Not only that, Chu Chen's speed was astonishing, and his moves were fierce and overbearing. Each strike took several lives.
In the blink of an eye, the black-clothed men who had surrounded Xia Qingcheng and her maid were all killed by Chu Chen's sword.
Xia Qingcheng looked at Chu Chen in surprise, only to realize that Chu Chen was not as frail as he appeared on the surface.
"Thank you, young master, for saving my life." The maid immediately knelt on the ground, tears of gratitude streaming down her face. "My name is Qiushui, and I am a maid from the Prime Minister's mansion."
"Mmm." Chu Chen casually glanced at the maid, then turned and walked towards the Prime Minister's mansion.
Qiushui stared blankly at Chu Chen's retreating back, her heart pounding.
She had never seen such a handsome young man. His angular face was framed by sword-like eyebrows that slanted towards his temples.
His narrow, alluring peach blossom eyes were slightly narrowed, and his thin lips were sexy and tempting, exuding a fatal charm.
"Young master..." Qiushui murmured dazedly.
On the other side, Xia Qingcheng also caught up with Chu Chen. "Hey, do you still remember the way home?"
Chu Chen looked back at Xia Qingcheng, who was following closely behind him, and frowned slightly. "Why aren't you following me?"
"Heh heh, I want to follow you, is that not allowed?" Xia Qingcheng shrugged, her tone as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Chu Chen pursed his lips. "Then let's go back together. I happen to have something to give to Father."
Xia Qingcheng nodded upon hearing this.
After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the two successfully returned to the Prime Minister's mansion.
The Prime Minister's mansion was brightly lit. As soon as Xia Qingcheng and Chu Chen stepped through the gate, the butler hurried over.
"Young master, you're finally back." The butler wiped the sweat from his forehead, his expression flustered. "Your father has woken up, but his mental state doesn't seem very good."
Hearing this, Chu Chen's face immediately showed concern. "Where is Father now?"
"In the side hall," the butler replied.
Chu Chen nodded and immediately followed the butler towards the side hall.
Many servants stood at the entrance of the side hall. Seeing Chu Chen return, they all knelt on the ground in unison.
Chu Chen ignored them and walked straight into the side hall, where he saw his father, pale and seated on a chair.
"Father!" Seeing his father's haggard appearance, Chu Chen called out with concern.
Chu Father slowly looked up at Chu Chen. He grabbed Chu Chen's arm with trembling hands and said in a hoarse voice, "Chen'er, you're back."
Hearing his father's words, Chu Chen's eyes reddened. He nodded heavily, his voice choked with sobs. "I'm back too late. I've made Father suffer."
Chu Father shook his head and sighed. "Chen'er, do you know who I worry about the most?"
"Naturally, it's Mother," Chu Chen blurted out.
"Yes, from beginning to end, the one I worry about most is your mother," Chu Father said sadly.
"I know Mother is no longer with us, but Father doesn't need to be so heartbroken. We still have me and brother." Chu Chen comforted him.
Chu Father took a deep breath and slowly released Chu Chen's hand. "Chen'er, your mother's favorite food was plum blossom crisps.
She cared about you the most in her life, so you must take good care of your siblings for me."
Hearing his father mention his mother, Chu Chen could no longer hold back his tears. He nodded heavily.
"Father, please rest assured, your son will honor you well and will not fail your trust."
Chu Father smiled with relief. "Alright, you go out first. I'm tired and need to rest."
Hearing this, Chu Chen immediately responded and withdrew.
As soon as he closed the door, a familiar voice reached his ears.
"Chen'er, this is not a place to talk. Come with me."
Chu Chen frowned in confusion and followed the sound. He was surprised to see Huangfu Chen standing in the courtyard.
"What does His Highness Prince Chen want with me?" Chu Chen asked indifferently.
Although he was the third prince of the Southern Jing Kingdom, he showed no arrogance at all. Instead, he was full of humility and courtesy.
"I came today to tell you something," Huangfu Chen said in a deep voice, glancing coldly at Chu Chen.
"What is it?" Chu Chen asked suspiciously.
"I have investigated the matter that happened at the palace banquet today. It was actually the Crown Prince who designed to frame you," Huangfu Chen said with icy eyes.
Chu Chen looked at Huangfu Chen in surprise. "Is what His Highness Prince Chen said true?"
"Hmph, the Crown Prince is always cautious in his actions. How could he easily leave loopholes? This was all deliberate, just to shift the blame onto you."
Upon hearing this, a deep glint flashed in Chu Chen's eyes.
"Since you know this matter is related to the Crown Prince, why did you still help the Crown Prince frame me?"
"Because you deserve to die," Huangfu Chen said fiercely.
Chu Chen's lips curved into a mocking arc. "Does His Highness Prince Chen forget that the Crown Prince is the Emperor's eldest son?"
Huangfu Chen glanced coldly at Chu Chen. "Do you think I fear the Emperor?"
Chu Chen was stunned. How could he forget Huangfu Chen's special status? He had no need to fear the Emperor.
"So, what exactly does His Highness Prince Chen want?" Huangfu Chen's lips curved into a wicked smile. "You just need to do as I say."
Chu Chen hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. "Alright. How does His Highness Prince Chen plan to cooperate with the Crown Prince to frame me?"
"It's very simple. You just need to do as I instruct, and the Crown Prince will fall into the trap," Huangfu Chen said with a sinister smile.
Chu Chen lowered his gaze slightly, concealing the cold glint in his eyes.
"Your Highness Prince Chen, please rest assured, I will do as you say." Chu Chen said after a moment of silence.
Huangfu Chen nodded with satisfaction. "Since you've agreed, I will naturally keep my promise.
However, don't forget what you said. If you dare to deceive me, then the consequences... you should know, right?"
"Although I, Chu Chen, am not talented, my words count. Moreover, I am counting on His Highness Prince Chen to support me in ascending the throne," Chu Chen said with a smile.
Huangfu Chen nodded with satisfaction. "In that case, I will leave now." With that, Huangfu Chen turned and left the side hall.
After Huangfu Chen had gone far away, the gentle expression on Chu Chen's face instantly vanished, replaced by a strong killing intent.
He had been wondering what Huangfu Chen's intention was in suddenly seeking him out. Now he understood everything.
It turned out that Huangfu Chen had known his background for a long time, and he had always wanted to seize power.
Thinking of this, Chu Chen snorted coldly. "Huangfu Chen, do you really think I'm an idiot?
I would have been killed by you long ago. Now you want me to help you seize power? That's a pipe dream!"
As night fell, within the imperial palace.
In a secluded courtyard of the imperial palace, a man in black, with his face covered, stood quietly by the window.