Chen Ye".

"Your subject is here," Chen Ye replied respectfully, bowing his head.

"Step forward and raise your head."

"Yes."

Chen Ye stepped forward, then slowly raised his head, his gaze fixed on the beaded curtain on the high platform.

Although separated by a beaded curtain, he could almost feel a sharp, sword-like gaze fixed on him, as if trying to see right through him.

Chen Ye's mind tensed up instantly.

This empress is definitely not someone to be trifled with.

Although his performance today was amazing, it would also arouse her suspicion.

A notorious playboy was transformed overnight into a top expert capable of single-handedly killing a beast at the Sea Condensation Realm.

Anyone would have doubts in this situation.

Therefore, every word that follows must be carefully chosen, without revealing any flaws.

"You're fine."

The Empress's voice rang out again, revealing neither joy nor anger.

"However, I have heard that you are a well-known playboy in Yunzhou, skilled in cockfighting and dog racing. When did you acquire such abilities?"

coming!

Chen Ye knew that the other party had begun to test him.

He did not panic; instead, a hint of shame and dejection appeared on his face. He said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I was indeed foolish and ignorant before. I have made you laugh at me."

"What caused such a drastic change in you?" the Empress pressed.

“It is… shame.” Chen Ye’s voice carried a hint of bitterness. “Half a month ago, my father reprimanded me in the mansion, saying that I was incompetent and ashamed of my ancestors and my sister who served His Majesty in the palace.”

"I have suddenly realized my mistake and feel ashamed to face anyone. Therefore, I have secluded myself to reflect on my mistakes, studying diligently day and night and practicing martial arts. I only hope that one day I can turn over a new leaf and win back some honor for Your Majesty and for the Chen family."

His words were sincere and heartfelt, and his delivery was full of emotion.

It perfectly portrays the image of a prodigal son who returns home and strives to improve himself.

Moreover, he cleverly brought his sister Chen Wan'er into the picture.

This was both a demonstration of his loyalty and a reminder to the Empress that he was Chen Wan'er's brother and someone she could trust.

Silence fell once again on the high platform.

Chen Ye felt a little uneasy.

He didn't know if his words could fool the shrewd and calculating empress.

Now that he was much closer to the empress, Chen Ye gritted his teeth and secretly used his "Heartfelt Ear" talent on the figure behind the beaded curtain.

He wanted to hear what the empress was really thinking.

The moment his talent was activated, a strange feeling welled up in Chen Ye's heart.

He seemed to pierce through the thick beaded curtain, through the aura of supreme authority, and directly peer into the inner world of a woman.

However, when he heard the contents of that heartfelt message, he was stunned.

This guy seems even better looking than when he was a kid...

He's grown up and can talk now, but I wonder... if he still remembers me?

boom!
These two sentences were like two thunderclaps, exploding in Chen Ye's mind!

As a child?
Do you still remember me?

This... what does this mean?
Chen Ye's mind was in complete chaos.

He originally thought he would hear some imperial tactics such as "This boy is cunning and must be guarded against" or "This person's behavior is strange and there must be something fishy about him."

But he never dreamed that this high and mighty, unfathomable Empress was thinking this!
This style of painting is wrong!

Could it be that….

An extremely absurd, yet seemingly the only reasonable, thought suddenly popped into Chen Ye's mind.

Could it be that the original owner of this body not only provoked the Grand Tutor's daughter, but also had an affair with this Empress?
And it was when I was a child?
fuck!

Chen Ye cursed inwardly.

Just what kind of player was the original owner of this body?!
Is this some serious business? Daring to seduce even the future empress?

If that's true, then he's not just a troublemaker, he's practically a living devil courting death!

In an instant, Chen Ye's back was soaked with cold sweat.

He forced himself to calm down, and his brain began to work at lightning speed.

What exactly is going on?

Chen Ye began frantically searching through the original owner's memories.

However, the original owner's memories were too chaotic, filled with all sorts of scenes of eating, drinking, having fun, and indulging in debauchery. The memories of her childhood were even more vague and fragmented.

He searched for a long time but couldn't find any fragments related to the current empress.

This is going to be troublesome.

Just as Chen Ye was anxious and didn't know how to answer.

On the high platform, the Empress's voice rang out once more, breaking the silence.

"Fine, it's good that you've turned over a new leaf."

