Having many children brings many blessings; the struggle for power begins with marriage.

Chapter 246 Rumors

Upon hearing Lu Chen's answer, the women were taken aback for a moment, but then they realized what he meant.

Yunrong Courtyard? Isn't that Chen Wanrong?

Mu Zixuan immediately said, "Congratulations, Your Highness, on gaining another beauty."

Lu Chen smiled.

At this moment, Chu Qingli stared intently at Lu Chen with her eyes.

She couldn't help but think to herself, "Another beauty?" This wicked man has not only gained one beauty, he has already taken advantage of Lin Wanyun, and now he has also taken Chen Wanrong. Now Lu Chen has two more women.

This wicked thing is incredibly audacious; he even dared to touch the Palace Master of Xuan Yue Palace.

The Xuan Yue Palace is no ordinary force; it is rumored that there are already beings in the Xuan Yue Palace who have broken through to the Celestial Realm.

Lu Chen is truly fearless. If he attracts Chen Wanrong's master, let's see how he ends up.

No, she had to hurry and complete the transaction with Lu Chen, then run away with her sister to avoid being affected by this bad thing.

Thinking of this, Chu Qingli began to calculate in her mind how many times she had traded with Lu Chen.

After thinking for a moment, Chu Qingli was slightly stunned. She seemed to have forgotten how many times she had traded with Lu Chen.

This……

How could she forget this?

This is troublesome. Wouldn't he not even know it had been done a hundred times, and would he still be foolish enough to go and trade with Lu Chen?

Chu Qingli felt a little annoyed with herself; she hadn't even remembered something so important.

Lu Chen then said, "Alright, you all go about your business. I'm going to take a shower first; I still have some official business to attend to later."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Chen headed straight for his room. The maids in the Prince's mansion quickly sprang into action, fetching hot water for him.

After Lu Chen left, Mu Zixuan and the others did not disperse. They returned to the main hall and continued to enjoy tea and snacks.

at the same time.

Yunrong Courtyard.

Lin Wanyun finally welcomed Chen Wanrong back. Upon seeing Chen Wanrong at the courtyard entrance, Lin Wanyun quickly got up and walked towards her, "Palace Mistress, where did you go last night? Are you alright?"

As soon as Lin Wanyun walked up to Chen Wanrong, she felt the oppressive aura emanating from Chen Wanrong, and Lin Wanyun was immediately stunned.

Grandmaster... Grandmaster!!!

Lin Wanyun exclaimed in surprise, "Palace Master, you've broken through to the Grandmaster realm?!"

Chen Wanrong is only in her twenties this year. If she has already broken through to the Grandmaster realm in her twenties, then wouldn't she be able to break through to the Celestial Realm before she is forty or fifty?

So far, the only people Lin Wanyun knows who have broken through to the Grandmaster level at such a young age are Lu Chen and Chen Wanrong.

Lin Wanyun was genuinely happy for Chen Wanrong. After Chen Wanrong broke through to the Grandmaster realm, her chances of successfully taking revenge increased. Perhaps in the future, they would be able to defeat Emperor Xia without using the Dragon Subduing Curse.

If they didn't refine the Dragon Subduing Spell, they wouldn't have any major conflict with Lu Chen.

Chen Wanrong gave a soft "hmm" and didn't say anything more. She walked directly towards the pavilion in the courtyard.

Lin Wanyun quickly followed her into the pavilion.

After sitting down, Chen Wanrong said, "Aunt Lin, I already know about your relationship with Lu Chen."

Upon hearing Chen Wanrong's words, Lin Wanyun was startled. Her face then turned deathly pale, and she quickly said, "Palace Master, I..."

Lin Wanyun didn't know how to explain. Chen Wanrong hadn't come home all night, and the first thing she did when she returned was to talk about this. It must be because when Chen Wanrong met Lu Chen last night, Lu Chen told Chen Wanrong about what happened between them.

At this time, Lin Wanyun was unaware that Chen Wanrong had actually witnessed them committing illicit acts.

"Palace Master, don't believe Lu Chen's words! I absolutely have no intention of betraying you!"

Seeing that Lin Wanyun was still trying to argue, Chen Wanrong said expressionlessly, "I saw you doing that kind of thing with him in the study a long time ago."

"I……"

Lin Wanyun hesitated, unable to defend herself. Chen Wanrong had seen it with her own eyes, so how could she possibly argue?

Lin Wanyun was extremely anxious, fearing that Chen Wanrong would think she had betrayed her.

