Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 273 Aftermath (1)

Under Chen Ye's planning and Wu Zhao's supervision, the aftermath of the Nanhe County incident was proceeding in an orderly manner.

Half a month later, when the first batch of laborers and supplies conscripted from various places arrived in the county town and the reconstruction work officially got on track, Empress Wu Zhao finally issued an order to return to the capital.

On the official road leading home, a long procession stretched for miles.

Chen Ye leaned back on the soft cushion, closed his eyes to rest, seemingly taking a break, but in reality, his mind was already immersed in the professional panel.

The battle of Nanhe County brought Chen Ye great gains.

He even felt that if he wanted to, he could easily distort the will of an army, making them lay down their weapons or turn against them.

This is the true king of desire.

Besides his professional advancement, the Heart Sword he forged himself also brought him unexpected benefits.

Although the Heart Sword has dissipated, the profound process of forging a conceptual weapon by using one's own will as the hammer and the desires of all living beings as the iron is deeply imprinted in his soul.

He had a premonition that as long as he could gather enough power of desire again, he could reforge the Heart Sword anytime, anywhere.

This will become Chen Ye's most powerful trump card.

Just as Chen Ye was silently taking stock of his gains, a cold voice suddenly came from outside the carriage.

"Lord Chen, Jing Zhaoning has something to discuss with me."

Chen Ye opened his eyes and raised an eyebrow.

Since the day of the great battle, this proud daughter of the academy had been silently following behind the group, neither communicating with others nor practicing her sword, remaining silent like an ascetic.

Chen Ye thought she would remain silent forever, but he never expected her to take the initiative to come to him.

"Let her in."

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Jing Zhaoning, dressed in a moon-white scholar's robe, bent down and stepped into the carriage.

Her face remained expressionless, but her eyes held a newfound liveliness and serenity.

"What do you want?" Chen Ye asked lazily.

"I've come to say goodbye!"

"Oh? Saying goodbye?"

"Yes!"

A hint of longing flashed in Jing Zhaoning's calm eyes. "What you said that day was thought-provoking and I benefited a lot. I have thought a lot about it during this time. I realized that I was too arrogant before. Although I claimed to be speaking up for the people, I never humbled myself to observe the suffering of the common people. Therefore, I want to go out and see the world."

"Go and see the world's splendor, and listen to the voices of ordinary people."

"Perhaps one day, after I have traveled all over the mountains and rivers and seen all aspects of human life, I will be able to find my own true path."

With those words gone, she showed no more lingering attachment, lifted the carriage curtain, and drifted away.

Chen Ye watched Jing Zhaoning's departing figure, a playful smile appearing on his face.

"She's an interesting woman."

……

The journey home was long and uneventful.

Half a month later, the majestic outline of the capital city finally came into view.

When the large banner embroidered with the character "Chen" appeared outside the city gate, the entire capital was in an uproar.

"He's back! The Imperial Envoy is back!"

"Look! It's Lord Chen! He really killed the demon and saved Nanhe County!"

"Lord Chen is mighty!!"

Hundreds of thousands of people spontaneously took to the streets, blocking the Zhuque Avenue leading to the imperial city.

They chanted Chen Ye's name, their faces filled with excitement and admiration.

Although the great battle in Nanhe County was thousands of miles away, the earth-shattering scene had already spread throughout the entire Great Chen Dynasty through various channels.

In no time, Chen Ye's name resounded throughout the country.

He was no longer the spoiled brat who rose to power through nepotism, nor the rising star of the Xuanjing Division who solved numerous bizarre cases.

He became a living god who slayed the world-destroying demon and saved millions of people from suffering!
The motorcade slowly drove into the imperial city amidst the attention of the crowd, and Empress Wu Zhao held a grand ceremony in front of the Golden Palace.

In front of all the civil and military officials, she spared no praise for Chen Ye, while also promoting Chen Wan'er and Chen Ye.

This time, not a single official dared to object.

Looking at the young man who was adored by the people and relied upon by the Empress, they felt nothing but awe.

Because they knew that from this day forward, the world of Da Chen was about to change.

The Chen family will become the most dazzling and untouchable force under heaven.

