Chu Chen's brow furrowed slightly at the words, but he didn't retort, understanding Lin Yangze's meaning. It was indeed true that he had saved his life.
"Do you know this person?" Lin Yangze produced a portrait and handed it to Chu Chen.
Chu Chen took it and glanced at it. His pupils constricted for a moment, then he regained his composure.
"I do!"
"Oh?" Lin Yangze exclaimed, "So you are indeed in league with them?"
Chu Chen shook his head and said in a low voice, "I have never met the person named Ye Feng."
"I see. Then rest assured, as long as I am here, you will be safe," Lin Yangze said with a smile. "However, the rules of our Prefectural Office are strict. I worry that you might face difficulties after entering. At that time, don't forget my kindness."
Chu Chen smiled faintly. "Don't worry, although I am not talented, I know my limits."
He sighed inwardly, thinking, *This Lin Yangze is truly despicable. He actually wants me to pretend to be his servant and sneak into the Prefectural Office.*
*Then, I will seize the Prefectural Seal at the opportune moment.*
However, Chu Chen was happy to cooperate with such a plan, as he was confident he could obtain the Prefectural Seal before Lin Yangze could betray him.
"Since that's the case, you can rest here for a while. The banquet will begin soon, and I will arrange for someone to pick you up then." Lin Yangze nodded and walked away.
Watching Lin Yangze's receding figure, Chu Chen let out a disdainful smile and muttered to himself, "This old man is so foolish. After so many years, he still hasn't changed his wicked nature."
That evening, as night fell, the Northern Desolation Prefectural Office was brightly lit and bustling with activity.
A banquet was set up within the Prefectural Office to entertain distinguished guests, and many of the Prefect's direct descendants were in attendance.
Lin Yangze was also present, seated at the head table, engaged in lively conversation with several colleagues, enjoying himself immensely.
As for Chu Chen, Lin Yangze had arranged for him to be seated at a side table. His companions were mostly high-ranking officials of the Prefectural Office and important figures from various factions.
Aside from Lin Yangze, the others carried themselves with an air of arrogance, completely ignoring Chu Chen.
Chu Chen maintained a smile, seemingly unfazed, but inwardly he scoffed, *What are these people worth?*
"The Prefect has arrived!" a servant suddenly ran in to announce.
Chu Chen looked towards the entrance and saw a group of officials escorting a man in a magnificent brocade robe as he slowly entered.
This man was around thirty years old, with a commanding presence and an extraordinary demeanor. He was Lin Yunsong, the Prefect of the Northern Desolation Prefecture, a man of considerable power.
The entire Northern Desolation Prefecture was under his rule.
Today was his birthday, and he was hosting a banquet for the prominent figures and heroes from all over the Northern Desolation, using the occasion to forge connections.
"Greetings, Lord Prefect!" everyone at the banquet stood up and cupped their fists in salute.
"Haha, please be at ease, everyone!" Lin Yunsong waved his hand with a smile and then took his seat at the head of the table.
At this moment, Lin Yangze stood up, cupped his fists towards Lin Yunsong, and said with a smile, "Father, I have made the arrangements as you requested. That young man named Chu Chen is in the adjacent courtyard. Rest assured, he will not be able to escape."
Lin Yunsong nodded and smiled, "This matter is entrusted to you."
"Father, just watch," Lin Yangze declared confidently.
"Very good, very good. Thank you for your hard work!" After Lin Yangze left, Lin Yunsong's expression turned grim.
His eyes flashed with a cold glint, and he said in a chilling voice, "Hmph! That Chu fellow, how dare he insult my daughter! I will have him flayed alive and his ashes scattered!"
Many people present were stunned by these words.
Chu Chen, in particular, felt a jolt of alarm and thought, *This is bad!*
*Wasn't Lin Yunsong's daughter that ugly Zhao Zirou? How did she become the Prefect's daughter, and a concubine's daughter at that?*
Chu Chen's head buzzed, and he was instantly plunged into despair. He was likely going to be killed!
"Father, how should this scoundrel be dealt with?" a servant asked.
"Kill him!" Lin Yunsong said coldly.
"As you command!" The servant immediately turned and walked towards Chu Chen.
"Wait!" Chu Chen hurriedly called out, "This is a misunderstanding! Please let me explain!"
"Hmph, a misunderstanding? How can there be so many misunderstandings?"
Lin Yunsong stared coldly at Chu Chen and said in a chilling voice, "Considering it's your first offense, I'll spare your life! Guards, drag him out and execute him!"
Instantly, dozens of Prefectural Office guards rushed in, intending to apprehend Chu Chen.
"Wait!" Chu Chen said frantically, "Young Master Lin, you can't do this to me! Lord Prefect, please, save me..."
"Heh heh, save you? Who do you think you are!" Lin Yangze sneered, then waved his hand, signaling the guards to proceed.
Chu Chen's face turned pale, and his body grew cold. He was completely unprepared and didn't even have time to react!
"Crack!" A crisp sound of bone breaking echoed, accompanied by a piercing scream. His entire face contorted in pain, and he broke out in a cold sweat.
The scene was so brutal and savage that the surrounding onlookers were struck with fear and fell silent.
"Bang!" Lin Yunsong slammed his hand on the table, glaring at Chu Chen, and roared, "Chu Chen, you dare collude with outsiders to plot for the Prefectural Seal! You deserve to die! Guards, arrest him and throw him into prison."
As soon as the words fell, several fierce guards pounced forward, seized Chu Chen, and dragged him towards the Hall of Punishments.
Lin Yunsong revealed a satisfied, sinister grin. "This time, you are doomed!"
"Lin Yangze, you are despicable!" Chu Chen glared at him through gritted teeth, his eyes filled with intense hatred.
He never imagined that he would be framed, and by the person he trusted the most, Lin Yangze.
Lin Yangze sneered and curled his lips. "You good-for-nothing, you still have the nerve to curse me? Did you really think I believed you could help me deal with Chu Chen? To tell you the truth, I arranged all of this deliberately, just so you would die!"
"You, you are卑鄙无耻 (bēibǐ wúchǐ - despicable and shameless)!" Chu Chen's anger surged, his chest heaving violently. He almost fainted.
"I am despicable? Heh heh, compared to you, a waste, I'm still far behind!"
With that, Lin Yangze flicked his sleeve and left.
"Bang!" Chu Chen was thrown into the Hall of Punishments, groaning in agony, his body covered in cold sweat.
The Hall of Punishments was specifically designed to punish subordinates who defied the Prefect's orders, and the instruments of torture used within were even more cruel.
Everyone who entered would endure immense suffering and torment.
Chu Chen's miserable state caused the surrounding onlookers to whisper amongst themselves.
"Heh heh, Lin Yangze is indeed ruthless. He actually used such means to deal with a new recruit. Isn't he afraid of angering the Prefect?"
"Yes! Who told that kid to be so blind and provoke Lin Yangze? He deserves it."
"I warned him long ago not to cause trouble for Lin Yangze. Now look at him, he jumped right into the pit himself. He can't blame anyone else."