Second Elder Chu Yuanfeng also said, "I'm going too! I'll accompany you. If any scoundrel dares to approach, I'll cripple him!"
"I am also willing to go!"
"Esteemed uncles, please rest assured, with you all here, I am not worried at all." Chu Chen smiled gently, with a brilliant smile on his face.
"Let's go!" Chu Yun Cang waved his sleeve and turned, leading the way out of the grand courtyard.
"Depart!" The elders followed one after another, each with a solemn expression.
"Chen'er, this is not child's play. Don't be impulsive!" Chu Yun Cang cautioned.
"Grandfather, don't worry, I won't act rashly." Chu Chen smiled. With a few maids following, he didn't feel uncomfortable.
"Whoosh!" A luxurious carriage appeared out of nowhere, and then slowly descended.
Beside the carriage, a man in black bowed respectfully, "Reporting to the Family Head, the Gong family has sent someone with an invitation."
The man in black took out a golden-red invitation from his embrace and handed it to Chu Yun Cang, then respectfully retreated to the side.
Chu Yun Cang took the invitation and opened it, frowning immediately. "This old fellow from the Gong family actually sent an invitation to the Chu mansion? What is he up to?"
"Grandfather, the Gong family is inviting you to a banquet in the palace tomorrow night." Chu Yunfei frowned.
"The Gong family is inviting me? What is this old scoundrel planning?" Chu Yun Cang was puzzled. The Gong family had always been at odds with the Chu family, so why would they suddenly invite him to the palace?
Chu Yun Cang became vigilant, but he was not afraid. He snorted, "I'll go! I want to see what tricks the Gong family is up to!"
Gong Family.
"Young Master, this is the news from last night. The Chu family has agreed to attend the banquet." The man in black said respectfully.
"Heh heh, it seems they've also been scared witless by the Lin family's power, and they still dare to attend the banquet." Gong Chenyi sneered coldly, his eyes narrowing, a cold glint in them.
"Young Master, what do we do now? Should we take this opportunity to kill Chu Chen, to avoid future troubles!" the man in black asked.
"For now, spare his dog life! No need to rush." Gong Chenyi said with a contemptuous smile, then put away the invitation.
"Young Master, I just received news that the Lin family has secretly mobilized five hundred Shadow Guards and are on their way to the Chu family!" the man in black added.
"The Lin family can't sit still anymore! Is this a show of force, or a declaration of war?"
A sinister curve appeared on Gong Chenyi's lips, and he said coldly, "The Chu family is already in my grasp. Do five hundred Shadow Guards think they can stop me? What a pipe dream!"
"Young Master is wise! No matter how powerful the Lin family is, they can't defeat the Shadow Guards!" the man in black quickly flattered.
"Pass down the order. Tomorrow night, the Chu family will be destroyed!" Gong Chenyi grinned savagely, his eyes radiating a cold killing intent.
Chu Family Mansion, Chu Chen sat in his room recuperating, circulating his energy to heal his injuries. The guards were all stationed within the mansion, maintaining strict security.
"Chen'er, Grandfather and Father are discussing countermeasures in the main hall. You should focus on recuperating." Chu Yanran entered the room, her voice gentle and concerned, her beautiful face filled with worry.
"Sister, don't worry, I'll be fine." Chu Chen smiled faintly, his tone calm and confident.
Chu Family Courtyard, Main Hall.
"Yun Long, you personally go to the Imperial City and deliver this letter to His Majesty. Also, report Chu Chen's situation to His Majesty."
Chu Yun Cang handed the golden invitation in his hand to Chu Yun Long.
"Father, I'll go immediately!" Chu Yun Long cupped his fists and accepted the order.
"Eldest Brother, hurry back." The Second Elder urged, his expression anxious.
Chu Yun Long quickly left the hall.
"Father, although Chen'er is a good-for-nothing, he is still a descendant of the Chu family. We absolutely cannot let Chen'er take risks!" Chu Tianyang said in a low voice, his tone filled with helplessness.
"Yes, Chen'er's strength is too weak. If he encounters enemies, won't he be in danger?" Chu Yuan Shan agreed.
Chu Yun Cang waved his hand and said, "It is precisely for these reasons that I disagree with Chen'er taking risks, just in case."
"Chen'er only needs to play the role of a prodigal son. No matter how much trouble he causes, we will not interfere. This will be more appropriate."
"Yes, I agree with the Family Head's words." The Second Elder nodded.
"I hope this time it can resolve Chen'er's obsession and help him mature sooner."
Chu Yuan Shan sighed and shook his head, clearly not believing that Chu Chen could resolve his obsession, but not wanting to see his son continue down the wrong path.
Chu Yun Cang glanced at Chu Yun Fei, then said, "Yun Fei, take a few elite guards to secretly protect Chen'er and ensure his safety!"
"I understand, Grandfather!" Chu Yun Fei said respectfully.
"Yun Fei, take ten elite guards. Leave the rest behind, just in case." Chu Yun Cang instructed.
"Yes!" Chu Yun Fei said respectfully.
...
In the evening, as the sun gradually set, the dim twilight enveloped the land, making the Imperial Capital even more bustling and noisy.
Imperial Palace, brilliantly lit.
Tonight, the Gong family was hosting a banquet for distinguished guests. A banquet that the entire nation was watching, so it would naturally not be neglected.
At the entrance of the Gong family, dozens of luxuriously decorated pleasure boats were parked, all exclusive to the Gong family.
"The Third Prince has arrived! The Sixth Prince has arrived! The Ninth Prince has arrived!" At this moment, two sharp and clear voices resounded throughout the Gong family.
Upon hearing the arrival of the Third Prince and the Ninth Prince, all members of the Gong family rushed out to greet them.
"Third Brother and Fourth Brother have arrived." Gong Chenyi's lips curved into an evil smile.
"Third Brother and Fourth Brother are both here. It seems they are really going to deal with the Chu family." Gong Chenyi sneered in his heart, his eyes flashing with cruel and fierce malevolence.
"Greetings, Third Prince, Ninth Prince." The Gong family members bowed, their faces filled with fawning smiles.
The Third Prince smiled and said arrogantly, "No need to be so polite. My Eighth Brother and I have come specifically to celebrate the banquet."
"Haha!" Gong Chenyi laughed heartily, "Congratulations, Third Brother! Congratulations, Fourth Brother! For such a grand occasion, we must have a good drink!"
"Guards! Set the tables! Let's have a good drink tonight!" Gong Chenyi shouted happily.
Soon, a group of maids and servants entered with wine and fruit platters.
"Today is a celebration banquet. It's rare for my Third Brother, Seventh Brother, and I to gather. We must drink to our heart's content!" Gong Chenyi declared loudly, then picked up his wine cup and drank it down in one gulp.
"Third Brother is right! We brothers are united. Cheers!" Gong Chenyi raised his wine cup and finished it heartily.
"Cheers!" Gong Chenyi and Gong Chenwu raised their cups and drank.
After drinking, Gong Chenyi glanced at the other side of the hall and sneered, "That good-for-nothing is here too!"
The "good-for-nothing" he referred to was Chu Chen, who was sitting and resting nearby.
"Gong Chenyi! Get out here!" Chu Yunfei roared.
"Oh? Isn't this Eldest Brother? Why are you lying in bed? Has your injury relapsed?" Gong Chenyi looked at Chu Yunfei mockingly, taunting him.
"You scoundrel! Gong Chenyi, you're seeking death!" Chu Yunfei was furious, his eyes bloodshot, wishing he could tear Gong Chenyi to pieces.