Chapter 116 (1/2)

Chapter 116 Cascades: Ident.i.ty

“Rui Bo, where is Father?” Qi Jianqiu woke up early in the morning.

“Master is having a meeting with an important guest in the study; you can head over later on, young miss.”

“Alright, I understand. Thank you Rui Bo.”

“I shall take my leave, young miss.”

“A meeting in the study right now?” Qi Jianqiu mumbled as she slowly walked towards the study. “Wasn't he supposed to head to the Shanyin Province for the investigation? Why is he still here when Chamberlain Feng had already set off?” She heard the voice of the Minister as soon as she approached the study and couldn't help but eavesdrop.

“A brilliant plan to have Chamberlain Feng head down to Shanyin Province to begin the investigation on the Governor while you stay in Chang'an, Minister. Everyone knows that the Governor alone is not capable of embezzling so much money from the province's treasury; if you stay in the capital, you'll be able to root out any collaborators he'd had. I'm sure that's what his Majesty was thinking when he agreed to your request of having the Chamberlain join you in the investigation.”

“Of course his Majesty had that in mind, but I'm staying in Chang'an for now for another matter as well: the investigation of the Villa of Mount Baicha.” The Minister replied. “Although his Majesty had seemingly agreed with the deduction and proposal of the 8th Prince, he is already viewing the Villa as a potential threat to his throne – one to be extricated. As his subject, it is my duty to lay his worries to rest.”

“You do indeed know his Majesty's intentions very well, Minister.” The official sounded genuinely impressed. “I'm sure you already have clues, then.”

The conversation continued, but Qi Jianqiu paid no more attention.

“Father is investigating the Villa of Mount Baicha as well! And from the looks of it, he intends to bring the Villa down instead of making them work for the Emperor!” Argh…all this talk of the Villa makes me think of that fella Gan Qingjia…how can that playboy be so successful?

“Argh….why do I have to know about his ident.i.ty?” Qi Jianqiu pulled her hair in frustration as she wandered aimlessly into the antechamber.

An attendant approached her. “Young miss, Master Xue has invited you to Manchun Tang, for a celebration of Master Gan.”

“Master Gan? Gan Qingjia? What does he have that is ever worthy of celebration?” Argh! Why is he appearing everywhere?

“Master Gan has been appointed as a manager of the Trade Bureau by his Majesty; Master Xue is hosting a feast in celebration of that.” The attendant  answered her questions to the best of his abilities.

“A manager of the Trade Bureau? That's a Rank 5 official!” Qi Jianqiu was perplexed. “Why did he suddenly decide to become an official? Wait a second, why did the Emperor even give him a position in court?”

“I don't know about that, young miss.” The attendant shook his head.

“Never mind about that. I guess I'll check it out then; no need to follow me out today.” Qi Jianqiu rubbed her temples and headed out of the household.

Gan Qingjia and Xue Yiqi were already seated in the dining room when QI Jianqiu arrived at Manchun Tang, each sipping on a goblet of wine. Seeing her enter the room, Gan Qingjia swirled the wine in his goblet, gesturing towards Qi Jianqiu.

“Thought you'd be bringing some of your delicacies over for us; guess I shouldn't have had my hopes up huh?”

Xue Yiqi smiled at her. “I was afraid you wouldn't come.”

“Why not? There's free food and wine.” Qi Jianqiu sat down without even looking at Gan Qingjia, speaking only to Xue Yiqi. “Where is Situ and Jiang Moyin? Aren't the four of you sworn brothers?”

Xue Yiqi explained. “Elder Brother Situ is really busy these few days, and Second Brother is resting at home from his ill health.”

“So the two of you just have too much time on your hands then?” Qi Jianqiu was ruthless.

Xue Yiqi smiled awkwardly.

Qi Jianqiu added. “Of course, that makes the three of us, or I wouldn't be here.”

The air froze in awkwardness; Gan Qingjia drank alone in silence. Xue Yiqi forced a laughter and tried to lighten the atmosphere. “Let's all have a drink together in honour of Third Brother's appointment!”

Qi Jianqiu did not want to drink the wine handed to her, but her eyes caught the look on Gan Qingjia's face and she forced herself to take the goblet into her hands in a toast to Gan Qingjia.

“I wish you a smooth sailing journey ahead of you in court.” Qi Jianqiu downed the goblet of wine in a gulp.

Gan Qingjia looked hard at her for a second before downing his own goblet in a gulp. Xue Yiqi could feel the palpable tension in the air, but was a little perplexed. Shouldn't things be good between the two of them, since they both know that the proposal that day was just a plan for the moment?

A knock sounded on the door of the dining room.

“Master Xue, the Chief summons you right now. He says it is something important.”

Xue Yiqi jumped to his feet and went to the door, conversing with the messenger in hushed tones. He poked his head back through the door.

“Third Brother, Jianqiu, I'm really sorry about this but I have to head back first.”