Chapter 117 (1/2)

Chapter 117 Cascades: Departure

“General, do you have any more questions for me? You have been examining this book of accounts for a couple of days already without any further instructions for me.” Duo was confused by Situ's silence. “If you do not want to involve yourself in this matter, I'm sure Chamberlain Feng or the Minister of the Right will do the right thing if you pa.s.s it over to them.”

“I know that. That is not my main concern.”

Duo had spent many years by the side of Situ, and he knew very well what his General was thinking. “Are you worried about the relations.h.i.+p between the Heir and the Grand Tutor?”

Situ did not deny his guess. “What we have done is not enough to let my liege return to Chang'an; the Heir has to lose favour with the Emperor.”

“But if that happens, the hard work of the Grand Tutor these past years would have been for nought. You are closely bonded to the Grand Tutor, but this has to happen just because of such political issues…” Duo's voice trailed off. Although the General sees the Grand Tutor as his brother, he cannot change sides simply because of that. It must be the same for the Grand Tutor; their support for the different successors to the throne must have caused them much trouble when making such decisions.

“Whatever your decision might be, General, I will execute them with no hesitation.”

Situ closed his eyes. “Ready my horse; I'll pay the Minister of the Right a visit.”

“Yes, General.”

In the yard of the Qi household, an attendant was led to Qi Jianqiu by the head steward. “Young miss, Miss Feng has a message for you.”

Qi Jianqiu looked at the attendant and frowned. “You look very unfamiliar; I don't think I've seen you before with Luodi.”

“Young miss, I am but a general attendant in the Feng household; that must be why you find me unfamiliar. Young miss Feng has entrusted me to hand this to you.” The attendant over a dainty bamboo slat. “These are recipes that young miss Feng has written for you.”

Qi Jianqiu quickly scanned through the bamboo slat and her expression lit up. “Where did Luodi get such recipes? They are exquisite! I can't wait to try all of them!”

“I'm not sure about that, young miss.” The attendant bowed his head.

“No matter, I shall look for her myself.” Qi Jianqiu quickly rolled up the bamboo slat in her hands.

“I'll get your carriage ready then, young miss.” The head steward sprung into action.

“I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to find young miss Feng at the Feng household.” The attendant stopped them. “She's on her way to the Wuling Province.”

“The Wuling Province?” Qi Jianqiu was surprised. “What's she doing there? Wait, why was I not told of this?”

“I'm not sure about that, young miss Qi.” The attendant quickly explained himself. “I was only told to hand this to you two days after her departure from Chang'an.”

“That's it! She's trying to hide it from me!” Qi Jianqiu was upset. “I'm sure she'd went to look for her zithers; she'd sent Fei in the past, but she's going on her own this time! Argh, why did she not tell me anything about this before she left?” Qi Jianqiu rambled on in the courtyard.

“Luodi is heading towards the Wuling Province?” A voice sounded from behind her.

Qi Jianqiu turned around and saw Situ standing in the courtyard, accompanied by her father. From the looks of it, they'd just emerged from an important meeting.

“That's what the attendant had said.” Qi Jianqiu was a little spooked by Situ's aura.

Situ looked at the attendant. “Did Luodi instruct you to only tell her about this? n.o.body else? Are you sure she hadn't given someone else the same orders?”

“Your Highness, young miss Feng had indeed only instructed me to tell young miss Qi about this.” The attendant replied respectfully.

Situ's eyes darkened, and the air around him slowly froze. He took a deep breath and turned to the Minister. “My apologies, Minister, but there are things that require my immediate attention. I shall take my leave.”

“No worries, my Duke. I understand your intentions and will take them into consideration.”

Situ nodded once and strode out of the residence.

“What were the two of you talking about,  Father? That'd sounded so mysterious.” Qi Jianqiu's curiosity was piqued. It was the first time she'd seen her father had any contact with Situ at all.

“Nothing you need to know about; go back to your recipes.” The Minster waved her away and turned to return to his study.