The man slowly opened his eyes. His phoenix eyes, like obsidian, were deep and profound. He turned his head.
His dark gaze fell upon the serene and tranquil woman beside him, and the thin lips curved into a doting arc.
"Achen," Chu Yunshan pushed open the door and walked into the room, his tone carrying a hint of urgency, "Hurry and pack up. I'll take you back to the Emperor's Mansion!"
Chu Chen frowned and asked doubtfully, "What happened?"
"The Empress has summoned me to the palace for an audience. You should pack quickly." Chu Yunshan waved his hand impatiently. This was something he absolutely could not refuse.
"Achen, if you don't want to go to the palace, then stay at home. Absolutely do not defy her orders. She is your mother!"
Chu Chen's eyes flickered, and his lowered eyelashes concealed the strange glint within them.
"Father, I understand. I will prepare shortly and will not delay."
Before the imperial city's purple bamboo forest, Chu Chen, clad in flowing blue robes, stood in the courtyard.
His gaze fixed on the distant swirling yellow sand, a careless smile gracing his handsome face.
He had waited long enough. Finally, the day had come for her to appear on this continent. It was not in vain that he had endured these years of forbearance...
Creak— The courtyard gate opened, and Chu Yunshan walked in from outside, his expression somewhat flustered, as if he had encountered a thorny problem.
"Achen, the Empress has summoned me to the palace. I need to go immediately."
"Oh, alright. I'll pack up right away," Chu Chen replied indifferently.
Chu Yunshan, oblivious to his son's unusual demeanor, hurried out the door and onto the street outside the purple bamboo forest.
Chu Chen watched Chu Yunshan gradually recede into the distance, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.
After Chu Yunshan left, Chu Chen quickly tidied himself up. As he stepped out, a clear and melodious voice called out from behind him.
"Young Master, are you going out? Is there anything I can help you with?"
As Chu Chen turned his head, he was met with a pure and adorable face.
Her features were exquisite, her skin snow-white and tender, and she had an air of pitiable charm.
This girl was the maidservant who had peeked at Chu Chen bathing last night. Unfortunately, Chu Chen couldn't even be bothered to look at her before withdrawing his gaze.
"No need," Chu Chen turned to leave.
The maidservant paused for a moment, then gritted her teeth and chased after him, blocking his path. "Young Master, this servant can truly help you."
"Scram!" Chu Chen's cold eyes swept over the maidservant, a chilling intensity within them. "If you don't move aside, do you believe I won't cripple you?"
The maidservant trembled all over, her hand pointing towards the house ahead. With teary eyes, she said,
"I... I was ordered by my young lady to specifically inform you. She told me to give this to Young Master."
Chu Chen's footsteps abruptly stopped. His stern face remained expressionless.
The maidservant handed the brocade box in her arms to Chu Chen, saying cautiously, "My young lady also had words for me to relay to you. She said she doesn't hate Young Master.
Instead, she is very grateful for everything Young Master has done for the Chu family. This is a sachet she sewed for you herself. Please accept it. She said... she has other matters to attend to, and bids farewell."
A sachet? Chu Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He reached out and took the brocade box from the maidservant. He lowered his gaze to the sachet, then his eyes fell upon the maidservant's pale face.
"Go back. Please tell her for me that I will forever remember her kindness. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly repay her life-saving grace."
Hearing Chu Chen's words, the maidservant breathed a sigh of relief. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and bowed respectfully, "Young Master, I shall take my leave."
After the maidservant left, Chu Chen opened the brocade box. Instantly, a jade pendant caught his eye.
Chu Chen's expression turned somewhat grim. He looked up at the woman seated on the high throne and cupped his fists in a respectful salute, "Empress, for what purpose have you summoned this humble servant today?"
Qin Rong smiled faintly, "This Empress heard that Achen has been gravely ill recently, so I sent someone to call you here.
After all, he is this Empress's nephew and the sole descendant of the Qin family's direct line. This Empress cannot let him suffer outside."
She paused for a moment after speaking, her gaze sweeping over the embarrassed Chu Chen, and asked gently, "Achen, are you willing to accompany this Empress into the palace?"
Chu Chen showed hesitation, "This humble servant fears... it is not suitable to accompany the Empress."
Qin Rong chuckled twice, "Achen, you misunderstand. This Empress is not asking you to stay by my side in the palace. As long as you are willing,
I can arrange a marriage for you and find a suitable wife for the Chu clan."
So, she didn't want him to serve in the palace? Chu Chen suddenly understood. He looked up at Qin Rong and asked expressionlessly, "May I ask, Your Majesty, if I may choose?"
Qin Rong was taken aback, her gaze probing, "Achen, do you already have someone you like?"
"Yes," Chu Chen nodded.
"However..." he narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of determination appearing on his handsome face.
"Your Majesty, she and I are destined not to be together!"
Qin Rong's smile froze on her face. Her brows furrowed, and she sternly demanded, "Why?"
"Her father is the current Prime Minister. I cannot be an enemy of a Prime Minister who wields such power."
This reason was enough to astonish everyone.
"Are you worried that the Prime Minister might harm you?" Qin Rong's expression became more serious.
"Rest assured, the Qin family's influence spans all four kingdoms. Even His Majesty would not dare to provoke us lightly."
Chu Chen sighed softly, "I once saved the Prime Minister's daughter's life. If I were to become entangled with her, it would harm her for a lifetime. I do not wish to harm her."
Qin Rong fell silent. After a long period of contemplation, she slowly said, "Achen, if you do not wish to marry her,
then you should propose to the Prime Minister's mansion first. With the Qin family's backing, she will not suffer any disadvantage by marrying into the Prime Minister's mansion."
"There's no need," Chu Chen shook his head, his tone firm. "She doesn't like me."
"How is that possible?" A hint of surprise flashed in Qin Rong's eyes. "If she didn't like you, why would she refuse when you proposed?"
Chu Chen gave a bitter smile, his eyes holding a dim luster. Because... not only did she not like him, she even detested him.
"Very well, since she is unwilling to marry you, this Empress will not force it," Qin Rong's expression gradually returned to calm.
"Achen, this Empress knows you are unwilling to enter the palace. Why don't you temporarily reside in this mansion? Rest assured, as long as you do not violate the ancestral teachings, this Empress will not interfere with you."
Chu Chen was stunned. He looked up at Qin Rong and saw her gazing at him with a gentle smile.
He pursed his lips and finally nodded softly, "Thank you, Empress."
He indeed needed such protection to be able to walk out of this mansion alive. At least the Chu family would not dare to touch him!
Watching the man turn and walk away, Qin Rong's eyes flickered a few times, and a mocking curve appeared on her lips.