In truth, many of the distinguished guests had left the banquet early.
Including Gu Changge, Saintess Xiyuan, and others, Chu Wushang had stayed in the grand hall to entertain the remaining guests, not wanting to invite criticism. As the eldest prince of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, if nothing unexpected happened, he would one day inherit the throne and take over the dynasty.
Therefore, he could not afford to lose his virtue or act discourteously in front of the guests. Tonight was indeed the most Chu Wushang had drunk in his long years of cultivation. He even needed support to walk.
But in truth, he did not like drinking. He disliked the taste of alcohol and the feeling of being drunk.
Because in that state, he could not control his emotions, his words, his actions, or ensure that he behaved in a manner befitting his status.
Yet today, he had drunk far too much.
"My cultivation talent is far inferior to my second sister and my other brothers. I spend my days dealing with countless matters, always having to act in a way that suits my status. Every word must be carefully considered, for fear of saying or doing something wrong that would damage the royal family's dignity. But my father is still in his prime. This title of eldest prince might as well not exist."
Chu Wushang was supported by several of his younger brothers as they left the grand hall. For some reason, his mind was filled with chaotic thoughts tonight.
A trace of exhaustion appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Outside the hall, the night was still magnificent, with dazzling lights flickering like flowing starlight. Many maids were busy cleaning up the remnants of the banquet.
Chu Wushang felt the night breeze blow against him, and his mind cleared a little. He waved his hand, signaling his younger brothers to leave and not continue supporting him.
"You all go and attend to your duties. Too much has happened at Father's birthday banquet today. The ministers also need someone to reassure them. Once people's hearts are unsettled, the Immortal Chu Dynasty will not be far from collapse."
He spoke, his voice still steady and firm.
After Chu Gucheng established the Immortal Chu Dynasty, he had taken many concubines.
These princes were born to those concubines and were far less valued than Chu Wushang and Chu Xinyue, who were of the direct bloodline.
"Yes, eldest brother."
The princes all respected Chu Wushang greatly and quickly obeyed, taking their leave.
Chu Wushang sighed softly and did not ask the nearby maids to support him.
There was still some distance to the palace where he usually resided. At this moment, he just wanted to walk alone to calm the chaotic thoughts in his mind.
Drinking too much alcohol often led to mistakes, and many unwanted thoughts began to sprout like weeds in his mind.
Chu Wushang was also worried that he might say something wrong in his drunken state, which his younger brothers might overhear and spread, causing trouble.
The path back to his resting palace was still quite far, so Chu Wushang walked slowly. For him, this was a rare moment of leisure, truly belonging to himself.
The starry sky was brilliant, the night clear without a single cloud. The bright moonlight spilled down like scattered silver shimmering on the lake.
Many cultivators and living beings were still coming and going on the long streets. The pavilions and palaces were shrouded in mist, as if they were in a fairyland. With just a glance, one could see the vast and glorious capital.
Chu Wushang looked at this bustling scene, but his heart felt no ripple or pride.
He didn't know if it was because he had drunk too much tonight, but many blurred memories began to flood his mind like a tide. Those past events he had deliberately ignored and forgotten began to aggressively attack him, making it impossible for his heart to remain calm.
"Qinglan..."
Chu Wushang murmured, a clear and beautiful figure appearing in his mind.
Her every smile, frown, and expression unfolded before his eyes like a painting, pulling him into those distant memories.
"I knew something was off with you. You've been so preoccupied and even dismissed all the servants and maids."
Suddenly, a slightly hoarse voice sounded behind Chu Wushang.
He was startled and quickly turned around.
He saw an old man with a ruddy complexion and white hair and beard standing behind him, smiling as he spoke.
"Uncle Fu..."
Chu Wushang, seeing this old man, immediately showed a bitter smile. "Why did you appear so silently? You scared me."
Uncle Fu chuckled. "You were too lost in thought. I've been standing behind you for a while, and you didn't notice. Were you thinking about the past again tonight?"
Chu Wushang knew he had indeed been lost in his memories just now.
Otherwise, with Uncle Fu's cultivation level, how could he have approached so silently and gotten so close to him?
"Uncle Fu, why are you here?"
Chu Wushang forced a smile, not directly answering Uncle Fu's question.
He had great respect and affection for this old man who had watched him grow up.
In the eyes of Chu Wushang, Chu Xinyue, and the other children, Uncle Fu was a highly respected figure, almost like a grandfather to them.
In their childhood, they often gathered around him, listening to stories about their father, Chu Gucheng, in his youth.
"I've been here all along for the Emperor's birthday. I just wasn't at the main table, so you might not have noticed me in your busyness."
Uncle Fu still smiled as he explained, the wrinkles on his face spreading like a blooming chrysanthemum, giving off a warm and kind feeling.
Hearing this, Chu Wushang's heart ached. He knew that after his younger brother Chu Xiao's death, many rumors had spread throughout the Immortal Chu Dynasty, claiming that Uncle Fu had been cowardly and abandoned Chu Xiao to save himself.
