"You are… Chen Jiang?" After getting closer, the middle-aged man asked in a low voice.
You're the one who sank into the river… Jiang Chen felt somewhat speechless, guessing that this must be the new name Qian Renxue had given him.
Jiang Chen put on a big smile and said loudly, "Uncle, you've finally come."
As he spoke, he gave the middle-aged man a big bear hug.
The middle-aged man also patted Jiang Chen's shoulder hard, the smile on his face looking even uglier than crying.
Sure enough, he was a person who didn't smile much.
"Follow me."
The middle-aged man turned and walked toward the imperial city. After showing the identity token of the Crown Prince's guard, they skipped the inspection and smoothly brought Jiang Chen inside.
Inside the imperial city, there were also shops, restaurants, and hotels, which were a level higher in standard than those in the inner city. There weren't as many pedestrians on the streets as in the inner city, but since it was still afternoon, it was still quite lively.
At night, there would be a curfew here, and no pedestrians were allowed on the streets; people who came here to do business would also be driven out.
The middle-aged, burly man led Jiang Chen, walking quickly.
Jiang Chen quickly caught up and walked side by side with him, smiling as he asked, "Uncle, what will I be doing inside the imperial palace from now on?"
According to the information Qian Renxue had given him, the person in front of him was his uncle Zhao Hu, who was currently the captain of the Crown Prince's guards.
The middle-aged man forced a stiff smile and said in a low voice, "My lord, from now on you will be number nine in our guard team. You can call me Captain from now on; the others are all addressed by their numbers. Our main responsibility is the security inside His Highness's sleeping quarters."
Number nine… Not bad, I like this number, Jiang Chen thought.
"Has His Highness said anything to you, um… about me?" Jiang Chen asked.
He felt that his real identity was not ordinary, so he probably wouldn't really stay with these guys.
Zhao Hu looked at Jiang Chen, a trace of respect hidden in his tiger-like eyes, and said in a low voice, "His Highness has instructed that you can freely enter and exit the courtyard where he resides. To outsiders, you are Guard Number Nine, but privately, your authority is second only to His Highness. My lord, I wonder what your real identity is…"
Being treated this way by Qian Renxue, Zhao Hu believed that Jiang Chen must be a big shot from the upper levels of the Spirit Hall.
They were death warriors trained by the Spirit Hall, responsible only for protecting Qian Renxue's safety. Usually, they guarded outside Qian Renxue's courtyard and had never even entered inside.
And as soon as Jiang Chen arrived, he received such treatment; he must also be a high-level figure from the Spirit Hall.
Jiang Chen was very satisfied. Qian Renxue had indeed given him special privileges, allowing him to enter. Only then could he be considered a personal bodyguard.
It was impossible for these rough guard guys to enter inside; how could Qian Renxue, the great beauty, let them discover her identity?
Jiang Chen also lowered his voice and said, "I have known His Highness since we were children."
Zhao Hu's heart trembled. Someone who had known His Highness since childhood was definitely a big shot from Spirit City. From now on, besides protecting His Highness, he also had to protect Lord Chen Jiang well.
Although he felt respect for Jiang Chen in his heart, Zhao Hu did not dare to show it in public.
The two arrived in front of the imperial palace. In addition to the Crown Prince's token, there was also Jiang Chen's employment certificate. After being examined by the guarding general in front of the imperial palace, the two finally entered the imperial palace.
Although the Spirit Hall was powerful, they couldn't plant their own spies everywhere in the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
According to Zhao Hu's explanation, the ones guarding the imperial palace were the imperial guards controlled by Xue Ye. The high-level generals all had illustrious military achievements, and the Spirit Hall had not been able to infiltrate them yet.
After entering the imperial palace, the two walked along the palace walls that were dozens of meters high. They encountered several waves of patrolling imperial guards before finally arriving outside the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace.
Once inside the Eastern Palace, Zhao Hu clearly breathed a sigh of relief.
Only inside the Eastern Palace could it be considered completely their own territory.
Outside the Eastern Palace, patrolling imperial guards would pass by, but inside the Eastern Palace, there were only their nine guards, plus two maids responsible for the Crown Prince's daily meals, clothing, and such.
Zhao Hu brought Jiang Chen to a room, then went out again to call over the other seven guards.
Once everyone was gathered, Zhao Hu took the lead in cupping his fists and bowing, "We greet my lord."
