"Young Master Chu, you lost," Huangfu Chen said with a smile.
Hearing this, Chu Chen looked down and indeed saw a chess piece in the center of the board that had been placed unstably and had lost its fighting power.
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness," Chu Chen cupped his hands and bowed, his tone still steady, showing no hint of panic.
Seeing this, Huangfu Chen's eyes narrowed imperceptibly, and then he curved his lips, "Since Young Master Chu has agreed to be my personal guard, are you ready?"
"Your Highness, please rest assured. I am fully prepared and will accompany you to the palace tomorrow," Chu Chen replied.
"That is excellent." With that, Huangfu Chen turned and left the imperial garden, leaving Chu Chen standing alone.
Chu Chen narrowed his eyes, staring at Huangfu Chen's departing back, a dark glint surging in his eyes. He would make Huangfu Chen pay sooner or later!
Meanwhile, as Huangfu Chen returned to the Eastern Palace, a man in a grey brocade robe quickly approached him.
"Your Highness, I was ordered to monitor Chu Chen," the grey-robed man said, kneeling on one knee respectfully.
"Mm, you've worked hard. Has Chu Chen shown any unusual behavior recently?" Huangfu Chen asked indifferently.
"Not yet, for now," the grey-robed man replied truthfully.
"Continue to monitor him, and be careful not to alert him."
"Your subordinate obeys." The next morning, Chu Chen changed into his court attire and, accompanied by guards, entered the palace to meet Huangfu Chen.
Huangfu Chen sat in the magnificent hall, a faint smile on his handsome face, exuding an air of elegance and charm.
"Father, your son has brought his personal guard," Huangfu Chen's voice was soft and pleasant, like a spring breeze caressing a lake, refreshing the mind.
Chu Chen entered the hall with the guards. He looked up and saw the Emperor seated at the head of the hall.
Although it had only been a few months, the Emperor had aged considerably. His temples were streaked with white, his face was haggard, and he appeared much older.
"Chu Chen pays his respects to His Majesty," Chu Chen bowed respectfully to the Emperor, his tone humble and sincere.
"Rise." The Emperor's voice was hoarse and dry. After thanking him, Chu Chen straightened up.
Huangfu Chen's gaze swept over Chu Chen, and a smile played on his lips. He knew Chu Chen would not disappoint him.
Although Chu Chen's appearance was only average, his demeanor was exceptionally reserved, giving him a steady impression.
"Father, is there something important you wished to discuss with your son?" Huangfu Chen's voice was gentle, making one feel comfortable.
Hearing this, the Emperor withdrew his gaze from Chu Chen and looked at Huangfu Chen.
"Chen'er, I have summoned you today to discuss a marriage arrangement. What do you think of the young lady from the Chu family?"
Huangfu Chen's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected the Emperor to summon him for a marriage arrangement.
He had initially thought the Emperor wanted his help to deal with the assassins from Nanlin.
"Your son believes Miss Chu would be quite suitable for me. However, I wonder if Young Master Chu is interested in this marriage?"
Huangfu Chen's tone was very calm, making it difficult to fathom his thoughts.
Chu Chen frowned slightly, not answering immediately.
"Father, Young Master Chu is a distinguished guest of our State Uncle's mansion. If news of this marriage arrangement were to spread, it might cause a great stir.
It would be more prudent to discuss this at length." Huangfu Chen looked at Chu Chen with sincere goodwill.
However, she merely smiled slightly, "Brother Huangfu, there's no need for trouble. I accept this marriage."
Upon hearing Chu Chen's words, Huangfu Chen's face was filled with astonishment. He seemed surprised that Chu Chen would agree.
"Young Master Chu, this marriage concerns the diplomatic relations between two countries. Are you sure you have considered it carefully?" Huangfu Chen's voice carried a hint of seriousness.
He nodded, "Thank you for your kind consideration, Your Highness. I have considered it carefully."
Huangfu Chen's face then showed a faint smile, "That is excellent. In that case, we shall depart for the Northwest Continent in three days.
Young Master Chu will accompany me to the capital then."
"Yes," Chu Chen replied very readily. He had long been eager for revenge!
Chu Chen's involvement gave Huangfu Chen even more confidence in eliminating the Nanlin assassins. Once those assassins were dealt with, handling the Nanlin rebels would merely be a matter of time.
Thinking of this, Huangfu Chen's lips curved into a smile of determination. This time, he would ensure Nanlin's complete demise!
Chu Chen felt the same. He had endured for so many years and finally had the opportunity for revenge.
Time flew by, and three days passed in the blink of an eye. Chu Chen had already been dispatched from the capital yesterday.
Chu Chen rode at full speed, not stopping for three consecutive days. Finally, on the fourth day, he arrived in the western part of the Northwest Continent.
This was still more than five hundred li from the Nanlin border. Based on Chu Chen's speed, it would take another five days to reach Nanlin territory.
At the same time that Chu Chen set off, Huangfu Chen had also led his troops towards the Nanlin border.
A grand procession of two hundred thousand soldiers embarked on their journey, their target clearly Nanlin.
Chu Chen rode his horse at full speed, observing the surroundings. In the distance, a city towered into the clouds, magnificent and imposing.
"Young Master Chu, there is a post station ahead. You should rest for a while and depart tomorrow morning," the guard beside him reminded him.
Hearing this, Chu Chen nodded, then dismounted and followed the guard into the post station.
The room Chu Chen was assigned was a standard room, simple and sparsely furnished, with only a bed and a tea set.
However, this was of no consequence to Chu Chen, as long as he could stay by Huangfu Chen's side.
There were other young noblemen staying at the post station, all clad in armor, with swords at their waists, their figures robust and their faces heroic.
As Chu Chen slowly approached, a young man, about sixteen or seventeen years old, immediately stepped forward.
"Young Master Chu, why are you back so late! We were waiting for you for lunch!"
Hearing this, Chu Chen shook his head, "No need."
After saying this, Chu Chen walked directly to the table, picked up a steamed bun, took a bite, and began to eat ravenously.
Everyone present was stunned. Who would have thought that the usually refined Chu Chen would behave so crudely!
However, Chu Chen did not care what others thought of him. After he had eaten his fill, he lay on the bed to rest and recuperate.
As night fell, the imperial camp was brightly lit. Huangfu Chen was discussing matters of war with the Nanlin envoy.
"Your Highness, no matter how this battle is fought, the outcome will be the same. Why do you insist on attacking Nanlin?" the envoy asked Huangfu Chen with a puzzled look.
Huangfu Chen maintained a faint smile on his face. He reached up to smooth his bangs and said slowly.