On the day of the Shangyuan Festival…0

Unexpectedly, before Song You could leave Changjing, General Chen came to bid him farewell.0

“I had hoped to personally see you off when the time came,” General Chen said, cupping his hands in a respectful salute. “But His Majesty has ordered me to return to the north and guard the northern frontier. Thus, I must come first to bid you farewell and express my gratitude. Thank you, sir, for speaking on my behalf before His Majesty and saving my life.”0

“You had already made thorough preparations, General. I merely relayed your words,” Song You replied. “Besides, His Majesty had already made up his mind. My role was insignificant.”0

“Still, it had to be you.”0

General Chen maintained his formal salute, his expression solemn.0

In truth, the general had later been summoned by the Emperor for a private audience. During that late-night conversation, the Emperor had mentioned the discussion from that fateful evening. General Chen learned that although Song You had not explicitly pleaded for his life, he had presented the facts and weighed the pros and cons truthfully. 0

However, the Emperor would only trust and calmly consider such counsel if it came from Song You. Had it been anyone else, the Emperor might not have believed them so readily or taken the advice so ...0