Chapter 77: Forcing Their Way into the Prince of Tang’s Residence

Since the princess herself had spoken up, Zhang Yinshan couldn't say much more and could only agree. Chu Han refused without a second thought—what a joke! He was heading to the Prince of Tang's residence for revenge; how could he spare any time to protect this little girl? Besides, he had no obligation to do so.

The atmosphere grew awkward, and Ye Tingyu felt helpless. After spending so much time with Chu Han, she understood his temperament well—he yielded to kindness, not force; the harder you pressed, the less likely he was to comply.

“Brother Chu, just take me with you. Once we reach the imperial capital, I’ll return to the palace. You go about your business—I promise I won't trouble you. With the chaos outside, if you don't protect me, I have no idea how I’ll make it back safely.”

Ye Tingyu blinked her eyes and tugged coyly at Chu Han’s sleeve, her words nearly driving the disciples of the Xuanming Sect to despair. None of them had ever seen a princess like this before.

Normally, Ye Tingyu was overbearing and arrogant—as a princess, she could afford to be, and none dared protest. But this soft, adorable demeanor was utterly foreign to them. They couldn't help but secretly give Chu Han a thumbs-up: he truly had a way with people, to make the princess behave so docilely.

“Fine, I’ll take you with me. But you mustn’t bother me. Once we reach the capital, we’ll go our separate ways.”

Chu Han frowned, glancing at the members of Xuanming Sect. Since she’d humbled herself so much, he had to agree. No matter what, he had to give her some measure of dignity in front of others.

Hearing his assent, Ye Tingyu cheered and quickly gathered her belongings to follow Chu Han. The two mounted their horses and sped off toward the imperial capital.

Out of concern for Tang Hao, Chu Han pressed forward relentlessly without a word, focused solely on the journey. Noticing the grim look on his face, Ye Tingyu refrained from disturbing him and simply kept pace on her horse.

By afternoon, they reached the imperial capital. “We’re here. Hurry back to the palace. I have things to do,” Chu Han said coldly, turning to leave. In that fleeting moment, Ye Tingyu caught the cruel curve of his lips and realized that matters were far more complicated than she had imagined.

“Chu Han, are you going to the Prince of Tang’s residence? What are you planning to do? Do you need my help?” Ye Tingyu grabbed his arm. She understood the strength of the Prince’s household and, though she knew Chu Han was powerful, couldn’t help but worry he might not make it out alive.

Chu Han paused and shook his head. “No need. You go back to the palace. I can handle this myself. Whatever you do, don’t follow me, or I won’t be polite.”

With that, he walked away. Ye Tingyu stood there, watching his retreating figure. “Hmph! You won’t let me help or follow? I’ll see what you’re really up to,” she muttered before heading for the palace. Chu Han did not hear her—had he done so in his current mood, he might have turned back to spank her.

Chu Han went straight to the inn where the young prince was staying. He found him anxiously pacing the floor. When Chu Han entered, the young prince was first startled, then overjoyed.

“You’re back! I’ve received word from inside—Tang Yuan plans to make his move against Tang Hao today. What’s your plan?” the young prince asked, gripping Chu Han’s arm in agitation.

“What else? I’ll storm the Prince of Tang’s residence. If they dare lay hands on my father, they shouldn’t expect to live.”

Chu Han’s smile was cruel. Now that he knew his father was still unharmed, it was time to deal with the Prince’s household.

He was about to set out—time was of the essence, since no one knew exactly when Tang Yuan would act—but the young prince stopped him. “I’ll prepare horses. We’ll go together.”

The young prince was uneasy. He knew Chu Han was strong, but the Prince of Tang’s household was formidable. Tang Feng was renowned as the foremost young master in the Great Chu. This was a rescue mission for Tang Hao, and he didn’t want to risk losing Chu Han as well.

“No need. I’ll go alone. If you act openly, you’ll drag the Jing Prince’s household into this. I’ll break in directly. You arrange for your men to rescue my father from the shadows. I worry Tang Yuan, in desperation, might kill him outright.”

Chu Han shook his head, issuing his instructions—above all, he didn’t want to implicate the Jing Prince’s household. This was his own matter; if he involved them, the consequences would be severe.

The young prince saw reason in this. Were he an ordinary man, he would have acted without hesitation, but as a prince, he had to weigh his choices carefully. Still, he quickly assembled his men, preparing to infiltrate the Prince of Tang’s residence to rescue Tang Hao and ease Chu Han’s worries.

Prince of Tang’s residence—

“Tang Hao, you’re as stubborn as ever. Let me be frank—you won’t live past today. If you have any last words, speak them now.”

Tang Yuan and Tang Feng sat in the cell, facing Tang Hao. Tang Hao lay on the ground, battered and shackled, looking extremely frail.

“Tang Yuan, do as you please. But know this: the Prince of Tang’s household will be your undoing sooner or later. We’ll see who has the last laugh.”

Tang Hao snorted coldly and closed his eyes, refusing another word. To him, exchanging words with someone like Tang Yuan was beneath his dignity.

As expected, his words enraged Tang Yuan, who stood to strike him, but Tang Feng stopped him. “No need to act rashly. Wait until nightfall—there are too many eyes around during the day.”

Tang Yuan nodded, threatened Tang Hao a few more times, and prepared to leave. At that moment, a servant arrived with news—a man named Chu Han wished to see Tang Yuan.

Hearing the name, Tang Hao was startled and sat up. He never expected Chu Han to come, but it was clear he’d heard of his plight and come to help. This realization brought him both hope and anxiety.

Tang Hao had already witnessed the strength of the Prince of Tang’s household and Tang Feng. Though Chu Han was formidable, he couldn’t help but worry.

“Hah! Refuse him. Tell him to get lost. Chu Han, just the old man’s son—Tang Feng, let’s go watch him be sent packing.”

Tang Yuan laughed heartily and left with Tang Feng.

Meanwhile, Chu Han stood outside the Prince of Tang’s gates, his eyes cold and ready for violence. Soon, a servant emerged. “Elder Tang Yuan refuses to see you. Leave now—this isn’t a place for the likes of you.”

The servant’s arrogance amused Chu Han. Since they were unwilling to talk, so be it—he hadn’t come to negotiate in the first place.

As the servant closed the gate, Chu Han struck—his fist smashed the solid wooden door, punching a great hole through it. The servant who’d spoken was sent flying and lay motionless, his fate uncertain.

Chu Han pushed the door open and strode inside. “Tang Yuan! Tang Feng! Get out here! Your Grandpa Chu Han has arrived. Since you dared lay hands on my father, your Prince of Tang’s residence will know no peace today!”

His voice rang out, clear and fierce, throughout the compound. In moments, the Prince of Tang’s guards had surrounded him, while Tang Yuan and Tang Feng emerged, faces twisted with malice.

“You’ve got guts, boy, to force your way into the Prince of Tang’s residence. But since you’re here, you’ll never leave alive. Attack! Kill him!”