The events that occurred at the Champion Marquis's residence last night shocked the entire capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
Early in the morning, many guards and officials arrived at the Champion Marquis's residence to investigate and inquire about what had happened the previous night.
The Champion Marquis's residence was draped in mourning, and the Champion Marquis's children also wore expressions of grief and anger.
Such a major incident left everyone feeling furious and shocked.
How bold must the culprit have been to commit such a crime on the night of Emperor Chu Gucheng's birthday banquet?
Many ministers felt a chill of fear, and everyone was on edge, suspecting that the enemy forces of the Immortal Chu Dynasty had acted to disrupt the Champion Marquis, who was heading to the frontlines.
Of course, some also suspected that it might have been one of the guests. After all, the Immortal Chu Dynasty was currently a mix of good and bad, with representatives from various orthodox forces present. It was inevitable that some with impure motives might have slipped in.
Therefore, Chu Gucheng immediately sent people to investigate the movements and whereabouts of the guests last night.
The entire capital was tightly sealed off. Brilliant and dazzling formations, like light barriers, rose from the city walls, flowing with radiant splendor.
Ancient runes intertwined, as if the Great Dao itself had descended, containing immense power that made people's hearts tremble.
Meanwhile, deep within the capital, in a grand hall.
Chu Gucheng's face was ashen, his fists clenched tightly beneath his robes, his entire body trembling as if struggling to suppress his rage.
Before him, Chu Wushang knelt on the ground, his face pale and lifeless, his head bowed, utterly dejected, as if he had lost his soul.
"You... you unfilial son! Are you trying to kill me?" Chu Gucheng spoke through gritted teeth.
At this moment, he wished he could strike him down, but after all, this was his own flesh and blood, the one he had placed so much hope in over the years. How could he bear to do it?
"Father, kill me. I have failed you, betrayed your expectations, and completely disappointed you."
Chu Wushang knelt on the ground, murmuring as if in a daze.
His face showed no emotion, his eyes empty, like a walking corpse.
Behind Chu Gucheng, the figure of the Law Sage appeared.
Looking at Chu Wushang now, his expression was also filled with sorrow and helplessness.
Chu Wushang was, after all, Chu Gucheng's first son and the one he had placed the most hope in.
The Law Sage had watched Chu Wushang grow up. In his eyes, Chu Wushang was like his own grandson.
Even Chu Wushang's name had been chosen by him.
But now, seeing Chu Wushang in this state, like a soulless shell, and having committed such a reckless and unbelievable act last night after Chu Gucheng's birthday banquet, the Law Sage felt heartbroken.
"Sigh..."
The Law Sage sighed, unsure of what to say at this moment.
What Chu Wushang had done last night at the Champion Marquis's residence could not be hidden.
He had not even tried to erase his traces. Anyone with a bit of effort could easily trace it back to him.
Once this matter was exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Not only would Chu Wushang himself be ruined, but the entire royal family of the Immortal Chu Dynasty would suffer unpredictable consequences.
Losing face in front of all the distinguished guests?
The Crown Prince of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, sneaking into the Champion Marquis's residence while the latter was leading troops to the frontlines to confront a great enemy, and violating his wife? What kind of behavior was that?
If this were to spread, the entire Immortal Chu Dynasty would become a laughingstock among the various orthodox forces.
The Law Sage had immediately used his divination abilities to conceal the truth of last night's events.
For a short time, no one should be able to uncover any clues.
Originally, he had planned to quietly inform Chu Gucheng of this matter, but he hadn't expected Chu Wushang to come forward on his own, confessing to what he had done last night and asking Chu Gucheng to execute him to appease public anger.
This scene made the Law Sage even more heartbroken.
In his eyes, Chu Wushang had always been mature, steady, and capable of shouldering great responsibilities.
How could he have done such a thing?
The Law Sage could only guess that Chu Wushang had been blinded by anger, leading him to act so recklessly.
But so many years had passed. Who could have imagined that Chu Wushang's obsession would still run so deep, as if it had become his inner demon?
"What have you done? How am I supposed to handle this?"
Looking at Chu Wushang in this state, Chu Gucheng's heart was also filled with pain.
But the deed was done. Could he really harden his heart and kill his own son over the Champion Marquis's wife? Make this matter public?
Moreover, no matter how he handled it, it would have a significant impact on the reputation of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
Thinking of this, Chu Gucheng sighed deeply, closed his eyes, and turned his back to Chu Wushang.
Beneath his wide imperial robe, his hands were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
At this moment, a voice came from outside.
"Your Majesty, Uncle Fu requests an audience."
Chu Gucheng didn't know why Uncle Fu was seeking an audience at this time, but he allowed him to enter.
"Your Majesty, this old servant has failed you, failed the Crown Prince. Last night, I shouldn't have told the Crown Prince those things..."