……

After the elaborate ceremony, Chen Ye declined the palace banquet offered by the Empress and returned to Tinglan Pavilion.

When the familiar carriage stopped in front of the Chen residence, the steward Chen Zhong, who had been waiting for a long time, was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes, and he ran over as fast as he could.

"Young Master! You...you're finally back!"

Chen Ye jumped off the carriage, patted the old steward on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Uncle Zhong, I'm back."

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!" Chen Zhong said, wiping away his tears as he frantically directed his servants to come forward and greet him.

Just then, two figures strode out from inside the mansion gate.

The one leading the group was Chen Ye's father, Chen Fangshi.

At this moment, Chen Fangshi's eyes were red and his lips were trembling. He wanted to say something but couldn't. He could only look at his son, who was tall and composed, with his eyes filled with excitement and relief.

That rebellious son who used to only know how to fight cocks and chase dogs, causing him endless worry, has somehow grown into a towering, upright man whom even he needs to look up to.

Chen Ye stepped forward and bowed deeply to Chen Fangshi.

"Father, your son... is unfilial and has caused you worry."

Chen Fangshi could no longer hold back. He rushed forward, hugged Chen Ye tightly, and patted his back forcefully, his voice choked with sobs.

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

The father and son embraced each other in silence.

Behind Chen Fangshi, a beautiful figure stood quietly.

She wore an elegant light blue dress, her jet-black hair was simply tied up in a bun, and her face was free of makeup, yet she was still breathtakingly beautiful.

It was Xie Weining, Chen Ye's wife.

Her eyes were also red.

From the moment the news came from Nanhe County, her heart was in her throat.

Because she is afraid.

I'm afraid to hear any bad news about Chen Ye.

Only today, when I saw this man standing safely in front of me, did my heart finally settle down.

Then, an indescribable mix of sorrow and joy welled up in her heart, blurring her vision instantly.

But she forced herself to endure it.

She knew she couldn't lose her composure in front of so many people.

At the same time, Chen Ye also noticed Xie Weining.

He calmed his agitated father down, then turned and walked slowly toward Xie Weining.

His steps were slow, but each step felt like it was treading on Xie Weining's heart.

Xie Weining's breathing became rapid, her hands unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

What...what is he going to do?
Just as she was lost in thought, Chen Ye had already walked up to her.

He didn't speak, but just looked at Xie Weining quietly, his deep eyes carrying a smile that Xie Weining couldn't understand.

Then, under everyone's gaze, he reached out and gently pulled Xie Weining into his arms.

"Well……."

Xie Weining's body stiffened abruptly, and her mind went completely blank.

But then a uniquely masculine scent enveloped her, giving her an unprecedented sense of security.

"I'm back," Chen Ye's voice rang in her ear.

Just four words were enough to instantly shatter Xie Weining's carefully constructed psychological defenses.

She could no longer hold back and buried her head in Chen Ye's arms, silently letting her scalding tears soak his clothes.

Xie Weining didn't know how long she had been crying.

Until Chen Ye gently patted her back and whispered something in her ear.

"Alright, there are so many people watching, you won't look pretty if you keep crying."

Xie Weining's face flushed red to her ears in an instant. Only then did she realize how bold and inappropriate her actions had been, so she quickly broke free from Chen Ye's embrace, lowered her head, and dared not look anyone in the eye.

Chen Fangshi, who was standing to the side, also showed a smile of great satisfaction as he watched this scene.

Only Bai Yingluo and Xia Lingshuang looked at Xie Weining, who was being held in Chen Ye's arms, with a hint of envy and jealousy in their eyes.
-
As night falls, the lights are on.

Inside Tinglan Pavilion, a joyful and harmonious scene unfolded, as Chen Wan'er had also returned from the palace.

At the dinner table, Chen Fangshi appeared very happy. He looked at his son, whose demeanor was becoming increasingly composed and reserved, and then at his daughter, Chen Wan'er, who was now smiling and influential in the court. His old face beamed like a blooming chrysanthemum.

"Good, good!" Chen Fangshi picked up his wine glass, his eyes slightly red, and said "good" several times in a row. Then he tilted his head back and drank the strong liquor in the glass in one gulp, coughing several times because he was excited.

