Chu Yuqin, as a Ninth Grade martial artist, had a very high status in North Prince Mansion. She was in charge of all the guards in the mansion. Still, even so, the soldiers guarding the courtyard gate felt it was somewhat inappropriate for Chu Yuqin to wake up their Prince.
In the past, there was no issue with Chu Yuqin waking up their Prince, but now that the Prince was married, it would be very awkward if she happened across Lu Chen and the Prince's wife being playful with each other.
For instance, right now...
Although the courtyard gate was a bit far from the bridal chamber, one could still faintly hear some noises coming from inside.
Chu Yuqin frowned slightly; though she was still a virgin, as a grown woman, she naturally knew the reason for those sounds.
Chu Yuqin muttered to herself, "This little rascal is already causing trouble early in the morning."
At that moment, Chu Yuqin turned to the soldier beside her and said, "You go down. From now on, the soldiers guarding the courtyard gate will be replaced with female guards."
The soldier immediately responded, "Yes, Madam Chu."
Having said his piece, the soldier hastened to flee this potential trouble spot.
After a round of playfulness, Lu Chen held Mu Zixuan tightly in his arms.
At this moment, Mu Zixuan's complexion was rosy, and she dared not look directly into Lu Chen's eyes.
Lu Chen stroked Mu Zixuan's hair and asked with a smile, "Darling, are you satisfied with me, your husband?"
Mu Zixuan responded softly with a "Hmm."
Before she married into the Prince's Mansion, she had been a little worried that he might just seem like a child, but all her concerns dissipated upon meeting Lu Chen.
After spending the night together, she discovered that the North Prince's body had developed well. Although not exceptionally robust, he was very fit.
Moreover, he was also handsome, fitting perfectly the image of the ideal husband she had in mind.
The Mu Family had been affected by a traitorous family and would not be able to recover for a long while. Marrying a Prince was also considered her fortune.
Originally, her father had raised her to be the Crown Princess Consort, but she did not wish to be one herself. In her view, marrying a leisurely Prince was much better than being a Crown Princess Consort.
Although the North Prince might not be mature enough in mind, this also meant that she, the Princess Consort, would have a lot of authority in North Prince Mansion.
Moreover, the fiefdom of the North Prince was far from the Capital city, and after leaving, they might never be able to return to the Capital. Just the thought of being far from the political center made Mu Zixuan incredibly happy.
At this time, Lu Chen said, "We will be departing for North City tomorrow. After we get up, I will accompany you to see your father."
Mu Zixuan replied, "Alright."
Afterward, with the assistance of two beautiful maidservants, Lu Chen took a quick bath and then stepped out of the room.
When Lu Chen saw Chu Yuqin standing at the entrance of the courtyard, his eyes lit up, and he immediately used the system to identify her personal data.
[Name: Chu Yuqin]
[Identity: Servant of Chu Yue, sworn sister to Jin Lan, representative of the Chu Family's interests, Wang Han's wife, currently leading North Prince Mansion's guards, North Prince's first love.]
[Rating: 97]
[Favorability: 98]
Seeing Chu Yuqin's identity information, Lu Chen felt a bit puzzled. Wang Han had died on the day Chu Yuqin married him; they didn't even consummate the marriage, so how could she be considered his wife?
And what about this "North Prince's first love"? Although he admittedly was quite enamored with her.
This identity information seemed a bit unreliable...
But on the other hand, Chu Yuqin's rating was actually 97, and her favorability toward him had reached 98.
This only further stimulated the wicked thoughts in his heart.
At that moment, Lu Chen said with a smile, "Madam Chu, why are you eavesdropping so early in the morning?"
Hearing that, Chu Yuqin spit out in disgust, then scolded, "You little rascal, you're up to mischief early in the morning. It's important to carry on the family line, but you should also take care of your health!"
Lu Chen replied with a laugh, "Madam Chu, don't worry, I'm strong and can handle it."
Chu Yuqin gave Lu Chen a glance and then said, "Eat your breakfast, then go see Duke Mu. Even though he was implicated a while ago, he still has considerable influence in the military. You will need his help to settle things when you leave for your fiefdom in North City."
Lu Chen, puzzled, asked, "Why do I need his help to settle things for my departure to my fiefdom in North City?"