Lin Wanyun then said, "Palace Master, I have my reasons for doing all this."

Chen Wanrong said, "Aunt Lin, you don't need to explain. I know you only slept with him to get the antidote for me."

Hearing that Chen Wanrong knew her predicament, Lin Wanyun breathed a sigh of relief, as long as Chen Wanrong didn't think she had betrayed her.

Lin Wanyun sighed deeply, then said, "Palace Master, what should we do next? You must have met with him last night, right?"

Chen Wanrong hummed in agreement and continued, "I have become his woman."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanyun was stunned for a moment, then her anger flared up.

"How...how could this be!"

"That little bastard went back on his word! He clearly said he'd let you go!"

Lin Wanyun then walked out of the pavilion, saying as she went, "I'm going to find him and demand an explanation! He's a prince, after all, and his word is his bond; how could he go back on his word like that!"

At this moment, Chen Wanrong said, "Aunt Lin, you don't need to be so angry. I offered myself to him willingly."

"You..." Lin Wanyun was stunned once again.

She never expected Chen Wanrong to make such a decision.

Chen Wanrong continued, "I was able to break through to the Grandmaster realm because of his help."

Lin Wanyun asked incredulously, "How could he possibly have a method to enhance a person's strength?"

Chen Wanrong said, "I don't know either, but I do know that he is not following the path of a martial artist, but the path of cultivating immortality."

"To break through to the Grandmaster level at this age, the only possibility is the path of immortality."

Lin Wanyun sighed again.

Well, that little rascal has ruined them both. He really does take in every pretty girl he sees; how can he have so much energy?

Lin Wanyun asked, "Palace Master, has he agreed to let us leave the Northern Prince's Mansion?"

Chen Wanrong shook her head and said calmly, "He will only let me leave after I give birth to his child."

Lin Wanyun frowned slightly. "What about Xuan Yue Palace? If we don't return to Xuan Yue Palace for a long time, the elders might have something to say. We've already been staying at the Northern Prince's Mansion for so long."

Chen Wanrong said, "I'll ask him again after some time."

Lin Wanyun said no more.

At this moment, Chen Wanrong looked at Lin Wanyun and asked, "Aunt Lin, what are you thinking? He told me last night that he has contacted your Lin family and plans to have you marry into the Northern Prince's Mansion."

"I……"

Lin Wanyun thought for a moment, unsure how to answer; she was also incredibly confused.

She always felt that the age gap between her and Lu Chen was too big, and that marrying him was inappropriate, but this little rascal just liked people older than him.

Judging from the ages of the women in the inner courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, it seems that every woman in Lu Chen's household is older than him. Even the youngest, Zhou Youyou and Xiao Wenyao, are older than Lu Chen.

Moreover, there was another person in the Prince's mansion who was about the same age as him, namely Yelü Nanyan.

Chen Wanrong said, "If you don't want to marry him, I will find a way to get her to let you leave."

Although Chen Wanrong currently has no way to persuade Lu Chen to let Lin Wanyun leave the Northern Prince's Mansion, she believes that one day she will be able to find a condition that will move Lu Chen and make him agree to let Lin Wanyun go.

Upon hearing Chen Wanrong's words, Lin Wanyun hesitated for a moment, but finally mustered up her courage and said, "No need, Palace Master, I have already decided to stay in the Northern Prince's Mansion and bear him children."

Chen Wanrong was slightly stunned. She had actually guessed that Lin Wanyun might have developed feelings for Lu Chen, but Lin Wanyun's own words about wanting to stay still surprised her.

Chen Wanrong then said, "I understand."

Since Lin Wanyun has already decided to stay and have children with Lu Chen, there's nothing she can do to stop her, as long as Lu Chen doesn't let her down.

However, Chen Wanrong still had some worries in her heart. Judging from Lu Chen's current development trajectory, Lu Chen would definitely become the emperor in the future. Chen Wanrong was very worried that after Lin Wanyun entered the palace, she would be neglected by Lu Chen and would have to spend her whole life in the palace.

Aside from the fact that Lu Chen is rather lecherous, we can't yet discern any other aspects of his personality, making it difficult to say whether he will abandon his woman.

However, worrying about all this now is useless. Only when Lu Chen becomes emperor and has supreme power will we be able to see what kind of person he really is.

……

One hour later.

Lu Chen had already taken a shower, changed his clothes, and came to the study to handle official business.

