Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 245 Job Upgrade, Skills Soar

In the courtyard of Tinglan Pavilion, the biting cold wind dissipated the last remaining sharpness.

Chen Ye stared at the night sky where Jing Zhaoning had disappeared, remaining silent for a long time.

He only breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that the imposing aura had completely disappeared.

This woman is absolutely insane.

A fanatic who regards his own path as the only truth and tries to use this standard to measure and judge everything in the world.

Although Chen Ye could confirm through the Heartstring Master talent that Jing Zhaoning did not truly intend to kill when she unleashed that final light blade.

But dealing with a woman who is capricious and might draw her sword at any time because of differing ideologies is like dancing on a knife's edge.

The slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin.

However, despite the high risks, the rewards were equally unexpected.

Jing Zhaoning thought she was just using words to argue, but she didn't know that her Dao heart, which had become as hard as a rock and pure and fierce due to years of cultivating the Gongyang Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals, was simply the best tonic in front of Chen Ye, this Casanova.

Just as Chen Ye was reviewing the thrilling clash of Dao hearts that had just taken place, two lines of pale gold text appeared before his eyes.

[The Casanova's professional level has been upgraded to LV2!]

[Eloquent Tongue skill upgraded to level 7!]

Upon seeing these two notifications, Chen Ye was initially taken aback, but then a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, and he immediately opened the system panel.

Name: Chen Ye

[Profession: Casanova Lv.2 – You flit among flowers without a single petal clinging to you! You are the master of love, the catcher of hearts! Your words are both honey and poison, your eyes both abyss and heaven. All women will lower their guard before you, becoming infatuated and madly in love with you.]

[Talent: Master of the Heartstrings - You can listen to the deepest voices of a woman's heart and subtly implant your thoughts into her soul, gradually changing her memories and beliefs.]

[Skill: Eloquent Tongue Lv7 - Your words have an extremely strong persuasive and infectious power over women, easily gaining their trust and favor! At the same time, your tongue has become exceptionally flexible and powerful on a physical level, bringing unimaginable pleasure.]

If the LV1 Casanova only gave him a glimpse into the basics, then the LV2 Casanova truly gave him a sense of dominance.

Although the description of his core talent, Master of Heartstrings, remained unchanged, Chen Ye could sense that its effects had been greatly enhanced.

Previously, he needed to actively concentrate to listen to women's feelings, but now he seems to have a passive ability. Whenever he wants, the emotional fluctuations of women within a certain range will naturally flow into his perception without much effort.

The effect of implanting thoughts into someone's soul has become more subtle and more effective.

But the biggest change in this upgrade is to the "eloquent tongue" skill.

He actually leveled up three times, jumping directly from LV4 to LV7!

But Chen Ye's lips twitched slightly involuntarily.

His persuasiveness and appeal had become stronger, which was to his surprise, but the physical enhancement of his tongue was something he found hard to describe.

Despite his complaints, Chen Ye was quite satisfied with the upgrade.

……

Meanwhile, in that dilapidated tofu shop in the south of the city.

In the simple bedroom in the backyard, Yuan Xiao'e looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar roof above her head, which had turned black from years of disrepair, with some confusion.

A series of blurry and fragmented images flashed through Yuan Xiao'e's mind, making her feel dizzy.

She held onto the edge of the bed, shook her still somewhat dizzy head, and tried to clear her head.

"father……."

She called out softly, almost unconsciously.

In the past, whenever she made a sound, her father, who was on his sickbed in the next room, would respond with a weak cough.

But today, the neighborhood is completely silent.

Yuan Xiao'e's heart clenched suddenly, and an ominous premonition surged into her mind.

She could no longer care about her dizziness. Without even putting on her shoes, she scrambled off the bed and stumbled towards her father's room next door.

"father!"

She pushed open the door with a sob in her voice, but the tragic scene she had expected did not occur.

Her father, who had been bedridden for years and was tormented by illness to the point of being unrecognizable, was now sitting up against the headboard. Although his face was still somewhat pale, it was a world of difference compared to his previous state of being on the verge of death.

His breathing became much more steady, and his cloudy eyes regained some brightness.

Seeing his daughter rush in, Old Man Yuan gave a weak smile.

