His voice was as soft as a fallen leaf touching the ground, yet carried an indescribable power that pierced straight through.
Those few words were enough to shatter stone and startle heaven, like a treasure buried deep underground suddenly breaking through the earth, impossible to ignore.
Their hearts were pulled along, racing with the lingering echoes of his words. Different expressions appeared on their faces-surprise, doubt, curiosity, and anticipation hidden deep beneath the surface.
Even Chen Cong instinctively protested, "Xiaojun, what are you talking about...?"
His gaze swept toward Xue Churan on instinct, only to catch the slight upward curve of her red lips, a hallmark of her unique confidence and composure.
Something stirred in his heart. He turned toward Xue Churan almost unconsciously, a probing note in his voice. "Churan, do you... think the same way?"
Xue Churan cast Chen Xiaojun a faint glance before parting her red lips. "Brother Cong, this incident really has helped us see our current situation clearly."
"Although our faction isn't weak, our foundations aren't firm enough yet."
She paused, then continued, "Thanks to your support over these past few years, we've made some modest achievements at court."
"But looking at things now, I've been a little too impatient."
"In that case, I should settle down and focus on strengthening myself from within."
"I had originally intended to spend these ten years peacefully in Chang'an City anyway."
Xue Churan continued, "Now, I won't become governor-general, and everything will return to where it started. What else can they force me to do?"
Listening to Xue Churan speak so openly, Chen Cong felt emotion well up inside him.
He took a deep breath and said somewhat hoarsely, "The Chen Clan's affairs have dragged you into all this. I truly feel ashamed."
Xue Churan gently shook her