Otherwise, disaster would eventually strike. If that were to happen, I might have to leave the palace."
Chu Chen had already gathered information. Besides the direct imperial bloodline, the palace also housed various princes and county princesses.
Though these individuals were not favored, they possessed considerable strength, even rivaling that of the princes.
Chu Chen pondered for a moment, intending to leave the palace and return to his residence outside. However, at that very instant, he spotted a familiar figure walking in from outside.
"It's him?" Chu Chen's eyes narrowed. This person was Huangfu Chen!
"Why is he here? Could it be..." Chu Chen's thoughts raced, a sudden realization dawning on him. His expression changed drastically, and he quickly turned to retreat.
Chu Chen moved with great speed, breaking through the cordon of the imperial guards and disappearing from their sight.
"Chu Chen, is that you?!" As soon as he left the area guarded by the imperial guards, Chu Chen encountered a patrol of soldiers. They recognized him immediately and surrounded him.
"How dare you! I am the Deputy Commander appointed by His Majesty. How dare you stop me?!" Chu Chen reprimanded them sternly, flashing his waist token.
The soldiers jolted in fear and hastily knelt on the ground.
"Greetings, Deputy Commander!" They all bowed their heads in unison, afraid of angering this formidable figure, especially given the dragon-patterned jade pendant he carried.
Chu Chen retrieved his waist token, his face grim, and asked, "I ask you, did you see a young man in a green robe walk in this direction?"
"Reporting to the Deputy Commander, we did," the soldiers replied quickly.
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen's expression darkened. He had been wondering how these soldiers had tracked him. It seemed Huangfu Chen was responsible!
"Let's go!" Chu Chen strode purposefully towards the sleeping quarters.
Huangfu Chen must have discovered something, and he had to stop him as soon as possible!
At the entrance to the sleeping quarters stood dozens of imperial guards clad in armor, their swords drawn, exuding a palpable killing intent, clearly prepared for an enemy attack.
"Who are you! How dare you trespass in the imperial palace!" Seeing Chu Chen and a few commanders, the imperial guards immediately drew their swords and became alert.
Chu Chen ignored the guards and walked directly towards the sleeping quarters.
"Seize him!" the leading imperial guard commander roared. He had a vague inkling of their identities, and his heart pounded.
"Yes!" A group of imperial guards responded in unison, instantly surrounding Chu Chen. Their spears were raised to his neck, their points sharp and menacing.
"Are you sure you want to stop me?" Chu Chen remained unfazed, a cold smile curving his lips.
"This is bad! It's Deputy Commander Chu! Retreat quickly!" one imperial guard exclaimed, scrambling away.
Seeing this, the other guards followed suit, retreating without a moment's delay.
"What's going on? Who is he? Why are they so wary of him?"
"He must be someone sent by His Majesty to investigate the case. If His Majesty finds out we blocked his path..."
"Let's go, let's go, don't stay here." The imperial guards scrambled out of the palace in droves, fearing any delay would lead to punishment.
"You guys..." Chu Chen felt a mix of amusement and exasperation. He hadn't expected his prestige among the imperial guards to be so high!
"Never mind, I can't be bothered with them," Chu Chen muttered, stepping into the sleeping quarters.
"Huh?" As soon as Chu Chen entered the sleeping quarters, he sensed something unusual. The furnishings and layout of this place were identical to his own room!
"Could it be a coincidence?" Chu Chen was puzzled. He then quickened his pace, following the trail to the outside of a secluded palace.
Several guards stood at the entrance of the palace, preventing any unauthorized personnel from approaching.
"This sound..." Chu Chen's gaze sharpened, his expression suddenly darkening. His fists clenched involuntarily, his body trembling violently!
"Scoundrel!" Chu Chen grunted, raising his sleeve to open the palace doors, then rushing in.
The palace interior was empty, save for a few neatly folded garments on the bed. Nothing else was present.
Chu Chen slowly closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to suppress the surging killing intent within him.
He forced himself to remain calm. This was a trap set by Huangfu Chen; he must not fall for it!
Just then, the roof tiles shattered, and several arrows rained down from above, whistling sharply as they embedded themselves in the palace floor and walls.
"Chu Chen, since you've come, I can only ask you to leave. Do you know you have committed the crime of deceiving the emperor?"
A mocking laugh echoed, and a tall, slender figure descended from the sky, landing before Chu Chen and looking down at him condescendingly.
The man was dressed in fine robes, handsome and refined, exuding an air of nobility.
Chu Chen glared at the young man through gritted teeth, wishing he could tear this damned beast apart!
"Huangfu Chen, you are truly shameless. I always held you in high regard, only to find you are such a despicable wretch!" Chu Chen was filled with indignation.
"Hahaha!" Huangfu Chen threw his head back and laughed. "You call me shameless? I, a noble member of the imperial family, how can I be insulted by a mere commoner like you?"
"Hmph!" Chu Chen snorted. "Don't pretend to be so noble. You're merely coveting the Crown Princess's beauty!"
"You!" Hearing this, Huangfu Chen's expression faltered slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and sneered.
"Chu Chen, I don't know how you managed to deceive Father and Mother, but you will not leave here alive tonight!"
"I advise you to surrender obediently! I have already notified my uncle and elder brother.
A large contingent of imperial guards will arrive soon, and you will have nowhere to escape!" Huangfu Chen said coldly.
"Are you so confident?" Chu Chen seemed unconcerned.
"I have ordered all imperial guards to assemble. If you don't believe me, try it. However, the outcome will remain the same!"
Huangfu Chen sneered, certain that Chu Chen would not dare to take the risk, as it would only harm himself!
"You talk too much!" Chu Chen roared, suddenly bursting forward and sweeping his right leg out.
Carrying thunderous force, it slammed into Huangfu Chen's chest!
"Bang!" Caught off guard, Huangfu Chen was sent flying backward!
Huangfu Chen's body crashed to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood. His face was pale, and his eyes were filled with shock!
Chu Chen's speed was even faster than yesterday!
He did not press his advantage. Instead, he walked forward, placed a foot on Huangfu Chen's back, pinning him to the ground, his eyes blazing with bone-chilling killing intent.
"You thought I didn't know you had set a trap here? You wanted to lure me in so you could take my life amidst the chaos, didn't you?" Chu Chen questioned coldly.