"Chu Chen killed Zhao Long, this is a monumental achievement, perhaps the Emperor will reward him?"
He paid no attention to the imperial capital's public opinion. He was currently in a secluded courtyard,
Confined indoors.
This courtyard was dilapidated, clearly having been uninhabited for a long time. It was empty all around, with only an old servant standing by a well.
"Master," the old servant said respectfully, bowing. "Zhao Long's death has already caused an uproar. The major powers are all stirring, seemingly unable to hold back any longer."
"Heh, these rats all want to take advantage of the situation to carve up the Zhao Kingdom's empire," Chu Chen scoffed. "If they want to reap the benefits, they'll have to ask if this general is willing."
The old servant asked, "Then what will Master do next?"
"We'll watch and wait for them to fight until they're both dead, then we'll make our move and reap the benefits," Chu Chen said, narrowing his eyes.
"Then I will arrange for people to keep a close watch on them," the old servant replied and withdrew. At the same time, a storm that would sweep across the empire was about to descend.
The common people in the imperial capital felt somewhat bewildered, not knowing what had happened.
But every day they could feel a murderous aura permeating the air, making them tremble with fear and anxiety.
Moreover, this atmosphere intensified, gradually spreading to a more severe state. Soon, the entire imperial capital was shrouded in gloom, and everyone was in danger.
Meanwhile, in the Zhao family's main hall, many Zhao family elders were gathered to discuss a solution.
"Zhao Long is dead!" an elder roared. "No wonder third brother rushed to the Chu mansion yesterday, it was because of Zhao Long's death!"
"I had already advised him not to easily provoke Chu Chen, but he wouldn't listen. Now he's dead in vain," another elder sighed.
"Alas, third brother was too impulsive," an elder lamented, shaking his head.
"This Chu Chen is too arrogant, he must be taught a lesson," the Zhao family patriarch slammed the table, his face burning with rage. "No, I cannot swallow this insult!"
"Father, what do you plan to do?" the second elder frowned.
The Zhao family patriarch snorted coldly and said, "Immediately mobilize the Chu family's private soldiers and go to the Chu mansion tonight to capture Chu Chen!"
"That's not wise!" the third elder quickly said. "Zhao Long's death involves many parties. If the Chu family intervenes, they will surely be mired in trouble.
Not only will they offend the imperial family, but they will also be attacked by the other six great families!"
"The third elder is right," the second elder agreed. "I believe it is not yet time to make a move against Chu Chen.
After all, he is still the commander of the Imperial Guards. If he dies, the court will definitely investigate, and we must first distance ourselves from the matter."
The Zhao family patriarch frowned upon hearing this, "Then, according to your opinion?"
"Endure for now, lie low, and wait for the opportune moment," the second elder said.
"Hmph!" the Zhao family patriarch snorted coldly, dissatisfied. "Our Zhao family has been bullied to this extent, yet we cannot get revenge. Are we going to let Chu Chen continue to roam free?"
"This matter needs to be discussed at length," the third elder said.
The many elders of the Zhao family looked troubled, clearly not agreeing with the Zhao family patriarch's actions.
Just then, a guard in black suddenly ran into the hall and knelt on one knee, cupping his fist. "Reporting to the patriarch, someone from the Prince of Qin's mansion has sent a secret letter, specifically asking for it to be delivered to you."
A secret letter? The Zhao family patriarch was slightly stunned, took the letter, and opened it. Moments later, the Zhao family patriarch became furious and threw the letter away, roaring, "You scoundrel!"
"What's going on?" The other elders in the hall cast their gazes.
"These bastards!" the Zhao family patriarch was extremely angry. "They are demanding that Chu Chen hand over the tiger tally, or they will slaughter the Chu family and Chu Chen's nine generations of relatives!"
"Presumptuous!" a hot-tempered elder cursed. "This is clearly an attempt to put the Chu family to death!"
"What a vicious scheme!" another elder said furiously.
"If Chu Chen hands over the tiger tally, it would be like offering his head to the enemy. What's the difference between that and seeking death?"
"Patriarch, we absolutely cannot agree to their demand!" The elders spoke one after another, all opposing the proposal.
"These damn bastards!" the Zhao family patriarch trembled with rage. "They are forcing the Chu family to rebel. If we agree,
It will surely escalate the conflict between the two great families, and then the imperial capital will flow with blood!"
"These scoundrels!"
"This is outrageous!" The Zhao family elders in the hall were all indignant and furious.
The Zhao family patriarch's expression was also extremely grim as he said, "This secret letter makes no mention of the tiger tally. Who sent it?"
"It was the steward of the Prince of Qin's mansion. He said the secret letter was sent by the Princess of Qin to the patriarch," the black-clothed guard replied.
"It was sent by the Princess of Qin?" The Zhao family patriarch was stunned for a moment, then sneered.
"The Princess of Qin is truly thoughtful. Since she sent a secret letter to threaten us, let's fulfill her wish."
"In that case, we will use the Princess of Qin's hand to get rid of Chu Chen," the second elder said sinisterly.
"I'd like to see if Chu Chen has three heads and six arms to contend with a prince?"
"Good, if that's the case, then it's decided. Tomorrow night at midnight, the Chu mansion!"
The Zhao family patriarch waved his sleeve, extremely domineering and unchallengeable. "Our Zhao family is allied with the Prince of Qin's mansion. If Chu Chen dares to defy the princess, he must bear the consequences!"
"Chu Chen, do you know you've caused trouble?" In a small room, Liu Mengli lay on the bed, her beautiful face pale, her forehead covered in sweat.
"I've caused trouble?" Chu Chen was slightly stunned, then said lightly, "So, you're saying I'm not causing trouble?"
"You killed Zhao Long," Liu Mengli said weakly.
"Oh?" Chu Chen feigned surprise. "I thought they would come looking for me. I didn't expect them to target the Chu family. They really think highly of me."
"What are you going to do?" Liu Mengli asked. "Although the Chu family has a deep foundation, facing the suppression of imperial power, they probably won't last for many years."
Chu Chen rubbed his nose and said indifferently, "When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll cover it with earth. I don't believe this Princess of Qin can stir up any significant trouble."
As his voice fell, Chu Chen turned and walked out of the small room, leaving Liu Mengli stunned. "He truly has no fear..."
Chu family.
"Chu Chen, are you really going?" Chu Yunshan said with a worried expression. "That Zhao Long is no simple person, his strength is immensely powerful.
And he is the commander of the Iron Cavalry Camp, controlling a large army. If we clash head-on, we might suffer a loss."
Chu Chen stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard, gazing into the distance, and said leisurely, "Since I cannot avoid it, I will face it bravely.
If the Zhao family wants to deal with me, I cannot just sit and wait for death."