Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play

After Chen Yesheng revealed his identity, Xie Jue signaled the Shadow Guards to stand down. The Shadow Guards were extremely cautious, maintaining a vigilant stance towards anyone approaching Xie Jue. Although they retreated slightly, they remained in a defensive posture, ready to act instantly should Chen Yesheng threaten Xie Jue, even to the point of killing him. Chen Yesheng understood the prowess of the Shadow Guards; anyone involved in espionage had heard of this elite force specially trained by Marquis Zhenbei, initially created to protect his family in the capital and later solely dedicated to Xie Jue, becoming his exclusive Shadow Guards responsible for escort duties, assassination, intelligence gathering, and more.

Therefore, Chen Yesheng was cautious and didn’t approach too closely. However, the matters he wished to discuss couldn’t be shouted, so he took a few steps closer and only felt at ease when Xie Jue did not stop him.

"Prince, I have come to humbly request that you persuade our young master to return to Bin City as soon as possible." Chen Yesheng explained his purpose, "Our Marshal has issued three military orders for the young master to set off back to the city immediately, but he stubbornly refuses and has even engaged in a fight with us. We’re hesitant to use too much force against him, thus the situation remains deadlocked, and I have no choice but to request assistance from the Prince."

Xie Jue listened quietly to Chen Yesheng’s plea and asked blandly, "Is there some urgent matter that necessitates your young master’s immediate return to Bin City?"

Chen Yesheng was taken aback and mused inwardly, What can I say directly about the matter you already know? Although he grumbled inwardly, he dared not express it, "The Marshal’s letter did not explicitly state anything, he simply issued orders, and as we act under orders, even the Chief is unaware of the details."

Xie Jue nodded, his tone even more indifferent, "Your young master told me this morning he wanted to investigate the disappearance of Jiangnan’s spies, yet now at this crucial moment, he’s being asked to leave Mudan City; is he deceiving me?"

"No, our young master indeed intends to investigate the disappearance. However, this matter can be handled by me, and the Marshal’s orders take higher priority."

"I believe the spy disappearance is more critical, as it not only concerns the safety of Jiangnan’s stationed troops, but also involves the delegation’s security. If the spies were to leak border defense and naval battle plans, during a future war between Sannan and Beining, we would be in a passive position. We still don’t know their whereabouts or the reasons for their disappearance. If they weren’t defectors and have been killed—having executed missions for Sannan over the years—these spies remain heroes of Beining. Alive, we see the person; dead, we want the corpse. Since your young master is determined to find them, then he should remain in Mudan City to search for them. If there is no urgent matter from the Marshal, once the issues with Sannan are resolved, we will just return to Bin City."

Chen Yesheng did not expect Xie Jue to pretend not to understand, but he dared not be angered. After all, Fang Chuning dared to defy orders and must be supported by this Prince, "Prince, we cannot disobey the Marshal’s order. The delegation’s progress with Sannan is smooth, and you are well-protected by many Shadow Guards, ensuring your safety. If the young master doesn’t return to Bin City soon, the Marshal might send his elite assassins, and the situation will become unsightly. The young master as a son defying paternal orders doesn’t sit well when spread."

"Fang Chuning’s mission is by royal decree. In your mind, does the Marshal’s orders outweigh the sovereign’s command? You’ve served Jiangnan’s stationed troops under Mr. Fang’s orders for years, why does the Marshal seemingly become Beining’s emperor to you?"

Chen Yesheng’s face changed instantly, and he suddenly kneeled, knocking his head heavily on the ground, "Subordinate misspoke, Prince, forgive me. We would never dare think such thoughts!"

"Dare not think, yet dare act! Fang Chuning refuses to leave with you, which could be seen as a private matter of the Fang Family and something you should resolve internally. If he doesn’t leave, it’s your incapacity, not to blame others, and yet you dare to seek me out? If you seek me out, you should state your reasons clearly; with no knowledge, yet you want me to persuade Fang Chuning, who do you think I am?" Xie Jue’s tone grew heavier. "I am Prince Yan of Beining, not the Second Young Master of the old Marquis Zhenbei Mansion, nor am I required to obey your Marshal’s orders. Even if Fang Chuning were to leave, a single word from me, he still wouldn’t leave, understood?"

"Yes!"

Chen Yesheng understood now that the young master and the Prince were of a single heart. He initially thought by seeking out Xie Jue, who is aware of the Marshal’s urgent recall for Fang Chuning, he would be guilty and scared. Their rumors had spread everywhere, and would soon reach the borders; what thoughts would the tens of thousands of soldiers have upon hearing this? The Marshal wishes to urgently handle the matter before rumors spread too widely, to prevent escalating the situation.

Chen Yesheng said, "The Marshal was angered by the rumors between the young master and the Prince and suddenly fell ill, recuperating in Bin City, urgently recalling the young master to clarify matters and hope for his attendance by the sickbed."

He understood well. Since both Xie Jue and Fang Chuning refused, he would have to be clear about the Marshal’s summoning of Fang Chuning.

"Rumors are merely rumors, baseless claims not to be believed." Xie Jue replied coldly, "Your young master has important tasks remaining in Mudan City. Since the Marshal is ill, he should recuperate well without worrying about the delegation. If truly recalling Fang Chuning, he should obtain an imperial decree from the emperor, justifiably."

"... Yes!" Chen Yesheng, encountering Xie Jue as an adult for the first time, he and Zhou Buyan counted as Fang Family people, having grown up with Fang Chuning, already familiar with Xie Jue. Xie Jue showed promise even in his youth, with a seemingly calm, reserved demeanor but in fact possessing a dominant and sharp personality, speaking assertively without compromise. Holding military power for years and being a high-ranking Prince, he had authoritative presence and strength. He initially made a mistake; this group of spies hadn’t experienced much change with a dynasty shift, just hearing the Xie family replaced the Yuwen Dynasty, without substantial sense, still considering him as the second son of Marquis Zhenbei Mansion. Despite respectful words, daring to approach Xie Jue was indeed offensive.

Cold sweat arose on Chen Yesheng’s back. Yet, Prince Yan’s high profile out here must be waiting for him, was he mistaken?

He wasn’t mistaken. Xie Jue indeed initiated seeing Chen Yesheng; he knew the Marshal had an elite force that obeyed him alone, much like his Shadow Guards. If Jiangnan spies couldn’t bring Fang Chuning back, he indeed feared the Marshal might send assassins, then their father-son relationship would be entirely strained, and the issue would have to wait until post-Sannan negotiations, information also relayed back to Mr. Fang through Chen Yesheng, and an opportunity for declaring his stance to the Marshal.

Back then Fang Chuning, in a fit of anger, stormed the Marshal’s study; he could stop it once but wouldn’t forever. Displaying such pomp in Sannan, Xie Jue had to stand with him against the impending tempest from family wrath and couldn’t let him bear the anger and punishment alone.

He admitted lacking decisiveness in matters concerning Fang Chuning, resulting in Fang Chuning’s lack of confidence and ongoing anxieties. With such repetitive situation, he grew weary, and since he vowed commitment, it was also manageable, retreating to the mountains and seeking a quiet place for their life.

Whether fulfillment or expulsion, he would stand by Fang Chuning!

He will always be Fang Chuning’s refuge.