The carriage came to a steady halt outside the Chen Mansion.
Xie Chongyi lifted the curtain and glanced up, a dismissive sneer curling his lips.
He straightened his robes and strode to the entrance, surrounded by four trusted guards.
The Chen Mansion's gatekeeper saw his imposing bearing and the guards following him. Knowing this visitor was no ordinary man, he hurried forward and asked respectfully.
"May I ask who you are...?"
"Xie Chongyi, head of the Xie Family. I have come to visit the General Pacifying the North. Please announce me."
Hearing the Xie Family's name, the gatekeeper hastily replied, "Please wait a moment, my lord. I'll report your arrival at once!"
With that, he turned and raced inside.
Chen Ye was rather surprised when he received the news.
Xie Chongyi had previously sent men to intercept and kill him, yet now he had come to visit in person.
The change was drastic. Chen Ye had no idea what medicine Xie Chongyi was hiding in his gourd.
"Come, take me there."
Dressed in a plain-colored robe, Chen Ye followed the gatekeeper to the entrance.
He saw Xie Chongyi standing there and calmly cupped his hands in greeting. "Lord Xie, you honor me with your presence. Forgive me for not coming out sooner to welcome you. What brings you here?"
Xie Chongyi studied the young man before him.
He sensed a vigorous vitality within Chen Ye, radiating scorching heat as though it might overflow at any moment.
An ocean's worth-an absolute ocean's worth of essence.
A trace of greed unwittingly crept into his expression.
"No need for such courtesy, General Chen. I happened to pass your residence today and, seeing that you had returned to the capital, stopped by to exchange a few words. Might we speak in private?"
Chen Ye