After Mu Changtian finished his greetings, he spoke with a hint of embarrassment:
"Your Majesty, I didn't expect that the one who would ultimately save the Mu Mansion would be you."
On their way to Beijun, Mu Changtian and his companions had assumed that the "mysterious prince" spoken of by Liang Zong and the others referred to the King of Bei. After all, Beijun was his fief.
But the idea that this mysterious prince might actually be the King of the North only briefly crossed their minds before they dismissed it.
And yet, the person who finally stood before them was none other than the King of the North himself.
It shocked them to their core.
They found it hard to reconcile the infamous rumors of the King of the North—an unlearned and dissolute prince—with the reality now standing before them: a man who possessed power, strategy, and vast influence.
Just the existence of the Da Huan Dan and the massive force at his command showed how deeply he had hidden his true strength. If he were to join the struggle for the throne, even the eldest prince would likely fall short before him.
At that moment, Mu Changtian and his sons shared the same burning question: Why did the Northern King hide such power?
If he were to reveal his cards and win the support of powerful families in Jiangnan, it was entirely possible that the position in the capital would belong to him.
But now, the King of the North had been banished to Beijun. If he still desired to return to the capital one day, he would have no choice but to raise an army.
Yet Mu Changtian had also witnessed Beijun's condition firsthand—barren lands, underdeveloped forces. Raising an army here would be an uphill battle against the elite troops of Daxia. Even if victorious, the price paid would be devastating, and the Northern King would inherit only the ashes of a broken nation.
Just then, Lu Chen spoke.
"There's no need to stand—sit down, all of you."
With that, Lu Chen stepped into the private room. The guards in ornate brocade uniforms quietly closed the door behind them.
Once inside, Mu Changtian didn't beat around the bush.
"Prince, with such formidable power at your disposal, why did you pretend to be useless in the capital?"
Lu Chen replied calmly, "A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind."
"My father is still in his prime. If he knew I possessed such strength, what do you think he would do, father-in-law?"
Mu Changtian and his sons understood instantly.
As a prince, if the King of the North were found to have built up his own military power, Emperor Xia would not merely be suspicious—he would see it as a threat.
A prince cultivating his own forces while the emperor still ruled… What other interpretation could there be but rebellion?
However, Mu Changtian still harbored some confusion. Even if the Northern King had such hidden power, was it really necessary for him to pretend to be a useless hedonist? Wouldn't it be enough to simply remain low-key and not reveal his trump card?
He had questions, but chose not to press them.
Now that he saw the King of the North's true nature—calculated, reserved, and deeply scheming—Mu Changtian no longer viewed him as a mere political novice. He was certain now: The Northern King must have a grander plan.
Even though Lu Chen was the emperor's son, because he had saved the Mu family and because Mu Zixuan was now his queen, Mu Changtian harbored no resentment toward him.
At that moment, Mu Changtian solemnly declared, "The King of the North saved our Mu Mansion. If you ever need me, I, Mu Changtian, will serve you with unwavering loyalty!"
His words were a direct pledge of allegiance. Mu Xingping and Mu Jingwu immediately followed suit, saluting as they added,
"We too shall follow the Northern King unto death!"
Lu Chen smiled lightly.
"We're all family—there's no need to speak of such things."
Then, turning to Mu Changtian, he said,
"Father-in-law, there's something that's puzzled me for a long time. I've never found the right person to ask, but since you're here today, perhaps I could trouble you for some insight?"
When speaking with those close to him, Lu Chen never used the distant and lofty phrase "This King". He simply used "I"—a subtle gesture to bridge the gap between ruler and kin.
But Mu Changtian was a traditional man. Even though Lu Chen was his son-in-law, he was also a prince.
In Mu Changtian's eyes, the title of prince overshadowed that of family. So he answered with respectful formality,
"Your Majesty, please speak."
Lu Chen asked slowly, "Logically, if my father wanted to eliminate the aristocratic families, he'd need a sharp blade. And no one is more suited to that role than you, father-in-law. So why..."
He trailed off. This was a painful subject for Mu Changtian, and Lu Chen didn't want to push too hard.
But Mu Changtian already understood what he meant. He let out a sigh and replied,
"Your Majesty, His Majesty has never truly trusted me. Or rather, in his eyes, I was never the right blade. And even if I were a blade… then I could only ever be a blade for the noble clans."
He had originally planned to refer to the emperor by name, but remembering that Lu Chen was Emperor Xia's son, he corrected himself at the last moment.
Then, a thought struck Mu Changtian, and he added, "And I suspect… His Majesty already has a sharper blade in his hand."
Lu Chen fell silent, sinking into deep thought.
After a long pause, he finally said,
"The Mu Mansion is gone. I've arranged a new residence for you, but I'm afraid… you'll need to change your surname."
Mu Changtian immediately replied,
"Thank you, Northern King ."
It was enough to survive. Changing one's surname was a small price. Once Emperor Xia passed away, there would be an opportunity to reclaim it anyway.
Then, in a more cautious tone, Mu Changtian asked, "My Lord… what are your plans now that you've come to Beijun?"
In his view, a prince with such power couldn't possibly be content living idly in some distant frontier. This was the time to forge an alliance—if Lu Chen were to ascend the throne, the Mu family might yet be restored to its former glory.
Though it had been Emperor Xia who cast them down, Mu Changtian bore no grudge toward Lu Chen. Politics was a battlefield of interests, and fathers and sons could very well stand on opposing sides.
History had often seen emperors exile old ministers, only for their successors to bring them back and rely on them. It was not uncommon for those exiled ministers to serve the new emperor with genuine loyalty.
Lu Chen, upon hearing Mu Changtian's probing question, smiled faintly.
"I have no plans—at least, not yet."
Mu Changtian was stunned.
He didn't believe him. No one would.
A man like the Northern King, who had spent years concealing his strength in the capital and built such a force behind the scenes—there was no way he had no plan.
Lu Chen saw the disbelief in his eyes and added, "The time hasn't come. No matter how much effort one exerts, if the time is wrong, it's all for nothing."
Mu Changtian suddenly understood. The King of the North was biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike!
How could someone with such deep foresight settle for mere peace?
Mu Changtian immediately stood and declared, "My Lord, if you ever need me, I, Mu Changtian, will give my life without hesitation!"
Lu Chen replied with a smile, "Let's not speak of the future just yet. I need your help now, Father-in-law."
Mu Changtian straightened,
"Your Majesty, please command me."
Lu Chen said, "I plan to train a cavalry unit in Beijun. But I lack a capable general. Do you happen to have anyone in mind?"
Hearing this, Mu Changtian grew visibly excited. He hadn't expected to be entrusted with a task so soon after arriving. He quickly stood up, bowed deeply, and said,
"I will begin training the cavalry immediately. I won't disappoint you, Your Majesty!"
Lu Chen nodded in satisfaction. Then he rose to his feet and said,"That's enough for today. I'll have the princess visit you at your new home soon."
With that, Lu Chen walked toward the door.
Mu Changtian and his two sons bowed once more, their voices echoing behind him:
"Farewell, Your Majesty!"
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