son, don't mess around

Chapter 445: At Eighteen That Year, Standing Like an Ant

silence.

In the dark room, the atmosphere became frozen as the gray-robed figure appeared.

There seems to be a solemn and murderous atmosphere in the air.

Chen Changqing knelt on one knee on the ground, his face slightly pale, with a hint of horror in his eyes.

But it soon dissipated.

"Mr. Chen, are you okay?"

Chen Changqing asked respectfully.

Inside the room, the gray-robed figure looked at him expressionlessly, his voice hoarse: "Why? Do you hope something happens to me?"

Chen Changqing was startled: "I dare not!"

Then, Chen Changqing said again: "Mr. Chen predicted things like a god, and used a trick to escape the shell to play with the prince and others!"

"I guess they probably don't know that you, Mr. Chen, are still alive!"

In the cold room, Chen Changqing spoke slowly.

But a deep fear had already arisen in my heart.

Chen Zhao is not dead!
Chen Zhao, who should have died at the hands of the imperial guards and even had his body hung at the city gate to be despised by everyone, appeared before him silently tonight.

Even though Chen Changqing had anticipated this, he was still wary!
This was a setup from the beginning to the end!

An ambush that has been set up for a long time!

Thinking of this, Chen Changqing shuddered.

On that day, Chen Zhao ordered Chen Changqing to trick Li Ci Ning into the Yangsheng Palace with the intention of assassinating Li Ci Ning. At the critical moment, Chen Changqing stepped forward and broke with Chen Zhao.

In the end, in order to save the prince, Chen Changqing was beaten seriously by Chen Zhao and his life was hanging by a thread!
He definitely looks like a loyal emperor and a loyal minister!
However, all of this was planned long ago, and everything Chen Changqing did was based on Chen Zhao's instructions.

Everything he did that day was just a show in front of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!

A play that fooled everyone!
……

"You saved him this time, Li Ci Ning will definitely entrust you with an important task!"

Inside the room, the gray-robed figure spoke in a low, hoarse voice with a cold tone: "Your background is clean, and he won't have too many doubts about you. What you need to do now is to gain his trust as much as possible and gain more power!"

Chen Changqing lowered his eyes and said respectfully: "Your subordinate will obey Mr. Chen's orders!"

At this point, Chen Changqing paused, and then asked in a deep voice: "I have a question, what is the purpose of all this, Mr. Chen?"

"Don't ask what you shouldn't ask."

The grey-robed figure spoke expressionlessly, his tone devoid of any emotion.

His cold eyes fell on Chen Changqing, and he spoke hoarsely: "I'm giving you this opportunity to rise to prominence, but I can take it back at any time... Do you understand?"

Hearing this, Chen Changqing trembled all over, his face turned pale, and he lowered his head: "I understand!"

He understood that Chen Zhao was threatening him!

His life is still in the hands of Chen Zhao.

The gray-robed figure before him could easily take his life.

Therefore, Chen Changqing's expression became more respectful, and he lowered his head and knelt on the ground.

"I am loyal to Mr. Chen and have no second thoughts."

"..."

After a while.

The room became quiet again.

The grey-robed figure disappeared, and everything around was dark and gloomy.

Chen Changqing still knelt on one knee with his head down. After a long silence, he finally breathed a sigh of relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders.

Then, he slowly stood up from the ground and raised his head, revealing a slightly pale and doubtful face.

He raised his eyes and stared out the window, his expression gradually becoming solemn, and he remained silent for a long time.

The closer he got, the more he felt that Chen Zhao was unfathomable.

He hid it too deeply!

Who would have thought that he was still alive?

He managed to evade everyone's attention with a trick of escaping from his shell, and even the new emperor didn't notice...

Chen Zhao is still alive, and he is still hiding in this deep palace, waiting for the opportunity!

But Chen Changqing's heart suddenly sank.

He couldn't see through Chen Zhao's purpose.

That day, Chen Changqing performed a play in front of the prince according to Chen Zhao's instructions.

A drama of breaking up with Chen Zhao!
Chen Changqing could vaguely guess Chen Zhao's purpose. After escaping, Chen Zhao lost control of the court.

Therefore, he needs someone who can regain all this power and at the same time be controlled and utilized by him behind the scenes.

And this person!

It’s him, Chen Changqing!

……

The next morning.

Chen Changqing, who had just woken up, received a summons from the new emperor.

After changing his clothes, Chen Changqing followed the imperial guards to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to meet the emperor!

In the empty hall.

Chen Changqing stepped into the hall and knelt respectfully: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you!"

Your Majesty.

Li Ci Ning looked at the prince's figure with a cold gaze. There was a document on his desk.

Information about Chen Changqing's background.

Long before, his subordinates had investigated Chen Changqing's life history in detail.

