Mu Changtian did not explicitly state that he intended to help Lu Chen. In politics, some things were better left unsaid.
However, his assurance that Lu Chen's journey to Beijun would be smooth sailing meant he had already made arrangements to protect the King of the North and secure military support.
Although Lu Chen was still a novice in political affairs, he understood Mu Changtian's words well. With a composed expression, he said, "Thank you, Father-in-law."
Mu Changtian cast a glance at the servants stationed in the hall and then addressed them, "Leave us. I have something to discuss privately with the King of the North."
"Yes, my lord," the servants responded, bowing before exiting the hall.
Once they were alone, Lu Chen asked with curiosity, "May I know what Father-in-law wishes to speak to me about?"
For Mu Changtian to send the servants away before speaking, it had to be something of grave importance.
"Northern King, I must remind you—arriving safely in Beijun does not mean you will remain safe forever."
Lu Chen furrowed his brows slightly. "Why is that?"
Seeing that Lu Chen was still inexperienced in political maneuvering, Mu Changtian decided to be blunt.
"Your mother is the eldest daughter of the Chu family. That alone makes the Chu family your natural faction."
"Even though you've left the capital, in the eyes of many princes, you remain a formidable threat."
"Moreover, the Chu family may still have expectations of you. Even I think so. And if I think so, then those princes will certainly think the same."
"If you were still in the capital, the Chu family would likely continue to support you. But if you were to..."
Mu Changtian paused, unwilling to finish the sentence, as the next words were too ominous. Yet he was confident Lu Chen understood his meaning.
Indeed, Lu Chen instantly grasped his implication. Chu Yuqin had warned him just that morning, and now Mu Changtian was reiterating the same point.
A sigh escaped his lips.
His situation was precarious.
As long as he remained alive, the Chu family might always hold onto hope. Their support was a significant asset for any prince vying for the throne.
If he died, the Chu family would lose their first choice and be forced to support another contender.
Thus, any prince aiming to win over the Chu family would naturally consider eliminating him first to remove the Chu family's concerns entirely.
A real headache.
From the moment he had arrived in this world, Lu Chen had planned to live a life of leisure, avoiding unnecessary power struggles.
But his very lineage had placed him in this mess.
He had only two paths forward.
One was to completely sever ties with the Chu family, making it clear to the world that he had no connection to them.
The other was to eliminate everyone who sought to kill him.
The latter meant stepping onto the road of emperorship.
From a personal standpoint, Lu Chen would never consider severing ties with the Chu family.
His grandfather had always treated him well, and the Chu family had long protected him. Even his first love in this world, Chu Yuqin, was from the Chu family.
Betraying them was out of the question.
Besides, even if he openly broke with the Chu family, it wouldn't guarantee his safety. The other princes might suspect he was merely putting on an act and would still see him as a potential threat.
If he were dead, however, all doubts would vanish.
In other words, he would still be targeted.
That left only one option.
To set foot on the road to emperorship.
Previously, he wouldn't have had the ability to compete with the other princes for the throne.
But now, everything was different.
He had the system of many children, many blessings.
As long as he reached Beijun, took more concubines, and had more children, he would rapidly increase his strength.
That throne might not be beyond his reach after all.
With newfound clarity, Lu Chen turned to Mu Changtian and said, "Thank you for your advice, Father-in-law. I understand."
—
Leaving the Mu Mansion, Lu Chen entered the carriage where Mu Zixuan sat quietly beside him. After some hesitation, she asked cautiously, "Prince, what did my father say to you?"
Lu Chen smiled and pulled her into his embrace. "Nothing much. He only reminded me to treat you well."
Mu Zixuan's heart wavered as she debated whether to mention the two Zhou sisters. Their identities were too sensitive, and she wasn't sure if it was the right time.
Just then, Lu Chen gently stroked her silky hair and murmured, "My beloved, once we reach Beijun, you must bear me many children."
His straightforward words made Mu Zixuan's face flush red. Though she was his woman now, she was still inexperienced in such matters.
Seeing her shy reaction, Lu Chen had the urge to tease her further but restrained himself.
—
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace.
Within the Imperial Garden, a middle-aged man in a golden dragon robe stood in a pavilion by the lotus pond, hands clasped behind his back as he watched the fish swim beneath the surface.
A man clad in black armor suddenly appeared behind him and knelt.
"Your Majesty, the King of the North recently visited the Mu Mansion. During his stay, Duke Mu dismissed all the servants and spoke with him privately behind closed doors."
Hearing this, Emperor Xia smirked slightly. "It seems Mu Changtian holds Xiao Chen in high regard."
Turning to the red-robed eunuch beside him, Emperor Xia asked, "Eunuch Liu, do you think the Chu family will abandon Xiao Chen now that he's leaving the capital?"
Eunuch Liu hesitated. "Your Majesty, I dare not speak recklessly."
"Speak."
"In my humble opinion, the Chu family will most likely shift their support elsewhere."
Emperor Xia's interest piqued. "Oh? Who do you think they will choose?"
Eunuch Liu shivered. Serving the Emperor, he was privy to many secrets. He knew Emperor Xia despised the Chu family and longed to destroy them. Naming a prince whom the Chu family might support could put that prince in danger.
"Speak freely," Emperor Xia commanded. "I will pardon your boldness."
Eunuch Liu immediately knelt. "Your Majesty, I believe the Chu family will support the Eighth Prince."
The Eighth Prince's mother hailed from Jiangnan. If the Chu family sought a new ally, he was their most logical choice.
Hearing this, Emperor Xia chuckled. "So they would support Xiao Shuyun? Then Xiao Chen's journey may not be so peaceful."
The black-armored soldier behind him asked, "Your Majesty, should I dispatch guards to protect the King of the North?"
Emperor Xia's expression turned icy. "No need. He already has protectors. If he fails to survive, then his fate was simply too weak."
—
That night.
In their chamber, Lu Chen had originally planned to share some intimate moments with Mu Zixuan but decided against it, recalling how he had already tired her out that morning.
Sensing his restraint, Mu Zixuan hesitated before mustering her courage to say, "My Lord, why don't you take in Youyou and Xiaoxiao?"
Lu Chen's eyes gleamed with amusement. He hadn't expected his wife to be so generous.
Still, he teased, "My beloved, are you truly willing to push me into the arms of other women?"
Mu Zixuan's face burned with embarrassment. "My Lord, you were staring at them this morning…"
She knew exactly what he had been thinking.
She continued, "Besides, they are my maids, meant to serve you as well."
Lu Chen grinned and pulled her close. "With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"
At that moment, Mu Zixuan turned to the two waiting sisters and softly called, "Youyou, Xiaoxiao, come here."
The candlelight flickered.
And the night deepened.
﹌﹌﹌
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