Volume One – The Frontier of the Chen Kingdom, The Rebellious Marquis’ Immortal Journey Chapter 39: The Imperial Capital of Chen

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"The Imperial City... I never thought I would return," Chen Yu sighed as he gazed at the grand architecture ahead.

"It's only been a few years—why so sentimental?" Jing Zhe said, curling his lip.

"You intend to enter the palace, don't you?" Xue Han remarked.

"Yes. After all these years, I wish to see my mother once more," Chen Yu replied, his voice tinged with sadness and reluctance. "Perhaps, after this farewell, I may never see her again."

Jing Zhe and Xue Han, both orphans, did not share his concerns, yet they understood Chen Yu's feelings well.

When their battalion appeared outside the city, the palace guards immediately went on alert. A squad raced out from the city, blocking their path.

"Who goes there? No troops are allowed outside the Imperial City. Are you unaware of this?" a commanding man called out coldly.

"Captain Chen Hong, it's been years, but your presence remains formidable," Xia You stepped forward, greeting him with a smile and a respectful gesture.

Once, Xia You had served among the palace guards, directly under Chen Hong's command.

Chen Hong was stunned at first, then peered closely and recognized Xia You, his voice rising with excitement, "Xia You? Is it really you? Weren't you—"

He quickly recognized Chen Yu as well. Dismounting hastily, he paid his respects, "Deputy Commander Chen Hong of the Palace Guards greets the Eighth Prince."

"Oh, you've risen to Deputy Commander, I see. Clearly you've been promoted these past years," Chen Yu teased.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness," Chen Hong replied with an awkward laugh, then frowned and asked, "May I ask what brings Your Highness here?"

"I wish to enter the palace to see my mother," Chen Yu answered.

"This..." Chen Hong hesitated, explaining, "Your Highness, as a marquis, without an imperial summons, you cannot enter the palace at will."

"I know!"

At Chen Yu's response, Chen Hong relaxed somewhat. But the next moment, Chen Yu put him in a difficult position.

Chen Yu smiled, "So what if that's the case? Will you stop me, Deputy Commander Chen Hong?"

"I wouldn't dare, Your Highness! It's just the imperial decree..." Chen Hong replied, forcing a smile.

"You handle the imperial decree yourself. I doubt my father, the emperor, would dare object," Chen Yu said, riding toward the Imperial City. Xia You and the others camped outside, not forcing their way in, sparing Chen Hong from further trouble.

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Chen Hong understood well the weight Chen Yu carried with the emperor, so he did not dare obstruct him further, merely dispatching a soldier to report to the emperor at once.

Accompanying Chen Yu awkwardly, Chen Hong asked, "Your Highness, I heard Blackwind Pass was summoned to the battle at Northward Pass. How did you come to be here?"

"The Zheng Kingdom has withdrawn; the conflict is over. So I returned for a visit," Chen Yu replied.

"What... The battle at Northward Pass has ended?" This news shocked Chen Hong and the others. They all knew the emperor had been worried about this matter—how could it simply be over?

"Your Highness, could this be some trick from the Zheng Kingdom?" Chen Hong asked anxiously.

Chen Yu smiled faintly, offering no further explanation. Chen Hong felt increasingly puzzled, but he trusted that the Eighth Prince was not one to speak carelessly. This matter must be reported to the emperor at once.

With Chen Hong leading, Chen Yu entered the palace with ease. Moreover, he had only been gone a few years; little had changed within the palace, and many recognized the Eighth Prince, surprised by his return. Thus, their path was unobstructed.

"Prince Yu..." As Chen Yu approached his mother's palace, a maid recognized him. She was about to call out when Chen Yu quickly signaled her to keep silent.

Stealthily, just as in his childhood, Chen Yu slipped into the Palace of Pure Heart. The servants there were long accustomed to his ways.

In the garden, a woman dressed in finery, her skin like white jade, her features exquisite, hummed a cheerful tune. She was Chen Yu's mother, the Noble Consort Su.

Chen Yu approached from behind, embracing her, pressing his face gently against her back. A wave of bittersweet longing surged through him.

"Your Majesty, you've come," the Noble Consort Su said, not recognizing Chen Yu and assuming it was her husband.

When Chen Yu gave no answer, and the sensation was unlike her husband's presence, her expression changed abruptly. She was about to call out, "Who are—"

"Mother..." Chen Yu whispered.

He felt her body tremble ever so slightly.

"Yu'er..." The Noble Consort Su turned swiftly, tears shining in her beautiful eyes.

"Yu'er greets Mother."

"Rise, quickly—let Mother have a good look at you. You have suffered so much these years," she said, helping him up and examining him closely.

Chen Yu noticed the delicate infant in her arms, and asked joyfully, "Is this..."

"This is your sister, Qing'er," the Noble Consort Su said happily.

"Ah... truly?" Chen Yu reached out to hold the baby. His mother did not refuse, only cautioned, "Careful, my child."

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"Mm... mm... She truly is adorable," Chen Yu laughed.

Just then, a group hurried toward the Palace of Pure Heart. As one entered the garden, he shouted loudly, "Chen Yu, you rascal, are you looking for trouble? You come to the palace and don't visit me?"

No sooner had he spoken than he strode into the courtyard.

The Noble Consort Su quickly paid her respects, "Your servant greets Your Majesty."

Chen Yu, however, ignored the Emperor Jingming, still happily playing with his little sister.

Jingming's mouth twitched; he wanted to smack Chen Yu, but thought better of it. Instead, he stepped forward and snatched his daughter from Chen Yu's arms, saying, "Don't corrupt my precious girl, you scoundrel."

"Your Majesty..." Noble Consort Su protested, but seeing the expressions of father and son, she could only cover her mouth and laugh. She was long used to such scenes.

Chen Yu did not argue, but picked up a pastry and tasted it, quipping, "Father, have these years treated you well?"

"Hmph, without you here to annoy me, life has been wonderful. Ha ha..." Jingming laughed.

"Good... that's good," Chen Yu smiled.

Noble Consort Su could only smile helplessly, resigned to the ways of father and son.

At that moment, Jingming handed the baby to her, then asked solemnly, "Yu'er, I heard from Chen Hong that you said the Zheng Kingdom has withdrawn?"

At this, even Noble Consort Su became excited. She knew well how much her husband had worried these years.

"Yes, I believe news from the front will arrive soon. I just hadn't expected their messengers to be so slow," Chen Yu shrugged, bored.

"But that's not the real reason you returned, is it?" A father knows his son best—Jingming went straight to the point.

Noble Consort Su, understanding the need for discretion, left with her daughter. This, too, was one reason Jingming cherished her.