The Princess Consort personally petitioned for an imperial decree to enfezzle Chu Chaoyun as the new Regent. With the former Regent deceased and the eldest legitimate son incapacitated, Chu Chaoyun bypassed the title of Crown Prince and became Regent directly. Although the Emperor was displeased, he had no grounds to revoke the title.
The Old Princess Consort’s request was reasonable, and after some pleasantries, the imperial decree was issued. Despite his young age, Chu Chaoyun showed no timidity. His etiquette was flawless, leaving no room for criticism. From this day forward, he was the most honored master of the Chu family. The manor was adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, radiating joy, except for Chu Chaojin's courtyard, which remained desolate.
Aware of being watched, he acted with even greater caution. The physical pain was agonizing, yet he persisted with daily exercises, striving for a swift recovery. He feared that if he fell, Zhao Haitang would lose her support. He still wished to personally inquire about her feelings. The man who had caused her such misery in his previous life would surely not be loved by her again.
"Xiao Cui, can we women not control our own destinies? Was I born to compromise? Why do they get to decide everything for me?"
"Your servant dares not speak out of turn, but Master is your father and would surely not harm you. The Prime Minister's manor has raised you, and the Emperor's arranged marriage is also your good fortune, Miss."
"Such fortune, I would rather not have."
"Hush, Miss. Be careful, walls have ears."
"If they want to listen, let them. I don't want my entire life to be dictated by others. Is it wrong for me to follow my heart?"
Xiao Cui lowered her head, not daring to utter a word. Upon hearing the news, the Second Prince's veins bulged with rage.
With no one in the room, he vented his frustration. "That wench actually dares to look down on me! Who doesn't know that Chu Chaojin is now crippled? Am I, this prince, inferior to a cripple? What right does she have to be picky and disdain me?"
"What does Father Emperor mean by this? Is he warning me, or does he think I am only worthy of this wilted flower? I cannot ruin this marriage, but must I swallow this humiliation?"
As he was lost in thought, Xiao Cui, with Jun Jiuli's assistance, had successfully entered Chu Chaojin's courtyard.
"How did you get in? How is your lady doing?" Chu Chaojin asked, his voice filled with excitement.
"Miss misses you day and night, not eating or drinking. Her heart is unwilling to marry the Second Prince. Please, Master, think of a way. I cannot stay here long; it would be discovered soon."
Chu Chaojin was highly alert. Though his martial arts were crippled, his hearing remained excellent. After scanning the surroundings with Xiao Cui's guidance, he was puzzled. Where were the usual watchers?
"Do you know what day it is today?"
"Your servant does not know, but the manor is filled with festive cheer. I slipped in with the procurement staff. They must be preparing for a grand banquet, so it's normal they're not paying attention here..."
Xiao Cui did not notice anything amiss, chattering on and conveying all of Zhao Haitang's unspoken words. Chu Chaojin listened, tears streaming down his face.
In his current state, his circumstances so dire, Haitang still thought only of him. He vowed to spend his life with Haitang.
"Go back and tell your lady not to worry; I will handle everything."
"Yes, then I shall depart."
Long after she had left, Chu Chaojin remained in his wheelchair, gazing out the window and smiling foolishly.
Shui Wa: "Are the male and female leads alright in the head?"
Jun Jiuli: "They're both incurable love-struck fools."
Zhao Haitang, having received the news from Xiao Cui, began embroidering her wedding dress with a smile as radiant as a blooming flower. She could already envision the happy moment she would wear the dress and marry Chu Chaojin.
"Miss, aren't you anxious?"
"It's alright; I believe he can do it."
Xiao Cui had secretly packed many things these past few days. Zhao Haitang's seldom-used trinkets and her extravagant gold and silver were all collected by herself. She was no longer a servant; her deed of sale had long been burned. Her continued presence was merely to gain benefits. If her mistress's erratic behavior were to implicate her one day, it would be unfortunate. She was prepared to flee at any moment.
Chu Chaojin conceived a foolish plan: he intended to exchange his "tiger tally" for his engagement with Zhao Haitang. The Emperor would surely agree; that represented the command of 200,000 troops.
Acting on his resolve, he slowly moved his wheelchair to his study, behind a famous painting. He moved the painting aside, twisted a hidden mechanism behind it, and a corner of the desk suddenly collapsed.
Clutching the tiger tally, he laughed with delight. Since the Chu family no longer cared for him, he wouldn't concern himself with their honor. He took out a whistle and began to blow. Soon, over twenty black-clad figures rushed towards them.
"Take me out of the Chu manor."
"Yes, Master."
One person pushed him forward, leading the way, while the rest of the black-clad men followed behind him, their expressions menacing and their demeanor suggesting formidable martial prowess.
The group of imperial guards surrounding the courtyard seemed weak, visibly intimidated by their presence. The Princess Consort, leading the charge, stood at the forefront with Chu Chaoyun.
"The Dragon-Tiger Guard has always obeyed the commands of the Chu family head. With the current head present, how dare you act so presumptuously!"
"We have only one master. We ask the Princess Consort to step aside quickly, or the saber in my hand will not be so obedient. How can a mere infant be our master?"
The atmosphere instantly turned frigid, neither side backing down, neither yielding to the other.
Chu Chaojin then spoke with arrogance, "Mother Consort, face reality. How can your mere pawns compare to the Dragon-Tiger Guard?"
"Hmph, do you know that he is going to hand over the tiger tally? You people were raised by the Chu family; must you stand by and watch this military power be lost through him?"
"We only obey our master's commands. If our master acts this way, he must have his reasons. The Dragon-Tiger Guard follows orders; the consequences and reasons are not for us to consider."
"Good, very good. Truly obstinate. Come, apprehend them! Their lives are of no consequence. If you wish to hand over this tiger tally today, you will have to step over my corpse."
Although the guards were somewhat timid, their lives were owed to the Chu family. Even knowing they might die, they would charge forward without hesitation.
The two sides engaged in a fierce battle. The guards suddenly discovered that the Dragon-Tiger Guard were not as formidable as they had imagined. Especially one individual who could strike targets even with his eyes closed, moving like a block of wood without evasion.