Clear laughter came from the hall once again.
Immediately after, the general and the scholar both walked out from within, hurrying away, still not sparing a glance at the clan families standing in the courtyard.
But the clan families felt more relaxed. The Crown Prince was happy, which proved the court wouldn’t be happy.
It seemed Prince Zhongshan truly had the momentum of destiny.
The clan families steadied their minds and continued waiting. They waited until the sun rose high, and finally saw the general and scholar return. They couldn’t wait any longer. They moved forward to inquire, but saw behind the general another group of a dozen or so people entering.
Men, women, old and young, looking disheveled and dust-covered, carrying large and small bundles. Among them, a man who appeared to be the family head was being supported by his wife and daughter, his face deathly pale, stumbling.
They looked like refugees, or perhaps fugitives who’d been caught?
“Sir.” The clan families stepped forward to intercept the general. “Can the Crown Prince see us?”
The general looked at them, as if just remembering: “Wait a bit longer. The Crown Prince has guests.” Saying this, the general added meaningfully, “Guests from the capital.”
Guests? The clan families were startled. From the capital too? Had a clan from the capital come seeking refuge? Looking at this group again, they indeed looked like they’d been desperately traveling—
This group was very noisy. Men, women, old and young all wanted to enter, but were stopped by the general: “Just Master Chu’s family will go in. All servants wait outside.”
“Our master is injured.” A young servant shouted.
An old servant even older than Chu Lan grabbed onto Chu Lan: “Our master can’t be without someone to serve him.”
“Madam, can you still hold on?” An old woman tearfully supported Jiang Shi. “Rest assured, this old slave will stay by your side even unto death.”
“Miss, miss, I won’t leave you even if I die.” A maid cried out, practically clinging to the girl.
The courtyard was chaotic and confused.
The clan families standing in the courtyard were all dumbfounded. These servants from the capital clan were far too unseemly—
The general’s scolding stopped the chaos.
“Just a few attendants to serve is enough. Don’t you see what time this is? Still thinking you’re living in comfort at home.” He said disdainfully. “Make more noise and I’ll chase you all away.”
This threat frightened everyone. The servants stopped talking, watching the servants who’d managed to support the master, madam, and miss follow them in. But they still refused to disperse, all crowding at the bottom of the steps, deliberately staying close to the guards—
“Standing beside you, we’ll be much safer.” One old servant even smiled ingratiatingly at the guards.
Unbearable to watch—the clan families in the courtyard were dumbstruck. Even the lowest laborers in their households weren’t this shameful.
Had the capital clans become so disgraceful? Their circumstances must be dire indeed. This further proved Prince Zhongshan was unstoppable.
They watched that family stand at the hall entrance, and felt more energy to continue waiting.
Pledge allegiance early, find peace early.
……
……
Xiao Xun looked at the Chu Lan family standing outside the hall entrance, his expression somewhere between a smile and not.
“After over half a year apart, how has Master Chu become so haggard?” he called out from within. “It seems the Empress hasn’t been taking good care of you.”
Chu Lan looked at Xiao Xun. This official hall was very large. The young gentleman sat at the very back, so distant his features were almost indiscernible—only his brocade robes could be seen, gentle as jade, yet that jade was also stained with blood, revealing a cold intent.
He could barely remember what this crown prince looked like. After all, they’d only met briefly once or twice. The last time had been so frightening that he’d desperately forgotten what happened, just to survive.
Now seeing him and hearing his voice, that night’s nightmare surfaced again.
“Your Highness.” Chu Lan wept. “I truly have nowhere else to turn.”
……
……
With a bang, the general who’d earlier drunk tea to prove it wasn’t poisoned—calling Empress Chu petty-minded—threw his teacup to the ground.
“You dare harm our Prince’s Crown Prince!”
He drew his long blade and slashed directly toward Chu Zhao seated in the chair.
Chu Zhao held her leather pouch, not moving an inch.
With a clang, Ding Dachui drew his blade and clashed with the general’s sword, blocking the strike. Twisting his waist and stepping forward, he raised his blade to counterattack.
The general retreated repeatedly.
Within the hall, the sound of clashing weapons was piercingly harsh.
The other generals standing to the side also drew their blades and surrounded them. One guard could block one attack, but against seven or eight attacks, even with three heads and six arms he couldn’t block them all.
A’Le drew her blade and stood before Chu Zhao, facing seven or eight tall, imposing men without the slightest fear.
Chu Zhao’s expression was also calm, and she even took another sip of water.
“Stop.” Prince Zhongshan said.
At his word, the generals about to attack all stopped. The general fighting Ding Dachui also stepped back and stopped.
Prince Zhongshan glanced at Ding Dachui: “Good warrior, excellent skills.”
It seemed he’d only refrained from stopping them earlier to observe Ding Dachui’s abilities.
Ding Dachui’s expression was calm. He sheathed his long blade and returned to stand beside Chu Zhao.