Chapter 58 (1/2)

Chapter 58 Abysmal: A Plot Within a Plot

With the release of Feng Luodi, the plot against Chamberlain Feng had been naturally resolved. To those parties who were still insistent on trying to fix the crime of the Chamberlain, the Emperor gave an edict to silence all of them.

“We will not discuss this any further. If you have energy to spare, devote it to thinking of ideas for the Autumnal Hunt in the Guan Mountains instead.”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

After the court was dismissed, Jiang Moyin quickly caught up to Situ. “Will Luodi be coming to the Autumnal Hunt as well?”

“No idea.” Situ’s face was an empty mask.

“What’s wrong? She hasn’t contacted you since that day?” Jiang Moyin laughed lightly.

Situ shot him a sideward glance. The image of the fear he’d seen in Feng Luodi’s eyes flashed through his mine, and he turned away.

“I’ll be heading to Autumnal Ombre once I leave the palace, do you want to come along?” Jiang Moyin invited good-naturedly.

“The Autumnal Hunt is coming; the Heir will need your advice.” Situ dodged the question.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll just improvise something on the spot.” Jiang Moyin smiled.

The two of them left the palace. Jiang Moyin got onto his carriage and headed straight for Autumnal Ombre, while Situ sped off on his horse in the opposite direction.

Behind them, an official approached the 7th Prince. “Your Highness, is that all we’re going to do against Chamberlain Feng?”

The Prince sneered. “Of course not – I'm going to evict him from that position no matter what; I still have a million more ways to knock him off that pedestal. Speaking of which, tidy up your own bearings and cover up the underhanded dealings you’ve been making – you don’t want to be impeached when you’ve just risen to that position.”

“Of course, your Highness. I am deeply grateful for your a.s.sistance in this.”

“Just follow in my footsteps, and do what I tell you to do. You will get more than you deserve.” The Prince raised his head arrogantly and stalked off.

“Of course, your Highness. We all know that the Emperor dotes on you especially.”

When the official had left, the prince turned to his attendant. “Go fetch Zhao; he played a huge part in the planning and execution of this.”

The shop had just opened when Jiang Moyin arrived at Autumnal Ombre. There were few people milling about outside the shop, and Feng Luodi was chatting with Scarlet with a smile on her face. Another man took the place of Fei behind the register.

“Luodi.” Jiang Moyin smiled and walked towards Feng Luodi.

“You’re looking good today, elder brother.” Feng Luodi invited him to sit down, pouring him a cup of tea, and Scarlet quickly returned to her duties.

Jiang Moyin swirled his teacup . “Like you said, I’m looking good. Pour me a cup of wine instead. I haven’t even gotten to taste all of them yet.”

“You’ll have the chance to in the future.” Feng Luodi smiled, but did not move to fetch wine for him.

Jiang Moyin laughed. “I see that you’re upset with Situ? It was the first time I’ve seen him so uneasy about something.”

Feng Luodi’s eye twitched. How did he even tell that there is tension between Situ and I just from Situ’s reactions? “Hey, I have a very easy going personality – I can get along with everyone.”

Jiang Moyin held back his laughter and changed the topic. “Did Fei leave to search for Abysmal?”

“Yep.” The smile appeared on her face. “Hopefully he’ll return with good news.”

“He's a good kid.” Jiang Moyin had a good impression of Fei.

“Elder brother, will you be attending the Autumnal Hunt as well?” Feng Luodi was curious. “I’ve never seen you ride a horse nor shoot before.”

“Of course I am. I’ve attended the Hunt for the past few years.” Jiang Moyin shrugged helplessly. “I know how to ride a horse and shoot, though probably not half as good as Situ or Yiqi. My physical health does not allow me to stay for too long on the horse either.”

“Will you be kind enough to teach me during the Hunt?” A light flashed in Feng Luodi’s eyes.

“Of course. I would be honoured to serve you.” Jiang Moyin blinked his eyes exaggeratingly.  “It’ll be good for you to attend the meet; you need some exercise anyways.”

“I’m just curious how it’s like to ride a horse alone.” Feng Luodi tugged on her hair. “To be honest, I’m a little scared of horses – they’re so tall! It’ll definitely hurt like crazy if I fall off from them!”

“Just be careful not to land on your face then.”

Feng Luodi’s hand flew to her face, her brows furrowed together. “That’ll definitely hurt even more! So scary!”

“HAHAHA!” Jiang Moyin burst out in laughter. “Don’t worry about it. I won’t let you fall.”

Their conversation was ended abruptly when Jiang Moyin was summoned by an attendant of the Heir. Feng Luodi did not keep Jiang Moyin any further, but was deeply perplexed by the relations.h.i.+p between Jiang Moyin and the Heir. I'm sure that there are many other officials supporting the Heir, but he seems to rely pretty heavily on elder brother. Brother is indeed extremely talented, but I wonder if he also handles the under-table dealings for the Heir as well? I can barely believe it!