He grinned, exuding an aura of dominance and overwhelming confidence.
Hearing Chu Chen's words, Ouyang Jing was stunned, frozen on the spot. Flattening the Yuwen family? The statement sounded utterly insane!
The Yuwen family, as one of the four top aristocratic families in Nanling Kingdom, possessed a foundation far beyond anything the Ouyang family could compare to!
"What? Do you think I can't do it?" Chu Chen narrowed his eyes.
Ouyang Jing shook her head, her voice laced with bitterness, "Of course you can. Not only that, you can utterly annihilate the Yuwen family.
But I worry that if you act, it will surely shake Nanling Kingdom. And you are merely a commoner now. If you touch the forbidden, you will surely die."
"You're right, we don't have enough strength to resist the Yuwen family right now. But have you ever heard the saying, 'A starved camel is still bigger than a horse'?
If we can utilize this time well, it's not impossible to make a comeback," Chu Chen's eyes gleamed, his tone grave.
Chu Chen's words plunged Ouyang Jing into silence. She understood Chu Chen's intention.
"Alright, I promise!" After a moment, Ouyang Jing gritted her teeth and nodded resolutely.
"Tomorrow morning, take me away from Qingyang City and go to the Imperial City," Chu Chen said slowly.
"To the Imperial City?" Ouyang Jing blinked in surprise.
"Yes, I need to borrow the power of the Imperial City to help me accomplish something," Chu Chen nodded slightly.
Ouyang Jing's beautiful eyes widened, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "You want to enter the palace?"
The Imperial Palace was the heart of imperial power, where the great families and officials resided.
"Indeed," Chu Chen nodded.
"But what if you're discovered? You don't have any identification, you'll be kicked out quickly," Ouyang Jing's expression shifted.
"No matter, I have my ways to sneak in," Chu Chen chuckled dismissively.
"Then, alright, I understand. No matter what, you must ensure your safety. Don't take any risks," Ouyang Jing cautioned.
As night fell, Chu Chen followed Ouyang Jing into a courtyard. Beside the courtyard, a luxurious carriage was parked.
Chu Chen walked to the carriage, lifted the curtain, and climbed in.
"Are you sure you really want to enter the Imperial Palace?" Chu Chen asked as soon as he entered the carriage.
"I've already decided," Chu Chen's face was serious. "I want to plead my case to His Majesty. I am innocent."
"Sigh..." Chu Chen sighed. He could understand Ouyang Jing's feelings. After all, any girl would be unable to remain calm in such a situation, especially a gentle and delicate girl like Ouyang Jing.
"I'll be by your side," Chu Chen said softly, reaching out to embrace Ouyang Jing's slender waist.
"Mmm," Ouyang Jing's face flushed slightly. She rested her head on Chu Chen's chest, feeling his unique masculine aura.
"Giddy up!" The coachman urged the horses, and the carriage sped off.
After a while, the carriage stopped. Ouyang Zhan's voice came from outside the carriage, "Your Highness Princess, we have arrived."
Ouyang Jing opened her hazy eyes, struggled to stand up from Chu Chen's embrace, then opened the carriage window and looked at the majestic and grand Imperial Palace gate before them.
"Let's go, we're going in."
Chu Chen was the first to alight from the carriage, with Ouyang Jing following behind. They entered the Imperial Palace gate.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Chu Chen knelt on the ground and respectfully called out. On the dragon throne before him sat a middle-aged man.
"Rise," the Emperor waved his hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Chu Chen stood up.
"General Ouyang proposed this morning during the court session that I investigate this case. I have already handed it over to the Ministry of Justice. Chu Chen, what are your thoughts?"
The Emperor looked at Chu Chen and asked directly.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, I believe this case involves many parties and hundreds of lives. It must be handled with utmost seriousness, and evil must not be tolerated.
Otherwise, it will surely lead to great disaster in the future!" Chu Chen said solemnly.
The Emperor's brows twitched slightly. "Continue."
"I suggest that Captain Zhao Yuan of the Imperial City Guard personally oversee the investigation, ensuring that the case is solved promptly and no suspect is missed.
At the same time, Yuwen Tai's remnants must be strictly interrogated," Chu Chen said slowly.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded approvingly. "You have considered all aspects. This matter will be entrusted to you."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's gracious approval," Chu Chen said joyfully.
"Furthermore, I have just received news that many people have entered Nanling Kingdom recently, including quite a few experts.
You should stay in your residence for the next few days and do not go anywhere until the storm passes," the Emperor cautioned.
"Alright," Chu Chen nodded, secretly relieved. He had managed to get through it.
Afterward, the Emperor dismissed Chu Chen. Just as he was about to turn back to the Imperial Study, he suddenly remembered something and called Chu Chen back, giving him an instruction.
"Right, you are not allowed to run around these few days. Stay honestly in your residence. If you dare to escape, I will not forgive you."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Chu Chen quickly replied.
On the street outside the Imperial Palace, Chu Chen and Ouyang Jing walked side by side. Chu Chen suddenly asked, "Have you noticed anyone tailing us these past few days?"
"Yes, who are you referring to?" Ouyang Jing blinked her clear, watery eyes, seemingly not understanding.
"The people following us," Chu Chen frowned.
"Following?" Ouyang Jing's delicate brows furrowed. She had no memory of anyone following them.
Chu Chen pondered for a moment, then suddenly realized, "So that's how it is. Those few people are likely sent by Yuwen Tai to monitor you."
"Hmph, Yuwen Tai is too insidious. He actually wants to kill us when we're not paying attention," Ouyang Jing said with hatred.
Chu Chen chuckled and shook his head. "He wouldn't dare kill you, unless he doesn't want to live."
"What do you mean by that?" Ouyang Jing looked utterly bewildered.
"Although Yuwen Tai is a prince, your father is the Great General who protects the nation. If he were to kill you, your father would never let it go," Chu Chen said calmly.
"You mean...?" Ouyang Jing seemed to understand something.
"What we need to do now is to find Yuwen Tai's secret hideout as soon as possible.
Then, we'll follow the clues and expose all the forces colluding with him!" Chu Chen's eyes flashed with icy killing intent.
"But do you have any proof?" Ouyang Jing asked.
"We're going into the palace now," Chu Chen smiled slightly and walked towards the Imperial Palace.
"Aren't you going to file a complaint?" Ouyang Jing hurried after him.
Upon entering the Imperial Palace, Chu Chen headed straight for the Imperial Study. The palace was heavily guarded, and anyone who trespassed would be attacked.
However, Chu Chen offered no resistance and passed through the imperial guards unimpeded.
Deep within the Imperial Palace, in a luxurious and magnificent palace, a knock echoed. The tightly shut door automatically opened, and a middle-aged man in brocade robes entered.
This man was tall and burly, with a stern face. He wore golden armor, and his limbs were rugged and strong, like a towering iron tower.