Chapter 402: The Heir Returns to the Capital

The rebel leader, the King of Great Ming, had not yet been escorted to the capital, when the Marquis's heir, Chen Guanfu, returned ahead of schedule.

The Hou Fu had prepared three days in advance: cleaning, arranging the halls, assigning personnel, and finalizing the banquet menu. Besides an intimate family reception, they also planned a grand feast to invite relatives and friends.

Every member of the Hou Fu, from top to bottom, was preparing to welcome the family's successor.

The most elated were the First Branch and Lady Lu, the eldest son's wife.

Members of the Second Branch couldn't help but grow sour, going to the old matriarch to mutter jealous remarks.

The old matriarch remained silent. What could she do? Chen Guanfu's position as heir was officially bestowed by the court, the rightful and legitimate heir of the Hou Fu, the eldest legitimate son—no one could rival his legitimacy. Young as he was, he had trained in the military, rising steadily through rank thanks to family support and his own ability, becoming a General, commanding troops in the south, winning repeated victories.

A tiger father has no dog son!

"The heir is returning home. All of you, pull yourselves together. The heir has spent years in the military and values discipline above all. Warn the servants to behave themselves—don't give him cause to punish anyone. If the heir decides to punish someone, don't come to me begging for mercy—I won't intervene."

The old matriarch made her stance clear: she wanted no part in the conflict, only to observe. She would wait and see how the heir conducted himself before deciding anything else.

"I heard the heir brought back several beautiful concubines, and a few illegitimate sons and daughters."

"These are not your concerns. That's Lady Lu's duty. That's enough. Dismissed. I'm tired."

The old matriarch seethed with suppressed anger.

The First Branch had once been on the verge of collapse. Who could have imagined that the rebellion in the north would lift them up?

Sigh!

Such is fate!

On the day Chen Guanfu officially returned to the capital, though the Hou Fu did not hang lanterns or decorate with banners, joy radiated everywhere. The chief steward had sent men to the docks the day before, and at dawn they met him and brought him straight home.

Upon returning, he did not even wash up first—he went straight to pay respects to the old matriarch, then to all his elders, then met each of his brothers, sisters, and their wives. Only after that did he return to his quarters to bathe and wash away the dust of the journey. He also immediately arranged for a formal petition to be delivered to the palace: tomorrow, he would enter to pay homage to the Emperor and thank him for his grace.

The chief steward privately warned: "The Emperor's temper has grown increasingly erratic these past years—hard to fathom. Tomorrow, when you meet him, be extremely cautious with your words and actions. Don't treat him as you would your troops. The Emperor has long harbored suspicions toward you and your father, and toward the entire Hou Fu. Especially toward your father—he watches him with deep suspicion. Your father, fighting far away in the north, walks on thin ice; he doesn't know how many of the Emperor's spies lurk in his own ranks."

Chen Guanfu grunted, "The men I brought back—please have the chief steward test them thoroughly."

"Are you suspecting they're disloyal?"

"There are certainly spies planted by others. Who exactly, I leave to you to uncover. Also, the women I brought back—likely untrustworthy too. But matters within the inner quarters must be handled by Lady Lu."

"If you know they're untrustworthy, why keep them close?"

"You can't guard against thieves forever. If you purge them, new ones will infiltrate under even more hidden, flawless identities. Better to keep a few fixed ones nearby—it saves effort."

"Your wisdom, heir!"

"The last shipment went poorly at first, but the rest went smoothly. I heard you found someone from the clan to handle it—so capable?"

"Your humble servant found a cousin of yours, Chen Guanlou, currently serving in the Heavenly Prison. He earned merit—we planned to assign him a seventh-rank post, but he refused. He insists on staying in the prison to earn money, adamantly refusing to enter officialdom. A waste of talent. Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have brought this up. As the clan's eldest son and future patriarch, you must step forward and properly manage clan affairs. A talented young man like him shouldn't be allowed to waste away in the prison."

Chen Guanfu was stunned, his expression uncertain. "These days, there are people who refuse official posts? And an Chen?"

"Absolutely true. I spoke with Chen Guanlou—he won't change his mind. Says he only wants to eat, sleep, and do nothing. His ideal is 'more money, less work, close to home.' The prison satisfies him—he won't leave. He won't even take the post of prison warden; he's content as a mere jailer. Utterly without ambition."

Even now, the chief steward still seethed with resentment.

To refuse the Hou Fu's favor—Chen Guanlou might not be the first, but he was certainly the strangest.

Chen Guanfu listened, then laughed. "Didn't expect the clan to produce such an interesting character. When the family banquet is held in a few days, send him an invitation. Bring him to me—I'll speak with him."

"You intend to…?"

"You say he's talented. I must personally gauge his worth. If he truly is gifted, even if he refuses office, he'll still be useful."

"Your wisdom, heir. What of the Second Branch?"

"Uncle's branch has grand ambitions but little ability—good at socializing, nothing more. The rest, I leave to you, chief steward. Father dislikes mundane affairs. Now that I've returned, some things must change. But not yet. We'll wait until after the New Year."

"Understood. What of the southern campaign?"

"Not our concern. If the Emperor fears me and my father, let him worry himself. Hmph. Prince Chu isn't some peasant rebel—he's no easy foe. Several southern princes are stirring. If they don't move by year's end, they'll stir come spring. Then there'll be plenty of entertainment. I'll enjoy the show."

…

Years had passed since Chen Guanfu last entered the palace; his heart stirred slightly.

Led by a eunuch, he passed through layer upon layer of palace walls until he reached the Taiji Palace.

An inner attendant announced his arrival.

Yet Chen Guanfu was left waiting in a side hall—the old Emperor did not summon him immediately.

He was not in a hurry.

Years of military training, years commanding troops—he might lack other virtues, but patience he had in abundance. He understood the value of waiting for the right moment.

He did not drink tea, fearing he might need to relieve himself during the audience—that would be disrespectful.

He half-closed his eyes, ears alert, listening to the sounds outside. One delegation after another arrived for audience—those who came after him had already finished, yet he remained stranded in the side hall, waiting endlessly.

This was a warning.

The old Emperor's suspicion of his father and him ran deep. If necessary, the Emperor would find a way to kill them both—no doubt under the charge of treason.

Hmph!

He lightly tapped the inner side of his thumb, his mind churning. He now understood why his father had changed his plans.

This old Emperor must be judged with the utmost malice.