"Xiao'e...you're awake?"

Yuan Xiao'e stood there, stunned, hardly believing her eyes.

Is Father... all better?
"Father! Your illness..." Yuan Xiao'e rushed to the bedside, so excited that she couldn't speak coherently.

"I don't know what happened either." Old Man Yuan's voice was still a little hoarse, but it was full of energy. "A few days ago, I felt like I was about to die. Later, I vaguely felt that you gave me some medicine. After that, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I felt much better. The excruciating pain was gone."

Administer medicine?

Yuan Xiao'e's face showed an even more confused expression.

When did she give her father medicine?

Moreover, my father's illness is a chronic disease that has lasted for many years. Doctors in Yunzhou City are helpless. What medicine could have such a miraculous effect?

Countless thoughts flashed through Yuan Xiao'e's mind, making her already drowsy head even more confused.

She subconsciously looked around and noticed that the small tofu shop seemed to have undergone some subtle changes.

The sacks of soybeans piled in the corner were now bulging, the stove was cleaned spotlessly, and even the large iron pot that had been used for many years looked as if it had been carefully wiped clean, glistening with a layer of oil.

All of this made her feel an indescribable sense of alienation.

It was as if someone else had lived here in her place while she was asleep.

But, how is this possible?
Perhaps... I really did remember it wrong?
A force emanating from the depths of her soul was subtly influencing her thoughts, causing her to subconsciously ignore those illogical details and choose to accept the beautiful, almost unreal reality before her.

After all, my father's recovery is more important than anything else.

"That's good! That's good!"

Overjoyed, Yuan Xiao'e wept tears of happiness, tightly holding her father's thin hand, her face streaked with tears of bliss.

The slight doubts in her heart were overshadowed by immense joy.

Perhaps some deity took pity on the father and daughter and bestowed such blessings upon them?
Unbeknownst to her, during her slumber, Bai Yingluo, to avoid trouble, casually prepared a Strengthening Pill and fed it to Yuan Xiao'e's father.

This elixir was trash to Bai Yingluo, but it was a supreme medicine for Yuan's father, who was terminally ill. Although it wouldn't cure him instantly with just one pill, it would put him out of danger.

As night deepened, the innocent girl, amidst her immense joy, gradually forgot the bizarre and fantastical dream and began to look forward to tomorrow's life.

She was going to the market to tell the neighbors who had taken care of her and her father the good news.

She wanted to work hard to sell tofu, earn more money, and buy her father some good food to nourish his body.

Life suddenly seemed full of hope.

The next day, before dawn, Yuan Xiao'e got up early.

Her father's miraculous recovery filled her with renewed energy.

She skillfully started the fire, soaked the beans, ground them into a paste, and added the brine... Although each step was tedious, she did it meticulously.

After finishing, she picked up her load and walked briskly toward the market in the south of the city.

The market was already bustling with activity in the early morning.

Yuan Xiao'e carried her load and found her usual corner. Just as she was about to put down her load, she was surprised to find that a lot of people had already gathered in front of her stall.

Most of these people were young men, some were neighbors, some were apprentices in the workshop, and there were even a few young men dressed in silk who looked like rich kids.

They gathered in twos and threes, chatting and looking around, their faces showing anticipation.

Upon seeing Yuan Xiao'e appear, the crowd stirred slightly.

"Here she comes! The tofu beauty is here!"

"It wasn't a wasted wait, we finally made it!"

Yuan Xiao'e was startled by the scene and stood there somewhat at a loss.

"Tofu Beauty?" Is she referring to herself?
When did she get such a nickname?

Also, why are all these people waiting for me?

Somewhat bewildered, she put down the load, lifted the cloth covering the wooden bucket, revealing the tender white tofu inside.

"Selling...selling tofu..." she called out timidly, her voice barely audible.

However, as soon as she finished speaking, the men who had been watching rushed forward and instantly surrounded her stall.

"Girl, give me two pieces!"

"I want five dollars! We have guests over today!"

"Don't push! Don't push! Line up! I came first!" The frantic scrambling by the crowd left Yuan Xiao'e completely dumbfounded.

She frantically started cutting tofu and collecting money, her mind completely blank.

