"Are you sure you're calling me?" Chu Chen raised an eyebrow, a playful smile appearing on his face.
The young man in brocade paused for a moment, then flew into a rage, roaring, "Are you playing dumb?"
As his voice fell, the young man in brocade slapped over. Chu Chen raised his hand and grabbed the young man's wrist.
With a slight squeeze, a *crack* echoed, and the opponent's wrist was directly broken!
"Ah!" The young man in brocade cried out in agony, his face contorting violently.
"You brat, how dare you lay a hand on me?" The young man in brocade trembled with pain, gnashing his teeth and roaring, "Beat him to death!"
The seven or eight companions around him immediately rushed forward, drawing their swords and cleavers, and hacking at Chu Chen.
Chu Chen's expression remained unchanged. With a backhand sweep, several cold glints flashed. *Puchi, puchi* sounds were incessant. In the blink of an eye,
Those youths who had attacked Chu Chen with swords and cleavers all collapsed on the ground, howling in pain, their blood staining the street.
Chu Chen casually tossed away the blood-stained dagger, his gaze sweeping over the seven or eight youths lying on the ground, and said coldly, "Scram!"
The young man in brocade turned pale with fright and, trembling, ran into the Yunmeng Tower.
"Young Master, you've caused trouble!" Tang Dafu shouted anxiously, quickly chasing into the Yunmeng Tower.
On the other side, at the Marquis Wu'an's mansion, in the council hall, Marquis Wu'an sat in the main seat. His demeanor was imposing, his eyes sharp, as intimidating as a blade's edge.
Besides Marquis Wu'an, three others were seated in the council hall: a black-robed elder and a grey-shirted man.
"Second Uncle, this time it was my oversight that led to Marquis Wu'an City being damaged by villains. I beg your punishment!" The grey-shirted man cupped his fists and sincerely apologized to Marquis Wu'an.
"It's nothing," Marquis Wu'an waved his hand, his tone calm. "It's just trivial matters, no need to dwell on it.
You were trying to protect me, child. However, I heard that the city guards went to the Tang family last night to investigate the case of Tang Dafu.
But they found no clues. Is this matter related to you?"
"This was my oversight, but I've already asked my father to investigate, and we should have news soon," the grey-shirted man said.
"Good, I have great trust in how you handle things," Marquis Wu'an nodded. "By the way, who exactly is this Chu Chen you mentioned?"
"Chu Chen is the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard recently appointed by His Majesty, and he is also His Majesty's confidant," the grey-shirted man replied.
"Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?" Marquis Wu'an narrowed his eyes slightly. "It seems he has an extraordinary background."
"Indeed, it's not ordinary. As far as I know, this child is a direct descendant of the Chu family, one of the four great families of the Southern Ridge Kingdom. He was sickly from childhood and sent to a remote village to recuperate.
He spent his days idly, achieving nothing. But not long ago, the Chu family suddenly announced his expulsion from the family," the grey-shirted man explained. "According to my guess,
It's likely because of that Chu Feng. After all, Chu Feng is the sole heir of the Chu family's eldest branch, while Chu Chen is a disgrace to the Chu family. The two brothers must have animosity."
"If that's the case, isn't Chu Chen my enemy?" Marquis Wu'an mused.
"That's right. Chu Chen and our Marquis Wu'an mansion already have a past grievance. Now, he has allied with Chu Feng to try and destroy us.
If Chu Chen can be killed, it would be a great loss for the Chu family!" the grey-shirted man said gravely.
Marquis Wu'an was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Tomorrow, you will bring a few people and accompany me to the Su family to visit Old Master Su."
"Old Master Su?" The grey-shirted man was taken aback, not quite understanding why Marquis Wu'an mentioned the Su family's elder.
Marquis Wu'an sighed. "The Su family's strength is not weak. Although not comparable to our Marquis Wu'an mansion, they are still a colossal power.
I am injured this time and will likely need to go into seclusion for a period of recuperation. All household affairs, big and small, will need to be managed. I intend to have Old Master Su manage the household affairs in my stead."
The grey-shirted man suddenly understood and quickly bowed respectfully. "Nephew understands. I will make arrangements and then accompany Uncle to visit the Su family."
As night fell, Chu Chen returned to the inn, preparing to rest for the night and find Li Yuangang tomorrow morning to inquire about the whereabouts of the token.
"Young Master, this is the Drunken Immortal Brew I specially bought from the restaurant. Please try it," Tang Dafu said with a smile, carrying a pot of fine wine.
"Young Master is truly amazing, easily dealing with those scoundrels. I never expected you to have such skill. It seems I worried for nothing."
"Heh heh, just a minor trick," Chu Chen smiled indifferently and poured himself a cup.
Ordinary fine wine like this held no interest for Chu Chen.
"Alas, it's a pity that my father's wealth has all been spent on the construction of Marquis Wu'an City. Otherwise, it wouldn't have come to this..." Tang Dafu sighed, drinking his wine with a heavy heart.
Chu Chen glanced at him and shook his head. "Your father is a wise man. If he hadn't done so, he would only have invited trouble."
Tang Dafu was stunned, staring at Chu Chen in surprise and confusion. "Young Master Chu, how did you know?"
"You are a wise person, and your father is also a wise person, so you both understand the importance of making choices," Chu Chen said with a slight smile.
"If you don't believe me, then by all means, do as your father wishes. But don't blame me if you regret it later."
"Young Master, why is that?" Tang Dafu was puzzled. He vaguely felt that he had overlooked something important but couldn't recall it.
"Because in a few days, your father will regret it," Chu Chen said calmly, not revealing the reason to Tang Dafu.
"Oh?" Tang Dafu looked surprised and couldn't help but ask, "Young Master, do you know what will happen to my father next?"
Chu Chen smiled and nodded. Tang Dafu became excited and pressed, "Then can you reveal it?"
"No," Chu Chen shook his head. "I'm not your father's stomach, how could I know what will happen to him?
Besides, I don't want to be too explicit." Tang Dafu gave a wry smile and stopped asking.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn appeared, at the Marquis Wu'an mansion.
"Reporting to Your Lordship, last night, someone infiltrated our mansion and attempted assassination. Your subordinates have captured the culprit. Please issue your judgment."
The grey-shirted man entered the study with two guards and bowed.
"Oh? The culprit has been caught?" Marquis Wu'an frowned, appearing quite surprised. "This matter will be temporarily put aside. We will discuss it after I have met Old Master Su."
"As you command," the grey-shirted man acknowledged and withdrew.
After leaving the study, the grey-shirted man headed straight for the inner quarters, walking towards the Su family's residence.
"Halt, who are you looking for?" A guard at the gate stopped him.
The grey-shirted man produced a badge and handed it to him. "By order of His Lordship, I am here to visit Old Master Su."