"The envoy is unaware, but the Prince of Nanlin has rebelled and caused widespread suffering among the people. Therefore, I have decided to act on behalf of heaven."
"Oh? So that's how it is." The envoy suddenly understood. No wonder Nanlin was reluctant to submit; they had been planning to usurp the throne and cause chaos all along.
Huangfu Chen nodded slightly: "I know the envoy has doubts, and I don't mind telling you. If Nanlin is willing to surrender obediently, then I can spare the Prince of Nanlin. If not, Nanlin must pay a heavy price!"
"Your Highness is wise and righteous, truly a man of great character!"
"You flatter me, envoy." Meanwhile, several other envoys were gathered, discussing the matter.
"Everyone, tell me, what is the Crown Prince's real intention?" an envoy asked.
"In my opinion, Nanlin's reluctance to submit is simply to preserve its strength. If they were truly willing to pledge allegiance to the Crown Prince, why would they go to such lengths to escape?"
"I believe the Crown Prince is merely feigning an attack, intending to delay our progress and buy himself time."
"I think this matter is definitely not that simple, otherwise, the Crown Prince wouldn't be able to keep the news so tightly guarded."
The envoys each expressed their opinions, ultimately arriving at two possibilities: either Nanlin had an ambush, or Huangfu Chen had someone supporting him from behind.
"Everyone, please remain calm. All of this is just speculation. Why don't we investigate first?"
As the envoy spoke, he ordered a carriage to be prepared. They needed to investigate.
However, as soon as they arrived in the town, they were immediately blocked.
A team of well-equipped Imperial Guards appeared outside the posthouse: "This is the Emperor's decree. No one is allowed to enter the posthouse!"
Upon hearing this, the envoys were dumbfounded. Huangfu Chen, a mere civil official, dared to defy the imperial decree. This was sheer audacity!
However, just as the group of envoys hesitated about what to do, a white steed suddenly charged out.
"I'd like to see what decree the Emperor has issued to the Crown Prince!" Chu Chen snorted coldly and directly spurred his horse towards the Imperial Guards.
With a sweep of his long spear, he repelled dozens of men who stood in his way. He then dismounted and, without fear, stormed into the posthouse.
Witnessing his arrogant and audacious actions, the members of the envoy delegation were all filled with shock.
"Chu Chen's strength is truly formidable. It seems this campaign will not be as difficult as we imagined."
While the envoys were agitated and uneasy, Chu Chen remained very calm. He searched for Nan Xianyue's whereabouts while keeping an eye on the movements within the posthouse. Although he didn't know why Huangfu Chen had suddenly ordered an attack on Nanlin, since it was Huangfu Chen's command, he would simply execute it.
"Chu Chen, you can't come in!" A sound of hurried footsteps echoed, accompanied by an angry roar. Immediately, a gust of wind struck, heading towards Chu Chen.
His eyebrows slightly raised, he dodged the man's attack with swift movements and looked up. He saw a tall and slender young man in black standing not far away, glaring at Chu Chen with icy eyes.
"It's you?" Upon seeing the man, Chu Chen frowned. He remembered clearly that this man was Nan Xianyue!
Nan Xianyue also recognized Chu Chen, his eyes growing even darker. He smashed a table with his palm and sternly demanded, "Where is my brother?"
"Heh... he ran away long ago." Chu Chen curled his lips into a half-smile. He knew that Nan Xianyue and Nan Lingyun had a close relationship, as Nan Xianyue had grown up by Nan Lingyun's side and they were deeply affectionate.
Nan Xianyue's face immediately turned extremely grim: "You're lying to me!"
"Believe it or not, I've done you a favor." Chu Chen spread his arms lazily. He had deliberately worn red tonight, clearly putting on a full act.
Seeing Chu Chen's defiant attitude, Nan Xianyue clenched his fists, and a killing aura permeated the air. He suddenly drew a soft whip hidden in his sleeve and lashed it fiercely at Chu Chen.
Seeing this, Chu Chen was not flustered. He agilely dodged the attack, then grabbed the end of the whip and yanked hard. Nan Xianyue, caught off guard, was pulled forward and stumbled a couple of steps. Chu Chen seized the opportunity to snatch the whip and quickly wrapped it around Nan Xianyue's neck.
"What are you doing? Let go of me!" Nan Xianyue struggled desperately but could not overcome Chu Chen's brute strength, gasping for breath as he was strangled.
A cold smile played on Chu Chen's lips: "What do you think I'm doing?"
"Let me go quickly!" Nan Xianyue said furiously, "I warn you, if you dare to harm me in the slightest, my father will not let you off!"
Chu Chen narrowed his eyes, a hint of killing intent flashing in their depths: "So, you have accomplices?"
"Nonsense, let me go quickly! Otherwise, my father will absolutely not let you off!" Nan Xianyue threatened fiercely. He knew Nan Lingyun was powerful, and if he fell into Nan Lingyun's hands, he would surely die!
Hearing this, the curve of Chu Chen's lips became even more wicked. He suddenly raised his leg and kicked Nan Xianyue in the abdomen, causing him to curl up like a shrimp in pain.
"Since you have accomplices, then I have treated you with utmost kindness all these years. I advise you to honestly reveal Nan Lingyun's whereabouts, lest you suffer." Chu Chen said with a chilling tone.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. You'll never get any clues from me," Nan Xianyue gritted out.
Chu Chen let out a disdainful snort: "Since you refuse a toast and prefer a forfeit, then don't blame me for being ruthless! Guards, sever his tendons and hamstring him, and send him back to the capital. I want the Emperor to know that defying my orders has this consequence!"
Nan Xianyue never expected Chu Chen to actually dare to do this. He trembled all over, his face pale: "You... you dare!"
"Haha, what do you think I don't dare to do!" Chu Chen sneered contemptuously. He had long been annoyed by Nan Xianyue's presence. It would be better to get rid of him early to avoid further complications! Moreover, he had already sent people to search for Nan Lingyun's whereabouts. By the time Nan Lingyun arrived, it would be too late.
After speaking, Chu Chen turned and left the posthouse.
Nan Xianyue was terrified. He looked in disbelief at his right wrist, whose tendons had been severed, blood gushing out, the pungent smell of blood filling his nostrils. He clutched his bleeding right hand, tears instantly welling up. Why had this happened? He had come to save someone, yet now he found himself in such a predicament!
The other envoys inside the posthouse were also scared pale. They had few soldiers to begin with, and the guards Chu Chen brought were well-equipped. Now that the situation had reversed, they had no chance of winning.
"Chu Chen! Don't do anything rash! If the Emperor investigates, can you bear the responsibility!" the envoys shouted, attempting to make Chu Chen hesitate.
However, Chu Chen merely glanced at them indifferently and then calmly sat down to drink tea.