Chapter 133 (1/2)

Chapter 133 Burnt Ends: a.s.sa.s.sination

Ever since Qi Jianqiu had had her meeting with Xue Yiqi, she was no longer burdened with the guilt and spent her days roaming the streets of Chang'an with Gan Qingjia. Everyone could see from their intimacy that the two were very close. Now, Gan Qingjia was the one to be given the first taste of her culinary innovations. For some unknown reason, the two Ministers of the Kingdom, the fathers of Gan Qingjia and QI Jianqiu, had both closed an eye to the relations.h.i.+p between the two, letting the two of them go about their relations.h.i.+p on their own.

However, contrasted to the delightful situation between the two of them, Situ spent his days in misery, either drowning his sorrows in wine in his residence or training his troops in the field. He sc.r.a.pped all his meetings and rejected all gatherings with his brothers. The only thing that seemed bright in his life was the return of the First Prince to the capital. But even that, had more to be desired. The First Prince had left Chang'an for almost eight years, and he had no supporters in court. Moreover, it was just as Situ had feared: the Emperor had no love for the First Prince, and it was painfully obvious in how he treated the prince without any enthusiasm. Although the First Prince is the eldest son of the royal family, there were no resources for him to rely on in court, for Empress Zhaoren was of low birth and did not leave him any resources. His future was bleak at best.

The First Prince, Liu Ran, was undeterred by his lack of power and spent his days visiting officials of the court, seeking to know more about the development of the kingdom, having been ousted from politics for so long. Many officials had shut the door in his face, but some had guided him along the way. Despite this, he had no results to show for himself, and the Emperor took no notice of him.

Meanwhile, the struggle between the Heir and the Eighth Prince continued. The Heir's worst fears had come true: the emergence of a prince that could rival his influence in court. His rival had used to be the Seventh Prince, but now his brother the Eighth Prince had taken over his role. Now, seeing the Eighth Prince as his biggest obstacle to the throne, the Heir had repeatedly tried to suppress his growth in power and that had gained the ire of the Emperor, but his scolding was to no avail.

The Emperor was disappointed in the Heir, but he did not treat the Heir differently. A such, things continued calmly in court, but only on the surface. It was in this situation that Situ requested to be allowed to return to the North to check on the situation.

“I've read all the reports that came in from the North carefully, and there seems to be nothing out of the ordinary. Why are you requesting to go to the North, my Duke?” The Emperor looked at Situ with a raised eyebrow, suspicion well concealed in his gaze. The Emperor was sixty-one of age, but his health was in good condition.

“I am afraid that I might get used to the luxuries of Chang'an and forget how to lead my troops in battle, your Majesty.” Situ was calm. “A soldier has to train often to bring glory for the kingdom on the battlefield.”

“Are you finally willing to claim the lands of the other kingdoms for me?” The Emperor was suddenly excited. He longed to invade the surrounding kingdoms to bring fame to his name, but the previous wars of the Xuan kingdom had left the people weak and in need of rest. Moreover, the only general that could achieve such results for him is Situ Muye, who was unwilling to do so.

Situ smiled apologetically. “I do not have such intentions, your Majesty. The Xuan kingdom is not suitable for expansion at the moment, and…”

He was cut off by the disappointed Emperor with a wave of his arm. “Say no more. I understand what you mean.” The Emperor paused for a moment. “You may tour the North, but you have only three months to train your troops before your return to Chang'an. Return swiftly as soon as you are done.”

Situ frowned, hearing the hidden meaning behind his words. He'd wanted to explain himself but quickly stopped, not wanting to worsen the situation of the First Prince.

“Yes, your Majesty. I will return as soon as I am done.”

Naturally, the First Prince was surprised at Situ's decision to tour the lands in the North. “If even you are gone, I will have no one else to rely on in court.” The First Prince sighed. His meetings with Situ were clandestine, for fear of garnering the suspicions of the Emperor due to the power held in the hands of Situ.

“Do not worry, your Highness.” Situ comforted the First Prince, who was his friend as well. “Qingjia had not been in court for long, but his position in stable and he has garnered the affection of the Emperor. He will be of a.s.sistance to you. Yiqi is in the Imperial Army, and I believe that he will be the Chief of the Imperial Army in the future; he will be of great use soon.”

“It's too early to talk about that.” The First Prince smiled. “I'm sighing at our parting. We have been separated for so long, and it's only been a while since we've been reunited.”

Situ poured a goblet of wine for the First Prince. “It'll only be three months at most. When my heart is at rest, I will be back to aid you in your career, your Highness.”

The two of them toasted to each other.

It wasn't long before the time came for Situ and his subordinates to leave, along with a thousand soldiers They gathered outside the walls of Chang'an, an officer making the preparations.

“General. Everyone is here and we can leave.”

Situ turned his gaze away from the city gates and nodded.

The officer roared. “Onwards!”

The army quickly departed from the capital.

In the Feng residence.