Volume One – Chen Kingdom on the Frontier, The Rebellious Marquess’s Path to Immortality Chapter 40: Speaking Heart to Heart

Chen Yu did not elaborate much on what had happened within the Northern Border Pass; he simply stated that the war had ceased, and before long, Zheng might send envoys to negotiate peace. The reason he could not be entirely certain was because the Grand Master of Zheng was likely to intervene.

Emperor Jingming nodded quietly. Though he did not know how his son had managed it, he was well aware of Chen Yu’s unfailing ability to devise strategies. Thus, he trusted him deeply. Yet now, Emperor Jingming could sense a trace of sorrow in his son. He sighed gently and asked with fatherly affection, "Is there nothing else you wish to say?"

Chen Yu was momentarily stunned. Meeting the emperor’s gaze, he could not help but lower his head, forcibly suppressing the shimmer of tears in his eyes. He turned away, rose from his seat, and looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath. "Father, I am leaving."

That simple statement caused Emperor Jingming’s heart to skip a beat, an ache rising within as if he already foresaw something. Yet, as a sovereign, he quickly regained composure and asked softly, "So you returned this time merely to bid farewell?"

Chen Yu did not deny it, nodding firmly.

"Yu’er, do you know? All along, I have regarded you as the future ruler of Chen, and I believe, with your character and wisdom, you would elevate our nation to new heights," Emperor Jingming said helplessly. "What caught me off guard was your change of heart—I do not know when it happened. Nor do I know how you learned of the matters concerning the Heaven-Breaking Mountain Range."

Startled, Chen Yu looked at Emperor Jingming. "Father, you know of it as well?"

"Though Chen is but a small kingdom, the legends of ascension and seeking the Way atop the Heaven-Breaking Mountain Range are recorded here and there. As for their truth, no one can testify to it," Emperor Jingming replied, then shook his head. "No, perhaps there is one person in the world who knows this secret."

"Father, are you speaking of the Grand Master of Zheng?"

"So you know as well? The Grand Master of Zheng—a figure who appeared a century ago—seems to us rulers as something akin to a celestial being, wielding unfathomable powers..."

From Emperor Jingming’s words, it was clear how much he feared the Grand Master of Zheng.

Perhaps because they knew they were parting, the two did not quarrel as in days past, but instead spoke heart-to-heart, much to the delight of Noble Consort Su.

"Before returning this time, I felt much sorrow. But upon seeing my sister, I was able to let go," Chen Yu said sincerely, gazing toward his mother.

"Is that so? Does that mean you are at ease now?" Emperor Jingming smiled bitterly, still hoping to persuade his son to stay.

---

"Yes, with my sister here, I am at ease," Chen Yu said with unwavering resolve, though he could not bear to part.

"Ah, so be it!" Emperor Jingming knew his child had his own mind, and could not be swayed. Now, he could only hope that the journey ahead would be smooth and free from calamity.

A few days later, when news of the battle at the Northern Border Pass spread, the entire kingdom of Chen erupted in celebration. Tales of the rebellious marquis Chen Yu became legendary, though there were still voices of skepticism, especially regarding Marquis Zhu.

Unexpectedly, those connected to Marquis Zhu—even the Zhu family itself—faced a reckoning. With decisive action, dissenting voices gradually faded. The sharp-eyed could see clearly: Emperor Jingming was not only settling scores, but also protecting his own.

As for these matters, Chen Yu paid little attention. For half a month, he stayed with his mother and father, cherishing what he called his "final moments of familial affection."

Atop the city walls, Emperor Jingming and Noble Consort Su watched Chen Yu and his companions disappear from sight, unable to suppress their sadness. Looking at the princes, princesses, and ministers beside him, with their varied expressions, he felt helpless.

Emperor Jingming recalled that night when Chen Yu pleaded with him—the first and only time his son had ever begged for something. Chen Yu wished, upon his departure, that his father would confer the marquisate of Blackwind Pass upon his sister, Chen Qing'er, so that henceforth Blackwind Pass would be free from imperial command. He sought to give his sister and mother a final measure of security.

Though the request was excessive, looking at the son who would soon leave, Emperor Jingming could not steel his heart, and could only agree.

"Yu’er, will you ever return?" This was Emperor Jingming’s final question.

But the road ahead was long and fraught with obstacles. How could Chen Yu answer?

---

After leaving the imperial city, Chen Yu, Jing Zhe, and Xue Han did not return to Blackwind Pass with Xia You and the others, but instead turned back toward Northern Border Pass.

"Third Brother, are you going to resolve the last trouble?" Jing Zhe asked with a tranquil smile.

"You could say that," Chen Yu replied.

"Haha... I think that’s only part of the reason," Xue Han said. "You want to learn about the Heaven-Breaking Mountain Range from Zheng’s Grand Master—and also about the state of the Nine Provinces."

"Yes, it’s time to prepare."

"But that Grand Master of Zheng is a celestial among the Nine Provinces. Aren’t you two afraid?" Jing Zhe teased.

"Afraid? Haha... Have you grown timid, Big Brother?" Chen Yu and Xue Han laughed, poking fun at him.

"Me, afraid? I’m only worried the old man won’t show up," Jing Zhe scoffed. "I seek to ascend and grasp the Way. He’s an old fellow stranded in the land of forbidden arts; I just hope his teeth are strong enough to bite through my flesh."

The three burst out laughing, their tension easing.

"In any case, according to Zheng Ze’s message, the Grand Master of Zheng already knows about us and is on his way. This is the path he must pass," Chen Yu said. The three arrived at a secluded gorge, dozens of miles from the battlefield between the two kingdoms, quietly awaiting his arrival.

Three nights later, as they sat around a campfire, they suddenly sensed a powerful aura rushing from the direction of Zheng.

Their spirits stirred, and they looked up. Though the night was dim, they could make out the figure—it was the Grand Master of Zheng, the same old man they had seen atop the Heaven-Breaking Mountain Range.

"Hmph..." From afar, the old man sensed their intimidating gaze, feeling a chill within. He quickly composed himself, approaching on horseback and saying, "The rebellious marquis of Chen?"

"Indeed, that is I," Chen Yu replied calmly, rising and bowing respectfully. "Chen Yu greets the elder."

"Elder?" the old man sneered contemptuously. "So, you three have been waiting for me?"

"That’s right," Chen Yu answered. "We wish to inquire about the Heaven-Breaking Mountain Range and the Nine Provinces. Might you grant us this favor?"

"Haha... Overreaching fools! Do you three mere mortals think yourselves worthy?"