Before Uncle Fu even entered, his voice, filled with sobs and grief, could be heard.
Chu Gucheng turned around to look.
Uncle Fu, his face covered in wrinkles, hurried in, tears streaming down his face, filled with regret and guilt.
At first, Chu Gucheng was puzzled as to why Uncle Fu would say such things.
But soon, as Uncle Fu explained how he had seen the Crown Prince, Chu Wushang, leave the banquet last night in low spirits, seemingly deeply troubled, and had followed him out of concern, Chu Gucheng's expression changed.
He had already guessed what had happened next.
"So, you told Wushang the truth about that matter?"
Chu Gucheng took a deep breath and coldly looked at Uncle Fu.
Because of his failure to protect his youngest son, Chu Xia, he had died.
And now, because of his words, his eldest son, Chu Wushang, had committed such a reckless act?
"This old servant has failed Your Majesty and the Crown Prince. Seeing that the Crown Prince had already developed an inner demon, I thought it best to tell him the truth..."
Uncle Fu wept bitterly, kneeling on the ground and kowtowing repeatedly.
"It wasn't until this morning, when I heard about the incident at the Champion Marquis's residence, that I realized it might be connected to the Crown Prince."
He continued to explain the events of last night with deep remorse.
Later, upon hearing that Chu Wushang still harbored resentment toward his father, Chu Gucheng, over the matter of Qinglan and the Champion Marquis, Chu Heng, Uncle Fu could no longer hold back.
He told Chu Wushang the truth about what had happened back then.
Qinglan's marriage to the Champion Marquis, Chu Heng, was not due to Chu Gucheng's interference or his desire to win over Chu Heng. It was Qinglan herself who had approached Chu Gucheng and begged him to arrange the marriage.
Chu Gucheng had not told Chu Wushang the truth because he didn't want him to resent Chu Heng or Qinglan. He had intended to groom Chu Heng to become Chu Wushang's right-hand man in the future.
Uncle Fu had wanted to prevent Chu Wushang from resenting Chu Gucheng and to help him let go of his obsession.
But he hadn't expected it to lead to such unforeseen consequences.
After hearing this, Chu Gucheng's face remained expressionless, but he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Indeed, Uncle Fu's initial intentions had been good.
"Father, none of this is Uncle Fu's fault. Everything that happened was my doing. I am willing to bear the consequences. Uncle Fu's words were entirely for my sake. I beg you not to blame him."
Chu Wushang, who had been kneeling with his head bowed, his eyes empty and his expression desolate, as if he no longer cared about his own life, suddenly spoke up to plead for Uncle Fu.
Even now, his mind was in a haze, unable to fully process what had happened.
Was last night a dream? Or had he truly lost control of himself?
But regardless, the deed was done. Regret and remorse were useless now.
Last night, he had indeed been too impulsive. His actions would not only bring shame to the Immortal Chu Dynasty but also implicate Uncle Fu, who had only meant well.
Chu Wushang didn't know why he had been so crazed last night.
In that moment, he had been unable to control his emotions, as if a demon had been whispering in his ear.
It was as if all the pain, despair, and anger he had bottled up over the years had erupted at once.
Especially when he had confronted Qinglan, asking her why she had approached his father, Chu Gucheng, to arrange her marriage to Chu Heng.
Her answer had been so calm and indifferent.
Because she had fallen in love with Chu Heng and wanted to be with him for the rest of her life. That was all.
Back then, she had indeed liked Chu Wushang, but later, she had also developed feelings for Chu Heng.
Faced with two such outstanding men, she had found it impossible to choose and had considered accepting only one of them.
But she truly couldn't do it. She couldn't bear to reject either of their affections.
During the years when Chu Wushang had disappeared from the capital, her relationship with Chu Heng had grown closer, and Chu Heng had become more and more outstanding, eventually becoming the renowned Champion Marquis of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
"For so many years, I've known that I owed you an apology, but you've always avoided me, refusing to meet me. How could I say those words to you? Last night, when you came to me, I was actually very happy. It gave me the chance to finally apologize to you. I truly am sorry. Back then, I was immature and didn't directly reject you, which caused you so much pain later."
"But at the time, I truly couldn't bear to let go of the affection you both showed me. I just didn't want to hurt anyone. Was that so wrong? Yet for so many years, you refused to see me, treating me like a stranger, harboring such resentment toward me..."
Qinglan's face was filled with sorrow, her voice tinged with a hint of bitterness.
As she spoke these words, she let out a long sigh, as if a heavy burden had finally been lifted from her heart.
Chu Wushang, however, stared at her blankly, then suddenly burst into cold laughter.
So that's how it was.
What she had been concerned about all along wasn't her change of heart back then, but the fact that she shouldn't be blamed for it.
She wasn't at fault. The fault was his.