"Father, please drink less." Chen Wan'er quickly got up and gently patted her father's back.

Chen Ye smiled and poured Chen Fangshi another cup: "Father is in a good mood today, so let him have a few more drinks."

"Yes! My son is right!" Chen Fangshi waved his hand, his face beaming. "My son is now a great hero who has slain the demon and saved the world! I, as his father, am also proud! Hahahaha!"

Xie Weining sat quietly to the side, serving food to Chen Ye. Watching this scene, a gentle smile involuntarily appeared on her lips.

Her gaze frequently fell on Chen Ye, and the adoration and dependence in her eyes were almost tangible.

The family dinner was very enjoyable, and Chen Fangshi got completely drunk. In the end, he was helped back to his room by the butler Chen Zhong and two servants.

Only Chen Ye and his siblings, along with Xie Weining, remained at the dinner table.

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment.

Chen Wan'er picked up her teacup, took a small sip, but her gaze kept glancing at Bai Yingluo and Xia Lingshuang in the distance.

A moment later, she put down her teacup and pulled Chen Ye to a corner of the courtyard.

"Xiao Ye," Chen Wan'er said, her brows furrowing slightly, "what are your plans for those two women?"

The two women she was referring to were naturally Bai Yingluo and Xia Lingshuang.

Having spent many years in the palace, Chen Wan'er possessed a keen eye and immediately recognized that these two women were definitely not to be underestimated.

The subtle aura of danger emanating from them, and the extremely complex look in their eyes when they looked at her younger brother, made Chen Wan'er feel uneasy.

Especially Xia Lingshuang, whose gaze toward Chen Ye carried an almost fanatical admiration.

As for the other Bai Yingluo, her eyes were also full of possessiveness.

Neither of them were easy to deal with, so Chen Wan was naturally very worried about them.

Upon hearing this, Chen Ye smiled calmly. "Sister, don't worry. They volunteered to be my maids."

"A maid?" Chen Wan'er's face was filled with disbelief.

Are you kidding me?
Both women were stunningly beautiful and possessed an extraordinary charm that ordinary women could never match.

Would someone like that be willing to become a maid?
"Xiao Ye, tell your sister the truth," Chen Wan'er's expression turned serious, "What exactly is their background?"

She was very worried that her younger brother might have used some means to force the other party, thus leaving behind a huge hidden danger.

Seeing his sister's worried expression, Chen Ye felt a warmth in his heart.

He knew that no matter how strong or high he became, in his sister's eyes he would always be the younger brother she needed to worry about.

“Sister, don’t worry,” Chen Ye said, holding Chen Wan’er’s slightly cool hand. His voice was calm and firm. “Their background is indeed not simple, but they pose no threat to me. Moreover, they stayed willingly, and I can guarantee that.”

His voice carried an undeniable confidence.

This confidence stems from his absolute mastery of the Throne of Desire talent.

Before the Lord of Passion, the will of any sentient being with emotions is as fragile as paper.

Chen Wan'er gazed into her younger brother's eyes. His deep eyes were calm as water, yet they seemed to contain a vast starry sky, which she could not see clearly.

There was a time when she could easily see through all her younger brother's little thoughts, but she didn't know when it started, he became more and more unpredictable to her.

However, she could still sense the sincerity and confidence in those eyes.

Therefore, after a moment of silence, Chen Wan'er finally sighed and nodded.

"Alright, since you put it that way, then I'll believe you."

She knew that her younger brother was no longer the boy who needed her constant protection.

He has grown into a towering tree that can shelter the entire Chen family and even the entire Great Chen Dynasty from the wind and rain.

Even she, as the older sister, often needs to rely on his prestige to maintain her foothold in the court.

"However," Chen Wan'er changed the subject, adding, "you need to be careful. You can't be too careful, especially with women of unknown origin."

"I understand, sis," Chen Ye replied with a smile.

The siblings chatted about court affairs for a while before Chen Wan'er left.

Chen Ye stood in front of the door, watching his sister's carriage disappear into the night, then turned around and looked at the two figures who had been standing quietly in the shadows of the corridor the whole time.

