"Otherwise, based on Long Kun's performance just now, he should have killed him directly."
"Chu Chen, you may withdraw. I have important matters to discuss with the Prime Minister," Long Kun said.
"Yes." Chu Chen cupped his fists, then turned and left the Golden Luan Hall.
"Prime Minister, what do you think of this person?" After Chu Chen left, Long Kun asked the old man.
The old man stroked his beard and said, "This young man has extraordinary talent, rich combat experience, and unfathomable strength. If he is cultivated properly,
He will surely become a formidable general in time!"
Long Kun praised, "That's right, he was the one who killed the assassin this time."
"What does Your Majesty intend for him to do?" the old man asked in confusion.
"I plan to have him infiltrate the Eastern Palace and monitor the Crown Prince for me, preventing him from having any chance to inherit the throne."
Long Kun said, his eyes turning fierce. He was unwilling to see his son become emperor.
"I see. As expected of Your Majesty, truly wise!" The old man flattered, "This person's strength is not weak. If he infiltrates the Eastern Palace, he should be able to accomplish it."
"Indeed. This matter is entrusted to you, Prime Minister. You must ensure it is foolproof!" Long Kun said.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. Your old minister will do his utmost and will not fail Your Majesty's trust!" the old man said solemnly, his expression extremely serious.
On the other side, after Chu Chen came out of the Golden Luan Hall, he was surrounded by a group of guards.
"Halt!" a shout rang out.
"Chu Chen, you have quite the nerve to dare to escape on your own?" Leading the guards to surround Chu Chen was Zhang Yong, who sneered, "You won't be leaving the imperial city today!"
"You are Zhang Yong?" Chu Chen glanced at Zhang Yong and casually asked.
"That's right!" Zhang Yong said proudly, looking down at Chu Chen with disdain. "Enough nonsense, hand over what you have on you immediately, or don't blame me for being impolite!"
"Oh? You want to rob me?" Chu Chen sneered, looking at the surrounding guards and saying indifferently, "Do you all want to rob me too?"
"That's right!" The guards chimed in, their eyes filled with greed.
"Haha..." Chu Chen suddenly burst into laughter, a mocking curve on his lips, and said playfully, "A bunch of trash, who gave you the courage?"
"You're seeking death!" Zhang Yong was furious and charged at Chu Chen first, sweeping his leg out with a whistling sound.
Chu Chen remained motionless, his eyes extremely cold. He suddenly raised his right leg and kicked out fiercely, his speed reaching its limit.
A whip kick landed on Zhang Yong's waist. A cracking sound of bone breaking was heard. Zhang Yong screamed and flew out, falling to the ground and groaning before losing consciousness.
"How is this possible?" A guard exclaimed in disbelief. Chu Chen's terrifying strike shocked everyone.
After dispatching Zhang Yong in one move, Chu Chen turned his gaze to the remaining dozens of guards and said, "Do you still want to try?"
The crowd hesitated, then retreated one after another, not daring to approach Chu Chen. The strength Chu Chen displayed was truly terrifying.
"Useless!" Chu Chen said contemptuously, then swaggered away from the Golden Luan Hall.
In the imperial palace, in the main hall of the Qian Yuan Hall, civil and military officials were gathered.
"My dear ministers, today is New Year's Eve. You should all celebrate heartily and drink to your heart's content, haha!" Long Kun said with a hearty laugh, appearing very pleased.
"Your Majesty, although New Year's Eve is a joyous festival, we heard that Your Majesty was attacked last night and were extremely worried, so we have come to visit Your Majesty."
A thin middle-aged man stepped forward, who was the Minister of Revenue, Qin Yang.
"Lord Qin need not worry, I am unharmed." Long Kun waved his hand and then instructed, "Eunuch Li, serve the meal."
"Yes." Eunuch Li responded respectfully and then left the hall.
A moment later, the dishes were served. The table was laden with delicacies, all mouth-watering in appearance, aroma, and taste.
"My dear ministers, please join me in raising your cups." Long Kun raised his wine cup and said with a hearty laugh.
"Your Majesty is wise!" The civil and military officials all stood up and raised their cups to drink.
After the first round of drinks, Qin Yang asked with a smile, "Your Majesty, has the matter of this assassination been investigated? Who sent them?"
Long Kun's face darkened, and he gritted his teeth, "I thought my second brother would have a peaceful New Year, but who knew he would send assassins to attack me? Truly ambitious!"
"This matter has already alarmed the imperial army. Your Majesty, please rest assured, news will come soon," Qin Yang said, a hint of schadenfreude appearing on his face.
"Your Majesty, it is rumored that Chu Chen was also involved in this assassination!" an official suddenly reminded.
"What? How is he?" Long Kun pressed, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.
"Chu Chen is fine. He has been apprehended by the Imperial Guard," the official said in a low voice.
"Insolent! Did I not tell you to take good care of him? If anything happens to him, I will hold you responsible!" Long Kun roared, frightening two officials into kneeling, trembling all over.
"Your minister is guilty." The two officials kowtowed in fear and confessed.
Long Kun frowned and pondered for a moment, then said, "You may withdraw. I will go see him myself."
"Your Majesty, absolutely not. Chu Chen is currently under the guard of the Imperial Guard. How can Your Majesty take such a risk?" Qin Yang quickly advised against it.
"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, it is best to remain inactive and observe the situation," another official also advised.
"Yes, Your Majesty, this matter can be handled by the Ministry of Justice," another official added.
"All of you, get out!" Long Kun suddenly roared, "I will return after seeing him once."
Seeing the enraged Long Kun, the hall fell silent.
...
"Chu Chen, His Majesty has come to see you. Hurry and come with me," Eunuch Li arrived outside the Qian Yuan Hall and called out to Chu Chen.
"Let's go." Chu Chen said indifferently, then turned and followed Eunuch Li.
"Chu Chen, His Majesty only wants to see you alone. You'd best not play any tricks, or you'll know the consequences!" Eunuch Li warned, his tone full of threat.
"How dare you speak to me like that, you servant! Believe it or not, I'll beat you up!" Chu Yun, who was beside him, couldn't help but scold.
"Hmph!" Eunuch Li glared at Chu Yun, completely disregarding him, and walked away arrogantly.
"Chu Yun! You little brat, just you wait! One day, I'll definitely kill you!" Chu Yun roared angrily, clenching his fists until they creaked, feeling extremely indignant.
Inside the imperial study.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Seeing Long Kun seated on the chair, Chu Chen bowed slightly.
"Chu Chen, there's no one else here, you don't need to be so formal." Long Kun waved his hand, signaling Chu Chen to sit down.
Chu Chen hesitated for a moment, then sat down and asked, "Your Majesty, may I know why you summoned this humble subject?"
"Alas~" Long Kun sighed, appearing very melancholic.
"What is wrong, Your Majesty?" Chu Chen asked in confusion.