Was this the truth he had wanted?
"If things were to happen again, my choice would still be the same as last night. Back then, I must have been blind to have fallen for a woman like her..."
Chu Wushang murmured, his previously empty eyes suddenly flashing with a hint of determination.
Last night's events had once again struck the most vulnerable chord in his heart.
For so many years, he had resented Chu Gucheng for forcibly separating him and Qinglan.
That was why he had been too ashamed to face Qinglan, believing that he had been too weak to resist his father and protect her.
But after learning the truth last night, he realized he had been a fool, a clown played by others.
"Sigh..."
"Uncle Fu, get up. This matter isn't your fault."
Looking at the old man who had served him for so long, kneeling on the ground and kowtowing until his forehead was bleeding, Chu Gucheng's heart softened.
Although Chu Xia had died due to Uncle Fu's negligence, Uncle Fu had also done much for him over the years.
When he was young, it was Uncle Fu who had protected him from being bullied to death by his own clansmen.
"Your Majesty, this old servant has failed the Crown Prince. It was my words that led him to do such a thing. For last night's events, I am willing to bear all the consequences. I am old and useless now, but the Crown Prince is still young. He has a bright future ahead of him. He cannot be tarnished by such a small matter. My reputation is already ruined. What does it matter if I take on a bit more infamy?"
Uncle Fu continued to kneel on the ground, tears streaming down his face, his voice choked with grief.
Hearing this, both Chu Gucheng and the Law Sage were deeply moved.
"Uncle Fu, this was my doing. I should bear the consequences. Why must you do this?" Chu Wushang quickly spoke up, trying to rise and help Uncle Fu to his feet.
He was deeply moved but also filled with regret and self-reproach.
"Crown Prince, this old servant has failed you..." Uncle Fu wept bitterly.
"Enough of this. Qinglan was just one woman. If her death can help my son overcome his inner demons and regain his resolve, then it was worth it."
"My master has already erased all traces of last night's events. Even if a Great Luo Golden Immortal were to come, they wouldn't be able to find any clues."
"Wushang, you need not worry. A mere woman will not become a stain on your reputation."
Seeing this scene, Chu Gucheng had already made up his mind. With a wave of his hand, he spoke coldly.
Over the years, Chu Wushang had never disappointed him.
He couldn't possibly punish Chu Wushang over this matter. Moreover, Qinglan's death was her own doing.
Everything was predestined by karma. It was simply retribution.
As for the Champion Marquis, Chu Heng, he had a plan for that as well. With so many enemies surrounding the Immortal Chu Dynasty, it would be easy to pin the blame on one of them. Did Chu Heng really think he could uncover the truth?
"Father..."
Chu Wushang looked at the cold and ruthless Chu Gucheng, feeling both moved and a strange sense of alienation.
"Chu Heng once obtained a pair of Yin-Yang Jade. He had a master craftsman forge them into a pair of Mandarin Duck Jade Pendants. One of them was surely left with Qinglan. The two pendants resonate with each other. He might use the other pendant to uncover something."
Chu Gucheng frowned, thinking of something.
Currently, the Champion Marquis, Chu Heng, was still at the border, fighting against the enemy. He couldn't allow him to discover the truth.
Since Chu Heng couldn't return personally to investigate, he would surely send a trusted subordinate with the other pendant.
"We cannot allow Chu Heng's subordinate to return to the capital. He must be intercepted outside..."
Chu Gucheng's face was dark, filled with ruthlessness.
Although Chu Heng was someone he valued, at this moment, he had no choice but to sacrifice him.
The events of last night in the Immortal Chu Dynasty had caused a stir everywhere, and the members of the Imperial Immortal Palace were naturally not exempt from questioning.
However, such inquiries were unlikely to yield any results.
The Immortal Chu Dynasty's Truth-Seeking Stone was not powerful enough to detect the mental fluctuations of a Dao Realm expert, so it couldn't determine the truth of their words.
Early in the morning, many ministers and guests, accompanied by their families or disciples, went to the Champion Marquis's residence to offer condolences.
Meanwhile, Gu Changge remained in his courtyard, sipping tea, utterly at ease.
Before him, a book shrouded in chaotic energy floated, its pages flowing with the laws of order, hazy and mysterious.
Wisps of black smoke drifted out, forming a faint, graceful figure in the air—the spirit sealed within the Book of Scavenging.
On the other side, a formless mass of black mist took the shape of a miniature Uncle Fu, reporting the situation respectfully.
Master, everything is proceeding as you predicted. Last night's events went smoothly without any unexpected twists. Chu Gucheng has secretly sent shadow guards to intercept Chu Heng's trusted subordinate and prevent him from returning to the capital.
"In addition, Chu Gucheng has feigned outrage, sending guards to search every corner of the capital for clues."