The moment the woman stepped out of the carriage, Lu Chen stood frozen in place.
Her face was exquisitely beautiful, a touch of cold elegance resting on her features. Clad in flowing white robes, her skin appeared smooth and delicate, her hair styled into a graceful bun, and between her brows was what looked like a plum blossom mark. Her figure was lithe and graceful, and her entire presence exuded a serene and sacred aura, like a celestial being who had descended from the heavens.
For a moment, Lu Chen forgot to activate the system to analyze her identity. It wasn't until she opened her mouth that he snapped out of his daze.
"I greet the prince."
Though Chen Wanrong was the esteemed master of Xuanyue Palace, the palace still nominally fell under the jurisdiction of Great Xia. As such, upon meeting the prince of Great Xia, she was still required to offer a formal bow.
Her voice was crisp and serene, yet carried an inexplicable allure, as if it could stir unrest in the hearts of those who heard it.
Only then did Lu Chen come back to himself. He hurriedly waved his hands and stammered, "N-no need for such formalities."
Without delay, he activated the system to scan the woman before him.
[Name: Chen Wanrong]
[Identity: Last descendant of the Chen royal line, Princess of the fallen State of Chen, Palace Master of Xuanyue Palace, 21 years old, Grandmaster level cultivator. This visit to Beijun is primarily to approach the Northern King, subdue him using the Love Gu, and then use his blood to refine the Dragon-Subduing(Fulong) Curse in order to wage revenge against Emperor Xia for the fall of the State of Chen.]
[Rating: 98]
[Favorability: 10]
Seeing that near-perfect score of 98, Lu Chen was momentarily stunned. For a woman of such stunning beauty, even a score of 100 wouldn't feel excessive.
After all, even Chu Yuqin had a rating of only 97.
If this was the case, did every point beyond 95 mark a whole new level of beauty and charm?
However, Lu Chen didn't think that Chen Wanrong was that much more beautiful than Chu Yuqin. What captivated him more was her ethereal temperament—an aura so divine it made one feel as though they stood before a goddess. That celestial quality was what stirred his heart most deeply.
Still, once the initial awe passed, Lu Chen quickly regained his composure. He smiled and addressed her warmly, "It's an honor to have Palace Master Chen visit my humble abode. Aunt Lin, Palace Master Chen, please, come in."
As she noticed Lu Chen's gaze lingering on Chen Wanrong, Lin Wanyun couldn't help but sigh internally.
She could tell that the Northern King had been thoroughly enchanted by Chen Wanrong's beauty. She feared it would take no more than a couple of days for Chen Wanrong to implant the Love Gu into him. Once that was done, the Northern King would be completely under her control and eventually become no more than a tool for refining the Dragon-Subduing Curse.
As Chu Yue's sworn sister, Lin Wanyun didn't wish to see Lu Chen dragged into danger. But for the sake of vengeance against Emperor Xia, they had no choice but to go through with the plan.
And so, Lu Chen led both women into the palace.
Once they arrived at the main hall, he immediately ordered the servants to prepare a pot of Dragon-Phoenix Tea.
When the tea arrived, Lu Chen personally poured a cup for each of them and said with a smile, "Aunt Lin, Palace Master Chen, you've had a long journey. This tea is a specialty of the Northern Palace. It refreshes the mind and eases fatigue. Please have a taste."
Lin Wanyun didn't hesitate to raise her teacup. She took a small sip, then quietly circulated her inner strength to check if there was anything suspicious mixed into the tea.
Only after confirming that it was clean did she take another sip.
Her actions were subtle and discreet—so much so that an ordinary person wouldn't have noticed a thing. But Chen Wanrong, being no ordinary woman, caught the nuance. Once she saw Lin Wanyun take a second sip, she became certain the tea was safe.
Though she was in the Northern King's residence, as the Palace Master of Xuanyue Palace, she naturally remained cautious.
Once assured, Chen Wanrong raised her elegant hand, picked up the porcelain cup, and took a gentle sip.