She couldn't understand when her tofu had become so popular.
At the back of the line, a few idlers who hadn't managed to squeeze in were huddled together, smacking their lips and whispering amongst themselves.

"Hey, have you guys noticed? The tofu beauty seems a little different today than usual," said a man with a pointed face and monkey-like features.

"What's different?" someone asked curiously.

"I can't quite put my finger on it." The man scratched his head. "The tofu beauty from before was pretty, but her eyes... how should I put it, they were so alluring. One look at her and you felt like your soul was being sucked in. It made your heart itch, but you didn't dare to look too long."

“Yes, yes, yes!” another person immediately chimed in, “That’s exactly the feeling! Seductive! Seductive to the bone! But look at her eyes today, they’re as clear as mountain spring water, with a slightly dazed look, especially when she was startled by us just now, the expression on her face, tsk tsk, really… pitiful to behold!”

Just as these idlers were excitedly discussing, a purple figure strode into the Wenyuan Pavilion of the academy, accompanied by a cool breeze.

It was Jing Zhaoning.

"Junior Sister, you're back." Master Yan put down the bamboo scroll in his hand, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "How is it? Does that Chen Ye still meet your approval?"

Jing Zhaoning did not answer immediately. Instead, she walked to the desk, picked up the teapot, poured herself a cup of tea, and drank it all in one gulp.

After putting down her teacup, she looked up at her senior brother.

"Senior Brother Yan, why do you think he has a righteous heart?"

Her question made Master Yan's heart sink slightly.

It seems that Junior Sister is still resentful of Chen Ye's dissolute behavior.

Master Yan pondered for a moment, just about to explain, when Jing Zhaoning continued:
"This man is entangled in a web of love and passion, and his behavior is completely contrary to the orthodox path of Confucianism. It is no exaggeration to call him a libertine who frequents brothels."

"but……."

Jing Zhaoning abruptly changed the subject, a complex expression flashing in her clear, cold eyes.

"Although this person is unruly and eloquent, his tenacity is indeed quite remarkable."

“I used my power to coerce him, but he remained calm and stood firm. When I slashed at him with the Haoran Blade, he neither dodged nor avoided it, but accepted it calmly.”

"Especially his twisted and heretical theories about power and strategy, although they are sophistry, they are not entirely without reason."

As she finished speaking, Jing Zhaoning's voice lowered, and a crack appeared on her perpetually cold face, revealing a confusion that even she herself was unaware of.

Master Yan was taken aback at first, but then the weight that had been hanging over his heart all night finally lifted.

In any case, it's good that no conflict occurred.

As for Jing Zhaoning's doubts, she has to figure them out herself; as her senior brother, there's nothing I can do to help her.

Therefore, Master Yan simply sighed and said, "It's good that you think this way. You should know that there are countless paths in the world. Although we can only choose one to follow, we cultivators must never limit our vision to one corner."

Jing Zhaoning nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this.
-
Inside Tinglanxuan's study, Chen Ye frowned slightly as he looked at the newly delivered secret letter in his hand.

The letter was sent by Grand Tutor Wu Daofu, and its contents were very simple, consisting of only one sentence.

"A major event will take place at the grand court assembly tomorrow. I hope my nephew will take good care of himself."

event?

Chen Ye held the letter up to the candlelight, watching it slowly turn to ashes, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.

Tomorrow is the monthly grand court assembly, which all officials of the sixth rank and above in the capital must attend.

His position as a sixth-rank Xuanjing Division Zhaowu Captain was exactly at that threshold, making him qualified to participate.

Wu Daofu, this cunning old fox in officialdom, deliberately sent such a vague letter at this time, his purpose being nothing more than to offer a reminder.

As for the important matter he mentioned, Chen Ye could almost guess who it was related to without even having to guess.

Zhou Xuanqing, Lin Hai...

These veteran officials, who were deeply entrenched in the previous dynasty but are now gradually losing power due to the empress's strength, are unlikely to be willing to simply fade into obscurity.

Sun Demao's downfall was a huge blow to them, but it would also spur them to launch a more intense counterattack.

Their target for counterattack is undoubtedly themselves, who are currently enjoying the Emperor's favor and represent the emerging noble forces, as well as their sister Chen Wan'er, who holds a high position in the palace and is regarded as the Empress's confidante.

