Chapter 47: Xiao Chen – 'Mother, I Want to Bring You to Live in Wendao City”

Chapter 47: Xiao Chen – "Mother, I Want to Bring You to Live in Wendao City" “Whoa...” At the head of the procession, Prince Ding sharply pulled on his reins and raised his hand, shouting, “Halt!” In the street, hundreds of cavalry came to an abrupt stop just a hundred paces away from Xiao Chen and his group. Without a word, Prince Ding leapt down from his sweat-blood horse and strode toward them in haste. His hurried steps made his inner anxiety obvious. After the people from Wendao Academy had dispersed, the emperor had also canceled the palace banquet scheduled for the evening. There had already been guests visiting the Prince’s Manor, so Prince Ding had rushed back home immediately. Yet before he even arrived, he’d seen a fierce battle already underway—between Elder Bai of the Shangqing Sword Sect and the honored young man from Wendao Academy. That sight nearly made Prince Ding’s soul leave his body. Whether it was Wendao Academy or the Shangqing Sword Sect, neither was a force a mere Prince of Ding could afford to offend. But as the master of his own manor, he couldn’t stand idly by either, so he had raced back as fast as he could. Even so, the battle had ended before he could return. What shocked him even more was that the young man from Wendao Academy had defeated Elder Bai with ease. But what puzzled Prince Ding most was—why were these two fighting at the gate of his manor? “Kneeling to greet the honored envoy. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner to the Prince of Ding’s Manor,” he said, bowing deeply. Elder Huang didn’t respond. Instead, he turned his gaze toward Xiao Chen. “Martial nephew Xiao, this is your personal matter. I won’t interfere.” With that, Prince Ding was utterly dumbfounded. He cautiously raised his head and looked toward the young man who bore a faint resemblance to himself, thinking: Someone from the Prince of Ding’s Manor is in Wendao Academy? Why don’t I remember that? Wait... that boy from the Youlan Courtyard! His face changed drastically. Xiao Chen said indifferently, “Prince Ding, may I now lead my fellow disciples and Elder Huang through the front gate?” “Yes, of course!” Prince Ding forced a smile while sweating inwardly. “This is your home. Naturally, you should return through the main gate. Otherwise, others might think the Prince’s Manor is being disrespectful.” He wasn’t a fool. From Xiao Chen’s words alone, he could already guess someone had tried to curry favor by pushing him down. Not allowing Xiao Chen to enter through the front gate... naturally, Xiao Chen retaliated. Then, by coincidence, someone from the Shangqing Sword Sect appeared—leading to the scene he had just witnessed. Prince Ding knew full well that he couldn’t afford to offend either side, but if he had to choose one... It would undoubtedly be Wendao Academy. After all, the Shangqing Sword Sect might be the number one sect in the Great Wei Empire, but compared to one of the sacred lands—Wendao Academy—they weren’t even close. Xiao Chen didn’t reply. He simply turned and said, “Uncle Huang, senior and junior brothers, I’ve made a fool of myself. Please, follow me.” Elder Huang smiled. “It’s fine. To witness the top genius of Wendao Academy in action today was truly a feast for the eyes.” Though his words were directed at Xiao Chen, his sidelong glance at Prince Ding was not missed. When Prince Ding heard the words top genius of Wendao Academy, he involuntarily trembled all over. But what followed was sheer elation. His son was the top genius of Wendao Academy? Wouldn’t that mean he could one day ascend to become the ruler of Liang Nation? The other members of Wendao Academy also spoke up: “That’s right, Junior Brother Xiao, don’t be so distant with us. If you really feel bad, spar with us over the next couple of days.” “Exactly—we’re all fellow disciples. No need to be so polite.” “...” Xiao Chen nodded slightly. “Of course.” Then, leading the group from Wendao Academy, he marched grandly toward the Prince of Ding’s Manor without even glancing at his father. The staff of the manor stood frozen like statues. When they saw Xiao Chen approaching, they all knelt down in unison. “We welcome the Sixth Prince home!” Xiao Chen gave them no response at all and simply walked straight into the manor. Prince Ding quickly followed behind, and just before entering, he gestured to his trusted aide to have everyone who had blocked