Chapter 459 - 400: Lodging

Chapter 459: Chapter 400: Lodging

A sense of unease drummed in Gao Changhe’s heart.

’Could it be... someone actually managed to get the better of this man?’

’And they actually succeeded?’

’Just who in the world could have managed that?’

But Gao Changhe was a veteran of the political arena, after all. He entertained the thought for only a moment before pushing it down.

True or not, if Chen Li said so, then he would act as if he believed it.

’Believe him? I might as well believe I’ll ascend the throne tomorrow!’

Gao Changhe was almost certain there was something shady going on here—something *very* shady.

Whatever the case, it spelled trouble—big trouble. It was certainly not something a minor Governor like himself could afford to get involved in.

He immediately said, "Patriarch Chen, rest assured. I have taken note of this matter. Upon my return, I will immediately order my men to open a case and issue a Sea Arrest Document. I will make certain those criminals have nowhere to hide and that the Chen Family’s losses are recovered."

Though he spoke these words, he thought little of them. ’Open a case, issue the document... I’ll just follow procedure.’ As for actually catching anyone...

’Heh. A feud between Grandmasters? How could the Commandery Magistrate’s Office possibly interfere?’

’Just for show. As long as it looks like I’ve done my part, that’s enough.’

Chen Li naturally heard the perfunctory tone in his words but didn’t expose it, saying, "Then I must trouble you, Lord Gao."

"It is my duty. Please think nothing of it."

Gao Changhe hesitated for a moment before changing the subject. "Patriarch Chen," he began, his tone strained, "to be frank, I’ve come unannounced tonight because there is another important matter, and I need to ask you for a favor."

"Please speak, Lord Gao."

Gao Changhe chose his words carefully. "I received a directive from the State Office. The Duke of England and Governor Xu are touring the region and wish for your residence... that is, the former Sun Family estate, to be temporarily set up as their place of lodging."

Upon hearing this, Chen Li’s brows knitted together.

The Court has its own protocols. Every level of government has official posthouses dedicated to accommodating traveling officials on government business.

As a Commandery City, Liyang’s posthouse, while not luxurious, is certainly large and well-regulated enough. There was no reason it would be unable to accommodate two high-ranking officials.

Even if the posthouse were truly too small or otherwise unsuitable, standard practice dictated that the Commandery Magistrate’s Office simply book out one of the city’s better inns or taverns and make the necessary arrangements.

Why would they specifically need to requisition his private residence?

It was illogical.

Chen Li’s first thought was whether their actions had a hidden meaning—whether this was aimed at the Chen Family from the very beginning.

Connecting this to the information Jiang Nanyue had previously revealed, and now this specific request to stay in his—Chen Li’s—mansion... He couldn’t help but overthink it.

In political circles, there has always been a tradition of those below following the example of those above.

If the emperor, on an imperial tour, were to use the mansion of a certain minister or a great local clan as his temporary residence, it would be seen as a sign of immense favor and trust—an extremely powerful political signal.

Similarly, when high-ranking officials and nobles traveled, staying at the home of a local family of Scholars and Gentry often signified high esteem for that family, sending a public signal of intimacy or even alliance.

Many Noble Families took pride in being able to host officials of the Third Grade or higher and were always eager for the opportunity, as it was a great boon to their local influence and prestige.

But Chen Li had no interest in this. In fact, it put him on high alert.

The Chen Family had no prior dealings with the Duke of England or Governor Xu, much less any sort of relationship.

For such an honor to fall into his lap for no reason was no blessing; on the contrary, it was likely the beginning of trouble.

’Is them staying in my home a coincidence, or do they have other plans?’

"Lord Gao."

Chen Li deliberated for a moment before speaking. "The Chen Family doesn’t have many servants in Liyang. I’m afraid our hospitality may be lacking. Perhaps another location could be chosen?"

Gao Changhe shook his head with a wry smile. "Patriarch Chen, you may not be aware, but this was explicitly specified in the directive from the State Office. I am only following orders. A command from my superiors is difficult to defy. I hope Patriarch Chen understands."

