C15 The will of an Emperor!

"Your Highness, you're too kind. In this vast capital, there are many who surpass me in strength!" Chen Dutian said with a modest smile, gesturing dismissively with his hand.

Chen Dutian never paid much mind to those born into the noble families, but within the Imperial City, there were certainly no fewer than a few hundred masters of the Astral Wandering realm. And the patriarch of the Yan family, who oversaw the Imperial City, was a formidable Skyflight realm expert.

Until he reached the Skyflight realm himself, Chen Dutian was careful not to reveal his full capabilities.

"During previous Golden Autumn Festivals, the crown prince's followers always took center stage. But this year, with Master Chen's assistance, I, Yan Beichen, have nothing to fear!" Yan Beichen proclaimed, lifting his cup and taking a hearty swig, his face alight with anticipation.

The following morning, Chen Dutian donned the ornate garments Yan Beichen had arranged for him. After a quick breakfast, they departed from the Sunlit Palace.

The scions of the elite families who were summoned to the Golden Autumn Festival arrived at the gates of the Imperial City on horseback or carried in sedans. Chen Dutian, escorting the Second Prince, toured the Imperial City before reaching its grand entrance.

A line of officials stood with a roster in hand, calling out the names of the attendees. A throng of over a hundred people stood densely packed at the gate, with several recognizable figures among them.

Over two hundred imperial guards, clad in golden armor and bearing sabers, kept the peace. Each person called had to proceed for a thorough search to prevent any attempts at bringing weapons to incite insurrection.

Chen Dutian spotted Pang Yuan in the crowd almost instantly. The man stood out with his bulky frame, his brocade attire straining at the seams.

"Pang Yuan!" It took some time, but finally, a ceremonial officer called out his name.

The assembly at the Imperial City's gate parted ways, making room for the imposing figure of Pang Yuan to lumber toward the official.

Pang Yuan, known for his lack of martial prowess, was a figure of notoriety throughout the capital. Had it not been for the imperial decree from Yan Chen, he would have scarcely bothered to show up.

Two guards approached Pang Yuan, giving him a once-over before proceeding to search him.

Pang Yuan paid his respects to the Second Prince. After a thorough search, he strode forward with his robust legs, gasping for breath as he approached Chen Dutian and the others. He bowed deeply to the Second Prince.

"Please, rise. I've often heard Master Chen speak highly of you. How is the Minister of Finance doing these days?" Yan Beichen said with a smile, offering a supportive arm to Pang Yuan with courteous concern.

"Thank you for your kindness, Second Prince. My father is in good health," Pang Yuan replied, somewhat flattered by the unexpected warmth from the Second Prince.

"No need to stand on ceremony. The Golden Autumn Feast won't start until noon. Let me escort you to the Sunlit Palace to relax for a bit," Chen Dutian said cheerfully, clapping Pang Yuan on the shoulder, noticing that his friend had put on a considerable amount of weight since their last meeting.

"I have some urgent matters to discuss with my father, so I must excuse myself," Yan Beichen said as he led a few attendants toward the Crystal Palace. Seizing the moment, Pang Yuan sidled up to Chen Dutian and whispered, "The Second Prince seems quite fond of you, brother. How have you been faring in the Imperial City lately?"

"This isn't the place for such conversations. Follow me," Chen Dutian replied quietly, glancing at the Imperial Guards nearby. He led Pang Yuan away from the entrance of the Imperial City.

Once inside the Second Prince's Sunlit Palace, Chen Dutian ushered Pang Yuan into his room. They sat down with easy smiles, and Pang Yuan was the first to speak. "I haven't had the chance to congratulate you yet. Congratulations on your appointment as the Prince's study companion! You'll be a regular in the Imperial City now. Brother, when you rise to prominence, don't forget to lend me a hand!"

Chen Dutian rolled his eyes and gave Pang Yuan's chair a playful kick. "Prince's study companion... It's really just a fancy term for a hostage trapped within these city walls," he said with a wry shake of his head.

Pang Yuan felt a pang of realization. Recalling that the Lord Protector, Chen Dou, was due to return to the capital, he instantly grasped the gravity of Chen Dutian's situation.

"Everyone says the Second Prince has no ambition for the throne. Brother, isn't it beneath your talents to serve by his side?"

Currently, nearly all the civil officials are aligned with Yan Nantian. Yan Beichen, though also a prince, is neither favored by the Emperor nor holds any sway in the court.

Yan Chen appointed Chen Dutian as the Second Prince's study companion as a pretext to confine him within the Imperial City, using him as leverage against the soon-to-return Lord Protector, Chen Dou.

Furthermore, he warned the entire court against becoming too closely associated with the Lord Protector. Once the Crown Prince takes the throne, all the loyal aides of the Second Prince will be eliminated, and the Chen Family will inevitably be implicated.

"Hehe, you're underestimating the Second Prince! Born into royalty, if one lacks the ambition of an emperor, they can't control their destiny. If the Crown Prince claims the throne, do you think he'll tolerate the Second Prince?" Chen Dutian said with a smirk. He had recognized the Second Prince's aspirations to rival the Crown Prince from their very first meeting.

Yet, without any influence in court and lacking Yan Chen's favor, he's had to feign mediocrity to avoid drawing trouble upon himself.

Upon hearing this, Pang Yuan's eyes sparkled, and he whispered to Chen Dutian, "Brother, are you suggesting the Second Prince plans to leverage the Lord Protector's power to vie for the throne?"

"Exactly! The Emperor currently distrusts my Chen Family. The Crown Prince and Wang Xuanyang have no room for my father. Rather than inciting the Red Banner Army to rebel, it's better to back someone who can ensure the safety of my Chen Family and help him ascend to the throne!" A cunning smile played on Chen Dutian's lips.

In his past life, Chen Dutian had encountered many extraordinary talents. Before possessing the power to dominate, the only way to protect his family within the Phethia Dynasty was to have the one seated on the throne heed his command.

Pang Yuan looked at Chen Dutian, visibly shaken, and after a moment, he moistened his lips, rubbed his plump hands together, and murmured, "My father strictly forbade involvement in the princes' succession struggle. As long as the Crown Prince has not ascended, the outcome remains uncertain. You're placing your bets on the Second Prince now; what odds do you give yourself?"

Chen Dutian flashed a self-assured smile, rose to his feet, and walked over to the window with his hands clasped behind his back. He spoke with a casual air, "The odds are in our favor! The day my father returns will coincide with the Second Prince's ascension to the throne!"

Pang Yuan sprang to his feet, his face etched with astonishment, and joined Chen Dutian at the window. He exclaimed incredulously, "This... surely this is too sudden? Nearly all the civil officials in the court are loyal to the Crown Prince. And while the Lord Protector commands the formidable Red Banner Army, let's not overlook the presence of the Jademanes within the Phethia Dynasty!"

With a dismissive wave of his hand and a confident grin, Chen Dutian reassured him, "The Jademanes won't lay a finger on the Chen Family."