Chapter 123 (1/2)

Chapter 123 Cascades: Continued

The Heir's fall from the Emperor's good graces were apparent in court, and many of his original supporters have jumped onboard the sailing s.h.i.+p of the Eighth Prince. Despite that, the Heir still remains the official inheritor of the kingdom, a t.i.tle the Emperor did not seem to take away from him just yet. Despite an equal number of officials remaining on his side because of his t.i.tle just yet, the Heir felt threatened by his younger brother and was hard at work meeting officials of the court, something he was not supposed to do as punishment from the Emperor.

“Is the Grand Tutor still bedridden?” The Heir frowned as he took a glance around the room.

An official stepped forward. “Your Highness, the Grand Tutor's condition is not looking good at all. The few of us had tried to pay a visit multiple times, but were rejected on account of his ill health.”

The Heir frowned, obviously irritated. “Why is he sick when I have use for him! Hmph!”

The Minister of the Left shot him a sideward glance. “Have you visited the Grand Tutor, your Highness? Though the Grand Tutor is indeed bedridden, he was one of your earliest supporters and continues to advise you till this day. He continues to think of your political career even on his sickbed; it's just that he is physically too sick to attend our meetings.”

“The supporters of the Eighth Prince grow as we speak! I do not have time for such things!”

The Minister kept mum, but did not partic.i.p.ate in the remainder of the meeting.

In contrast to the sticky political situation his father is in, Gan Qingjia seemed to be doing well in court. He had gained the Emperor's trust with his stellar results on his post, and coupled with his charisma, he had quickly tidied up the mess left by the impeachment of the Imperial Treasurer in the Bureau. In the short span of a month, he quickly rose to the rank of a Rank Three official. Of course, his performance and abilities in court were quickly recognised by other officials, and many of them started proposing to the Minister of the Left on behalf of their daughters.

Unfortunately, that meant many more troubles on the mind of the Minister. I must have owed this son of mine a huge debt in my previous life! I thought I had to worry about his future when he was nothing but a playboy, but it's much worse now that he's an accomplished man! All the political sensitivity of a marriage between the families of court officials are driving me nuts!

Gan Qingjia strolled into the Duke's residence and was surprised to hear the sounds from the clas.h.i.+ng of weapons coming from the Hall of Martial Arts. He quickly headed in that direction and saw Situ clad in armour, sparring against a few of his officers. To be exact, it was a one-sided fight, with Situ beating down on his officers mercilessly. Unfortunately for them, Situ was visibly unsatisfied. He waved to the Covert Guards standing by the side.

“Join in.”

The Covert Guards exchanged a look and grabbed their individual weapons, jumping into the fray. Situ wielded a sabre forged with the specifications of the legendary Hongming Sabre, three feet in length and 7 jin 7 liang 1 in weight. The hefty sabre was nimble and quick in the hands of Situ, arcing through the air in broad strokes and thrusts. His strikes were heavy and aggressive, the movements akin to the roaring of tides. The three officers and four Covert Guards only barely managed to hold their own against Situ.

Watching the spar from a corner of the Hall, Gan Qingjia recalled a story he'd heard about Situ. When Situ had first been a.s.signed the position of the Chief of the army, the Army of the North was rebellious and the enemies dismissive. With just his Hongming Sabre, Situ had fought a path straight into the centre of the opposing army and cut off the head of the opposing General in one fell swoop of his sabre. That was what garnered him the loyalty of the Army. Gan Qingjia smiled and took a big gulp from the vat of wine he'd brought along. Situ is invincible on the battlefield, Jiang Moyin wise in court, Xue Yiqi guards the palace diligently, and now I have stepped out into the light from the shadows. If the four of us are united in our views and work for the same cause, it'll be a very exciting world indeed.

Perhaps drawn to the fragrance of the wine, Situ stopped the sparring session. Tossing his sabre to Two, Situ quickly unclasped his armour and walked over to where Gan Qingjia was standing. Grabbing the vat of wine from his hands, Situ took a few gulps of the refres.h.i.+ng liquid.

“Why are you here today? I'm sure you must be rather busy, with all the people who're wanting to meet you nowadays.”

“That is exactly why I'm here – to take a break from them.” Gan Qingjia winked, s.n.a.t.c.hing the vat of wine from Situ's hands and taking a gulp. “I've only had so many rest days ever since my appointment! I would have had every single day to myself if it was before!”

“Then ask the Emperor to be allowed to resign.” Situ raised a brow and turned to head back to his own room.

“Argh…I guess not. I've already shown my face to the world; that marked the end of my carefree days.” Gan Qingjia followed behind him, the vat of wine cradled in his arms. “Take a quick bath and I'll bring you to somewhere nice.”

“Moonglade again? I'm not going.” Situ rejected immediately.

“Of course not. There's no reason for you to go to Moonglade, now that Miss Feng is back.” Gan Qingjia chuckled. Situ halted, but quickly resumed walking.

Gan Qingjia continued. “Didn't Miss Feng just come into possession of a Guqin? I've sent an invitation to her today morning, hoping that she can play a song for us in honour of the Guqin. We are to meet at noon in the dining room of Manchun Tang; I've sent word to both Yiqi and Jianqiu, but Moyin is too sick to come. They all got a message, but I came personally to get you! Shall we?”

Situ kept mum.

A light shone in Gan Qingjia's eyes. He'd invited Feng Luodi to meet a few days back under the guise of inquiring about Qi Jianqiu's interests, but he'd secretly snuck in a few questions about Situ during their conversation.

“What do you think of Situ, Miss Feng?”

“Very good.”

“In all aspects? Personality wise, birth-wise, and looks wise?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know that he likes you?”

“Yes.”

“Then why did you reject him?”

“I can't tell you.”

“Then, do you like him?”

“I can't.”