Chapter Forty-Four: The Prince of Tang's Residence

Meanwhile, just as Chu Han was about to return to his room, a young servant dressed in livery strode in, followed by two others. Clearing his throat, he announced, “The Young Prince commands: the members of the Tang family are to come forth and receive the imperial decree.”

At the sound of his voice, Tang Hao hurried out, leading his household. He made to kneel, but Chu Han quickly supported him, preventing him from doing so. Chu Han fixed the servant with a cold, silent stare.

He was still seething with anger, and now the Young Prince of Jing dared to meddle at such a time—it was utter folly. Besides, he was merely the Young Prince of the Prince of Jing’s household; Chu Han saw no reason to kneel to him.

Noticing Chu Han’s defiance, the servant’s face flushed with rage. “How dare the Tang family refuse to kneel? Are you planning to rebel? My master is wise and valiant; he’s on his way here now, and soon he’ll flatten the Tang household.”

He had barely finished speaking when he was sent flying by a powerful kick, landing heavily on the ground and wailing in pain. The Young Prince of the Prince of Jing’s household himself had arrived, leading over a dozen men in haste.

The Young Prince was dressed in splendid yellow garments, strikingly handsome—a typical dandy in Chu Han’s opinion. However, his talent was undeniable; at such a young age, he had already reached the Lunhai Realm, which was impressive in itself.

“Are you trying to get me killed? Drag him away at once,” the Young Prince barked.

The Young Prince was visibly shaken by his servant’s insolence. Ever since learning of Chu Han’s feats, he had lost all thought of opposing him. Fearing his servant might speak out of turn, he had rushed over with his men—fortunately, not too late.

His previous schemes had also been abandoned; after all, even if they had succeeded, he could never match Chu Han. Now he understood this all too well.

“Brother Chu,” the Young Prince said apologetically, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture, “I must apologize for my servant’s rudeness. I’ll handle his punishment. I came in person because I have important matters to discuss.”

His tone was so humble that Chu Han found it impossible to stay angry. He could not understand why the Young Prince had changed so drastically; he had once sought Chu Han’s demise, yet now he spoke with such deference—a truly fickle man.

“Please don’t worry, Brother Chu,” the Young Prince explained, noticing the confusion in Chu Han’s eyes. “I sincerely apologize. Your strength is formidable. I once thought to oppose you, but I no longer have the courage. After all, we’ve become acquainted through conflict—let us be friends instead.”

With these words, everything became clear to Chu Han. His earlier actions had indeed served as a deterrent; even the Young Prince no longer dared to challenge him.

Yet, the Young Prince was not quite as the rumors described. He lacked the typical airs of a spoiled, ruthless scion. Instead, he was adaptable and broad-minded. If that was truly his character, Chu Han saw no need for enmity.

Chu Han smiled, inviting the Young Prince to the guest’s seat while he and Tang Hao took the host’s place. “You are too kind, Young Prince. Indeed, we’ve come to know each other through adversity. May I ask what brings you here today?”

“I’ve already reported your role in quelling the rebellion at Lantian Garrison, and the verdict has come down. Chu Han, you are recognized for your merits in resolving the internal strife, and Tang Hao for forging the armor. His Majesty has summoned you both to the Imperial Capital to receive your rewards. Since the founding of Great Chu, this is the first time the Emperor himself has issued such a summons.”

The Young Prince wasted no time stating his purpose. In truth, neither Chu Han nor Tang Hao’s achievements alone would warrant such a grand reward; it was all due to the Young Prince’s maneuvering.

After Chu Han had dealt with Lin Qiuhe and Mo Zhu, the Young Prince realized that Chu Han was the kind of man one should befriend, not make an enemy of. Thus, he orchestrated this situation to curry favor with Chu Han.

He was clever enough to know that currying favor with Chu Han alone would not suffice; including Tang Hao would make all the difference. Hence, he included Tang Hao in the honors.

Tang Hao was overjoyed at the news, rising immediately to give thanks. He had always devoted himself wholeheartedly to the service of Great Chu, and the Emperor’s recognition brought him great happiness.

Chu Han saw through the Young Prince’s intentions. As the saying goes, one cannot strike a smiling face; he, too, expressed his gratitude to the Young Prince, who waved off their thanks and instructed them to set out for the capital the next day before departing from the Tang household.

Seeing Tang Hao’s delight, Chu Han felt genuinely happy as well. He spent a merry evening drinking with his father before ordering the servants to prepare for their journey to the capital on the morrow.

The night passed peacefully.

At dawn, the Young Prince’s retinue awaited outside. Only Chu Han and Tang Hao would go to the capital from the Tang household; bringing more people would only be a burden on the road.

What pleased Chu Han most was that the Imperial Capital was closest to the Eastern Wastes, allowing him to personally investigate the matter of the Wolf Clan. It was an opportunity to accomplish two goals at once.

The journey from the Prince of Jing’s residence to the Imperial Capital was not short. Even traveling day and night, it would take three days. Since they would not travel at night, five days would be required.

Three days later, they were already not far from the capital, their horses racing to cover the final stretch.

But just then, a party of riders appeared in the distance, blocking the only way forward. Judging by their bearing, it was clear they had come for Chu Han’s group. There were three of them, each exuding an air of supreme arrogance.

All three were formidable, experts of the Divine Bridge Realm. With their path blocked, Chu Han and his companions had no choice but to dismount and approach on foot.

“Tang Hao, do you still recognize me?” one of them asked, stepping forward with a sneer of disdain. The other two wore similar expressions.

“Tang Yuan, it’s you? What do you want?” Tang Hao scrutinized the man and, recognizing him, was visibly shocked. Chu Han’s curiosity about the newcomers’ identities grew.

The man was elegantly dressed, clearly not from a common family, and seemed acquainted with Tang Hao’s father. Their arrogance stemmed from their noble status, making Chu Han all the more intrigued.

“You’re from the Prince of Tang’s household?” the Young Prince interjected, recognizing the symbol embroidered on their robes. Chu Han saw it as well, and hearing “Prince of Tang’s household,” he immediately made the connection to Tang Hao.

“That’s right, Tang Hao. I didn’t expect you to remember me. I’ll give you a chance to return to your ancestral clan—do you want it?” Tang Yuan smiled coldly, his words sharp and startling. Now Chu Han finally understood the connection between his father and the Prince of Tang’s household—his father was, in fact, from that noble line.

It was all the more puzzling, though. In his previous life, Chu Han had never heard of this. Tang Hao had never mentioned it; he had simply run a humble smithy in Jingyuan City. Why, then, was he here if he belonged to such a family?

“What is it that you want?” Tang Hao’s face turned grim in response to Tang Yuan’s words, as if recalling some bitter memory. His fists clenched tightly, and a fierce murderous intent flashed in his eyes.

“It’s simple. I know you’re on your way to the capital to receive a reward, and the Emperor seems to value you highly. My only demand is this: relinquish your claim to the reward and credit Tang Feng instead. Do this, and I’ll grant you the chance to return to your ancestral clan. For a worthless bastard like you, being allowed back into the Tang family is already a favor.”

The man made his intentions clear, his words dripping with contempt. To Chu Han, who placed Tang Hao above all else, this was intolerable.

“What did you say? Are you courting death?”