The guard inspected the insignia and let him in, "Follow me."
"Thank you," the man in the grey shirt said, bowing his thanks. He followed the guard to an elegant courtyard.
"Master, the person is here," the guard pushed the door open and shouted into the inner room.
"En, you may go," a hoarse voice echoed from within.
A moment later, footsteps sounded, and an elder with white hair and beard, leaning on a cane, walked out.
The elder wore a loose robe, his back was straight, his spirit was vigorous, and his eyes were deep and wise, as if he could see through the world. Every move he made held profound meaning.
"Old Master," the man in the grey shirt bowed respectfully.
Old Master Su nodded, signaling the man in the grey shirt to rise. Then, his gaze fell upon Chu Chen, scrutinizing him for a moment.
A flicker of admiration flashed in his eyes, "You are full of vigor, poised for action. Your name is Chu Chen, right?"
"Junior Chu Chen, greetings to Old Master Su," Chu Chen rose and bowed, secretly astonished.
This Old Master Su was advanced in age, his vital energy was depleted, and his eyes were cloudy. He looked like an old man on the verge of death.
Yet, Chu Chen sensed a sharp, piercing aura from him, an aura entirely different from that of the Marquis of Wu'an, and even surpassing it.
Old Master Su nodded and said calmly, "Sit. Since you dared to storm the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion alone.
It is enough to prove your extraordinary courage. I misjudged you. You do not seem like a dissolute young master, but rather quite capable. Would you be willing to serve my Su family?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen was stunned. His expression shifted several times before he finally shook his head.
"What, you find this old man unworthy of your status?" Old Master Su inquired.
"Of course not," Chu Chen shook his head.
"Then why do you refuse my invitation?" Old Master Su asked, a hint of displeasure in his tone.
"Junior does not like to live under someone else's roof, nor am I accustomed to relying on others. Therefore, I will not trouble you, old sir," Chu Chen stated indifferently.
Old Master Su nodded expressionlessly and waved his hand, "Very well. Since you are determined not to join the Su family, I will not force you.
However, you did save Ling'er, and I will remember this favor. I will personally visit you another day to repay this life-saving kindness."
"Old Master need not worry. It was merely a small effort. Besides, Miss Su is a lady from a prominent family; she does not lack a mere bodyguard like me.
I saved her purely to repay her favor," Chu Chen said, cupping his fists.
"You are very good. I appreciate you. You may leave now," Old Master Su said lightly. "Also, you don't need to call me Old Master.
You are younger than my granddaughter. I shall call you nephew. Nephew, I hope you will look after Ling'er in the future."
"Alright, Old Master," Chu Chen nodded, then turned and walked out of the Su family's courtyard.
Outside the Su family's courtyard, the man in the grey shirt was waiting anxiously. Seeing Chu Chen approach, he immediately stepped forward and said,
"Young Master Chu, the Marquis has been waiting for you for a long time. Please follow me."
"Thank you," Chu Chen nodded and followed the man in the grey shirt along the bluestone-paved street towards the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion.
The Marquis of Wu'an's mansion occupied a vast area, resembling a palace, with pavilions, towers, rockeries, and flowing water. It was magnificent, luxurious, and filled with classical charm.
"Young Master Chu, we have arrived." After walking through winding corridors, the two arrived outside a courtyard.
The man in the grey shirt stopped and pointed ahead, "The Master and the Second Young Master are waiting in the main hall. Young Master Chu, please."
Chu Chen stepped into the courtyard. As soon as he entered, a familiar figure caught his eye – it was none other than Zhao Hao.
Upon seeing him, Zhao Hao quickly strode over, his face contorted with anger and hatred, "Chu, I didn't expect you, you good-for-nothing, to still be alive!"
"Heh, it seems the Second Young Master is in a very good mood today, even resorting to calling me a good-for-nothing," Chu Chen retorted with a cold smile, not holding back his sarcasm.
"Hmph, if I weren't confined to the mansion, I would have torn you to shreds by now!" Zhao Hao gritted his teeth, glaring at Chu Chen as if he wanted to pounce and rip him apart.
"Zhao Hao, that's enough!" Just as Zhao Hao was about to curse again, a steady and authoritative voice boomed from a distance.
Chu Chen looked in the direction of the voice and saw a group of people surrounding an elder who was slowly approaching.
The elder was burly and handsome, with a short beard. He exuded an imposing aura, the presence of someone who had long held a position of power, causing Chu Chen to narrow his eyes slightly.
"Father," Zhao Hao quickly lowered his head and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Marquis," Chu Chen also cupped his fists in salute.
"En, no need to be formal. Please be seated," Zhao Yuan waved his hand, signaling everyone to sit.
"Thank you, Marquis," Chu Chen said. He then took his position on the left side with the other guards of the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion, quietly awaiting instructions.
"Nephew Chu, I heard you saved Ling'er's life. I apologize for the abruptness of inviting you here today. I hope you do not mind," Zhao Yuan said in a gentle tone.
"Your Lordship is too kind. It was merely a small effort," Chu Chen shook his head. "However..."
Chu Chen paused here, his gaze sweeping around the surroundings. He asked, "Marquis, I am not the only one here, am I? Besides you, are there others present?"
Zhao Yuan blinked in surprise, then burst into laughter, "Nephew Chu is indeed sharp. I have invited you here today because I need your help with something."
"Your Lordship is too polite. Please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything," Chu Chen nodded. Although his impression of the Marquis of Wu'an was not very good,
this was, after all, his territory, and he couldn't be too arrogant, as it would only be counterproductive.
"It's like this. Recently, a group of notorious bandits have appeared in Wu'an City, specializing in stealing treasures. I have sent people to investigate for days, but we have not been able to apprehend them," Zhao Yuan sighed.
"Oh? Can the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion not even handle a group of bandits?" Chu Chen frowned slightly.
As a top noble family in the Southern Ridge Kingdom, the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion had many skilled assassins, along with various traps, hidden weapons, and poisons.
Ordinary bandits would not be able to deal with the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion.
Chu Chen did not believe these bandits were ordinary individuals, otherwise, they would not dare to act so brazenly within the Marquis's stronghold.
"Alas, it is a shame," Zhao Yuan sighed, a bitter expression on his face. "Those bandits are extremely cunning.
Every time they attack, they manage to evade the traps I set. Moreover, they are skilled in stealth and concealment, making it impossible for us to catch them."
"Oh? Is that so?" Chu Chen's eyebrows twitched, his eyes flickering.
Chu Chen carefully observed Zhao Yuan's expression, as if searching for any clues.