Qiao Chu

Unexpected.

But while others might not have anticipated this, she couldn't afford to sigh over it.

All she could say was that despite having warned Xie Yanfang, the Crown Prince still—

The only silver lining was that this time the Crown Prince had been assassinated outside the capital, sparing the city's residents from greater calamity.

Yet suffering remained unavoidable.

A Le stood guard by the gate while Chu Zhao directed the maids to settle the refugees seeking shelter in the Chu Garden.

The people were placed in concealed spots among the outdoor rockeries, so that if bandits broke in to loot and burn, they would have a chance to hide.

Among them were the elderly and young, vendors who had yet to return home from their night stalls, and commoners whose humble homes had been set ablaze by thrown torches. They had been running through the streets amid chaotic fighting, their lives hanging by a thread. In such desperate times, every household had barred its doors, leaving them with nowhere to turn—until the Chu Garden opened its gates and took them in.

An old woman accepted water from Chu Zhao with trembling hands, whispering her thanks.

Maids tended to the wounded with bandages.

Chu Zhao also had bedding brought out so the elderly and frail could sit or lie more comfortably. Amid the bustle, Chu Tang arrived with her maids.

The two sisters stepped aside to talk.

"How is everything at home?" Chu Zhao asked. "Tell Uncle and Aunt not to panic. You should stay with them—I can handle things here."

Chu Tang’s small face was pale, but she managed a faint smile. "Don’t worry, they’re... managing. They’ve already closed the gate connecting to the Chu Garden."

Chu Zhao felt both annoyed and amused—this was exactly the sort of thing Chu Lan would do.

The Chu family had been jolted from sleep, initially thinking it was a bandit raid. But Chu Zhao immediately ordered the gates sealed and everyone out of their rooms, with water prepared for firefighting. Under A Le’s commands, young and old alike armed themselves—if not with weapons, then with brooms or firewood sticks.

Chu Zhao’s swift actions had terrified the household. Chu Lan had even scolded her, but soon they realized the commotion outside sounded like the entire city was under attack—clashes, heavy hoofbeats, and screams—

Something was terribly wrong!

Chu Lan and Jiang Shi quickly urged everyone to reinforce the doors and windows.

Yet at that very moment, Chu Zhao insisted on opening the gate to let in pleading refugees. When Chu Lan and Jiang Shi refused, she brought people to the Chu Garden instead.

Unable to stop her, Chu Lan and Jiang Shi had closed the gate connecting to the Chu Garden.

"A Zhao, don’t be angry," Chu Tang said softly. "You know how Father and Mother are—they’re timid and frightened."

Chu Zhao couldn’t be bothered to resent them. "Why did you come? It’s so dangerous—shouldn’t you be hiding with them? My gate here might open at any moment."

Chu Tang smiled. "I feel safer with you."

Chu Zhao found it amusing rather than touching, but she didn’t send her away.

"I’ve stored a lot of medicine in the Chu Garden. Take some people and organize it for later use," she said.

Indeed, who would hoard so much medicine for no reason? Chu Tang felt even more reassured and nodded in agreement. Still, the thought of Chu Zhao possibly opening the gate anytime made her nervous. She couldn’t help adding, "Actually, Father isn’t refusing to help. Earlier, some people rushed in through the main gate, and he let them stay. It’s just that outside is too chaotic now—good and bad mixed together. He’s afraid villains might slip in, and that would be disastrous."

Chu Zhao hummed in acknowledgment. "I understand. Don’t worry—A Le will act within his means."

Only then did Chu Tang leave with peace of mind.

Chu Zhao remained standing where she was. As the night breeze swept by, her mind sharpened with alertness.What was Chu Tang saying? That Chu Lan had left someone behind to seek help?

Was Chu Lan the kind of benevolent soul who delighted in helping others?

Impossible!

If he truly left someone behind, it meant there was a compelling reason he had no choice but to do so.

Who was this person?

