This is a quick article

After he finished speaking, the officials still expressed their compliments before starting to eat.

There were a lot of red tape when the empire was first founded, but they were gradually eliminated by Chu Zhuang. He was a pragmatist and hated empty talk the most.

"Boy from the Shi family, come and sit in the front." Chu Zhuang suddenly spoke.

In fact, Chen Ye's seat was already close enough to the front. The first person sitting below Chu Zhuang was Chu Xingyuan, and the next one was him.

Chen Ye stood up and walked in front of Chu Zhuang. A palace servant brought a chair over and Chen Ye sat down.

Chu Zhuang's gaze stayed on his face for a few seconds, "You are not like your father."

There was some emotion in his tone. Once upon a time, he and Shi Bo were brothers and friends, just like Chu Xingyuan and Lu Zhirong, with a relationship of mutual support.

It’s a pity that Shi Bo died too early.

Chen didn't know what he meant by that. He said carefully, "Everyone says I look more like my mother."

Chu Zhuang laughed, "Your mother was a very popular star back then. Many of us in our generation were her suitors, but in the end she didn't like anyone but Shi Bo."

The atmosphere suddenly became relaxed, and officials of the same generation as Chu Zhuang also remembered the most beautiful woman in the empire.

After laughing, Chu Zhuang sighed, "It's a pity that your father passed away so early. But the Chu family will not forget your father, and the empire will not mistreat heroes. The Chu family will definitely take good care of you. When you marry Xing Yuan, I will be relieved."

His words were so heartfelt that many of Shi Bo's old friends and students had tears in their eyes.

However, Chen, who was close, could clearly see the calculation in Chu Zhuang's eyes.

As expected of the emperor of the empire, he would use everything to establish his own image.

Chen Ye said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, but I have a request."

Chu Zhuang: "Oh? Tell me about it."

"I hope to cancel my engagement with the eldest prince."

When Chen Ye said this, he didn't dare to look at Chu Xingyuan behind him.

The entire hall suddenly became quiet. The atmosphere, which had been quite good just now, dropped to freezing point, and the air seemed to be stagnant.

After all, Chu Zhuang was a shrewd man who had experienced many ups and downs. He did not show any surprise on his face. He asked, "What's wrong? What did Xingyuan do to offend you? Tell me, and I will take care of it for you."

Chen Ye said, "No, it's just that I don't like Your Highness, so I don't want to marry Your Highness. The previous engagement with Your Highness was arranged by our parents, and now Your Highness and I are both grown up and have no feelings for each other, so I hope Your Majesty can cancel the engagement."

Chu Xingyuan's originally cold expression completely froze after hearing these words.

Don't like him? Chen doesn't like him either?

What a shame that they have no feelings for each other, then what was the point of showing that she loved him so much and couldn't live without him?

Chu Zhuang took in all their expressions. He had previously wanted Chu Xingyuan to cancel the marriage. It would be best if Chen Ye could take the initiative to propose it, so that the royal family would not have to bear the blame.

But later, Chu Xingyuan fell in love with Chen Ye and actively participated in politics for him, so Chu Zhuang relented.

But now it seems that everything was just his son's wishful thinking.

"Think it over carefully. If I take back the marriage proposal, there will be no possibility for you and Xing Yuan."

Chen didn't dare to look back, "Think it through."

Before Chu Zhuang could reply, Chu Xingyuan stood up. He stepped forward and held Chen Ye's wrist. "Father, Shi Jing and I had a little conflict. He is angry with me. Our wedding will go on as scheduled."

Chen Ye broke free from Chu Xingyuan's hand, "No, I'm not throwing a tantrum..."

Chu Zhuang waved his hand and said, "Today is the palace banquet. We can talk about your relationship later. Sit down and eat first."

The guests present all disappeared their expressions of surprise and astonishment on their faces.

After all, Chu Zhuang spoke up because he wanted to deal with the matter privately.