Demoted to ordinary soldiers, and as for Zhao Long's confidants, all were imprisoned and would be executed tomorrow at noon!
After speaking, Chu Chen left. He didn't rush to kill Zhao Long, as Zhao Long held a second-rank official position.
If he were to kill him, it would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar and even strain the relationship between the Shengxuan Sect and the imperial family, which would be extremely detrimental to the Chu family.
After leaving the military camp, Chu Chen went straight to the imperial palace gate. The guards were strict, and the defenses were exceptionally tight.
Ordinary people had no way to sneak into the palace, but Chu Chen appeared very relaxed, walking in leisurely. He soon arrived at the imperial garden.
"Your Majesty, this humble minister is late," Chu Chen said, cupping his fists.
"General Chu has arrived. Please sit down and have some tea," Li Yunxiao waved his hand, pointing to a seat beside him.
Chu Chen nodded, sat down opposite Li Yunxiao, and picked up the teapot to pour for both of them.
"General Chu's actions are for Zhao Long, aren't they?" Li Yunxiao asked.
"Indeed." Chu Chen nodded and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Zhao Long is ambitious and must not be tolerated."
Li Yunxiao sighed and said, "I know you and Zhao Long do not get along, but I must remind you.
Zhao Long's background is not ordinary. If you kill him, you may bring about immense trouble."
Li Yunxiao's worries were not unfounded. If Chu Chen killed Zhao Long, it would surely anger the Zhao clan.
The entire Zhao Kingdom would be shaken, and given Zhao Long's status, the court would certainly pay attention, putting the Chu family in danger.
Chu Chen smiled faintly and said, "Since I have killed him, I am prepared to bear the consequences. Zhao Long has wolf-like ambition and desires to usurp the throne.
Your Majesty should not be sentimental. Please grant your consent."
Chu Chen's attitude was firm. Since he had chosen this path, he had no intention of turning back. If Zhao Long lived, Chu Chen would not be able to rest easy.
Li Yunxiao frowned. He originally disagreed with Chu Chen killing Zhao Long, as this was no trivial matter.
Zhao Long's identity was too sensitive. If Chu Chen killed him, it might bring about utter destruction.
However, since Chu Chen was determined to kill Zhao Long, Li Yunxiao could do nothing but sigh and say,
"Alright, Zhao Long must die. But I do not wish for you to be implicated. Do you understand?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding." Chu Chen cupped his fists and said, "There is also one more matter that I wish to request of Your Majesty."
"What is it?" Li Yunxiao asked, puzzled.
"I wish to take three thousand cavalry out of the army," Chu Chen said.
"Leave the army?" Li Yunxiao was taken aback, then nodded and said, "Very well. I approve of you leading three thousand cavalry to campaign in the northwest wilderness."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Chu Chen bowed in gratitude and then took his leave.
After Chu Chen left, an old man slowly emerged and looked at Li Yunxiao with a solemn expression, saying,
"Your Majesty, this child is ruthless. Keeping him by your side may cause future trouble. It would be best to kill him sooner rather than later."
"Elder Zhang's words are indeed true," Li Yunxiao nodded, his eyes deep, and said softly.
"This child's strength is formidable. If allowed to grow, he may threaten our imperial power. He must be eliminated!"
"Your Majesty, rest assured. Your subordinate will dispatch experts to assassinate him," Elder Zhang smiled slightly, his tone sinister.
"Although he has some skill, it is a fool's dream to escape from this old man's hands!"
Li Yunxiao smiled with satisfaction upon hearing this and praised, "Elder Zhang, you have worked hard during this period. After the matter is concluded, I will surely reward you handsomely!"
Elder Zhang immediately knelt on one knee, his expression agitated, and said, "It is this old servant's honor to serve Your Majesty. This old servant will do his utmost, even to death."
After leaving the military camp, Chu Chen returned directly to the General's mansion.
"General," the Chu family's steward greeted Chu Chen as he returned, saying, "Are you alright?"
"Yes." Chu Chen nodded and asked, "Where is Zhao Long's body?"
"It is over there. The master specifically instructed me to guard it, lest it be tampered with," the steward replied.
Chu Chen followed the steward into a room. He saw Zhao Long lying on the bed, covered in blood, his eyes wide open, dying with grievances.
"Zhao Long, did you ever imagine a day like this?" Chu Chen gazed at Zhao Long indifferently, his tone laced with mockery and pity.
"In the past, we fought each other, and in the end, I won, and you lost to me. Therefore, you lived your entire life in regret."
Zhao Long died with his eyes wide open. Hearing Chu Chen's words before his death, his heart was filled with intense resentment. He could not understand why he was inferior to Chu Chen in any way.
"You don't need to hate me. There is no medicine for regret in this world. Since you chose to oppose me, you must be prepared to accept defeat."
Chu Chen shook his head and suddenly sighed, "If you did not die, how could I have the glory I have today? How could I have the status I have today? This is all your own doing..."
He muttered a few words to himself, then turned and left the Zhao mansion. As soon as he stepped onto the street, the sound of horse hooves echoed.
A luxurious carriage approached and stopped in front of Chu Chen.
"General Chu, long time no see?" The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and the Princess of Qin stepped out, smiling.
The Princess of Qin was dressed in opulent robes, exuding an elegant and dignified aura. She looked at Chu Chen, a hint of admiration in her beautiful eyes, and said,
"General Chu is young and accomplished, with talents that astound the ancients. This humble woman admires you greatly and has specifically come to invite General Chu for a drink."
Chu Chen glanced at the Princess of Qin indifferently and said, "Your Highness, I am very busy at the moment. I cannot accompany you."
With that, he walked around the Princess of Qin and left.
The Princess of Qin watched Chu Chen's retreating back, her delicate eyebrows furrowed. A cold glint flashed in her beautiful eyes, and she said,
"He truly doesn't know what's good for him! A mere brute, daring to refuse this Princess, he is simply courting death!"
A fierce look flashed in her eyes, and she waved her sleeve, coldly snorting, "Guards!"
"Your Highness, what are your orders?" A black-clad guard emerged from the shadows.
"Take a hundred elites and assassinate Chu Chen. Spare no expense. You must kill him!" the Princess of Qin said sternly.
The black-clad guard immediately saluted, "Your subordinate obeys." With that, he silently departed.
"Chu Chen, I shall see if you can survive tonight!" the Princess of Qin said with a cold smile, "Guards."
"Your subordinate is here."
"Immediately issue an order to gather all hidden guards and proceed to the Chu family at midnight tonight!"
"As you command!"
"Chu Chen, for slandering my reputation, tonight I will tear you to shreds!" the Princess of Qin gritted her teeth, her face contorted.
The next day, he led five thousand cavalry out of the imperial capital and headed northwest. As Chu Chen led his troops away, the news spread throughout the capital, causing an immediate stir.
"It is said that Zhao Long died by Chu Chen's sword. Is this news reliable?"
"Does that need questioning? Such a thing cannot be hidden. The entire imperial city is already abuzz with it."