Although he had a great time last night and didn't sleep, Lu Chen still didn't feel too tired; he was still full of energy.

Just then, a maid's voice rang out at the study door, "Your Highness, Commander Qin requests an audience."

Lu Chen said directly, "Come in."

The next moment, Qin Yushan pushed open the door and entered the study.

Lu Chen asked calmly, "What is it?"

Qin Yushan replied, "Your Highness, recently there have been rumors circulating among the people of the Northern Kingdom that you have seized the widow of the anti-barbarian hero, and there are even rumors that you have not spared your own aunt."

Hearing this, Lu Chen paused for a moment, then put down what he was holding, looked up at Qin Yushan, and asked seriously, "Have you found out the source of these rumors?"

Qin Yushan replied, "We found out. It's from the Chu family."

Upon hearing Qin Yushan's answer, Lu Chen's face instantly darkened. He continued, "Is it the Chu family of Jiangnan, or the Chu family of the North?"

The Chu family has already split up, and now there is also a Chu family in the northern country.

Qin Yushan replied again, "It is the Chu family of the Northern Kingdom."

Lu Chen fell silent.

Come to think of it, the Jiangnan aristocratic families are currently fighting against the imperial army under Lu Shuyun's leadership. They have no time to send people to the North to spread rumors. It is most likely that it was Chu Jiaqian from the North.

However, the Chu family of the Northern Kingdom had already pledged allegiance to him, and Lu Chen did not believe that his maternal grandfather would send people to spread such rumors. It was clear that Chu Xiong supported Chu Yuqin becoming his woman.

If Chu Yuqin becomes his woman, it will add another link for the Chu family in the Northern Kingdom. Even though Chu Yuqin is not related to the Chu family by blood, she is still from the Chu family. This is the same as the situation between Lin Wanyun and the Lin family. Lin Wanyun is not related to the Lin family by blood, but Lin Gaoyuan still wants to use Lin Wanyun as a link to connect with the Northern Prince's Mansion.

After pondering for a while, Lu Chen said to Qin Yushan, "This matter doesn't need to be handed over to the Embroidered Uniform Guard for investigation. You go to the Chu family yourself now and tell my grandfather what you've found out. He knows what to do."

Qin Yushan said, "Understood, I will go now."

"Your subordinate takes his leave."

After saying this, Qin Yushan turned and left.

Seeing Qin Yushan's departing figure, Lu Chen thought to himself, "Why would anyone from the Chu family spread such rumors at this time?"

It's probably the Chu family from Jiangnan who sent people to do this.

It is highly likely that there are spies from the Chu family of Jiangnan within the Chu family of the Northern Kingdom. The Jiangnan family did this partly to sow discord between the Northern King's Mansion and the Chu family of the Northern Kingdom, and partly to ruin his personal reputation.

Just as Lu Chen was pondering this matter, the maid's voice came again, "Your Highness, Commander Lin is looking for you."

Lu Chen's thoughts were interrupted, and he said, "Come in."

The next moment, the mature and dignified Lin Wanyun entered the study.

Looking at Lin Wanyun, who was standing angrily at the door, Lu Chen smiled and said, "Aunt Lin, who made you angry? Why do you look so unhappy?"

Lin Wanyun asked, "Didn't you promise me you'd let Rongrong go? Why are you still taking advantage of her?"

Lin Wanyun originally didn't want to come to find Lu Chen, but after thinking about it, she realized that if Chen Wanrong didn't leave the Northern Prince's Mansion, how could she take revenge and restore her kingdom?

Hearing Lin Wanyun's words, Lu Chen simply smiled and then said, "It seems you already know."

Lin Wanyun continued, "You are, after all, a prince, and one who will become emperor in the future. How can you remain silent..."

Before Lin Wanyun could finish speaking, her body instantly lost control, and she was pulled into Lu Chen's arms by a single palm strike.

Lin Wanyun immediately struggled, "Let me go..."

Lu Chen held her voluptuous body and whispered in her ear, "I never said I wouldn't let her go. She willingly became my woman. What man wouldn't be moved by such a beautiful fairy? If I weren't even a little bit moved, would I still be a man?"

Lin Wanyun was both angry and annoyed, "You..."

Lu Chen said in a deep voice, "Wan Yun, you've come here to interrogate me, are you jealous?"

Lin Wanyun blushed and was about to say something when Lu Chen covered her mouth with a kiss. "Mmm..."