Because of this, his father, Chu Gucheng, had gradually distanced himself from Uncle Fu, handing over many important matters to Bai Hou Xingjun.
At this birthday banquet, Uncle Fu hadn't appeared at the main table. If he hadn't mentioned it now, Chu Wushang wouldn't have known he was even at the banquet.
"I will explain everything to Father. Don't pay attention to those rumors, Uncle Fu. Father is probably just trying to avoid suspicion..."
Chu Wushang said, wanting to defend Chu Gucheng.
In his eyes, Uncle Fu would never do what the rumors claimed. His loyalty to the Chu family was beyond doubt.
Father must know this too, but to avoid suspicion, he had no choice but to distance himself from Uncle Fu.
Uncle Fu laughed heartily. "I don't care about those rumors. I'm old now, and even if the Emperor handed important matters to me, I wouldn't be able to handle them. Besides, the Immortal Chu Dynasty is facing many troubles now. Those troubles require capable people to solve them. If the Emperor handed them to me, it would only delay things."
Seeing that Uncle Fu, even in such a situation, was still thinking about the Immortal Chu Dynasty and Chu Gucheng, Chu Wushang's heart ached.
Such a loyal and devoted old man—if his heart were to grow cold, it would have a huge impact on the morale of the Immortal Chu Dynasty. Did Father Chu Gucheng not realize the consequences of his actions?
"I noticed you were preoccupied tonight, reeking of alcohol. You even unconsciously called out Qinglan's name. It seems you still can't forget what happened back then and are still dissatisfied..."
Uncle Fu walked over and sat down beside Chu Wushang, speaking kindly, his tone tinged with concern.
Chu Wushang sighed inwardly, his expression bitter and helpless.
He didn't really want to talk about this matter, but he knew he had to face it, or it would eventually become a demon in his heart.
Just like tonight, he wasn't completely drunk, but his mind couldn't help but recall those past events and scenes.
He simply couldn't forget them.
It had been a long time since then. That woman named Qinglan had long since married and had children.
But this had always been a knot in his heart.
"Don't blame your father. Back then, he had to consider the greater good of the Immortal Chu Dynasty."
Uncle Fu comforted him.
"I know. I've never blamed Father," Chu Wushang turned his head away and shook his head.
Uncle Fu seemed a little helpless and shook his head with a smile. "You've always been stubborn. You've always been a good child. After all, I've watched you grow up. I know your personality well. Although saying you're like my grandson might be a bit disrespectful, in my eyes, you're all like my own children. I know the grievances and bitterness in your heart. Over the years, you've tried to avoid it all, but deep down, you must have been suffering, resenting your father for separating you and Qinglan. Back then, the two of you were so deeply in love. Many people thought Qinglan would surely become the Crown Princess."
At this point, he also sighed with emotion.
Chu Wushang listened in a daze, his heart once again filled with endless bitterness. Over the years, he had never married, and wasn't it because of all this?
But what was the use? Qinglan had already been married off by his father to the Champion Marquis, becoming his wife.
His most respected father had forcibly taken away the woman he loved most.
Qinglan, and the current Champion Marquis, had actually been his childhood playmates.
The Champion Marquis's original name was Du Heng. He had been brought back by Chu Gucheng from outside, raised, and given the name Chu Heng, who had carefully guided him.
Chu Heng's cultivation talent was terrifyingly high. Like Chu Gucheng, he was a person of great fortune.
Chu Gucheng had even said that if given enough time to grow, Chu Heng's achievements would surely not be inferior to his own.
As for Qinglan, she was the daughter of the Grand Tutor of the Immortal Chu Dynasty. She had been very close to Chu Wushang since childhood, playing and cultivating together. They could truly be described as childhood sweethearts.
After Chu Heng arrived, Chu Wushang, as the eldest prince, had also taken good care of this quiet and reserved young man, treating him like a younger brother.
Chu Heng was upright and respectful toward Chu Wushang, never overstepping his status.
He had always firmly believed that he would one day wholeheartedly assist Chu Wushang, becoming his right-hand man.
That period had indeed been the happiest time for Chu Wushang since becoming the Crown Prince.
However, when he noticed that Chu Heng seemed to have some inexplicable feelings for Qinglan, everything began to change.
Qinglan was several years older than Chu Heng and had always been a famous prodigy in the capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
She was gentle, cheerful, well-educated, virtuous, and beautiful. She had also taken good care of Chu Heng. If not for her close relationship with Chu Wushang, suitors would have long since worn out the threshold of the Grand Tutor's residence.
Chu Heng himself had also sensed the changes in their relationships, so he resolutely left the palace to train in the border armies.
It was during that time that shocking rumors about Chu Heng began to spread from the border, startling the entire capital and the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
He was like a young war god, leading his troops to victory after victory, invincible wherever he went. Wherever he passed, enemies would bow, not daring to resist.