……

……

Even with the doors and windows tightly shut, the clamor from outside could not be blocked out. Standing inside, Chu Lan could not only hear the screams but also seemed to catch the scent of blood in the air.

His face was pale, his body swaying unsteadily. He should have sat down or lain down, but his mind was too restless, forcing him to pace back and forth.

As he walked, he muttered under his breath, "Disaster, disaster."

Then, pacing again, he murmured, "Opportunity, opportunity."

Pacing and muttering incoherently, he seemed lost and disoriented, as if he would continue this way indefinitely—until a knock sounded at the door.

A soft thud, neither too loud nor too quiet, startled Chu Lan as if he had heard thunder. "Who is it?" he demanded, then added in a low, angry voice, "Didn't I say no one should disturb me!"

A gentle voice came from outside the door, "Sir Chu, it's me, Xiao Xun."

Chu Lan's mind was in disarray. Who was Xiao Xun?

The person outside did not wait for him to collect himself or extend an invitation. Instead, he pushed the door open and entered.

Only then did Chu Lan snap back to reality—Xiao Xun! The Crown Prince of Zhongshan!

Seeing the tall young man wrapped in a black cloak stride in, Chu Lan did not greet him with his usual delight. Instead, his face grew even paler, his lips turning blue. He staggered backward, only stopping when he collided with a bookshelf.

"Your Highness—" he stammered.

Xiao Xun paid no mind to his strange reaction and said kindly, "Do not be afraid, Sir Chu. I have come specifically to offer my assistance."

Leaning against the bookshelf, Chu Lan asked, "Assist... assist with what?"

"The Third Prince and the Crown Prince are fighting outside," Xiao Xun said, unconcerned about Chu Lan's state. He removed his cloak and sat down. "The entire city is in chaos, with killings everywhere. Surely you are aware of this, Sir Chu?"

Without waiting for Chu Lan to respond, he continued.

"I have brought my men. Rest assured, Sir Chu, I can ensure the safety of your household."

Under normal circumstances, Chu Lan would have been profusely grateful, thanking heaven and earth for Xiao Xun's aid. But now, leaning against the bookshelf, his body tensed, and he stammered, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Xiao Xun smiled at him. "No need for thanks. It is my honor."

Chu Lan forced a weak smile. Seeing Xiao Xun reach for the teapot, he felt compelled as the host to maintain some semblance of propriety and hurried over. "Your Highness, allow me, allow me."

Xiao Xun did not insist and let Chu Lan pour the tea for him.

"Sir Chu, you must be terribly frightened," he said. "The situation is sudden. The city is in this state, and who knows what is happening outside the walls. The streets are impassable, and many households have already suffered."

Chu Lan's hand trembled as he held the teapot, spilling some tea. "It's too dreadful, too dreadful. What are we to do?"

Xiao Xun sighed softly and glanced toward the door. "At this point, we can only resign ourselves to fate."

After a few more words, Chu Lan felt his nerves steadying. He sat down as well and echoed with a light sigh, "If only dawn would come soon."

Xiao Xun took a sip of tea. It had gone cold, but he did not mind and swallowed it anyway. "Even after dawn breaks, things will not be the same as before, Sir Chu." He looked at Chu Lan. "The times have changed."

Clenching his hands, Chu Lan nodded. "Yes, they have changed—"

"But you need not worry too much, Sir Chu," Xiao Xun said. "No matter how the times change, I will do my utmost to ensure your safety."Chu Lan's heart raced once again as he stood up and bowed. "Heir Apparent, you are truly too kind to me—"

Xiao Xun nodded, looking at him. "Why do you think I am so kind to you?"

Chu Lan froze, startled. Huh?

Under the dim glow of a lamp, the young man in white robes, with jade-like features, gazed at him with profound eyes.

"Chu Lan," he said. "The heavens are about to change. This time, it will no longer be your brother Chu Ling, but your turn to ascend the celestial ladder."