A guard stopped Chu Chen and asked, "What are you doing here? This is the Ministry of Justice prison. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed to approach."
"You must be new here, you don't recognize me? My name is Chu Chen," Chu Chen replied.
The guard scrutinized Chu Chen for a few seconds, then his eyes widened in realization. "My apologies, Mr. Chu! Forgive my rudeness!"
"Mm," Chu Chen nodded and asked, "Is your commander here?"
"The commander is inside. I'll inform him immediately!" The guard's attitude was extremely respectful as he hurried into the prison to deliver the message.
"What's this guy's background? He seems quite formidable, even the Ministry of Justice officials are so deferential to him."
"He must be some noble's son. Look at his fine attire and the sword at his waist. Such an outfit is uncommon in the imperial city. He's likely the son of some prince or marquis."
"No wonder he's so arrogant, not even showing Lin Feng any respect."
The surrounding soldiers began to whisper amongst themselves, their gazes filled with apprehension towards Chu Chen. Although the Ministry of Justice prison was heavily guarded, anyone who dared to trespass was killed. They dared not risk obstructing him, lest they incur Chu Chen's wrath, which would lead to immense trouble.
Soon, the commander of the Ministry of Justice approached and bowed to Chu Chen, "Mr. Chu, what brings you to the Ministry of Justice today?"
"I have an urgent matter to attend to, and I thought I'd stop by," Chu Chen said, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding soldiers indifferently.
"My identity is to remain confidential for now. Do not reveal it to anyone."
"Understood!" The commander of the Ministry of Justice nodded and then asked, "May I know what business you have, Mr. Chu?"
"I'm just here to take a look." With that, Chu Chen turned and left the prison.
"Chu Chen..." The commander of the Ministry of Justice murmured thoughtfully, sensing that Chu Chen was somehow different from his usual self, at least in personality.
After leaving the Ministry of Justice prison, Chu Chen headed directly for the Prime Minister's mansion.
"Prime Minister, Prime Minister!" Chu Chen arrived outside the Prime Minister's mansion and was about to knock when the steward of the mansion emerged from the courtyard.
"Lord Chu? What brings you here?" The steward looked at Chu Chen in surprise, a bright smile appearing on his face. He remembered Chu Chen had saved his life once, and therefore held him in great respect.
"I have an urgent matter to discuss with the Prime Minister," Chu Chen stated directly, then looked at the steward and asked, "Is the Prime Minister at home?"
"Oh, please wait a moment, I'll inform him right away." The steward smiled and walked into the Prime Minister's mansion.
Inside the Prime Minister's mansion, in a luxurious hall, Li Tiannan, clad in brocade robes, stood by the window, gazing out at the street.
"Prime Minister, Chu Chen requests an audience," the steward hurried into the hall and announced.
"Chu Chen?" Li Tiannan raised an eyebrow and looked at the steward, asking, "What does he want with me?"
"Your subordinate does not know." The steward shook his head, unaware of what was happening.
"Let him in," Li Tiannan said. Since Chu Chen had come all this way, he couldn't very well refuse.
"Your subordinate obeys." The steward withdrew and soon brought Chu Chen before Li Tiannan.
Li Tiannan turned back, looked at Chu Chen, and then said with a smile, "Nephew Chu, I trust you are well."
Chu Chen smiled slightly and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister. However, I have come to ask for a favor."
"Oh? What is it?" Li Tiannan asked with great interest, appearing intrigued.
"I hope the Prime Minister can lend me some money, a considerable sum, preferably three thousand taels of silver."
Chu Chen said with a smile. Three thousand taels was not a large sum for Li Tiannan, but it was enough for him to accomplish many things.
Upon hearing Chu Chen's words, Li Tiannan's brow furrowed, and a hint of displeasure appeared on his face. He asked, "Nephew Chu, have you encountered difficulties? How much money do you need? Just say the word. I am not short of money."
"Prime Minister, you misunderstand. Your nephew merely wishes to purchase some items and is not short of funds," Chu Chen explained, sighing inwardly. As expected of the current Prime Minister, his ability to read people was exceptional.
"I see. Since you are not short of funds, I shall not interfere." Li Tiannan waved his hand and turned back to admire the scenery outside, seemingly uninterested in further conversation with Chu Chen.
"This..." Chu Chen was taken aback, not expecting Li Tiannan to dismiss him so readily.
"Prime Minister, please enjoy yourself. This humble nephew shall not disturb you further." Chu Chen cupped his hands and then turned to leave.
As he walked out of the hall, he happened to see Liu Yunyi approaching.
"Chu Chen?" Liu Yunyi was stunned to see Chu Chen, a flicker of disgust flashing in his eyes. "Hmph!"
"Well, well, isn't this the young master of the Chu family? What brings you to the Prime Minister's mansion?" Liu Yunyi taunted. He detested Chu Chen the most and always felt the urge to mock him whenever they met.
"I came to discuss some matters with the Prime Minister. What are you doing here?" Chu Chen retorted.
"Heh heh, discuss matters? How amusing. Do you think you can just see the Prime Minister whenever you please? Are you worthy? Get lost and stop blocking my sight!" Liu Yunyi sneered, looking at Chu Chen with utter contempt.
Chu Chen stared coldly at Liu Yunyi, his sharp gaze chilling. He suddenly reached out and grabbed Liu Yunyi by the neck, lifting him entirely off the ground. He said icily, "Do you believe I'll kill you right now?"
Liu Yunyi was terrified, his face pale, his body trembling. He shrieked in panic, "Chu Chen, what are you doing? This is the Prime Minister's mansion! Are you crazy?" Choked by the grip, his feet dangled in the air as he struggled, his face turning red and his eyes bulging, as if he were about to suffocate.
"Behave yourself, or I'll snap your neck!" Chu Chen glared fiercely at Liu Yunyi and threw him to the ground.
Liu Yunyi lay on the ground, coughing violently, his face ashen, looking at Chu Chen with lingering terror. However, more than fear, there was anger. He roared ferociously, "Chu Chen, how dare you lay hands on me? You're asking for death!"
Chu Chen looked coldly at Liu Yunyi, a fierce glint in his eyes. Liu Yunyi was immediately silenced, a strong sense of danger surging within him. He had never seen such a terrifying look in Chu Chen's eyes before, as if he were a demon crawling out of the deepest abyss.
"Shut your mouth!" Chu Chen pointed at Liu Yunyi's nose and scolded, "Who do you think you are, to insult my father? Even your own father isn't qualified to lecture me!" After speaking, Chu Chen directly walked out of the Prime Minister's mansion.
"Bastard!" Liu Yunyi was furious. He hadn't expected Chu Chen to say such a thing. "Chu Chen, you just wait! One day, I will crush you under my feet!" Liu Yunyi gritted his teeth, his fists clenched, his eyes filled with venomous killing intent.
Leaving the Prime Minister's mansion, Chu Chen returned home, Li Tiannan's arrogant and contemptuous attitude echoing in his mind, his anger burning ever brighter. "Li Tiannan, I will definitely make you pay for your actions today!" Chu Chen roared in his heart.