Chu Chen was a bit bewildered by the old war god's drastic change in demeanor. He couldn't understand why the contrast between the old war god's previous and current attitude was so immense.
However, he still followed the old war god's request and led him to the backyard of Sheng Ge Yan Wu. The environment here was far superior to the front yard where Chu Chen resided.
Although for Chu Chen, having the princess was already enough, he couldn't possibly be completely unprepared.
If guests like the old war god were to visit in the future, would he offer them nothing but cold wind to drink?
The two of them arrived at the backyard, where the girls were already prepared.
As Chu Chen and the old war god walked in, Chu Chen merely gave them a look, and they immediately swarmed the old war god.
"This lord truly possesses an extraordinary aura, unyielding and valiant. To be walking alongside Prime Minister Chu, he is undoubtedly a dragon among men."
One girl said with a face full of smiles and flattery.
Each of these girls was exceptionally beautiful, skilled in singing and dancing, and proficient in all the arts such as playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, and composing poetry.
It could be said that each of them, if placed in a future era, would be considered multi-talented.
A few girls, speaking one after another, left the old war god somewhat dazed.
Chu Chen smiled and said to the old war god, "Old war god, please enjoy yourself here. I will be taking my leave now."
Huo Qing was taken aback by his words.
"Prime Minister Chu, aren't you staying for a bit longer? Wouldn't that be a shame?"
Chu Chen shrugged his shoulders and replied with a smile.
"Old war god, bringing you here is already the extent of my efforts. I truly don't have the ability to stay and enjoy myself with you."
"I'm afraid of being discovered by the princess. If the princess no longer wants me, who will I reason with?"
Upon hearing this, the old war god Huo Qing burst into laughter and waved at Chu Chen. "Prime Minister Chu, since that's the case, you may go ahead."
"Rest assured, I won't delay any important matters. After enjoying myself here, I'll return to wherever I belong."
Chu Chen chuckled at this, not taking the old war god's words too seriously.
Who could truly bear to abandon such a haven of comfort?
He would simply drag the old war god out later. He believed the old war god would understand the bigger picture.
Chu Chen returned to the front yard and suddenly saw a figure.
This figure was none other than the Fifth Princess, Li Xin Yue.
"Your Highness, why are you here? Have you mastered what His Majesty taught you?"
Chu Chen approached Li Xin Yue, asking with some curiosity.
Li Xin Yue shook her head. Her eyes were indeed a little red and swollen, looking as if she had been crying.
"Princess, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Please don't be like this."
Chu Chen quickly took out a handkerchief, intending to wipe her tears.
However, Li Xin Yue directly threw herself into Chu Chen's arms.
"Chu Chen, if what you said is true, and the Empress is in grave danger, what should we do?"
"The Yun Yue Kingdom will surely fall into chaos. I'm not prepared for this. Can we save the Empress?"
Li Xin Yue said, nestled in Chu Chen's embrace, feeling helpless.
Chu Chen sighed and shook his head.
"Your Highness, although what I have to say may not be pleasant, I must tell you the truth."
"It's not just the Wei Kingdom that might be targeting us; even the Zhao Kingdom is trying its best to drag us into their schemes."
"If news of His Majesty's assassination spreads, it's very likely that our own country will be in turmoil."
"We can no longer prevent His Majesty's departure. What we can do now is to be well-prepared for the coming unrest."
Chu Chen gently patted the princess's back and smiled, "Your Highness, don't worry. With me by your side, you have nothing to fear."
Hearing this, Li Xin Yue felt a little calmer.
Yes, Chu Chen had always been by her side, protecting her. What was there to fear?
Whether in civil or military affairs, Chu Chen was the most dazzling rising star.
"But, Chu Chen, I still hope the Empress can survive. Although she is dignified and stern, she is, after all, our Empress."
Chu Chen sighed and said, "Your Highness, everyone has limitations. For us now, saving His Majesty is something we cannot achieve. Your Highness, I apologize."
Li Xin Yue heard this, and although her face still held a sorrowful expression, her gaze gradually shifted.
"So, no matter what, the Empress cannot avoid her demise?"
Chu Chen nodded and said, "Your Highness, this is all I can tell you. I do not wish to deceive you."
Li Xin Yue heard this and, with a tearful smile, said, "What 'Your Highness' and 'my minister'? You are Chu Chen. Are you still speaking formally with me at a time like this?"
Chu Chen shook his head. "Your Highness, I simply feel that this matter is very serious, and I am speaking the truth."
"Your Highness, His Majesty is leaving tomorrow, or the day after?"
Li Xin Yue wiped her tears on his shoulder again before replying, "It's set for the day after tomorrow. But what difference will one or two more days make?"
"Your Highness, regarding this matter, please try to find solace. Think on the bright side; perhaps His Majesty will be blessed by heaven and turn misfortune into fortune?"
Chu Chen wanted to comfort Li Xin Yue, at least to make her a little happier.
There were many things they wanted to change but were powerless to do so.
"Mm-hmm, Chu Chen, you're right. The Empress will surely be blessed by heaven. Forget it, I won't think about these things anymore. I'm going back to find the Empress. These past two days, I want to spend time with her."
Chu Chen nodded. "Spend more time with her. When you need to leave, send someone to deliver a message."
Li Xin Yue nodded and looked around the surroundings, a look of confusion on her face.
"Where is that old war god? Why don't I see him? It's dangerous for you to be here alone."
Hearing this, Chu Chen gave a wry smile and shook his head. "What's dangerous about this? It's not dangerous. I've arranged for experts in the Prime Minister's mansion, and if there's any danger, I'll immediately call for help from the old war god."
Li Xin Yue looked Chu Chen up and down with some confusion. "But I remember before, you and the old war god were inseparable. Why are you separated today?"
"Where did the old war god go? Did you send him back?"
Chu Chen was unsure how to explain to the princess. As he hesitated, the princess immediately assumed she had guessed correctly.
"Your Highness, the old war god has not left. He is merely resting. Please hurry and go be with His Majesty. It would be best to call all the other royal relatives still in Shuangyue City to join you; it will be more lively."
Li Xin Yue nodded. "I'll go right away. You behave yourself and don't get involved with other girls, understand?"