A guard entered to report to Emperor Chujing that the villagers had arrived in a group, asking whether they should be searched before being granted entry.
"Search them? Do you think they mean any harm? Do not search anyone. I, this prince, will vouch for them. If anything happens, I will take responsibility." Aran had just been about to ask Emperor Chujing to let the villagers pass directly, but Chu Hengyuan, unable to stomach the rigid court etiquette, dismissed the guard before the Emperor could even respond.
Emperor Chujing remained silent, merely watching his son. Chu Hengyuan met his gaze, and finally, the Emperor looked away. He had just witnessed something—he had caught a glimpse of the aura possessed only by a sovereign in his own son. He realized then that his instincts were correct: this son was the chosen one, a man born to be an emperor.
Chapter 267