Xiao Chen earlier beheaded on the spot. Steward Qiu and the others were completely numb by now. They knew exactly how badly they had messed up. None of them even begged for mercy—only waited quietly for death. ... In the rear courtyard of the Prince of Ding's Manor, within the Youlan Courtyard— A maid burst into the main residence, her face brimming with joy. “Madam, good news—great news!” Behind the screen, Xiao Chen’s mother was calmly embroidering. She didn’t even pause at the maid’s excitement and continued her needlework unhurriedly. “Chuntao, how many times have I told you not to make such a fuss when things happen?” “But the Sixth Prince has returned! And he even defeated an elder from the Shangqing Sword Sect! He’ll surely stand up for you this time!” Chuntao clenched her small fists as she spoke, brimming with righteous indignation. Xiao Chen’s mother suddenly froze mid-stitch, momentarily forgetting the pain from pricking her finger. “Chen’er is back?” “Yes.” Chuntao nodded quickly. “I heard the Sixth Prince is now bringing an elder from Wendao Academy and a group of geniuses into the Prince’s Manor.” “Even His Highness is being extremely cautious, as if afraid of offending him.” “Our good days are finally coming.” A soft smile appeared on Xiao Chen’s mother’s face. “It seems Chen’er didn’t lie to me after all. We must thank that Chief Chu.” Chuntao, seeing her lady remain so calm, began to get anxious on her behalf. “Madam, the Sixth Prince is almost at Youlan Courtyard—shouldn’t you get ready?” Ever since returning from Wendao Academy, Xiao Chen’s mother had not stepped outside her courtyard. Her only comfort had been the letters Xiao Chen sent home. Now, hearing what Chuntao said, she smiled and replied, “You’re right. Come, help this Princess get dressed.” In the front courtyard— After settling Elder Huang and his fellow disciples, Xiao Chen brought Liu Yue’er to the Youlan Courtyard. Prince Ding followed behind them, now with only one thought in mind: win back his son’s favor. As long as he could mend his relationship with Xiao Chen, ascending to the throne of Liang Nation would no longer be a dream. But he had never spoken to Xiao Chen properly before, and now, faced with the killing aura radiating from him, Prince Ding had no idea how to begin. Xiao Chen, seeing the Youlan Courtyard growing nearer, subconsciously quickened his pace. Right now, he only wanted to confirm that his mother was well. Everything else—he didn’t care about. Moments later, Xiao Chen stood inside the Youlan Courtyard, gazing at the familiar residence, his heart heavy with emotion. “Mother, Chen’er has returned!” As his voice fell, the doors of the main residence opened. Xiao Chen’s mother quickly ran out. Seeing his mother’s thinner frame, Xiao Chen immediately knelt to the ground. “Your unfilial son has caused you worry.” His mother hurried forward and lifted him up. “Chen’er, you’re back. That’s all that matters.” After a few words of comfort, her gaze shifted to Liu Yue’er, who stood to the side. “And this young lady is?” Xiao Chen immediately replied, “Mother, this is my junior sister, Liu Yue’er.” Liu Yue’er stepped forward and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Aunt.” Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen’s mother smiled warmly. Her son had finally moved on from that incident. “Miss Liu, thank you for taking care of my Chen’er.” Liu Yue’er blushed slightly and nodded. “I will.” Prince Ding stood awkwardly nearby, wanting to interject but unable to get a word in. Only when the three had spoken for a while did he finally find a chance. “Beloved Consort, Chen’er’s fellow disciples and mentors are still waiting for the banquet to begin. Shall we go greet the people of Wendao Academy?” Only then did Xiao Chen’s mother acknowledge Prince Ding, glancing at him and speaking with a calm tone: “Then I’ll ask His Highness to lead the way.” In the past, had she spoken to him like this, Prince Ding would have exploded in fury. But times had changed. Now, instead of anger, he smiled flatteringly. “Very well. This way, Beloved Consort.” Xiao Chen remained stone-faced at the sight of his father’s behavior. He turned to his mother and asked, “Mother, I’ve returned to Liang this time not just to see you...” “I also wish to bring you to live in Wendao City. Would you be willing?” The moment those words fell— Prince Ding’s face instantly changed. ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44