It seems there will be quite a show in the imperial court tomorrow.

At the same time, Wu Daofu's letter arrived at just the right time.

This at least indicates that in the upcoming storm, the Grand Tutor's faction will choose to stand on my side, or at least remain neutral.

This is undoubtedly good news for Chen Ye.

Because the struggles in the imperial court are sometimes not just about strength, but also about winning the hearts and minds of the people.

The next day.

As dawn broke, Chen Ye got up and began to get ready. Xie Weining personally helped Chen Ye dress. Looking at her imposing and extraordinary husband, her eyes shone with admiration, and her heart pounded wildly.

"My lord, be careful on your journey." Xie Weining whispered before he left.

Chen Ye smiled slightly, "Don't worry!"

Having said that, he mounted his horse, spurred it on, and galloped off toward the palace amidst the crisp sound of hooves.

At the same time, Qingchen stood behind Xie Weining, staring blankly at Chen Ye's departing figure, her eyes filled with admiration and awe.

Brother Chen looks so handsome in his official robes!

Chen Ye rode swiftly and soon arrived outside the palace. He dismounted, took out his waist token, and the guards at the gate immediately stepped aside upon seeing it, respectfully allowing him to pass.

Chen Ye strode towards the interior of the palace and soon arrived outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

As the center of power in the dynasty, this magnificent palace appeared even more solemn and majestic in the morning sunlight.

Officials of all ranks, both civil and military, filed in from outside the palace gates and lined up in the white jade square in front of the hall according to their rank.

The atmosphere was quiet and oppressive, with only the sound of official boots stepping on the stone slabs and the fluttering of banners in the morning breeze.

Chen Ye, dressed in the black official robes of a sixth-rank Zhaowu Colonel, stood at the back of the military officer ranks.

This spot is neither too high nor too low; it's neither too conspicuous nor too low, yet it offers a panoramic view of the entire square.

He observed his surroundings discreetly.

At the front of the civil officials' procession were Grand Tutor Wu Daofu and Imperial Censor Zhou Xuanqing, the two factions clearly divided.

Today, Wu Daofu was wearing a brand-new purple official robe. His hair and beard were all white, and his face was ruddy. He was resting with his eyes closed, looking as if he were detached from the matter.

Meanwhile, Zhou Xuanqing, who was standing beside him, was occasionally whispering something to Lin Hai behind him.

"Boom-thump-thump-"

Three melodious yet profound chimes suddenly emanated from the Hall of Supreme Harmony, resounding throughout the entire palace.

The grand assembly has officially begun.

"quiet!"

A tall eunuch stood on the steps in front of the palace and shouted in a high-pitched voice.

The square fell silent instantly.

All the officials straightened their clothes and stood respectfully with their hands at their sides.

Amidst a series of elaborate ceremonial music, a graceful figure dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe slowly walked onto the dragon throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony and sat down behind the beaded curtain.

Although Empress Wu Zhao's true face could not be seen through the layers of beaded curtains, her supreme majesty as a ruler of the world enveloped everyone's heart as if it were a tangible reality.

Led by Wu Daofu and Zhou Xuanqing, all the civil and military officials knelt down and shouted "Long live the Emperor!" Their voices shook the heavens.

Chen Ye also knelt down and bowed in the crowd.

His position was too far back to see the Empress on the dragon throne, but he didn't care, since he wasn't there to see her.

"Rise, my lords." A clear, cold, and dignified female voice came from behind the beaded curtain.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The officials rose, and the grand court assembly officially began.

The initial agenda was rather uneventful.

It was nothing more than the six ministers taking turns reporting on some trivial political affairs, while the empress would occasionally ask a question or two; everything seemed to proceed in an orderly manner.

Chen Ye stood at the back of the line, eyes downcast, seemingly lost in thought, like a statue, completely concealing himself among the crowd.

He is waiting.

Wait for those impatient fish to jump out on their own.

Sure enough, halfway through the court session, after the Minister of Revenue had just finished reporting on the collection of autumn taxes, Grand Tutor Lin Hai, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up from the queue.

He first bowed respectfully towards the dragon throne, and then spoke:

"Your Majesty, I have something to report!"

(End of this chapter)