Chapter 623: To have so little ability—it

Offended the Emperor? That is a crime punishable by the extermination of one's entire clan!

The Chu family's greatest reliance, Imperial Consort Chu, no matter how favored she is, her glory and decline depend on nothing more than a single word from His Majesty!

Chu Pengzhan was so terrified he nearly fainted, his whole body shaking like chaff. He never imagined that here in this borderland, he had collided with the Son of Heaven traveling incognito!

If he had known earlier that it was His Majesty Li Chen, why would he have needed Commandant Cheng to take action? He, Chu Pengzhan, would have beaten that troublemaking nephew Chu Xiang to death with his own hands!

"Brother... Brother! Save me! Save the Chu family!" Chu Pengzhan crawled to hold onto Chu Jingsong's legs, begging incoherently, "What... what should we do? It's all over!"

Chu Jingsong looked at his state, suppressed the fear in his heart, and took a deep breath: "Get up! What are you panicking about! I have met His Majesty several times and know a little of his temperament. Since His Majesty did not fly into a rage on the spot to have you arrested and punished, but instead let you remain safely at Hantie Pass, it means there is still room for maneuver."

He pondered for a moment and continued: "The only way now is to do our best to make amends. I will find a suitable opportunity to take you to see the Emperor and plead guilty, but you must remember firmly: His Majesty is traveling incognito, and his identity must absolutely not be exposed!

When the time comes, no matter how His Majesty reprimands you, you must grit your teeth and take it, showing the greatest remorse. Act according to the situation, understand?"

Chu Pengzhan dared not have the slightest objection, only nodding frantically, as if he had grasped the last straw of life.

Although Chu Jingsong appeared calm on the surface, he was actually panicked to the extreme inside.

Even though he knew Li Chen was an emperor who could listen to advice, the mind of a monarch is as deep as the sea, and the imperial might is unfathomable; he had no certainty at all.

He immediately ordered Chu Pengzhan in a stern voice to cancel all welcome ceremonies and banquets, and to tell those fawning dignitaries outside to get lost.

At this moment, he had no mood to deal with them; the top priority was to see His Majesty and plead guilty.

The two changed into plain gray cloth robes without any patterns, deliberately keeping a low profile, and took an inconspicuous carriage straight to the military camp.

Near the military camp, Chu Pengzhan had someone quietly contact Army Supervisor Wang.

Army Supervisor Wang hurried over upon hearing the news. Seeing that it was Chu Jingsong himself, a respectful look immediately appeared on his face; after all, this was Imperial Consort Chu's father.

He guessed that the Clan Head's personal arrival must be for the sake of Chu Xiang, so he spoke first to complain: "Lord Chu, it is not that this official is unwilling to be flexible, but the evidence for Young Master Chu's case is conclusive, and Commandant Cheng is watching. This official is also just following the rules; it is truly difficult..."

Before he could finish, he saw that Chu Jingsong not only showed no sign of blame but instead praised him with a solemn face: "Army Supervisor Wang handles matters fairly and strictly adheres to the law; I admire you! My good-for-nothing nephew is arrogant and domineering, violating military regulations; he brought it entirely upon himself. It is good that he is locked up! Army Supervisor Wang is acting according to the law; what fault could there be?"

These words left Army Supervisor Wang stunned on the spot, completely bewildered.

Since when did this head of the Chu family become so reasonable?

Then, Chu Jingsong cautiously and seemingly casually probed: "I wonder if Commandant Cheng is in the camp at this moment?"

Although Army Supervisor Wang found it strange, he answered truthfully: "Commandant Cheng is currently training soldiers on the drill ground. If Lord Chu wishes to see him, shall this official send someone to invite him?"

"No! Absolutely not!" Chu Jingsong's face changed in fright, and he hurriedly waved his hand to stop him, his movements so fast they almost stirred the wind.

He was horrified inside: His Majesty is training the troops; how dare I let him come to see me? You ignorant fool, you are practically rushing me to my death!

He suppressed his panic and managed to maintain his composure: "Commandant Cheng is busy with military affairs; how dare we disturb him? Can we... can we go take a look at that wretch first? It might help him deeply realize his mistakes."

Although Army Supervisor Wang felt this request was abrupt, seeing Chu Jingsong's unusually humble attitude, he couldn't refuse and personally led the two toward the prison.

Meanwhile, inside the dark and damp military prison.

Chu Xiang, Huyan Xun (the Khan's nephew), and Han Zhen (the Grand General's son) were huddled together boasting.

The few days of prison life were boring, and they spent their time fantasizing about how they would take revenge on "Cheng Li" once their families arrived.

Chu Xiang spat as he spoke: "When my uncle and the clan head arrive, they will definitely make that brat surnamed Cheng kneel and beg for mercy! When that time comes, I'll have to skin him alive!"