The Ninth Prince's Hidden Path to Glory

As a martial artist of the ninth rank, Chu Yuqin held a very high position in the Northern Prince's Mansion. She was in charge of all the guards in the entire mansion. However, even so, the soldiers guarding the courtyard gate still felt it was rather inappropriate to ask Chu Yuqin to wake up their prince.

In the past, it had been no problem for Chu Yuqin to wake up their prince, but now that their prince was married, if she happened to encounter Lu Chen and the princess flirting or something like that, it would be terribly embarrassing.

Just like right now...

Although the courtyard gate was a bit far from the bridal chamber, some sounds coming from inside could still be faintly heard.

Chu Yuqin knitted her willow-like eyebrows. Although she was still a maiden, as an adult woman, she naturally knew why those sounds were there.

Chu Yuqin muttered to herself, "This little rascal can't even stay still in the early morning."

At this moment, Chu Yuqin turned her head and said to the soldier beside her, "You may leave. From now on, replace the guards at the courtyard gate with female guards."

The soldier quickly replied, "Yes, Madam Chu."

As soon as the soldier finished speaking, he fled this troublesome place in a hurry.

After having some fun with Mu Zixuan, Lu Chen held her tightly in his arms.

At this time, Mu Zixuan's face was flushed, and she didn't dare to look directly into Lu Chen's eyes.

Lu Chen stroked Mu Zixuan's hair and asked with a smile, "Lady, are you satisfied with me as your husband?"

Mu Zixuan gave a soft "Mm-hmm" in response.

Before marrying into the prince's mansion, she had been a bit worried that he might look like a child. But after seeing Lu Chen, all her worries disappeared.

After a night of getting to know each other, she found that the Northern Prince's body had already matured. Although he wasn't particularly burly, he was very sturdy.

Moreover, he was quite handsome, fully meeting the image of a perfect husband in her mind.

The Mu family had been affected by the families involved in the rebellion and wouldn't be able to turn things around for a long time to come. Being able to marry a prince was really her good fortune.

Originally, her father had been grooming her to be the crown princess, but she herself had never had the idea of becoming the crown princess. In her opinion, marrying a carefree prince was much better than being the crown princess.

Although the Northern Prince might not be mentally mature enough, it also meant that she, as the princess, had a great say in the Northern Prince's Mansion.

Besides, the fief of the Northern Prince was quite far from the capital. Once they left the capital, they might never be able to return. At the thought of getting away from the political center, Mu Zixuan was extremely happy inside.

Lu Chen then said, "We'll set off for the Northern County tomorrow. After getting up, I'll go with you to see your father."

Mu Zixuan said, "Alright."

Subsequently, with the service of two beautiful maidservants, Lu Chen took a simple bath and then walked out of the room.

When Lu Chen saw Chu Yuqin standing at the entrance of the courtyard, his eyes lit up. Immediately, he used the system to identify her personal information.

[Name: Chu Yuqin]

[Identity: Maid of Chu Yue, sister sworn by Chu Yue through the rite of becoming sworn sisters, spokesperson for the Chu family's interests, wife of Wang Han, currently the commander of the guards in the Northern Prince's Mansion, the first love of the Northern Prince.]

[Score: 97]

[Goodwill: 98]

Seeing the introduction of Chu Yuqin's identity, Lu Chen was a bit confused. On the very day when Chu Yuqin married Wang Han, Wang Han had already died. They hadn't even consummated their marriage. How could she still be considered Wang Han's wife?

Also, what was the deal with being the Northern Prince's first love? Although he did have a certain attraction to her.

Was this identity introduction a bit unreliable...

However, come to think of it, Chu Yuqin actually had a score of 97 and her goodwill towards him had reached 98.

This further stirred up the evil thoughts in his heart.At this moment, Lu Chen said with a smile, "Aunt Chu, why did you come to eavesdrop on us so early in the morning?"

Hearing this, Chu Yuqin spat and then scolded, "You little rascal! You're not being proper even in the early morning. Although carrying on the family line is important, you still need to take care of your health!"

Lu Chen said with a smile, "Aunt Chu, don't worry. I'm so strong that I can handle it."

Chu Yuqin gave Lu Chen a sidelong glance and then said, "After having breakfast, go and meet Duke Mu. Although he was implicated not long ago, his influence in the military is still quite significant. When you go to take up your fief in the Northern County, you'll still need to rely on him to make some arrangements."

Lu Chen asked curiously, "Why do I need him to make arrangements when I go to take up my fief in the Northern County?"