The Empress's tone seemed to soften somewhat, "You hunted a strange beast today and won first place in the autumn hunt, so you deserve a reward."

"Tell me, what reward do you want?"

Chen Ye secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, the other party did not press further, so it seems that this hurdle has been temporarily overcome.

He composed himself and said respectfully, "It is my duty to share Your Majesty's burdens, and I dare not ask for any reward."

In such situations, it's natural to first exchange pleasantries to demonstrate humility and loyalty.

"What I say is a reward, and that is a reward." The Empress's voice carried an undeniable air of authority. "How could it be taken back?"

Well, it seems there is no way to avoid it.

Chen Ye's mind raced again. What should he ask for?
Money? Beautiful women? Official positions?

Asking for something too vulgar will make you seem narrow-minded.

Asking for too much will arouse the Empress's suspicion.

This is a technical job.

Just as Chen Ye was pondering, he heard the Empress's inner thoughts again.

Why is this guy being so polite with me... honestly...

[Forget it, looking at his silly face, he probably can't think of anything good he wants. I'll just help him out.]

Upon hearing this, Chen Ye immediately felt reassured. He then feigned a fearful expression and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty's might is awe-inspiring. I am foolish and ignorant, and do not know what reward I should ask for. Please give me your instructions."

He kicked the ball back.

A faint chuckle seemed to come from behind the beaded curtain.

Hmph, you're smart to know what's good for you.

Hearing this slightly arrogant sentiment, Chen Ye chuckled inwardly.

It seems that Her Majesty the Empress is not as aloof as she appears on the surface.

"In that case, I will make the decision for you."

The Empress said slowly, "Your merit today deserves a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of brocade. These are all due rewards."

"besides……."

The Empress paused, seemingly deep in thought.

Everyone held their breath and pricked up their ears.

They knew that the real show was about to begin.

A moment later, the Empress's cold voice rang out again.

"I see that you are quite skilled and have a rather meticulous mind. It is a waste of your talents to be a leisurely noble."

"How about this? After I ascend the throne, I will establish a new department called the Mysterious Mirror Department, which will be dedicated to monitoring the world and investigating illegal activities. We are currently short of manpower."

"I hereby appoint you as the Inspector of the Xuanjing Division, with the official rank of seventh grade and temporary command of a hundred households. Are you willing?"

Xuanjing Division!
Inspector!
When these words came out of the Empress's mouth, all the civil and military officials present changed their expressions drastically!
What kind of place is the Xuanjing Division?
That was a brand new intelligence agency established after the Empress ascended the throne, modeled after the previous dynasty!

They possess the power to patrol, arrest, and interrogate, and can monitor all officials, acting first and reporting later!
It can be said to be the sharpest and most feared knife in the Empress's hands!

This organization has been in a semi-secret state since its inception, and the composition of its personnel is even more mysterious.

Unexpectedly, today the Empress personally appointed Chen Ye as the Inspector of the Xuanjing Division in front of everyone!
Moreover, he was given a powerful official position of the seventh rank right from the start!

This... this is simply a meteoric rise to the top!

All eyes were on Chen Ye, their eyes filled with shock, jealousy, envy, and fear.

They knew that from this day forward, this former good-for-nothing playboy was about to turn his life around completely.

He was no longer the young master of the Chen family who could be bullied by everyone, but the Xuanjing Division Inspector who made people tremble at the mere mention of his name!
Chen Ye himself was also greatly shocked.

He never expected the Empress to give him such a big surprise.

Xuanjing Division!
Isn't this just like the Embroidered Uniform Guard in this world?
To oversee the entire realm and investigate illegal activities!
That's an enormous amount of power!

An indescribable excitement welled up in Chen Ye's heart.

This autumn hunt not only successfully reversed his image as a good-for-nothing, but also gave him a dream start!

So Chen Ye kowtowed again to express his gratitude, his voice loud and clear like a bell.

"Your Majesty, I kowtow in gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace! I am willing to serve Your Majesty to the death, even at the cost of ten thousand lives!"

"Hmm." The Empress responded calmly, seemingly satisfied with his reaction.

"Get up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Chen Ye stood up and stepped aside.

Chen Ye had lost interest in following up on the autumn hunt.

After announcing his rewards, the Empress returned to the palace.

