Zhang Sheng knew that Chu Chen possessed considerable martial arts skills and that he was likely no match for him.
He secretly resolved that the next time Princess Xin Yue visited the Imperial Study, he would find an opportunity to challenge Chu Chen!
Even if he couldn't cost the young man his life, he would at least make him experience the taste of being thrown in jail!
Chu Chen, however, was not affected by this minor incident. He returned to his corner to continue his cultivation, and after an hour, he fell asleep.
The next morning, Steward Chen led a group of eunuchs to the Imperial Study to begin cleaning and inventorying the books.
"Count them carefully! There must be no mistakes!"
"Steward, we've finished counting. A total of eight thousand seven hundred and sixty-two volumes, with nothing missing!"
While others were still counting on the first floor, Chu Chen's voice suddenly came from above.
"You've finished counting already?"
Steward Chen was astonished, looking as if he couldn't believe his ears.
Normally, it would take him and so many eunuchs an hour to complete the count.
Yet Chu Chen, alone, had finished counting everything in less than the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn!
What was even more baffling was that the number Chu Chen had just stated perfectly matched the total number of books in the Imperial Study!
When Steward Chen had first arrived yesterday, he hadn't mentioned the total number of volumes in the Imperial Study to Chu Chen.
"Steward! I think he's just trying to be lazy! How could he possibly have finished counting so quickly?"
Zhang Sheng seized the opportunity and quickly approached Steward Chen, spreading gossip.
However, other eunuchs immediately spoke up in Chu Chen's defense.
"But the number he counted is correct. If he hadn't counted them one by one, how could he have gotten that figure?"
"Alright! Since the counting is done, let's get cleaning! Princess Xin Yue will be here after breakfast to recite poetry!"
Seeing that he couldn't drag Chu Chen down this time, Zhang Sheng's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
However, he wasn't in a hurry. After all, when Princess Xin Yue arrived, he would have plenty of opportunities!
"The Princess has arrived!"
Indeed, just as everyone finished cleaning the Imperial Study, a loud announcement was heard from outside.
Instantly, the eunuchs in the Imperial Study all knelt down in unison, bowing towards the entrance.
"Your humble servants pay respects to Her Highness the Princess!"
"Very well, rise!"
Hearing Princess Xin Yue's tone, Chu Chen immediately tensed up.
She hadn't reacted this way yesterday. It seemed the Princess was not in a good mood today!
"Where is Chu Chen?"
"Your servant is here!"
"Go! Fetch me the nine volumes of poetry!"
Chu Chen took the opportunity to observe her closely and indeed found Princess Xin Yue's face grim and her eyes slightly weary.
She must not have slept well last night and was being asked to wake up early to recite poetry, which was why she was so irritable.
Thinking this, Chu Chen dared not delay. He quickly retrieved the poetry books and carefully presented them to the Princess.
"By the way, that planting method you mentioned yesterday, explain it to me in more detail!"
"Your Highness the Princess is too kind! Your humble servant is but a rustic villager, how could I dare to explain to a Princess?"
With the boost from the "Clever and Resourceful" skill, Chu Chen was certain that this was not the time to show off his knowledge!
However, as soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Sheng suddenly darted out from the side.
"How dare you disobey Princess Xin Yue's command? Do you wish to die!"
"Princess Xin Yue, this foolish servant does not understand the rules and insults your dignity! I beg you to immediately order his execution!"
Princess Xin Yue's face darkened, and she slowly looked up at Chu Chen.
Zhang Sheng, standing nearby, was instantly filled with glee, a sinister smile unconsciously appearing on his face.
You little brat, for not knowing the rules last night! Pay attention in your next life!
However, before he could revel in his triumph for too long, Princess Xin Yue's gaze suddenly shifted.
"I am speaking to him, who gave you permission to interject? Do I need you to teach me whether he should be executed or not!"
"Your servant did not mean that! Your servant merely feels that Little Chen Zi does not know how to respect Her Highness the Princess..."
"Silence! I think you are the one who doesn't understand the rules! Guards, drag him out and beat him to death in court!"
This time, Zhang Sheng was completely panicked. He fell to his knees with a thud, repeatedly kowtowing.
"Your Highness the Princess! Your servant knows his mistake! Your servant deserves death! I beg Your Highness the Princess to show mercy and spare your humble servant's life!"
"Little Chen Zi! Brother Chu Chen! Save me!"
However, no matter how Zhang Sheng pleaded, Princess Xin Yue showed no intention of revoking her order.
Chu Chen dared not speak further and could only stand obediently in place, watching Zhang Sheng being dragged out of the hall.
Accompanied by a series of piercing screams, it wasn't long before Zhang Sheng died in a pool of blood.
This turned out to be quite the outcome! He had intended to frame Chu Chen, but in the end, he had played away his own life!
"This is not me trying to harm you; it's you yourself who didn't know how to read the room. Pay attention in your next life!"
Chu Chen thought to himself, and at the same time, he truly understood that Princess Xin Yue's peculiar temper was not without reason!
"Forget it, forget it! It's all that fool's fault just now, making me lose the mood to read! I'll take a rest today!"
Seeing Princess Xin Yue put down her book and prepare to leave, Chu Chen and the others secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"We bid farewell..."
"Chu Chen! You come out, accompany me for a walk outside!"
Before Chu Chen could finish speaking, he was startled into taking a sharp breath by Princess Xin Yue.
"Your... your servant will accompany you?"
"What? Is that not allowed?"
Seeing Princess Xin Yue's cold, clear eyes, how could Chu Chen dare to say anything else?
"Yes! Of course, it's allowed! Your servant's ancestors must have accumulated virtue to be favored by Her Highness the Princess!"
Chu Chen obediently followed Princess Xin Yue and slowly walked out of the Imperial Study.
Meanwhile, Steward Chen and the others' eyes showed a hint of worry.
"Little Chen Zi is in trouble now! I hope he can turn misfortune into fortune!"
Upon reaching the outside of the hall, several guards were cleaning the bloodstains from the bluestone slabs.
Although Zhang Sheng's body had already been removed, just looking at the blood all over the ground made it easy to imagine how tragic the scene had been.
Seeing this, Chu Chen further reminded himself to remain vigilant!
Princess Xin Yue walked silently all the way, and Chu Chen dared not speak, only following obediently behind her.
Before long, they arrived at a courtyard. As soon as they reached the entrance, they heard the sound of weapons clashing from within.
Upon closer inspection, this was the training ground for the Imperial City guards. Many soldiers in the courtyard were practicing combat with their weapons.
Seeing this scene, Princess Xin Yue's eyes immediately lit up, and she became interested.
But just as she was about to step forward, she was stopped by a maidservant beside her.
"Your Highness the Princess, swords and spears have no eyes. Please do not approach, lest you get injured!"
"Ahem! Your Highness the Princess, before entering the palace, your servant learned some martial arts and can barely protect you!"
Chu Chen seized the opportunity to speak proactively, which indeed piqued Princess Xin Yue's interest.
"You know martial arts too?"
"I only know a little bit, not worth mentioning!"
"Alright! If that's the case, then why don't you demonstrate it in front of me! It's the first time I've heard that eunuchs can also practice martial arts!"