"We greet my lord." The other seven also looked respectful.
"We're all on the same side, get up." Jiang Chen supported Zhao Hu's arm.
Zhao Hu straightened his body and brought over several sets of clothes, a soft armor, a waist saber, the Crown Prince's guard token, and other items from the side.
"My lord, these are yours."
"Mm, thank you for your trouble." Jiang Chen did not avoid them and directly changed into the guard's clothes.
A moment later, he was dressed exactly like the others, wearing soft armor and carrying a long saber at his waist, looking valiant and heroic.
Zhao Hu said, "My lord, the patrols inside the Eastern Palace can be left to us. If you need anything, just give us orders."
"Good. Everyone else, continue with your duties. Zhao Hu, take me to familiarize myself with the Eastern Palace." Jiang Chen said.
Although he had controlled the little black sparrow to come here many times and was very familiar with the layout inside, he still needed Zhao Hu to introduce the details.
After the two walked around once, the sky had already darkened.
Two maids returned carrying two large food boxes and headed toward the Crown Prince's dining hall.
Qian Renxue would always come out to the dining hall for meals and would not let the maids bring food inside.
"Give it to me." Jiang Chen stopped the two maids.
"This is the newly arrived lord," Zhao Hu said.
The two maids respectfully handed the food boxes to Jiang Chen.
"You all may disperse." Jiang Chen waved his hand, then picked up the food and walked into Qian Renxue's courtyard.
Walking across the wooden corridor spanning the lake, Jiang Chen arrived in front of Qian Renxue's door and knocked a few times gently.
"Xue'er, I'm here."
The door creaked open. Qian Renxue said helplessly, "I really can't get used to you calling me that."
"It's fine. You'll get used to it after hearing it more often." Jiang Chen's skin was very thick as he placed the food on the table.
He arranged the plates of delicious dishes one by one. Jiang Chen's eyes lit up—the imperial chef's dishes were indeed excellent.
He picked up chopsticks, took a piece, and threw it into his mouth. The taste was no worse than what he made.
Qian Renxue patted him. "You haven't even tested it for poison yet."
Jiang Chen said indifferently, "What's there to fear? Could it even poison me?"
Qian Renxue ignored him, took out a silver needle for poison testing, and tested all the dishes.
She sat down and said gloomily, "You used my chopsticks. What am I supposed to eat with?"
Jiang Chen picked up a piece of meat and brought it to her mouth, smiling frivolously, "Don't be so polite. Let's share the same pair of chopsticks."
"Get lost!"
Jiang Chen had no choice but to take out another pair of chopsticks from his soul tool.
"Your outfit actually looks pretty good." Qian Renxue said while eating, glancing at Jiang Chen.
"Of course. With my naturally handsome and dashing temperament, I look good in anything."
Qian Renxue had already gotten used to Jiang Chen's thick skin and did not respond to his words. She continued asking, "Is there any new situation on Xue Beng's side?"
Jiang Chen said, "That old soul master really has some skills. After half a day of his treatment, Xue Beng's condition has improved a lot. However, his body is still extremely weak; he can't even get up, and he's still taking great tonics."
After continuously going for ten hours, Xue Beng had not only exhausted his essence and energy but had also severely damaged his foundation. It would probably take several months before he could recover to his original state.
"Mm, then tomorrow you will accompany me to Xue Xing's residence to attend the birthday banquet."
Jiang Chen chuckled and said, "Since I have already become your personal bodyguard, then tonight I'll stay in your room. Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing my job as a personal bodyguard."
Qian Renxue didn't even raise her eyelids and said, "Don't even think about it. Go back to Xiao Ying's side."
"Then wouldn't I have to rush over in the morning?"
Jiang Chen couldn't help but recall his miserable days in his previous life, squeezing onto the subway and bus every early morning to go to work.
Qian Renxue glanced at him and said, "With your speed, it won't take long to get here."
"How about you arrange a room for me? After all, I'm responsible for monitoring Xue Beng. If there's any new situation, I can notify you immediately."
Qian Renxue finally nodded. "Mm, there are so many rooms. Pick any one you like."
"Do I even need to pick? It has to be the one next to yours. If you feel lonely at night, you can come find me to chat about life."
Qian Renxue: "…"
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Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defy 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincibledo 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Peerless: Living as an Evil Soul Master 40 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Dalu 2:Peerless Tang Sect Dawn of Sun and Moon 40 Advance chapters."
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