This man was born in an ordinary family in Beizhou. He joined a small martial arts sect since he was a child. He had a talent for martial arts and showed his talent at a very young age.

At the age of eighteen, Chen Changqing came down the mountain and began to travel around the world, doing justice and chivalry. Later, he came to the capital and joined the Mi Tiansi.

This man solved many cases in the Secret Department with his outstanding methods in just a few years, and was successfully promoted all the way to become the leader of the Secret Department!
Of course, to become the leader of the Secret Heaven Division, besides having outstanding abilities, the more important thing is... to have connections!

Intelligence shows that Chen Changqing’s ability to become the leader of the Secret Heaven Division is closely related to Chen Zhao.

At that time, the previous leader of the Mi Tiansi was murdered, and Chen Zhao happened to choose Chen Changqing, who was in the limelight at the time.

Logically speaking, since Chen Changqing was appointed by Chen Zhao as the leader of the Mi Tiansi, he should be Chen Zhao's man.

But the investigation intelligence showed that this was not the case.

This Chen Changqing seems to be different from others in the Secret Department. He has ideals and ambitions, and has goals and ideas that are different from others.

This naturally became a thorn in the eyes of others.

Chen Zhao promoted this person in order to give Chen Changqing a chance, but Chen Changqing's performance obviously did not satisfy Chen Zhao.

Even after becoming the leader of the Secret Heaven Division, Chen Changqing repeatedly obstructed Chen Zhao's plan to frame loyal officials. In this way, Chen Changqing gradually became a pawn.

In addition, Chen Zhao had four trusted guardians in the Secret Heaven Division, which gradually led to the power of Chen Changqing, the leader, being slowly hollowed out...

……

Li Ci looked at the information in his hand quietly, with a hint of color in his cold eyes.

This Chen Changqing is indeed a talent! Although he is Chen Zhao's subordinate, he is completely different from Chen Zhao.

Everything he did in the Secret Heaven Division over the years could not escape Li Qining's eyes. From the investigation data, it can be seen that this person has a principled style of doing things.

But it was precisely because of his principles that he was never trusted by Chen Zhao.

And this is good news for Li Ci Ning.

And his previous act of risking his life to save others also made Li Ci Ning interested in this person.

Li Ci Ning is in need of people right now. Chen Changqing in front of him has excellent martial arts skills and is loyal to the court. He is a rare talent!
Under normal circumstances, Li Ci Ning would not easily trust the man in front of him. But now that Chen Zhao was dead, the great threat was eliminated, so Li Ci Ning did not need to worry too much.

On the other hand, Li Ci Ning urgently needs the trump card of Mi Tiansi!

Even though the Secret Heaven Division had been severely damaged after several twists and turns, it still could not be underestimated. Li Ci Ning had to take control of the Secret Heaven Division as soon as possible, and Chen Changqing, the leader in front of him, was his best way.

Li Ci Ning slowly retracted his gaze from the table and looked at Chen Changqing who was kneeling in front of the hall: "Are you Chen Changqing?"

In front of the palace, Chen Changqing knelt on the ground, bowed his head and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I am Chen Changqing."

Li Ci Ning looked at him and said in a gentle tone: "How is your injury?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My injuries are no longer serious."

"This time, it's all thanks to you!"

Li Qining suddenly sighed and said, "If it weren't for Chen Kuishoushou's rescue, I would have died on the spot this time!"

Chen Changqing's expression remained unchanged, and he said in a deep voice: "This is my duty!"

Li Ci Ning waved his hand and said, "Chen Kuishou has made great contributions in saving the emperor this time. I will not treat people who have made great contributions unfairly. Tell me what Chen Kuishou wants as soon as possible. I will satisfy Chen Kuishou."

"My subordinates dare not!"

Chen Changqing said in a deep voice: "Chen Zhao intended to assassinate Your Majesty, and he deserves death. As Chen Zhao's subordinate, I failed to protect Your Majesty in the first place. This is my dereliction of duty..."

"I dare not make any demands."

Li Qining chuckled: "Chen Kuishou does not need to be so reserved. Chen Zhao's wolfish ambitions have nothing to do with Chen Kuishou. I am not a tyrant and I will not confuse right and wrong."

At this point, Li Qining spoke again: "If it weren't for Chen Kuishou's advance tip-off that day, I would have been fooled by Chen Zhao..."

Speaking of this, a hint of fear flashed in Li Ci Ning's eyes.

That day, before Chen Changqing came to protect the emperor, he secretly handed him a piece of intelligence. It was because of this that Li Ci Ning was able to prepare in advance.

"I wonder how Chen Kuishou found out that Chen Zhao wanted to attack me?"

Li Ci Ning asked suddenly.

Chen Changqing said calmly, "The night before Chen Zhao assassinated Your Majesty, he suddenly and secretly summoned me and others to the palace. I immediately realized something was wrong..."

