Chen Xuanji's gaze was calm. As he pondered his concerns, he put away the chess pieces and board, arranging them neatly.
Across from him, the middle-aged man wearing a dragon crown merely watched his movements with a smile, without saying a word.
—The Wei Emperor, Wei Kai, also known as Emperor Anhe.
Once Chen Xuanji had put away the chessboard, Emperor Anhe lightly waved his hand, and two cups of hot tea instantly appeared on the table.
"Tell Us, when do you plan to 'return' to Great Wei?"
Chen Xuanji glanced at the tea cup, then did not raise his eyes again, as though its clear tea held unfathomable mysteries.
Five years ago, under the pretext of "being dispatched to the Western Regions Buddhist Kingdom," he had concealed himself within the Capital Prefecture and secretly commanded the White Tiger Guard.
He had indeed not gone to the Western Regions Buddhist Kingdom, but someone had gone in his place.
Now that the situation in the Western Regions Buddhist Kingdom had been thoroughly investigated, that person was about to return. This also meant that Chen Xuanji was to reappear in the Great Wei Dynasty.
"The sooner, the better."
"Oh? We thought you would delay for some time. Why the haste?"
"Those who have spent years away from home long to return. If I were delayed on the road, it would only alert those with ulterior motives."
"Those with ulterior motives..."
Emperor Anhe gave a derisive snort. He lifted his tea bowl and spun its lid twice with his other hand before saying,
"There are countless self-important men among the Imperial Court officials, but how many can stand shoulder to shoulder with you, Xuanji?"
Chen Xuanji lowered his head. Only the character for king on his White Tiger pattern mask could faintly be