Chapter 506: Rumors
“And General Chen?” Song You held his teacup, his expression unreadable.
Even though this outcome had long been anticipated, and preparations had certainly been made, he still couldn’t help but feel a sense of sorrow and lamentation.
“Yesterday, the Imperial Guardian Duke submitted a memorial[1] to the palace, expressing his gratitude to His Majesty,” Prime Minister Yu Jianbai spoke in an even tone, answering as if simply stating facts.
“He declared that his injuries were beyond saving and that he would likely not live to enjoy the Emperor’s grace. He only wished for His Majesty to look after his descendants after his passing.”
“General Chen’s achievements are unparalleled, and if he were to die as the Imperial Guardian Duke, his family would be protected for generations. However, there is one issue...”
Prime Minister Yu paused. He pressed his lips together, as if considering how best to phrase his next words.
The two men beside him reacted differently—
One lowered his head, staring into his cup of tea, as if the floating tea leaves held some great mystery.
The other turned his gaze outward, as though inspecting the law and order of Changjing’s bustling streets.
“In his memorial, the Imperial Guardian Duke requested that his cousins, Chen Yi and Chen Bukui, succeed him as the commander of the three northern garrisons.”
Yu Jianbai hesitated for a moment before continuing, “There’s nothing inherently wrong with this request. Since General Chen returned to the capital, the military authority over the three northern garrisons has already been in Chen Yi’s hands. Furthermore, after him, the most respected and highest-ranking officer in the northern army is Chen Bukui.