The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

Chapter 167 A Perfect Son-in-Law

The following day, at the Duke of Chu's residence.

The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing. On such a pleasant day, Yu Jin's residence welcomed an unexpected visitor—Chu Liangchen. His sudden appearance caught Yu Jin off guard.

Yu Jin stood inside the mansion gate, his brows slightly furrowed, a hint of surprise and wariness flashing in his eyes. He pondered to himself, why would Chu Liangchen, who usually held himself in such high esteem and always looked down on everyone with his talent, condescend to step into his doorstep today? What secrets lay behind this sudden humility?

"Duke of Chu, it's been a long time."

Chu Liangchen's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible unease.

Yu Jin spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of scrutiny and distance: "Oh? Minister Chu, what brings you to my humble abode today? Is there perhaps some new development in the court?"

Chu Liangchen sighed softly, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes: "Duke Chu, since the passing of Princess Xincai, I have been like a boat with broken oars, without any support. My career path is shrouded in mist, and my future is uncertain. I have come here hoping to gain your favor and protection, and to guide me on a bright path, so that I may find a glimmer of hope in this turbulent officialdom."

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin's heart was stirred with emotion. He had never expected that Chu Liangchen would mention Princess Xincai.

However, Yu Jin was unaware that Princess Xincai had not actually died, but was being hidden by Xiao Jinyan in a manor outside the city.

He remained outwardly calm, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Minister Chu, you are mistaken. Everyone knows that you, Chu Liangchen, are unparalleled in wisdom and talent, and have always considered yourself aloof. Why would you need to rely on others? Although I am willing to help you, I am worried that I am not capable enough."

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He knew that if he could not impress Yu Jin on this trip, his future path would be even more difficult.

So, Chu Liangchen took a deep breath and spoke with even greater sincerity: "Your Excellency, Chu, are unaware that everything in this world is subject to change. In the past, I may have been able to admire myself, but the current situation allows no room for pride. I implore Your Excellency to consider our past relationship as colleagues and give me a chance to prove that even when I am subordinate, I can still achieve something."

Yu Jin gently stroked his white beard and said sincerely, "Since that's the case, then, on this auspicious night, I will use all the resources in my mansion to prepare a grand banquet to express my respect and welcome to Minister Chu."

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen bowed slightly, responding with a humble yet courteous demeanor: "Since the Duke of Chu is so kind, Liangchen will humbly accept."

That night.

As night fell, a bright moon hung high in the sky, and the stars twinkled like glittering pearls scattered on black silk.

The Duke of Chu's mansion was brightly lit, bustling with activity yet orderly.

Minister of Justice He Songzhi, dressed in magnificent robes, exuded an air of grandeur; closely following him was Yan Daoxiu, a Supervising Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, his face stern and his eyes sharp. In addition, Yu Jin's henchmen also arrived one after another, some talking in hushed tones, others exchanging knowing smiles, an unspoken tension and anticipation filling the air.

As guests took their seats, the banquet officially began.

During the banquet, a dazzling array of delicacies were laid out, and fine wines flowed continuously. Amidst the clinking of glasses, laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air. Musicians gently plucked the strings, producing melodious tunes that mingled with the occasional calls of night birds from outside the window, adding to the poetic atmosphere.

Yu Jin raised his wine cup, looked around, and said, “Liangchen, and all the distinguished guests here are my trusted friends. Tonight, let’s open our hearts and enjoy this moment to the fullest. Liangchen, you’re new here, so please don’t be shy. Just make yourself at home.”

Upon hearing this, He Songzhi turned his gaze to the slightly reserved Chu Liangchen, a playful smile playing on his lips: "Brother Liangchen seems rather shy. Could it be that this is your first time witnessing such a scene, and you have some reservations?"

Yu Jin laughed heartily, patted the table beside him three times, the sound crisp and powerful: "Liang Chen may be experiencing such a grand occasion for the first time, so it's understandable that he's a little nervous. Come, come, to ease the atmosphere, I've specially arranged some songs and dances to entertain you, so that you can enjoy the food while also feasting your eyes."