"On the second day, after Her Royal Highness the Princess and His Royal Highness the Prince of Lin entered the secret room... Chen Zhao ordered his subordinates to trick the princess into coming to the Health Palace. His subordinates were especially cautious..."

"Remind Your Majesty to be careful... I didn't expect that there is indeed something wrong with Chen Zhao!"

Chen Changqing's explanation was very normal, but Li Ci Ning still understood the meaning behind it.

"Chen Kuishou is indeed brave and resourceful, and he is also loyal to the court. He is truly a rare talent!"

Li Ci Ning sighed.

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty!"

Li Qining looked at Chen Changqing in front of the palace and suddenly asked, "I wonder if Mr. Chen Kuishou is willing to work for me?"

After hearing this, Chen Changqing seemed to be stunned for a moment, and said in a deep voice: "But I am guilty, I am afraid..."

"Chen Kuishou saved my life and is loyal to me. I am willing to trust you."

Li Ci Ning interrupted Chen Chang Qing and said slowly: "Although Chen Kuishou was deceived by Chen Zhao, he did not mean to do so. He turned to the light in time and saved my life. He is a rare loyal minister!"

"Now I need a loyal minister like Chen Kuishou by my side. Is Chen Kuishou willing to work for me?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Changqing's face was extremely solemn, and he was trembling with excitement: "I am willing to sacrifice my life for your majesty, even until I die!"

"very good."

Li Qining smiled and spoke slowly: "You are now the leader of the Secret Heaven Division. In this case, you will continue to take over the position of the leader of the Secret Heaven Division in the future. At the same time, I will give you another imperial decree, ordering you to eliminate all the accomplices left by Chen Zhao in the Secret Heaven Division..."

"If you have any questions, you can come to the palace and report to me at any time..."

"..."

Inside the quiet hall.

Li Ci Ning issued several imperial decrees in a casual manner!

Chen Changqing's fate also changed completely with these imperial edicts.

When he walked out of the hall, Chen Changqing's eyes were a little dazed. He looked up at the open space in front of the hall, and he could see the whole imperial city.

This is the imperial palace of the Daning Dynasty, a symbol of the pinnacle of imperial power!
Chen Changqing had never thought that he would be able to set foot here one day.

He never imagined that one day he would hold great power and stand at the pinnacle of authority.

Now he has complete control over the Mi Tiansi. From now on, he will be the one who has the final say in the Mi Tiansi, and there will be no one to hold him back.

With the emperor's edict, he could almost be said to have the imperial sword in his hand!
No one will force him to force women of good character into prostitution, and no one will force him to kill innocent people!
Chen Changqing closed his eyes, as if he could still recall the woman who had died tragically in front of him not long ago, and the little girl who was only a few years old.

That’s the widow of the Xu family!

In the end, he couldn't escape Chen Zhao's butcher knife!

The look in their eyes before their tragic deaths made Chen Changqing tremble all over.

Fortunately, something like this will never happen again... and he will never allow such a tragedy to happen again.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Changqing slowly opened his eyes.

He has successfully won the trust of His Majesty and has become a sword in the hands of the current emperor!

He has the right to enter the palace to meet the emperor at any time!
This also means that Chen Changqing will only have one master in the future... the emperor!
As the leader of the Secret Department, he will no longer be afraid of any officials or dignitaries in the capital!
This is the powerful official!
And he paid for all this with his life!

At the same time, there is also an illusion that things and people have changed!

I recall that at the age of eighteen, I followed my master down the mountain, full of high spirits, and ventured into the world, wanting to plead for the people and do something for the people of the world.

But I keep hitting a wall and getting beaten by reality.

In the end, his edges were almost worn away.

Until...that person appeared!
A handsome and elegant figure gradually emerged in Chen Changqing's eyes.

"Prince Lin!"

If it weren't for him, Chen Changqing would probably still be the confused person he is today.

Perhaps, he had already been kicked out by Chen Zhao...

In a trance, Chen Changqing suddenly remembered that it had been almost ten years since he left the mountain from his master's sect!
And what he had dreamed of back then is now right before his eyes!
In a trance, Chen Changqing seemed to remember himself at the age of eighteen, standing outside the gate of Beijing, like an insignificant and inconspicuous ant.

And now, he stands in the imperial city, above all others in power, and has become a most sought-after minister of the emperor!

The fate of life changed at this moment.

Chen Changqing secretly made up his mind!

When he looked away, a hint of gloom flashed across his eyes again.

Everything is not over yet!

Chen Zhao is still alive!

The one who is alive is Chen Zhao, who is his biggest threat and hidden danger.

This hidden danger must be prevented!
It has to be removed!
He, one day or another, will never again be controlled by others.

Chen Changqing's eyes gradually became gloomy.

……

(End of this chapter)