After all, this honor is something that Lin Xingzhi risked his life to earn. Therefore, even if others are envious, they cannot say much at this moment. Upon hearing this, Lin Xingzhi finds himself unable to refuse. So, he steadies his thoughts and says. "Lin Guard, train well. There are great prospects ahead." The source of this content ɪs ⓝovelFire.net After saying what needed to be said, the Fourth Prince and Commander Ji left. Jiang Huanqing, left behind, excitedly patted Lin’s shoulder and said. "When luck comes your way, you truly cannot stop it! Congratulations, Brother He Song!" He sincerely felt happy for Lin Xingzhi. Perhaps because they had both been mistreated before, they sympathized with each other. Upon hearing Jiang Huanqing say this, Lin Xingzhi could only smile in response. "You’re not bad either. Didn’t you just climb three ranks? Work hard, and your future in the Imperial Armor Army will be even greater than mine!" Compared to the palace’s intrigues, he preferred the simplicity and freedom of the army. But now, there was no room for retreat, so he accepted it. Noticing his worry, Jiang Huanqing smiled and said. "Don’t worry, the pests in the Imperial Guard have been cleared out. You may be entering the Imperial Guard, but surrounding you are still our former brothers." Lin Xingzhi knew little about army reorganization. Thus, he was somewhat bewildered. It wasn’t until Jiang Huanqing explained the situation to him that he came to realize. So he gained some anticipation for his upcoming days in the Imperial Guard. Things were smooth for Lin Xingzhi, but those ’expelled’ from the Imperial Guard and unable to enter the Imperial Armor Army, the noble heirs were not having it as good. For example, Chu Daying’s brother, Chu Xin. He had originally made a name for himself in the Northwest Army, but since the dragon boat incident, his prestige was not as solid as before. After all, his shameful intentions were revealed. Therefore, everyone watched, and his promotion prospects weren’t optimistic. In the end, with the help of the Liu family, he originally entered the Imperial Guard. But after the power shift, the wealth and splendor he expected vanished in an instant, and how could he endure it? He planned to climb a bit in the Imperial Armor Army, but everyone knew he had been with the Northwest Army. Thus, they were on guard. Forget training, they weren’t even including him in meals, sleep, bathing, or anything. Over time, his days in the army became difficult. He simply used money to buy his freedom and left the Imperial Armor Army. Now, though free, he had nothing to do. Unlike those idle, useless noble heirs, he had some real skills. So he became increasingly high-minded but underachieving. Through prior connections, he thought he’d return to the Imperial Guard. But times change, and the current Imperial Guard was like a fortress; how could he break in? His mind shifted to the Liu family. The once proud and arrogant Liu family was now enveloped in a somber atmosphere. The Third Young Master Liu had perished in prison, and the old lady of the Liu family had been bedridden for days. The entire courtyard was filled with a strong scent of medicine, depriving any good mood. Led by the housekeeper into the courtyard, Chu Xin’s face was not bright. During his time in the Northwest, the Marquis of Northwest’s prestige was immense, and outsiders dared not misbehave. He had never seen such a desolate state in the mansion. His heart was filled with deep emotions. It seemed that his visit today would yield no opportunities. "Old Madam, Mr. Chu from the Chu family has come to see you." The Chu family had always lived under the Liu family’s wing, having frequent interactions. It wasn’t strange for Chu Xin to visit now. "Chu Xin greets the old madam, wishing her peace and well-being." "Cough, cough, you’ve come." Chu Xin never imagined he would see the old madam in such a state one day. A complete aura of desolation emanated from her. It was known she was a prominent figure in Shengjing City. No matter attending banquets or royal events, she stood out. But today, she looked indistinguishable from an old woman. The Liu family’s old lady often flaunted her power in front of strangers, but she was polite to those from the Northwest Army faction. Hence, when Chu Xin came to see her, she was grateful. "Old Madam, please accept my condolences. If Third Young Master Liu knew how much you worry about him, he would be restless in the afterlife." At the mention of her grandson, the old lady, who had long dried tears, felt a sharp pain. She couldn’t cry, but the distress in her chest remained. It was painfully uncomfortable. "My poor grandson..." Every lamenting cry was intense. Chu Xin, as part of the Northwest Army faction, also felt some regret over the death of Third Young Master Liu. Initially, Third Young Master Liu was meant to carry on the family line at home. Now that he’s gone, it seems an inauspicious omen. Signifying potential troubles for the Marquis of Northwest lineage. Probably the old lady of the Liu family was thinking the same, causing her severe depression. Chu Xin hesitated whether to speak but was interrupted by the old madam’s question. "You came not only to see me, did you?" Her question added some awkwardness to Chu Xin’s expression. But concerning his future, he couldn’t afford not to try hard. So he gathered his courage and said. "Old Madam, the younger generation wants to ask for your methods to send me into the palace to serve in the Imperial Guard. With the stirring winds outside, if no one watches over the palace, I’m afraid Princess Consort Yi will face difficulties." "Humph, would I still care about her fate?" The old lady was highly critical of Princess Consort Yi, her granddaughter, at this moment. If it wasn’t for her insistence on sending her cousin to prison, none of this would happen. After raising him at home for so many years, there was never any poisoning issue. She resented the Ling family, the Pei family, and even Princess Consort Yi. Poor Chu Xin, who just entered, was immediately dismissed with cold words. He never expected the old lady to turn against Princess Consort Yi. Aren’t they both from the Liu family? He originally thought this route would be viable. As he sighed deeply, a strange face stood before him. "The lord is annoyed, don’t block the way!" After saying this, he was about to be pushed aside and leave straight away. But then he was startled by that person’s voice. "Mr. Chu, if you want to enter the palace and serve in the Imperial Guard, there are ways. Asking the Liu family is not as good as asking my master." The voice was sharp and delicate; it was obviously a eunuch. "Who are you? Who is your master?" "If Mr. Chu is bold, just follow the servant. Once you reach the place and meet the person, you will naturally know who my master is." Chu Xin had no doubts. At present, besides believing, there seemed to be no other avenue. So, steeling himself, he got into the carriage together. Toward the outskirts of the city, little did he know, this journey would never lead back.
Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite - Chapter 266
Updated: Oct 28, 2025 9:18 AM