In that instant, a cool sensation surged through her body, spreading from within and washing over every limb and vein. The feeling was so refreshing it made her sigh inwardly in comfort.
Chen Wanrong was quietly surprised. She hadn't expected that the tea from the Northern King's palace would truly have the effect of clearing the mind and easing the body.
Seeing the two women had begun drinking, a faint smile played at Lu Chen's lips. He set down his cup and asked casually, "So, Miss Chen, Aunt Lin, may I ask the purpose of your visit to Beijun this time?"
Lin Wanyun responded smoothly, "We just happened to be passing through."
Lu Chen showed a touch of mock regret. "So you're merely passing by? Then it seems you'll be leaving Beijun quite soon."
Lin Wanyun smiled and replied, "Even if we're just passing through, the Palace Master and I plan to stay in Beijun for a little while."
Lu Chen's tone turned lighter. "I'm afraid that might not be possible. You'll likely have to leave soon."
Lin Wanyun raised a brow. "Oh? And why is that?"
At this moment, Chu Yuqin, who had been seated nearby, spoke softly, "Sister Lin, the barbarian horde will soon begin their southern advance. Chen'er's wives, and children will soon be moved from Yancheng to Anping City for safety."
This wasn't classified information. The palace would soon publicly announce it to the people of Beijun, so Chu Yuqin spoke openly.
Upon hearing this, both Lin Wanyun and Chen Wanrong were momentarily taken aback.
They hadn't expected to arrive at such a precarious time—just as the barbarians were preparing to push southward.
But upon reflection, the barbarians moving south shouldn't disrupt their plan too severely.
After all, a "useless" prince like the Northern King would surely be terrified of death. If the enemy advanced, wouldn't he be the first to flee south? In that case, they merely needed to follow him wherever he went.
At that moment, Lin Wanyun asked, "Will His Highness also be traveling south with the rest?"
Lu Chen gave a soft smile and shook his head. "Beijun is my fief. I am its lord. How could I abandon it and flee? I will stay here in Yancheng and fight the barbarians to the death, to protect Beijun."
Those words left both women speechless.
They hadn't anticipated that the Northern King would display such courage and resolve.
Wasn't this the same prince everyone said was a wastrel? A man who spent his days indulging in women and leisure within the palace?
How could a so-called good-for-nothing show such conviction?
Perhaps… this southern push by the barbarians wasn't a major invasion, and they were only here to loot and pillage? Perhaps the Northern King wasn't truly concerned about a direct attack on Yancheng, which was why he dared to remain behind?
Chen Wanrong narrowed her eyes slightly and asked, "May I ask, Your Highness—how many troops have the barbarians sent south this time?"
Lu Chen's expression remained calm. "According to our latest intelligence, the barbarians intend to establish a new kingdom here in Beijun. They've dispatched 300,000 cavalry and plan to occupy Beijun with Yancheng as their capital."
Chen Wanrong's brows subtly furrowed.
Three hundred thousand troops!
According to the intelligence Xuanyue Palace had gathered, Beijun's total military force barely amounted to 30,000.
And yet, in the face of such overwhelming odds, the Northern King didn't flee. Instead, he intended to hold the city and fight to the bitter end?
Thirty thousand against three hundred thousand—this wasn't a battle. It was suicide!
Was this truly the so-called useless prince everyone spoke of?
Even just this spirit alone far surpassed the so-called noblemen and officials in the capital who did nothing but feast and frolic all day long.
After this brief encounter, Chen Wanrong's view of Lu Chen had shifted drastically.
She began to suspect that the intelligence Xuanyue Palace had on the Northern King might have been flawed.
This man… did not seem to be one who merely wasted his life in the pleasures of the palace.
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
Support the Translation! 🌐✨
30+ Advanced Chapters are currently available in Patreon, make sure to visit and support our team.
patreon.com/Immortal_author
https://ko-fi.com/immortalauthor
https://discord.gg/KscfBegBPT