Lu Chen was too lazy to say anything to her. Since she was angry, he would let her calm down first. Calming her down was not difficult enough.

Not long after, Xiao Huan, who was outside the study, heard Lin Wanyun's voice. She silently walked to the entrance of the courtyard and kept watch for Lu Chen.

An hour later, Lin Wanyun's anger completely subsided. She straddled Lu Chen's lap, resting her entire body on his shoulder, and remained motionless.

Forget about calming down, she was completely smitten. She had no energy left to confront Lu Chen.

Lin Wanyun said weakly, "What do you want from Rongrong to leave?"

Lu Chen held her delicate body in his arms and whispered in her ear, "She must have told you, right? As long as she gives me a child, we can return to Xuan Yue Palace when the child turns fifteen."

Lin Wanyun said, "She is the Palace Master of Xuan Yue Palace. She can't stay in the Northern Prince's Mansion forever. If the elders of Xuan Yue Palace find out, they will definitely come looking for her. Do you want to start a war against Xuan Yue Palace?"

"Xuan Yue Palace is no ordinary force. Although you are a Grandmaster, there are quite a few Grandmasters in Xuan Yue Palace. Even if you and Zhuge Chongguang were combined, you would not be a match for those elders."

After hearing what Lin Wanyun said, Lu Chen thought about it and realized that it made sense.

If Chen Wanrong is kept in the Northern Prince's Mansion for more than ten or even several decades and not allowed to return, it will attract the elders of Xuan Yue Palace, which will cause great trouble.

Thinking of this, Lu Chen gently stroked Lin Wanyun's back and said, "So Wanyun, you came to remind me of this. I thought you really came to interrogate me."

"It seems you still care about me."

Lin Wanyun snorted, "Who cares about you, you little rascal! So lecherous, you won't let any pretty woman go. You'll get yourself into trouble with women sooner or later."

Lu Chen said nonchalantly, "Don't worry, I can't possibly fall for a woman. Women are the ones who fall for me. Didn't you and Rongrong fall for me?"

Hearing Lu Chen say this, Lin Wanyun said angrily, "We're just unlucky to have run into a little rascal like you."

Just then, Lu Chen suddenly heard a maid talking to someone outside the courtyard.

"Commander Chu, the Prince is busy, please don't go in."

Chu Qingli asked, "What are you busy with?"

Upon hearing Chu Qingli's voice, Lu Chen's lips curled up slightly, and he said loudly, "Qingli, come in."

Hearing Lu Chen's words, Lin Wanyun, who was clinging to him, was stunned. She lowered her voice and said angrily, "Are you crazy?!"

Lu Chen ignored her protest.

Seeing that Lu Chen had spoken in the study, the maid Xiao Huan stopped talking. She figured that since Chu Qingli was a regular visitor to the study, adding one more person wouldn't make a difference.

Chu Qingli was unaware that someone was already in the study, and she then walked straight towards the study.

However, she was stunned by what she saw as soon as she opened the study door.

Lin Wanyun struggled to escape, but Lu Chen pinned her to the desk, making it impossible for her to break free.

Chu Qingli said with a look of astonishment, "You...you guys..."

Before Chu Qingli could finish speaking, a blush instantly appeared on her face. She had known for a long time that Lu Chen and Lin Wanyun were having an affair, but she never expected that this wicked Lu Chen would let her in at this time.

Although she did come here to make a deal with Lu Chen, there were already other people involved.

Lu Chen said calmly, "Qingli, why aren't you closing the door? Do you want everyone outside to see?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Qingli quickly turned around and closed the door. After closing the door, Chu Qingli turned back and glared at Lu Chen with a resentful expression.

Lu Chen continued working, asking as he went, "What do you need me for?"

Chu Qingli glanced at the dying Lin Wanyun and then said, "We've probably reached the end of our trading quota, shouldn't we let my sister leave the palace now?"

Lu Chen said, "Phew... about this... um... I'll come talk to you about it tonight."

Chu Qingli then said, "Then I'll go first. My sister is on patrol tonight. I'll wait for you in my room."

Lu Chen hummed in agreement and then focused all his attention on Lin Wanyun.

As Chu Qingli was leaving, she glanced at Lu Chen and Lin Wanyun, thinking to herself, "This guy didn't come back all night yesterday, and now he's up to no good again. When he comes to find me tonight, he probably won't be thinking about that anymore. I hope he'll keep his word and let my sister go. After all, I've heard a lot of rumors about my sister in Yancheng lately."

(End of this chapter)