Chu Yuqin replied with a smile, "Chen'er, you don't think that your trip to North City will go smoothly without any issues, do you?"
Lu Chen paused for a moment, then said, "Madam Chu, what do you mean by that? Don't scare me!"
Chu Yuqin said, "Although you are most likely out of the running for that position, to some people, only the dead pose no threat."
This...
Lu Chen naturally understood what Chu Yuqin meant. However, in his view, since he had always behaved like a useless person and had never made connections with any significant officials, it seemed unlikely that anyone would view him as a threat.
Chu Yuqin continued explaining, "Madam Chu knows what you are thinking. You certainly believe that since you have never shown any interest in that position and have never befriended any court officials, no one would see you as a threat."
"But you've forgotten one thing, your identity."
"Even if you do nothing, your identity ensures that some people will inevitably see you as a threat."
Lu Chen realized in an instant.
He had always thought that as long as he was offensively useless at home, doing nothing, and not getting involved in the succession struggle, he would be safe. But he seemed to have forgotten his mother's strong political status.
His mother came from the Chu Family, representing their interests.
From his birth, he had been placed in the Chu Family's camp. Even if he did nothing, others would assume he had a special relationship with the Chu Family.
In the eyes of some, if they wanted to collaborate with the Chu Family, they would have to deal with him, the obstacle, because the Chu Family might not give up on him.
Only with his death could the Chu Family possibly give up on him completely, turning to partner with another prince instead.
Thinking of this, Lu Chen didn't worry too much.
If it were yesterday, he might have been concerned about his safety, but having acquired the system, he already had some reassurance.
Then he said, "Madam Chu, I understand what you mean."
At this moment, Chu Yuqin's gaze fell upon Mu Zixuan, who was now coming out of a room, assisted by the two sisters from the Zhou Family, limping as she walked.
Upon seeing Chu Yuqin, Mu Zixuan immediately said, "Greetings to Madam Chu."
The princess consort's status was higher than Chu Yuqin's, so it should be Chu Yuqin who initiates the greeting to Mu Zixuan, but Mu Zixuan was very aware of Chu Yuqin's standing in the North Prince Mansion.
Chu Yuqin smiled and nodded, "Zixuan, from now on, Chen'er is in your care."
Mu Zixuan replied, "Please rest assured, Madam Chu, I will definitely take good care of the Prince."
Chu Yuqin didn't say anything more; she then turned around and left the courtyard.
...
After breakfast, Lu Chen and Mu Zixuan went to the Duke Mu Residence.
Duke Mu had a very imposing appearance, looking strong and powerful.
Upon seeing Lu Chen, Mu Changtian immediately said, "Greetings to the North Prince."
Lu Chen hurriedly replied, "Please, there's no need for such formality, Father-in-law."
Mu Changtian sized up Lu Chen, then said, "Please, North Prince."
Under Mu Changtian's guidance, Lu Chen was led to the main hall.
At that time, Mu Changtian asked, "I wonder what plans the North Prince has in mind following your appointment to North City?"
Honestly, Mu Changtian had no intention of discussing politics with Lu Chen. For one thing, Lu Chen was young, and furthermore, he had always been an idle prince who hardly ever read books.
Of course, this did not mean he underestimated Lu Chen; after all, he was still a prince.
When Lu Chen heard Mu Changtian's question, he thought for a moment and replied, "To govern North City well and then live a peaceful life with Zixuan is all I wish for."
Upon hearing Lu Chen's response, Mu Changtian immediately regretted asking him this question. Lu Chen was a political novice; he hadn't even understood the implications of what had just been asked.
Mu Changtian sighed internally, wondering whether marrying his daughter to the North Prince was a good decision.
At this point, Lu Chen initiated the conversation, "I hear that Father-in-law has great influence within the military. I will need your help when I go to North City to take up my post."
Hearing this, Mu Changtian thought to himself that the North Prince really knew nothing and was still a child.
Even though he did have strong influence in the military, it was not something to be plainly spoken of.
But this was also okay. The less Lu Chen knew, the more important his daughter would be in the Prince's Mansion, which could be considered a good thing for her.
Mu Changtian then smiled and said, "Rest assured, North Prince. Your journey to North City will undoubtedly be smooth sailing."