Chapter 37: A Visit, Du Mengyu

“When Father was in Liazhou, he once promised me that he would take me to visit an old friend of his,” said Han, her eyes bright with anticipation. Chu Xiong narrowed his eyes, surprised that his daughter remembered so well; he had spoken those words offhandedly.

“Do you still recall what was written in the letter?” he asked.

Chu Junhan tilted her head, pondering for a moment, her lips pursed. “I remember something about a banquet… Is it true that Uncle will take me to eat delicious things?”

Chu Xiong burst into hearty laughter, relief flooding his heart. He gathered his little girl into his arms. “Since you so dearly wish to be invited to a feast, then I shall take you to visit him. He’s a brother who once fought side by side with me. When we meet, you must address him respectfully as Uncle Du.”

“Yes, I’ll remember,” Han replied. How could she ever forget Du Yong?

Du Yong, courtesy name Du Mengyu, shared a bond with her father forged through life and death. Just two months before the Chu family was condemned, he was imprisoned in the Dali Temple for corruption and bribery, accused by informers.

She still recalled how her father sighed repeatedly when they visited Uncle Du.

Lost in thought, Han was soon lifted into a waiting carriage by her father.

The wheels rolled over the flagstones of the capital, making a cheerful clatter. Han lifted a corner of the curtain, poking her small head outside to gaze at the bustling streets and alleys.

She had walked these avenues before, knew which bakery offered the softest, most fragrant pastries, which shop sold the finest cosmetics…

“Oh, isn’t that Young Master Chu?” someone called.

“Young Master Chu!” The crowd erupted, surrounding their carriage so tightly that water could not seep through.

Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the mysterious child; the more curious onlookers gathered, the more Han hurriedly closed the curtain. Despite all her calculations, she had not anticipated the strength of public attention. Was she truly this popular?

“Are you frightened, Han?” Chu Xiong asked kindly, watching his daughter quickly close the window. “Shall I drive them away for you?”

Han shook her head. “Father, they mean no harm. If we force them aside, people will think we are flaunting our official status. I believe that would be inappropriate.”

Chu Xiong’s eyes shone, realizing his daughter’s wisdom far exceeded that of other children. He hadn’t expected such insight; his admiration grew.

“Then I shall speak to them properly.” With that, Chu Xiong stepped out, standing at the front of the carriage.

“People of Pingzhou, I am Chu Xiong. I am taking my young child to visit an old friend. Would you kindly make way?” He spoke, bowing respectfully with hands clasped.

“Is that General Chu?”

“General Chu is a great hero…”

“I never expected the general to be so approachable…”

One after another, the crowd voiced their awe and admiration, parting to clear a path.

Chu Xiong smiled as he climbed back into the carriage.

Naturally, word of Chu Xiong’s humility spread swiftly and reached the ears of the Emperor of Tianwu.

Upon the dragon throne, the emperor trembled with rage, lips quivering. “My good brother, barely returned to the capital, and already winning the hearts of the people.”

The eunuchs bowed their heads, the atmosphere so stifling it threatened to suffocate. Only the emperor’s heavy breathing could be heard.

After a long moment, the man atop the throne exhaled deeply, his gaze venomous and ruthless. “Chu Xiong must be eliminated!”

“Attend me!”

“Your Majesty, your servant is here!” The nearest eunuch dropped to his knees, voice sharp and shrill.

“Go and investigate—has the Liao nation reached the capital from the border of Liazhou?”

“Your servant obeys!”

Chu Xiong, on the day of my birthday festival, you shall not return alive!