Chapter 119 (2/2)

The Emperor nodded, satisfied with their reply. “I'll have to trouble you to check on the Minister of the Right, my Duke. We wouldn't want him to be left with any irrevocable damages to his health at his age because of his injuries now.”

Situ bowed. “Yes, your Majesty. If there isn't anything else for me, I shall take my leave now.”

“You may. I have other business to discuss with the Minister of the Left.”

“Yes, your Majesty.” Situ bowed and slowly backed out of the Imperial Study.

The Emperor turned to the Minister. “I have been plagued with many worries these days; they seemed to convene upon me at the same time – even the Commandery Princes of the regions have decided to come to Chang'an at the same time.” The Emperor looked tired. “You shall be in charge of receiving the Commandery Princes. I'd wanted to put the Heir in charge of the matter, but he has been rather disappointing as of late.”

“It is natural that you have high expectations for the Heir, your Majesty. I'm sure he understands your intentions.” The Minister chatted amicably with the Emperor.

When the Minister left the Imperial Study a while later, he was met by someone before he could leave the Palace Gates. He followed the man to a corner of the palace, where another man dressed in a yellow gown embroidered with the Qilin stood with his back facing him.

The Minister stepped forward and bowed to the man. “Your Highness.”

“Minister. Have you accomplished the task that I've entrusted to you?” The Heir slowly turned around, looking the Minister in the eye.

“Please forgive my failure, your Highness. I have failed to gain his Majesty's approval to take over the investigation of case of embezzlement.” The Minister's voice was steady.

“How is that possible?” Displeasure was apparent on the Heir's face. “The Minister of the Right is injured. Why is Father not letting anyone else take over the investigation?”

“To answer your question, your Highness, it feels as if his Majesty is somewhat mistrustful of me.” The Minister explained a matter-of-factly. He was perplexed when he saw the mixture of anger and fear on the Heir's face. “May I enquire the reason behind the task for me to take over the investigation? After all, the case has nothing to do with us.”

“I just want to show my worth to Father.” The Heir quickly came up with an excuse.

“Are you involved in the case by any means, your Highness?” The Minister asked gingerly.

“How is that possible!” The Heir quickly denied it. “I am the inheritor of the kingdom! Why will I violate the laws of the kingdom?”

“Yes, your Highness. I should not have spoken so rashly.” The Minister of the Left bowed in apology. “If you have nothing else for me, I shall take my leave then.”

“You may.” The Heir waved the Minister away, watching as the Minister slowly headed out of the Palace. He turned to his advisor. “What do you think of this, Yu Ming? Is the Minister's failure out of his own intention?”

“Hmmm.” Yu Ming Hesitated for a second. “His Majesty has always seen the two Ministers as equals, and he knows very well the issues between the two of them. I believe that is why his Majesty did not let the Minister of the Left take over the case – to prevent disruptions, that is.”

“Is that so?” That did not quell the Heir's suspicions. “Did the Imperial Treasurer fail again?”

“Yes.” Yu Ming did not dare to look at the Heir.

“Useless! What a bunch of useless fools!” The Heir raged and spun around, stomping back to his own palace. Yu Ming quickly followed behind.

Unbeknownst to them, a member of the Covert Guard watched on from the shadows.

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Meanwhile, outside the Palace.

“Stop the carriage. We're going to the Grand Tutor's Residence.” The Minister of the Left called out to his attendant.

“Yes, Master.”

The carriage quickly reached the Grand Tutor's Residence. The Minister hopped off the carriage and was met by the head steward who hurried out from the residence.

“Why do you look so frantic?” The Minister followed the head steward into the residence. “Did something happen to the Grand Tutor?”

“The Grand Tutor's illness has remitted, and it took all the efforts from multiple physicians to bring the Grand Tutor back from certain death, over the course of a few days no less.”

“The Grand Tutor was well enough to discuss matters at my residence a few days back. How did this happen at all!” The two of them rushed into Jiang Moyin's room. Jiang Moyin lay unmoving on the bed in the middle of the room. “Has he been like that these few days?” The Minister could barely believe his eyes.

“Yes. The physicians have said that these few days are vital to the Grand Tutor.” The head steward looked apologetically at the Minister. “My apologies, but I'd have to disappoint if you had things to discuss with the Grand Tutor, Minister. The Grand Tutor has spent his days in a coma, or the occasional semi-conscious stupor. We can barely speak to him.”

“No worries, what I'd wanted to say is insignificant in the light of things. Please let the Grand Tutor rest well.” The Minister of the Left could only give up his discussion with Jiang Moyin, and placed his faith in the moral values of the Heir to not do the wrong thing.