Chen Li’s gaze sharpened as he stared intently at Gao Changhe. "The official document you received," he asked, "did it state that the only ones coming to Liyang are the Duke of England and Governor Xu? No other high-ranking officials?"

Gao Changhe was taken aback. "The State Office document did indeed only mention His Grace the Duke and the Lord Governor. Why do you ask, Patriarch Chen? Is there another lord on their way?"

His expression didn’t seem feigned.

Chen Li’s mind raced.

’The information from Jiang Nanyue said that the old Patriarch of the Cao Family is also coming.’

’But Gao Changhe seems to be completely in the dark.’

’This means one of two things: either Jiang Nanyue’s intelligence was wrong, or this Junior Minister Cao’s visit is so secret that not even an official at the Governor level has been informed.’

Chen Li leaned toward the latter possibility.

’Jiang Nanyue has no reason to deceive me.’

’So what is their goal?’

A deep sense of vigilance rose in Chen Li’s heart.

For a moment, the study fell silent.

Gao Changhe’s unease grew. After a long silence, he took the initiative to ask, "Patriarch Chen... have you heard something?"

Chen Li snapped out of his thoughts and said gravely, "Since it is a direct order from the State Office and you have come in person, Lord Gao, I will agree. You may make whatever arrangements you see fit for this residence. The Commandery Magistrate’s Office can handle the preparations as it deems necessary."

Gao Changhe let out a breath of relief. "Patriarch Chen, you are a man who understands the greater good. I thank you. Rest assured, Patriarch, all expenses for the preparations will be borne by the Commandery Magistrate’s Office; we will not allow the Chen Family to spend a single coin. During their stay, all necessary servants will also be provided by the Office."

Chen Li waved his hand, signaling that there was no need to dwell on such minor details.

Gao Changhe paused, a troubled look returning to his face. "There is one more thing. On the day of the two high officials’ arrival, I am required to lead the officials of the Commandery Magistrate’s Office, as well as the magistrates of the five counties under Liyang’s jurisdiction, to welcome them outside the city. As for Magistrate Luo of Jingshan County..."

He looked at Chen Li, a question in his eyes. "Should I perhaps find an excuse to cover for him...?"

He didn’t finish, but his meaning was obvious.

Chen Li had promised to restore Luo Pingyuan’s cultivation in about ten days, which, in Gao Changhe’s eyes, sounded like a fairy tale.

Deep down, he was skeptical and even a little anxious.

If Luo Pingyuan was unable to appear in perfect condition on the day, it would only create complications, and he himself would be implicated.

Chen Li read his thoughts as if they were an open book and smiled calmly. "I do not go back on my word. Magistrate Luo is recovering quite well. He will not cause any problems, much less make things difficult for you, Lord Gao."

He paused briefly before adding, "Magistrate Luo is currently in a side courtyard, recuperating in seclusion. I can have him escort you out in a moment."

A glint flashed in Gao Changhe’s eyes, and he smiled. "Excellent. With your assurance, Patriarch Chen, I can finally rest easy. The hour is late, and I must return to see to many arrangements, so I will not impose any longer."

"Magistrate Luo."

Chen Li’s voice was not loud, but it carried to Luo Pingyuan’s ears. "Governor Gao wishes to depart. See him out on my behalf."

A moment later, the door to the study was pushed open, and Luo Pingyuan strode inside.

He had already recovered to the stage of Qi Realm Perfection.

"Governor Gao, if you please."

Luo Pingyuan bowed with his hands clasped before him, his face an emotionless mask.

It was impossible for him to feel no resentment toward Lord Gao.

But he had to maintain the proper political decorum.

Of course, Gao Changhe paid it no mind.

His gaze swept quickly over Luo Pingyuan, his pupils constricting slightly. A smile immediately bloomed across his face, and the last vestiges of his anxiety vanished completely.

He laughed heartily and bowed to Chen Li once more. "Patriarch Chen, your Divine Abilities are truly vast! I am deeply impressed! I will not forget the kindness you have shown. Farewell!"

With that, he lingered no longer. Accompanied by Luo Pingyuan, he left the study, and the two of them soon vanished into the night.