As soon as the words were spoken, two rows of beautiful women, dressed in flowing colorful gowns and adorned with pearls and jade, gracefully entered the spacious hall with light and breezy steps. Their elegant figures and every gesture exuded captivating charm and allure, leaving all the guests in attendance dazzled and filled with admiration.

In the blink of an eye, these beauties parted their lips slightly, began to sing softly, and danced gracefully, like willow branches in the wind, exquisitely beautiful. As the music began, they danced to the melodious tune, like fairies descended to earth.

Among the dancing fairies, there were more than ten dancers, all dressed in light green gauze dresses, with delicate features. Although not stunningly beautiful, they possessed a unique and ethereal charm. The lead dancer, however, was the focus of everyone's attention. Her clothing was of exquisite quality and unique design, clearly superior, and her every move exuded nobility and elegance.

Surrounded by a group of dancers dressed in emerald green costumes, the lead dancer stood out like a bright spot in a sea of ​​flowers, exceptionally alluring. Her radiance seemed to penetrate everything around her, dazzling yet gentle.

Chu Liangchen pondered to himself, perhaps it was just his imagination, but the lead dancer always seemed to find an opportunity to meet his gaze with her clear yet passionate eyes, a subtle yet alluring smile playing on her lips. Her eyes, pure and profound, seemed to express all the admiration and tenderness a woman feels for the man she loves…

As the music ended and the melody faded, the dancers in green gradually dispersed like receding waves, leaving only the lead dancer. She remained on the stage unhurriedly, her steps carrying an indescribable rhythm, as she slowly walked towards Chu Liangchen.

The lead dancer parted her lips slightly, smiled, picked up a crystal-clear wine glass, and gracefully walked to Chu Liangchen's side, softly saying, "Minister Chu, this humble woman dares to offer you a toast."

Chu Liangchen smiled slightly, gracefully accepting the wine glass. His fingertips inadvertently brushed against the girl's soft hand, like a spring breeze caressing a lake. The girl's face instantly flushed crimson, her shy demeanor making her even more charming and endearing.

After the beautiful woman gracefully departed, Yu Jin looked at Chu Liangchen, a sly glint in his eyes, and chuckled, "Liangchen, did that woman catch your eye?"

Chu Liangchen gently swirled the empty cup in his hand, savoring the subtle sensation from just now, and slowly said, "Her demeanor is dignified yet lively, elegant and graceful with a touch of gentleness; she is indeed a rare beauty."

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin smiled smugly: "Haha, Liangchen, you may not know this, but that is my own daughter, Yu Zhen'er."

Chu Liangchen was taken aback upon hearing this, then praised, "As expected of a descendant of the Duke of Chu, your extraordinary temperament is truly admirable."

Yu Jin changed the subject and asked, "How old is Liangchen this year?"

Chu Liangchen humbly replied, "I have wasted thirty-two years of my life."

A calculating glint flashed in Yu Jin's eyes as he smiled and said, "My daughter Zhen'er is just twenty years old. What do you think, Liangchen?"

Chu Liangchen nodded slightly, his eyes filled with inquiry, as he asked Yu Jin for his true intentions: "What do you mean by this, Duke? I would like to hear the details."

Yu Jin smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with shrewdness and anticipation. He spoke slowly, his tone serious and undeniable: "Liangchen, don't pretend to be confused. I intend to betroth my beloved daughter, Yu Zhen'er, to you. What do you think?"

It turned out that Yu Jin's eldest daughter, Yu Zhen'er, had already secretly fallen in love with Chu Liangchen. However, Chu Liangchen was a prince consort, of noble status, and Yu Zhen'er was proud and arrogant, so ordinary men were hard to catch her eye, which was why she remained unmarried for so long. In this era, a woman who was still unmarried at twenty was considered an old maid in the eyes of many.

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen sighed inwardly. He knew that Princess Xincai was still alive, and as her husband, he could not rashly marry another. Therefore, he respectfully bowed to Yu, his words carrying a hint of humility and helplessness: "Your Excellency, I come from a poor family and dare not presume to marry into your household. I hope Your Excellency will reconsider this matter."

Upon seeing this, Yu Jin's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes held a hint of admiration and expectation: "Liangchen, you are exceptionally talented, a dragon among men. Why not be a good match for my Zhen'er? You should think this over carefully."