Volume One – The Frontier of Chen, The Rebel Marquis’s Immortal Journey Chapter 37: Entering the Northern Town Gate

Zheng Liao’s methods had truly filled everyone with dread, yet Chen Yu’s strength stirred an equal excitement among Li Ke, Xia You, and the ranks of Black Armored Cavalry. Watching Zheng Liao’s corpse tumble into the ravine of the Mountain Tiger Stream, they were overcome with emotion. Gazing at the ravine, littered with corpses and not a single survivor, Xia You and his fellows understood that, thanks to the schemes of their rebel marquis Chen Yu, the crisis facing the State of Chen had already passed. The burden and sense of duty that had weighed on them so long seemed to melt away of their own accord.

Yet their reverence for the rebel marquis Chen Yu reached a height beyond compare.

“Dead? Just like that?” Zheng Ze stared blankly at the scene, never imagining the outcome would come so swiftly. At the same time, he silently warned himself: the rebel marquis of Chen is a terrifying enemy—even more so than my own father, the emperor.

These past days at Chen Yu’s side had been a revelation, as if nothing could escape the grasp of his designs.

“Your Highness, I’ve already taken care of things for you. What comes after is up to you,” Chen Yu said with a faint smile. “But do remember our agreement.”

Coming back to his senses, Zheng Ze drew a deep breath and replied, “Rest assured, my lord!”

Chen Yu nodded in satisfaction and said, “Let’s go! After all, your army from Zheng still awaits outside the ravine.”

With Zheng Ze’s status as the Crown Prince of Zheng, the soldiers waiting outside offered little resistance. Although they didn’t know exactly what had transpired within the Mountain Tiger Stream, nor why the Second Prince’s troops had vanished, they had all witnessed the Second Prince’s attempt to kill the Crown Prince. For them, that was evidence enough. The rest was beyond their reach, beyond their imagining.

“Oh… Crown Prince, what sort of person is your State Preceptor?” At this moment, Jing Zhe, who was leaving the forest alongside them, inquired of Zheng Ze.

But Zheng Ze himself knew little. He explained, “I honestly don’t know. I only know the State Preceptor has lived for a very long time—at least a hundred years. He’s extremely mysterious and rarely interferes in state affairs. But what my Second Brother said is true: the State Preceptor is acknowledged as the strongest in Zheng.”

He then warned Chen Yu and his companions, “So, if you ever do encounter him, you must be exceedingly careful.”

Chen Yu nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Perhaps the man truly was formidable, but Chen Yu had yet to encounter anyone who made him feel defeat was inevitable.

After leaving the forest, Zheng Ze parted ways with Chen Yu and the others, each returning to his own path.

“Brother, where are we going?” Jing Zhe asked.

Before Chen Yu could answer, Xia You interjected, “My lord, we came in answer to a royal summons. To avoid future trouble, I think we should first report to the Northern Frontier Pass.”

Chen Yu nodded in agreement. “That’s reasonable. I’ve heard several of my royal brothers are already there. Let’s go see them.”

“Didn’t you always say the royal family was cold and heartless? How is it you’re suddenly speaking of brotherly affection?” Jing Zhe teased.

Chen Yu laughed. “Well, since we’re here, it would be wrong to ignore them.” With that, he spurred his horse toward the Northern Frontier Pass.

At this moment, atop the city walls of the Northern Frontier Pass, a host of soldiers waited anxiously. At last, as dusk fell, the sound of hooves approached, growing nearer. A troop of some five thousand Black Armored Cavalry appeared before them like a thunderbolt.

“That’s the Black Armored Cavalry… but why have their numbers increased rather than diminished?” someone wondered aloud.

“Be on guard—beware of trickery,” the venerable General Yi warned urgently.

“Who goes there?”

Xia You rode forward, raising the imperial summons high. “Chen Yu, the Rebel Marquis of Heifeng Pass, has come in answer to His Majesty’s command to reinforce the Northern Frontier Pass!”

At these words, the soldiers on the walls—as well as the princes and marquises—were stupefied.

The Second Prince, Chen You, peered closely and, though years had passed, recognized Chen Yu with delight. “It’s… it’s the Eighth Brother! Look, it truly is Chen Yu!”

The faces of the First and Fourth Princes darkened, a hint of displeasure in their eyes as they looked upon Chen Yu.

“Second Prince, is that truly the Eighth Prince, the Rebel Marquis?” General Yi, restraining his excitement, sought confirmation from Chen You.

“Open the gates! Welcome the Eighth Prince!” General Yi ordered.

“Wait…” Suddenly a voice rang out—it was Marquis Zhu of Guanchao City. He spat, “General Yi, be wary of deception! There weren’t so many Black Armored Cavalry before.”

General Yi hesitated.

“Hmph, and if it is a ruse? Are we to fear a mere five thousand men when the Northern Frontier Pass has tens of thousands?” Chen You retorted. “Besides, that’s my Eighth Brother—there’s no reason not to let him in.”

“Yes… the Second Prince is right!” General Yi ignored further objections and ordered the gates opened.

The Black Armored Cavalry entered the Northern Frontier Pass, meeting a mix of reverence and wariness from the defenders.

“Yi Min of the Northern Frontier Pass pays respects to the Rebel Marquis.”

Chen Yu nodded in return. “General Yi, you have endured much. With you here, our Northern Frontier Pass is safe.”

“I am ashamed. It is my duty and not worth mentioning,” Yi Min replied with a helpless smile. “Now that Zheng has invaded, we must plan our next move.”

“There’s no need, General Yi. Zheng has already withdrawn. The danger to the Northern Frontier Pass has passed,” Chen Yu said calmly.

But Yi Min and the others were left speechless, unable to believe it, thinking Chen Yu must be making sport of them.

Yi Min’s face grew serious. “Rebel Marquis, you cannot speak so lightly! This is war, not child’s play.”

Chen Yu did not take offense at the suspicion. He smiled calmly. “You’re free to investigate for yourselves.”

“Hmph… You say they’ve withdrawn, and we’re to believe it?” At that moment, several figures approached. The speaker was Marquis Zhu of Guanchao City.

“Eighth Brother!” Chen You called out happily.

“So it’s you, Second Brother. It’s been a long time,” Chen Yu replied with a casual smile.

Chen Bin gave a cool nod in greeting, while Chen Jing’s expression was sour, clearly displeased to see Chen Yu.

“Rebel Marquis, you haven’t answered me yet!” Marquis Zhu pressed, aggressive.

“And who are you?” Chen Yu arched an eyebrow, sensing the hostility and letting his voice turn cold.

“Marquis Zhu of Guanchao City.”

Xia You leaned in to whisper a few words. Chen Yu’s expression cleared. “Ah, so you’re the one from the Zhu family.”

With that, he ignored Marquis Zhu and handed the imperial summons to Yi Min.

“General Yi, here is the summons. Now that Zheng has retreated, I’ll take my leave at first light tomorrow,” Chen Yu said placidly, making no trouble for anyone.

Yi Min studied the summons and nodded in silence. Though it meant only a single night, it would be enough time to verify the truth of his words.