After a long while, the man removed the cloth from his face, revealing a face of extreme allure.
"Master, your subordinate has found out," the man knelt on one knee and reported respectfully.
"Speak," the man uttered a single word in a low, hoarse voice.
"Chu Chen is a discarded illegitimate son from twenty years ago. The Chu family was once a prominent family in the Southern Jing Kingdom.
However, after the death of the old patriarch of the Chu family, the Chu family gradually declined, even falling to the status of a third-rate family."
"Continue," the man said indifferently.
"After the death of the old patriarch of the Chu family, the head of the Chu family expelled Chu Chen from the family, and they have been out of contact ever since."
The man narrowed his eyes, lost in thought. After a moment, he slowly said, "Continue to have people monitor Chu Chen's movements."
"Yes, Master," the man replied and then retreated silently.
When the man was left alone in the room, a sinister smile slowly curved his lips. "Chu Chen, I hope you don't disappoint this Venerable One."
The next day, at dawn, Chu Chen changed into a black tight-fitting outfit.
"Young Master, are you going to an appointment today?" the maid asked in confusion.
"Mmm," Chu Chen nodded.
Seeing this, the maid couldn't help but advise, "Young Master, you shouldn't go out during this time. It would be bad if you were discovered."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
After saying this, Chu Chen quickly walked towards the main gate of the Chu mansion. He didn't believe Huangfu Chen's words.
Huangfu Chen wanted to use a borrowed knife to kill, to use him to eliminate the Crown Prince.
He didn't mind doing Huangfu Chen a favor. He had been worrying about how to bring down Huangfu Chen, and now the opportunity had arrived.
"Chu Chen, where are you going?" Chu Yunting asked as he adjusted his clothes.
Chu Chen stopped and turned his head, glancing indifferently at Chu Yunting. "I have some urgent matters and need to rush to the palace."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yunting nodded. "Be safe on your way."
"I will," Chu Chen nodded.
With that, he quickly strode out of the Chu mansion. In the carriage, Chu Chen sat with his eyes closed, resting. Huangfu Chen's words from last night kept replaying in his mind.
Huangfu Chen had said that if he did as he was told, Huangfu Chen would help him seize the position of Crown Prince.
Thinking of this, Chu Chen pursed his lips, his gaze growing firmer.
Only by ascending to the position of Crown Prince could he clear his mother's name and restore her freedom.
Huangfu Chen lounged lazily on a couch, picked up a cup of fragrant tea, and took a sip. "Has Chu Chen entered the palace?"
A guard beside him nodded. "Reporting to His Highness the Crown Prince, Lord Chu has just arrived at the palace."
Hearing this, a determined glint flashed in Huangfu Chen's eyes. "Good, prepare yourselves. This Crown Prince will go to the Imperial Garden to enjoy the scenery immediately."
The guard took his orders and retreated at once.
Not long after, a magnificent carriage slowly drove into the Imperial Garden, driven by Huangfu Chen himself.
Huangfu Chen glanced around the Imperial Garden, and after confirming that Chu Chen had entered, a smile slowly curved his lips. He then quickened the pace of the carriage.
Soon, the carriage arrived in the Imperial Garden, and Huangfu Chen alighted from it.
"Your subject greets His Highness the Crown Prince," Chu Chen said, quickly stepping forward upon seeing Huangfu Chen.
"You are dismissed," Huangfu Chen waved his hand and then signaled to his attendant.
The attendant nodded and immediately began to survey the surroundings, to prevent any other eavesdroppers from lurking nearby.
Huangfu Chen looked at Chu Chen before him, a flicker of disgust quickly crossing his eyes, though it was well hidden.
"Lord Chu is indeed the eldest grandson of the Chu family, truly dignified and imposing," Huangfu Chen said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen humbly shook his head. "Your Highness flatters me."
"I heard that Lord Chu's martial arts are quite formidable. Today, this Crown Prince has brought a master.
Lord Chu, have a spar with him and see whose martial arts are superior," Huangfu Chen said slowly.
Hearing this, Chu Chen's brows furrowed, clearly reluctant to engage with Huangfu Chen's man.
Seeing Chu Chen's hesitation, a faint smile always lingered on Huangfu Chen's lips.
"Could it be that Lord Chu is unwilling to spar with me?"
Chu Chen immediately retorted, "No, I haven't refused to spar with Your Highness, it's just..."
"Oh, so Lord Chu is unwilling to fight my man?" Huangfu Chen's tone suddenly turned cold.
Seeing that Huangfu Chen had misunderstood his intentions, Chu Chen couldn't help but frown. He disliked being misunderstood.
However, due to the circumstances, he had to suppress his anger and say, "I am just worried about harming innocent people."
"Heh heh... Lord Chu, rest assured, they are all my most elite subordinates, highly skilled in martial arts, and absolutely incapable of harming innocent people.
If Lord Chu is afraid, this Crown Prince will not force you; you can choose not to agree."
Huangfu Chen's attitude was clear. If Chu Chen chose to back down or refuse, he would have no bargaining power left.
Chu Chen clenched his fists so tightly that they creaked. He took a deep breath, trying hard to remain calm.
"Your Highness, I agree to your terms. However, please remember that I will only act on your behalf. Please do not drag me down with other matters."
Hearing this, Huangfu Chen smiled wickedly. "Lord Chu, you jest. How could I possibly drag you down? No matter what terms Lord Chu proposes, I will do my best to satisfy them."
Chu Chen sneered inwardly. "Then, Your Highness, could you first have a chessboard prepared?"
He was determined to reclaim all the humiliation he had suffered these past few months!
"Alright, please wait a moment." With that, Huangfu Chen turned and instructed the guards to prepare it.
A short while later, a table carved with golden dragon patterns was placed before Chu Chen.
Chairs were placed on either side of the table, and Huangfu Chen sat elegantly in one of them.
"Lord Chu, please," Chu Chen walked to the table without hesitation and sat down. The moment he sat down, he keenly felt as if he were being watched.
When he turned to look, he found nothing unusual, which made Chu Chen vigilant.
"Lord Chu, it's your turn," Huangfu Chen said with a light laugh, his tone gentle and refined, as if he were merely admiring the scenery.
Chu Chen remained silent, picked up a white piece from the chessboard, and began to play. With each move he made,
his expression grew more grim, until finally, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Seeing this, a mocking look flashed in Huangfu Chen's eyes. "Lord Chu, this move is wrong. You've made a mistake."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen immediately looked up at Huangfu Chen, surprise flashing in his eyes. He couldn't see through Chen's game.