Chapter 160 (2/2)

Governor Tian did not know that one of the few things the First Prince hated was flattery. Or rather, even when he reached the peak, he would not be able to accept other people's flattery.

The First Prince sat down quietly and ignored Governor Tian.

Governor Tian smiled awkwardly and greeted Situ, ”Good morning, Duke.”

Feng Luodi sat on one side and waited for Situ's reaction, curiosity nibbling at her. Governor Tian's pretence was full of loopholes but still, he continued to put on a show in front of them. Was he not afraid that he would be exposed or was he planning something else? Feng Luodi felt that there was not enough brain power for her to use. As she stayed beside Situ, there would always be many uncontrollable things happening. While it was exciting and fun, there will always be fear after the event.

Situ seemed to fell Feng Luodi's uneasiness. He raised his hand and patted Feng Luodi's hand, ignoring everyone else at the scene. Feng Luodi felt embarra.s.sed.

Governor Tian felt even more embarra.s.sed. Did I just get ignored completely? Governor Tian felt that he was a hindrance and wanted to leave. However, at that moment, he heard Situ's voice resounding in the antechamber.

”Oh right, Governor Tian,” Situ paused slightly, ”I found Lu Buping quite suspicious and have already locked him up in prison. I didn't have the time to tell you this. Sorry about that.”

Which part of him looks sorry? Feng Luodi was speechless at Situ However, she was more curious as to why Situ would say this.

A hint of anxiousness flashed pa.s.sed Governor Tian's eyes. Everyone noticed it

Governor Tian forced a smile, ”Of course you can make the decision. However, may I know the reason why you suspect Lu Buping?”

Situ raised his eyebrows and looked at Governor Tian mysteriously.

”I will present the evidence to you later. In the meantime, please guard the prison well. Trouble is sure to follow if such an important criminal escapes.”

Governor Tian nodded and hurried out, almost tripping over the doorframe in his haste.

The First Prince smiled at Governor Tian's retreating figure. ”Seems like you're not satisfied with my decision, Situ. Fine, you can do what you like.” The First Prince finished his sentence and wanted to stand up. Feng Luodi was surprised.

At this moment, Governor Tian came back again. He panted and said, ”Your Highness, Duke, the Imperial Decree from Chang'an is here.”

The First Prince was shocked. The quivering of his mouth corners betrayed his anxiousness. The Imperial Decree was always hard to predict. However, Situ's eyes were quiet. He looked at the a.s.sistant Chief of the Imperial Army walking over quickly.

Since Situ was calm, Feng Luodi was calm as well.

The a.s.sistant Chief read the Imperial Decree and left hurriedly, leaving Situ and the rest with a piece of very big news. The Emperor had heard from somewhere that the culprit of this case was someone from the Demonic Sect. Hence, he gave an Imperial Decree personally to annihilate the Demonic Sect and appeased the civilians. Under special circ.u.mstance, they were authorized to mobilize the twenty thousand soldiers of the Central Army that was camped outside Xiangyang.

The First Prince's expression changed. He sent the suddenly composed Governor Tian away dismissed the attendants guarding the door. He summoned the Covert Guards in their place after confirming that they were surrounded by their own men, he said, ”Father is trying to test your influence in the Central Army. After all, General Ji Buhui was once a General of the Northern Army.”

Situ suddenly smiled. His eyes were dark. ”This is not the first time the Emperor tested me. Also, the Shadow Guards that are monitoring you are still here.”

The First Prince widened his eyes. The worry and puzzledness in his eyes changed back into coldness and calmness. This was the first time Feng Luodi saw the First Prince expressing his emotions outwards.

”No wonder you wanted to lock Lu Buping up. You did it to show Father.”

Even Feng Luodi was surprised by this. She didn't ask Situ why he did it.

Situ replied indifferently, ”I am afraid that the Eight Prince has a part to play too. If not, how can the Imperial Decree arrive so quickly?”

The First Prince squinted slightly and turned to look out into the exquisite courtyard. ”Father is really cruel. He wanted to use me from the start to scheme against you and we had no choice but to jump into this trap he'd set for us.”

So the Emperor knew about everything that we were doing. Feng Luodi was shocked. The Emperor that looked so gentle schemed even against his own son. Seems like no matter what the First Prince do, he would never be in the Emperor's favour.

The room went silent. After a while, the First Prince regained his composure and gave a slight smile.

”How should we deal with this now? We can't use the army to annihilate the Demonic Sect, or we'd be falling into their trap. Also, the civilians of Dingtao shouldn't get implicated as well. They are innocent. We need a thorough plan.”

”I understand,” Situ got serious, ”If we want to avoid going against the Imperial Decree, we need to have a concrete plan.”

Feng Luodi thought for a while and hesitated. ”I have an idea, but it is quite risky.”

Situ did not seek approval from the First Prince but turned immediately to Feng Luodi. ”What is it?”

Feng Luodi nodded but hesitated again.

”We can make a play with words. The Emperor only gave this Imperial Decree based on what he heard from his Shadow Guards and the Eight Prince. He doesn't know the situation here. As long as we settle it right, the Emperor can only accept the results.”

Feng Luodi paused for a long while before continuing.

”The Emperor asked us to annihilate the Demonic Sect, and that's what we would do. However, it'll be a different Demonic Sect from the one he's expecting to be destroyed.”