Under Chu Heng's leadership, the armies of the Immortal Chu Dynasty became a symbol of invincibility.
Hearing of his exploits struck fear into the hearts of many. He had repeatedly achieved victory against overwhelming odds, his merits unmatched, sweeping across all directions.
At a young age, Chu Heng had already shown his brilliance, becoming the most dazzling figure in the Immortal Chu Dynasty at that time.
In comparison, Chu Wushang, who had been cultivating diligently in the capital, seemed much more ordinary.
Even though Chu Heng had left them, Chu Wushang still felt his presence everywhere.
Especially Qinglan, who would light up with joy every time she heard news of Chu Heng, seemingly thrilled for him.
Chu Wushang had indeed felt jealous of Chu Heng at that time. The latter had surpassed him in both reputation and cultivation.
Even his childhood sweetheart seemed to regard Chu Heng differently.
Thus, Chu Wushang chose to leave the capital to train and temper himself, hoping to make a name for himself like Chu Heng and spread his fame far and wide.
He had been to the Carefree Valley, the Nine Spirit Mountain, the Ten Thousand Ravines, and the King's Abyss.
He had left his mark in many perilous forbidden zones, and his strength had grown steadily. He had thought that this would allow him to surpass Chu Heng.
But when Chu Wushang next heard news of Chu Heng, the latter had already led tens of thousands of troops to sweep through the surrounding tribes of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
There were even rumors that he had led a cavalry of less than a thousand deep into enemy territory and captured the tribe's leader alive.
His achievements shook the world, and all the ministers and generals of the Immortal Chu Dynasty praised him endlessly.
Hearing these rumors, Chu Wushang was stunned. He had thought his progress was rapid, but compared to Chu Heng, it was as if he had been standing still.
The gap between them seemed to have been destined from the start. He could never catch up.
Disheartened and utterly defeated, Chu Wushang ventured deep into a forbidden zone that night, traveling hundreds of thousands of miles. There, he encountered a rare time rift and accidentally fell into it.
Inside the time rift, there was no sense of time. It was as if many broken timelines had been pieced together.
One moment, he might be in this timeline, and the next, he could appear in an instant from ancient times.
Chu Wushang had a protective jade talisman left by Chu Gucheng. Relying on those life-saving items, he managed to survive in the time rift for a long time.
But how long exactly, Chu Wushang didn't know. It might have been a night, or it could have been dozens of epochs, or even longer.
When he finally escaped the time rift, he found that his cultivation was just one step away from the Dao Realm.
Overjoyed, Chu Wushang immediately found a place to go into seclusion and break through.
However, when he successfully broke through to the Dao Realm and returned to the Immortal Chu Dynasty, he learned that his father, Chu Gucheng, had arranged a marriage between Chu Heng and Qinglan.
This news was like a bolt from the blue, leaving Chu Wushang stunned.
It turned out that during his disappearance, Chu Heng had already become the Champion Marquis, his merits unmatched. He commanded three armies, his power overwhelming. His cultivation had already broken through to the Dao Realm many years ago and was now unfathomable.
Even though Chu Wushang had fallen into the time rift and obtained heaven-defying opportunities, he still couldn't catch up to Chu Heng.
"In truth, you've always misunderstood your father. This matter should have been told to you long ago, but your father was worried you might do something foolish, so he kept it from you. You are your father's flesh and blood. How could he possibly do something to separate you and Qinglan? You've always thought that your father, to stabilize the Immortal Chu Dynasty, knew that Chu Heng liked Qinglan and thus arranged their marriage. But that's not the case. This marriage was actually initiated by Qinglan herself. She went to your father and begged him to arrange the marriage between her and Chu Heng."
Uncle Fu looked at Chu Wushang, who was lost in memories and filled with pain, and sighed slightly helplessly. Then he reached out and patted his shoulder.
"What?" Chu Wushang was stunned, doubting his ears.
He had always thought that it was his father, Chu Gucheng, who had heartlessly separated him and Qinglan.
But now, Uncle Fu was telling him that it wasn't like that.
Instead, it was Qinglan who had gone to his father and begged him to arrange her marriage to Chu Heng?
Why was it like this? Had she changed her heart?
"I don't want to see you continue to resent your father over this. Your father has always been very proud of you and cares deeply for you. He knows that despite your grievances and pain, you've always pretended not to care, considering the greater good of the Immortal Chu Dynasty."
Uncle Fu sighed again, patted Chu Wushang's shoulder, and then turned to leave.
Listening to these words, Chu Wushang stood frozen, as if he couldn't come back to his senses for a long time.
He didn't notice at all that when Uncle Fu patted his shoulder, a faint trace of black mist, like a wisp of night wind, dissipated into nothingness in an instant.
Staring in the direction of the Champion Marquis's residence, Chu Wushang, who had been standing still for a long time, suddenly had a flash of ferocity in his eyes.