Chapter 138 (1/2)
Chapter 138 Burnt Ends: Conspiration
As Situ expected, the Eighth Prince didn't place much importance on his a.s.sa.s.sination. From the prince's point of view, Situ was loyal to the Emperor and was not under his wing. Hence, it would be better if his position was given to someone who supported him. However, the Eighth Prince changed his mind that day when one of his men brought him some news.
”I have investigated the area where the Duke was a.s.sa.s.sinated,” the leader of the investigation said, ”all aspects of the a.s.sa.s.sination, whether is it the venue of ambush, the timing of the a.s.sa.s.sination, are done in an orderly and professional manner. Also, this was done by someone from the Xuan kingdom and has nothing to do with other countries.”
The Eighth Prince frowned and placed his hand on his chin, ”I have looked at the corpses that were provided by the Duke. At first, I thought that they were just a.s.sa.s.sins hired by someone. However, they displayed greater loyalty to their master and chose to commit suicide in order to not leave any evidence behind. It seems then that my thinking was wrong.”
His subordinate agreed. ”They have to be either a.s.sa.s.sins or sis.h.i.+. However, many officials of high rank have sis.h.i.+ under them. If we investigate in this direction, it might take a long time to get any result.”
”But for someone to train so many sis.h.i.+, the person must be someone in a higher position,” the Eighth Prince eyes lit up, ”he or she has to be someone from the royal family and it has to be someone who holds many secrets, someone like my elder brother. Before he left Chang'an, he has a huge number of sis.h.i.+ under him.”
The subordinate knew that the Eighth Prince was referring to the Seventh Prince. Both of them were born to the same mother and the Seventh Prince was indeed powerful before he went downhill.
”It seems like I have to treat this issue seriously from now on.” The Eighth Prince smiled mysteriously.
The next day in court, the Eighth Prince was preparing to report his findings when a piece of urgent news came from the plains of the North.
”Your Majesty, the General of the Left of the North Army was just met with a.s.sa.s.sination. Fortunately, the a.s.sa.s.sins had failed and the a.s.sistant General is fine. Two of the corpses are now on their way to Chang'an.”
The Emperor was shocked, ”Who has the guts to do this? Is it by outsiders?”
The soldier shook his head. ”I have checked the corpse of the a.s.sa.s.sins. They are the people of the Xuan kingdom, carrying on their bodies the same symbol as the same a.s.sa.s.sins who'd tried to a.s.sa.s.sinate General Situ. I believed that the mastermind behind these two attacks is the same person.”
The Minister of the Right immediately added in. ”Your Majesty, General Situ will be arriving this afternoon.”
The Emperor frowned. His gaze became dangerous as he said to the Eighth Prince sternly, ”Have you not found out the mastermind behind the a.s.sa.s.sination of the Duke of Anping? Now, the General of the Left of the North Army has also met with the same attack. Are you waiting for me to get a.s.sa.s.sinated as well?”
The Eighth Prince dropped to his knees in fear, ”Please contain your anger, Father. I have already found some evidence and will be able to catch the culprit soon. I believe General Situ will understand the situation.”
The Emperor's gaze swept over the officials as he said angrily, ”Anyone who dares to hurt my generals is also my enemy. If anyone of you has any evidence, do share it with the Eighth Prince. With everyone's help, the case can be closed sooner.”
The officials bowed and agreed immediately.
However, the Heir suddenly came forward and said, ”Father, now that the General of the Left of the North Army is a.s.sa.s.sinated, he must be in shocked and will not be able to handle the affairs of the army well. We should appoint another official to be the General-in-lieu and help with the affairs of the army.”
The Eighth Prince's gaze landed on the Heir and smiled. Now he knew where to start his investigation. His brother was too impatient.
The Emperor got even more furious and scolded, ”Is this is the time to say such things? I've asked for you to supervise the country and just look at what you have done! Nothing you did lived up to my expectations. Although the First Prince had just returned to Chang'an, he has already managed to help me with many things. You have been the Heir for so long, what have you done?”
The Heir's face turned white as he glanced towards the First Prince. His eyes turned vicious.
”I know my mistakes. I will learn from the various officials and improve,” the Heir softened his tone.
Seeing that the Emperor was still angry, the old Chief Xue walked forward and smiled. ”Please do not worry your Majesty. The princes just wanted to help you. If you are not pleased, just reprimand them. There is no need to be angry.”
The Emperor looked at Chief Xue and his expression relaxed. He sat down and asked Chief Xue, ”it is rare that you took the initiative to speak in Court. Do you have something to say?”
”You still understand me the best,” Chief Xue took a step forward, ”my son, Yiqi, had a good relations.h.i.+p with the Duke of Anping. When he knew that the Duke was still in a coma, he was so worried and wanted to ask for your approval to investigate the case alongside the Eighth Prince. However, his rank is too low to be in Court. Hence, I would like to help my son to get an approval from you. I hope you will understand, your Majesty.”
The Emperor recalled, ”I remember that child; I'd just raised his position last month. He has potential but is too young and needs more training. If he is as capable as his brother, I can send him to the Army of the West.”
The Chief bowed. ”You are right, your Majesty, my son definitely needs more training. It is his honour to be recognised by you and to serve you.”
The Emperor laughed out loud and the solemn atmosphere immediately dissipated. ”I agree to his proposal. Ask your son to report to the Eighth Prince residence and investigate the case together with him.”
”Let me thank you on behalf of my son,” the Chief bowed to the Emperor and turned to bow to the Eighth Prince.
The Eighth Prince smiled and nodded his head. The Chief had served two Emperors. Doing him a favour would be beneficial to him.
When the Court dispersed, Gan Qingjia rushed out of the palace but was held back by the Chief. ”You are meeting Yiqi later right? Please help me convey the news to him.”
”I will definitely bring the news to him,” Gan QIngjia nodded immediately.
He wiped his forehead as the Chief turned to leave. The Chief was indeed powerful. He had purposely told Yiqi to leave his house quietly without being found out by anyone and yet, the Chief knew about it.
The thought of meeting Xue Yiqi later caused Gan Qingjia to sigh. He remembered his sad face that day when Xue Yiqi spoke to him, ”Third Brother, you are together with Qi Jianqiu now right?”
”I should have noticed Jianqiu's feelings towards you,” Xue Yiqi was blaming himself, ”as long as you treat her well, I will not disturb your relations.h.i.+p.”