Chu Yuqin said with a smile on her face, "Chen'er, don't you think that your trip to take up your fief in the Northern County will be plain sailing?"

Lu Chen was stunned for a moment and then said, "Aunt Chu, what do you mean by that? Don't scare me!"

Chu Yuqin said, "Although it's highly unlikely that you'll have a chance for that position now, for some people, only the dead pose no threat."

This...

Lu Chen naturally understood what Chu Yuqin meant. However, in his opinion, he had always behaved like a good-for-nothing and had never made friends with any ministers, so no one should consider him a threat.

Chu Yuqin continued to explain, "Aunt knows what you're thinking. You must be thinking that since you've never shown any interest in that position and have never made friends with the ministers in the court, no one will regard you as a threat."

"But you've forgotten one thing, and that's your identity."

"Even if you do nothing, your identity determines that some people will definitely consider you a threat."

Lu Chen immediately realized it.

He had always thought that as long as he stayed at home idly, did nothing, and didn't get involved in the fight for the throne, he wouldn't be in danger. But it seemed that he had forgotten that his mother had a powerful political identity.

His mother was from the Chu family and represented the interests of the Chu family.

And since he was born, he had been classified into the Chu family's camp. Even if he did nothing, others would think that his relationship with the Chu family was unusual.

In some people's eyes, if they wanted to cooperate with the Chu family, they would have to get rid of him, this stumbling block, because the Chu family might not abandon him.

Only when he was dead would the Chu family be likely to completely give up on him and choose to cooperate with other princes instead.

Thinking of this, Lu Chen wasn't overly worried.

If it had been yesterday, he might still have been worried about his own safety, but now that he had obtained the system, he already had some confidence.

Then he said, "Aunt Chu, I understand what you mean."

At this time, Chu Yuqin's gaze fell on Mu Zixuan who was just coming out of the room. Mu Zixuan was being supported by the two Zhou sisters and was limping as she walked.

Seeing Chu Yuqin, Mu Zixuan immediately said, "Greetings, Madam Chu."

The status of the princess was higher than that of Chu Yuqin. Ordinarily, it should be Chu Yuqin who took the initiative to salute Mu Zixuan. But Mu Zixuan was well aware of Chu Yuqin's position in the Northern Prince's Mansion.

Chu Yuqin smiled and nodded, "Zixuan, I'll leave Chen'er in your care from now on."

Mu Zixuan said, "Madam Chu, please rest assured. I will definitely take good care of the prince."

Chu Yuqin didn't say anything more and then turned around and left the courtyard.

...

After breakfast, Lu Chen and Mu Zixuan came to Duke Mu's Mansion.

Duke Mu was very burly in appearance, quite tall, and looked powerful all over.

Upon seeing Lu Chen, Mu Changtian immediately said, "Greetings, the Northern Prince."

Lu Chen quickly said, "Father-in-law, there's no need to be so polite."

Mu Changtian took a good look at Lu Chen and then said, "Your Highness, please."

Under the guidance of Mu Changtian, Lu Chen came to the main hall.

At this time, Mu Changtian asked, "I wonder what Your Highness's plans are after taking up your fief in the Northern County?"

To be honest, Mu Changtian hadn't intended to discuss too many political matters with Lu Chen. Firstly, Lu Chen was still young this year. Secondly, Lu Chen was a lazy prince who idled around and hardly ever read books.

Of course, this didn't mean that he looked down on Lu Chen. After all, Lu Chen was still a prince.

Hearing Mu Changtian's question, Lu Chen thought for a while and replied, "Just govern the Northern County well and live a peaceful life with Zixuan."

Hearing Lu Chen's answer, Mu Changtian instantly regretted asking him this question. Lu Chen was a typical political novice. He hadn't even understood the implication of what he had just said.

Mu Changtian sighed inwardly, not knowing whether it was a good归宿 for his daughter to marry the Northern Prince.

At this time, Lu Chen took the initiative to say, "I've heard that Father-in-law has a strong influence in the military. When I go to take up my fief in the Northern County, I'd like to ask Father-in-law for help."

Hearing this, Mu Changtian thought to himself that the Northern Prince really didn't understand anything and was still just a child.

Although he did have a strong influence in the military, who would say it so directly?

However, it was also good this way. The less sensible Lu Chen was, the more important his daughter would be in the Northern Prince's Mansion, which was actually a good thing for his daughter.

Mu Changtian then smiled and said, "Your Highness, don't worry. Your trip to the Northern County this time will surely be smooth sailing."