Chapter 79: Brocade City, Crown Prince Zhang Meng

“Brother Zi Yun, there’s no need to be so tense. Their arrival is quite opportune; this way, we can meet the person we wish to see sooner,” Chu Junhan gently tugged at Tang Chen’s sleeve, urging him to relax.

The young man furrowed his brows slightly, but eventually nodded, loosening his tightly clenched fists.

Within moments, the city guards had surrounded the three of them. Yun Yi clung to Chu Junhan’s leg, his small face bewildered and frightened as he gazed at the mass of soldiers.

“Those who breach the city gates are guilty beyond forgiveness—take them away!”

“Yes, sir!”

At the commander’s order, several soldiers lunged toward the trio.

Thus, the three who had strode boldly into the city were swept away by the guards in less than a quarter of an hour, even the little child was not spared.

Of course, the audacious act of forging another nation’s marshal insignia and brazenly breaching the city spread like wildfire through the upper echelons of Renda.

Among those to hear of it was the Crown Prince of Renda, Zhang Meng.

…

Within the dungeon of Brocade City, Chu Junhan cradled the plump baby in her arms, pinching his chubby cheeks. “We may be kept here for quite a long time. Are you afraid, Yi’er?”

The child shook his head. “Not afraid, so long as the handsome brother is here, I’m not afraid.”

Tang Chen paced restlessly, constantly glancing toward the prison door. Seeing nothing amiss, he sighed softly and resumed his anxious pacing.

Two hours passed before a dull thud sounded at the dungeon door, and light filtered in from outside.

Tang Chen hurried to the bars, stretching his neck to see. When he recognized the visitor, he rushed back to Chu Junhan’s side, lowering his voice in excitement. “It’s the Crown Prince of Renda.”

Chu Junhan set the baby aside and stood, dusting off her clothes and folding her hands behind her back, waiting.

“Your Highness, this way—”

With the sharp voice of a eunuch, a youth in splendid robes appeared before the three.

The young man was about eighteen or nineteen, with finely drawn brows and eyes, bearing a regal air and an aura of authority. His gaze was commanding; it was clear he was no ordinary figure.

This was none other than the heir to the Renda throne, Zhang Meng—Zhang Mengqin.

Chu Junhan bowed respectfully. “I am Chu Junhan, son of Chu Xiong, the Great General of Tianqing, and greet Your Highness, Crown Prince of Renda.”

“I am Tang Chen, deputy general of the Chu family army in Tianqing,” Tang Chen followed suit, his eyes filled with surprise—his young master truly foresaw everything!

Chu Xiong’s son? The prince was puzzled; before him was but a child, yet his tone was mature, always giving an impression of confidence.

“Open the cell,” Zhang Meng’s thin lips curled into a faint smile, his expression calm, the confusion in his eyes expertly concealed.

“Yes, Your Highness.” The jailer accompanying him bowed, keys in hand.

With a clatter, the cell door swung open. Chu Junhan saluted, his forehead resting against his fists as he stepped out respectfully. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your rescue.”

Zhang Meng stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at the child. “No need for thanks. Our nations have long enjoyed good relations, and I have admired General Chu’s reputation for many years. Now, seeing the young lord, I can glimpse some of the general’s bearing.”

The child lowered his hands, standing upright and composed, his bright eyes and warm smile radiant. “My father often speaks of Your Highness, praising your extraordinary talents and promising future.”

Zhang Meng laughed heartily and threw his arm around the child. “Brother, it feels as though we’ve known each other for ages. I happen to have a residence in Brocade City—why not join me there for a small gathering?”

“I would be honored.” The child grinned broadly, his expression seasoned beyond his years, a stark contrast to his youthful face.