Chu Chen bowed and took his leave.
"I believe Chu Chen would not be so cruel as to severely injure the Crown Prince. Perhaps the Crown Prince brought it upon himself."
The Emperor looked weary and slowly reclined on his dragon throne, appearing listless.
"Your Majesty, are you truly not going to intervene?" the Empress asked, frowning. Gong Chenyi had been beaten to this state, and Chu Chen was not to be punished?
"I have my own plans," the Emperor said indifferently. "Keep an eye on the Crown Prince's actions these few days, and do not let him cause trouble."
"Yes." The Empress nodded in agreement, her heart filled with doubts. She could never fathom the Emperor's thoughts, but she vaguely felt that the Emperor showed some favoritism towards Chu Chen.
The Emperor said no more and slowly drifted off to sleep. The Empress also withdrew.
As soon as Chu Chen walked out of the grand hall, a young eunuch rushed to greet him, whispering, "Young Master Chu Chen, this servant has something to say, though I don't know if I should."
"Speak," Chu Chen said calmly, his eyes as clear as water, showing no trace of emotion.
The young eunuch hesitated for a moment, then mustered his courage. "This servant feels that His Majesty values Young Master Chu Chen greatly, otherwise he would not have summoned you personally.
He even bestowed imperial golden wound medicine. This servant also heard that the precious medicinal herbs His Majesty bestows upon you each year are all for your use."
A slight smile curved Chu Chen's lips, forming a charming arc. "Oh? So, His Majesty dotes on me?"
The young eunuch froze. He had not expected Chu Chen to be so excited. "Young Master Chu Chen misunderstands. His Majesty bestowed these gifts out of concern that you might be wronged."
"Heh heh..." Chu Chen chuckled lightly. "Thank you, little eunuch, for the reminder. In the future, I will trouble you to convey my thanks."
"Mm." The young eunuch responded awkwardly and then turned to leave, wondering if Young Master Chu Chen had not understood he was flattering him.
Chu Chen looked up towards the direction of the Emperor's sleeping quarters. A brilliant smile, dazzling and radiant, appeared on his handsome face.
"Xiao Chen, are you really alright?" The Qin brothers rushed in from outside, asking with anxious faces.
The Emperor had sent for them earlier, and upon learning that Chu Chen was in trouble, they had been terrified to the point of losing their wits!
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Chu Chen said with a light smile. "As for you two, you need to learn your lesson from now on, so you don't get bullied without even realizing it."
"We will remember it well!" the two said solemnly, guilt and remorse appearing in their eyes. "It's all our fault for being useless!"
If they had not been so slow, they would not have been bullied without being able to fight back, and Chu Chen would not have been beaten for saving them!
"Alright, we are brothers, why say such things? I am fine, am I not?" Chu Chen said with a carefree smile, comforting them. He then added a reminder.
"Do not reveal this matter for now. I fear the Crown Prince might resort to desperate measures."
Chu Chen's words made the two brothers suddenly understand. They said gratefully, "Chu Chen, rest assured. We will guard outside tonight and kill anyone who comes looking for trouble!"
"Mm, get some rest early," Chu Chen said with a smile. "Don't forget to accompany me to the banquet tomorrow."
"Don't worry, this is on us," Qin Hao said, patting his chest. He had already decided to perform well and win Chu Chen's trust.
The Qin brothers returned to their rooms to rest, while Chu Chen fell into deep thought. He was considering how to help the Empress overthrow the Crown Princess.
The next morning, Chu Chen was ready and, with the Qin siblings, headed to the imperial palace.
Today was the Empress Dowager's birthday, and the Emperor had specially organized a grand banquet in the palace, inviting civil and military officials and noble ladies. It was also a preparation for the Crown Prince's selection of a consort.
Although the Emperor doted on the Crown Prince, he knew the Crown Prince was too reckless. Furthermore, in recent years, the Crown Prince, relying on the Emperor's indulgence, had become lawless and arrogant.
He showed no semblance of a future ruler, so the Emperor intended to use this opportunity to properly discipline the Crown Prince, lest he cause further trouble and bring shame upon the people.
"You must help the Empress, please," Qin Hao pleaded, tugging at Chu Chen's sleeve. After all, Chu Chen had once saved their lives.
Moreover, Chu Chen's medical skills were superb, and the Qin siblings had long considered him a benefactor.
He shrugged helplessly. "Since it is the Empress Dowager's birthday, we shall respectfully comply."
"Chu Chen, thank you." Qin Hao breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that if Chu Chen agreed to help, he would do his utmost for the Empress.
He smiled faintly and said no more. They chatted a few pleasantries along the way, and soon the three of them arrived at the imperial palace.
Chu Chen and the Qin siblings entered the Golden Luan Hall together. The hall was already filled with civil and military officials from various regions, all offering their birthday wishes to the Emperor.
"Long live His Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years! Long live the Crown Prince, a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"
Everyone knelt and kowtowed in unison, a magnificent and spectacular scene.
"All rise," the Emperor said majestically. His gaze swept over those below, then settled on the Crown Prince.
The Emperor's eyes were cold and icy, filled with a violent, bloodthirsty aura.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's benevolence!" Everyone stood up and took their seats.
"My lords, I have something to say today," the Emperor said solemnly, his majestic gaze sweeping around.
"Your Majesty, what are your commands?" the Prime Minister asked, standing up respectfully.
Other officials also looked at the Emperor, awaiting his instructions. The Emperor's gaze shifted to Chu Chen, and he remained silent, wanting to hear Chu Chen's advice first.
The Prime Minister followed the Emperor's gaze and happened to see Chu Chen. A flicker of astonishment flashed in his eyes, followed by a sinister and venomous cold smile.
Chu Chen sensed the Prime Minister's gaze, raised an eyebrow, then pretended nothing had happened and looked away, thinking to himself that the Prime Minister intended to cause trouble.
"Today, I have set this banquet not only to celebrate my mother's birthday, but most importantly, to select a wife for the Crown Prince," the Emperor's majestic voice boomed, deafening.
"Your Majesty is wise!" the Prime Minister led the crowd in shouting in unison, their faces filled with schadenfreude and mockery.
"To be able to marry His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is truly a blessing cultivated over eight lifetimes. The Crown Princess will surely be the most beautiful woman in the Nine Provinces."
"The Prime Minister speaks truly. The Crown Princess is indeed the most beautiful woman in the Nine Provinces," another official quickly chimed in.
"Your Majesty is wise, the Crown Princess will surely be the most beautiful woman in the Nine Provinces!" everyone chattered, each one praising the Crown Princess.
The Emperor's deep, sharp gaze slowly swept over the officials present, then suddenly changed tack. "Where is Chu Chen? Why did he not come with you?"
Chu Chen? Everyone was startled. Many stole glances at Chu Chen, indeed seeing him looking nonchalant.
The Prime Minister, with a faint smile, said gently, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. Chu Chen got drunk last night and overslept today. I have already sent someone to notify him."
"So that's how it is." The Emperor frowned, appearing somewhat displeased, then relaxed. "Never mind. Since Chu Chen is not here, then this banquet need not invite Chu Chen."