"You all heard that?"

Bai Yingluo and Xia Lings both trembled almost imperceptibly, then stepped out of the shadows and stood before Chen Ye with their heads bowed.

"Yes, Master." Bai Yingluo's voice was a little hoarse.

Xia Lingshuang pursed her lips tightly and remained silent.

“My sister’s concerns are not without reason.” Chen Ye’s gaze swept across their faces. “One of you was once the Holy Maiden of the Nine Nether Sect, and the other was the Holy Maiden of the Wrathful Soul Sect. Your hands are stained with blood, and you each harbor your own schemes.”

"Having people like you around is indeed a huge hidden danger."

Upon hearing this, Xia Lingshuang's face turned deathly pale, her body trembled uncontrollably, and the affection in her eyes was quickly replaced by terror.

"Brother...I...I didn't...." She desperately tried to explain, but her words became incoherent due to fear.

Bai Yingluo's heart sank to the bottom.

She thought that after going through life and death together in Nanhe County, she had at least gained a slightly different status in this man's heart.

But now it seems I was overthinking things.

Seeing their completely different reactions, Chen Ye's lips curled into a playful smile. Then he slowly reached out and gently lifted Xia Ling Shuang's chin with his fingertips, looking into her eyes, which were filled with tears, fear, and pleading.

"However, since I have decided to keep you here, I have my reasons."

His voice seemed to possess a strange magic, instantly soothing Xia Ling Shuang's inner fear.

"Starting tomorrow, you will be the maids of Tinglanxuan and will be responsible for all my daily needs."

"You must learn how to make beds, how to grind tea, and how to be a proper maid."

"Of course, if you don't do a good job, or if you don't meet my expectations..."

Chen Ye didn't finish his sentence, but the fleeting seven-colored light formed by desire runes on his fingertips made Bai Yingluo and Xia Lingshuang's souls tremble at the same time, as if they had seen an extremely terrifying scene.

"This servant... obeys." Bai Yingluo took a deep breath and immediately knelt down with utmost obedience.

“Ling Shuang… also obeys.” Xia Ling Shuang also knelt down, the fear in her eyes had faded, replaced by a more determined look, even with a hint of morbid fanaticism.

In her view, being able to serve her brother day and night as a maid was... wasn't that a blessing?

Chen Ye nodded with satisfaction, then walked towards his bedroom.

The bedroom light was still on, and through the paper window, a beautiful figure could be seen sitting on the edge of the bed.

It's Xie Weining.

Chen Ye smiled, then pushed open the door and went inside.
-
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight streamed into the room through the window, Chen Ye slowly opened his eyes.

Xie Weining was still fast asleep beside him, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow in the morning light, and a satisfied smile on her lips.

Chen Ye did not disturb her and quietly got up and dressed.

When he pushed open the door, he saw Bai Yingluo and Xia Lingshuang, who had changed into the blue dresses of the palace maids, waiting respectfully outside the door, one carrying a basin of hot water and the other holding a brand-new towel.

They seemed to have been waiting there for a long time, their hair still damp with morning dew.

Upon seeing Chen Ye emerge, the two quickly stepped forward and bowed in unison.

"Master, please wash up."

Their voices were clear and melodious, and their demeanor was humble and respectful. If an uninformed person saw them, they would definitely think they were two well-trained personal maids.

Chen Ye chuckled inwardly, but remained outwardly calm. After wiping his face, he casually handed the used towel back.

"Go prepare breakfast."

"Yes, Master."

Bai Yingluo and Xia Lingshuang bowed again in agreement, then turned and walked towards the kitchen with the basin of water.

Watching their graceful yet hurried figures disappear into the distance, a hint of amusement flashed in Chen Ye's eyes.

Having two Holy Maidens of the Demonic Sect as maids seems like a pretty good idea.

Just then, the butler Chen Zhong hurried over from the front yard. Upon seeing Chen Ye, he quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"Young Master, Miss Wu from the Grand Tutor's Mansion has come to visit, saying... saying she has important business to discuss with you."

Wu Mengwei?
Chen Ye raised an eyebrow!

This woman actually came to my door herself?

(End of this chapter)