The rest of the process is just a formality.

Chen Ye was surrounded by countless complex gazes.

Those noble sons who had once looked down on him now all wore fawning smiles, trying every means to get close to him and establish a relationship with him.

"Brother Chen! Oh dear, I was blind to your greatness before, please don't take it to heart!"

"Lord Chen! Please take good care of me in the future!"

"Inspector Chen, when are you free? Shall we grab a drink together?"

Even Hou En and Qian Yi, his former cronies, now looked at Chen Ye with a hint of awe and distance in their eyes.

They wanted to come over and say a few words to Chen Ye, but they felt that with their current status, they were already too far above him.

Chen Ye merely nodded indifferently at these people's reactions, without showing much enthusiasm.

He knew that these people didn't value him, Chen Ye, but rather the official robe of the Xuanjing Division Inspector he was wearing.

All he wants now is to get home as soon as possible and process everything that happened today.

After greeting several high-ranking officials, Chen Ye left the hunting grounds ahead of time with his servants.

On the way back, the setting sun cast a long shadow of him.

As Chen Ye rode on his horse, he glanced back at the still bustling royal hunting ground, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions.

In just one day, his fate changed dramatically.

He transformed from a despised good-for-nothing playboy into a promising new nobleman of the imperial court.

This feeling is like a dream.

Of course, he also knew perfectly well that this was just the beginning.

The Xuanjing Division was a place rife with all sorts of open and covert struggles.

It's not easy for a newcomer with no connections to gain a foothold after entering the company.

So the road ahead is still long.

However, Chen Ye was not afraid, after all, challenges are what make things fun.

……

When Chen Ye returned to Yunzhou City, it was already completely dark.

News of his outstanding performance in the autumn hunt, his killing of exotic beasts, and his appointment by the Empress as the Inspector of the Xuanjing Division had already spread throughout the streets and alleys of Yunzhou City.

In an instant, the entire elite circle of Yunzhou City was shaken by this news.

Countless people are inquiring about this Chen Ye.

When they learned that this newly rich man who had risen to prominence overnight was actually the infamous eldest son of the Chen family, many people were stunned.

Because it's just too bizarre.

Meanwhile, the entrance to the Chen family mansion was brightly lit and decorated with lanterns, making it even more lively than during the Lunar New Year.

Chen Fangshi, dressed in brand-new clothes, paced back and forth at the gate of the mansion, his face filled with anxiety and anticipation.

Behind him stood the old steward Chen Zhong, as well as all the servants of the Chen household.

Everyone craned their necks, gazing longingly towards the street corner.

When I saw that familiar figure riding a tall horse appear at the street corner.

Chen Fangshi finally breathed a sigh of relief, then shouted loudly to the butler behind him, "Chen Zhong! Quick! Light the cannon!"

"okay!"

The old steward, Chen Zhong, was also beaming with joy. He quickly ordered his servants to bring out the several strings of firecrackers that had been prepared beforehand.

Crackling——!
The deafening sound of firecrackers instantly echoed throughout the entire street.

Fires shot into the sky and smoke filled the air.

The onlookers, seeing the festive atmosphere at the Chen residence and the dashing figure on horseback, all wore expressions of envy.

They all knew that the Chen family was about to have a turn of good fortune and rise again!
Chen Ye dismounted and looked at the lively scene before him, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.

He walked quickly to his father and said, "Dad, I'm back."

"Good! Good! It's good that you're back!"

Chen Fangshi grabbed his son and was too moved to speak.

"Good lad! Well done! You...you didn't disgrace the Chen family! You didn't disgrace your father!"

As he spoke, the man, who was nearly fifty, choked up a little.

Because he had been waiting for this day for far too long.

He even thought he would never see this day in his lifetime.

But to everyone's surprise, happiness came so suddenly.

Her son not only turned over a new leaf, but also soared to great heights, becoming a favorite of Her Majesty the Empress!
What an honor!

What a glorious honor this is for our family!

Chen Fangshi felt that even if he died now, he would have the face to meet the ancestors of the Chen family and his deceased wife in the afterlife.

Seeing Chen Fangshi's overwhelming excitement, Chen Ye smiled and shook his head, then helped him into the mansion.

As soon as he entered the door, he saw a pretty figure standing in the yard.

It was Xie Weining.

(End of this chapter)