516 Prophecy of the Broken Beam (1/2)
Chapter 516: Prophecy of the Broken Beam
Translator: TransnEditor: Transn
At the end of this conversation, Cui Shi had not managed to restrain himself. He asked his father a question which he had kept in his heart.
”You said earlier that Ning Que was a proud and cold-blooded person. I think otherwise. There has been information from Chang'an city, including words from the Princess Manor saying that he is an extremely shameless person who is seemingly clear and bright. He is good at talking and is thus doted upon by the Headmaster and His Majesty. How could a person like this be called proud?”
Old Master Cui smiled and did not say anything.
Cui Shi laughed bitterly and continued. ”Alright, even if he has learned to be proud from the Second floor of the Academy, how could he be cold-blooded? I always thought that what he had done when he was in the military did not count. He even managed to maintain a good relationship with Ye Hongyu. From what I see, Ning Que is skilled and learned about matters of the world.”
Old Master Cui said, ”If you look at his records and listen to his stories, you would not be able to see a person clearly. That is why I wanted to see him in person. Even if it's only a glance, it would be enough.”
Cui Shi paused.
”Everyone knew that Ning Que was about to visit the Lanke Temple. However, he did not follow the diplomatic delegation. Even though he was staying in the best inn of Yangguan City, he did not have any servants. I only saw him and his notable handmaiden. I saw that he held his tea but did not drink it. I saw that he seemed to be carefree but was actually vigilant when he spoke to you. But I did not see that he liked to be quiet and peaceful.”
Old Master Cui said, ”These are habits that he had born with. It only proves that he is an extremely prudent young man and at the same time, he is a man who doesn't know what trust is. I feel that he does not completely trust anyone other than his handmaiden, not even the Headmaster.”
Cui Shi stayed silent.
Old Master Cui looked at the thick curtains and thought of the young man in the inn. He sighed, ”He doesn't even trust someone like the Headmaster. This person is more than just cold. Should there be any major changes in the future, remember to have the West-Hill promise us before it occurs. They have to promise to get rid of that young man, or we might have to pay an unimaginable price.”
Two secret letters from the Qinghe County reached Chang'an city.
A letter came through the Tang's secret guard system, and entered the South Gate Temple because the recipient of the letter was the Nation Master of the Tang Empire, Li Qingshan.
After a moment, He Mingchi walked out of the Southern Gate Temple. He looked at the vast and distant sky and thought that it might rain later. He clasped the yellow oiled-paper umbrella under his arm tightly and boarded the horse carriage.
Under the respectful lead of the steward, He Mingchi entered the depths of the Princess' Mansion. He arrived at the terrace that was quite famous in the social circles of Chang'an City and greeted Li Yu, who was calmly sitting on a futon.
Li Yu frowned and waved to have the palace nanny take little Wild, who was writing calligraphy, away. Then, she gestured for He Mingchi to sit down and asked, ”There seems to be a problem.”
He Mingchi did not sit. This seemingly inconspicuous action implied that Li Yu's perceptions were not wrong. There was indeed a problem, and it was not a small one.
He took out a letter from his sleeves and handed it over.
Li Yu took the letter and opened it. She looked at the familiar handwriting and was startled. After reading the contents of the letter, her brows furrowed even deeper.
The letter was from Ning Que to the Nation Master Li Qingshan. In the letter, he mentioned what he had seen and heard in Qinghe County. He especially mentioned how the Family Cui had used the House of Red Sleeves to probe him, as well the old steward's visit at the inn.
The Dominant Families of Qinghe County were Li Yu and her brother's greatest supporters in court. If she wanted to help her younger brother ascend the throne, she would need the Academy's approval and the help of Qinghe County.
Li Yu did not know the reason why Ning Que had written the letter, but she vaguely understood why the Nation Master had shown it to her. She frowned slightly and said, ”Sometimes, I do not understand what those old men do. I can only say that those things have nothing to do with me.”
He Mingchi nodded and said, ”I will bring your word to the Southern Gate Temple.”
Li Yu raised her head and looked at him quietly. Then, she asked, ”You did not have to show the letter to me. You could have brought it to the palace and showed it to my father or the Empress.”
He Mingchi smiled and said, ”This is my master's will. I am his disciple, but I do not understand. But I'm sure that our master will be delighted to hear that what happened at Qinghe County had nothing to do with Your Highness.”
The meaning behind the words was so carefully concealed, even appearing as nothing special. However, Li Yu, who was involved in the matter, could vaguely catch the implications of his words. Her eyes brightened.
”Thank you for your trust, Nation Master.”
The second letter from Qinghe County arrived at the Academy.
Professor Huang He looked at the characters on the letter. He smiled, and then had someone take the letter to the back of the mountain without opening it.
It was the Second Brother who read the letter.
He read it while the Headmaster stood nearby.
Second Brother bowed to his teacher respectfully and said, ”Our Youngest Brother has spotted a problem.”
The Headmaster was completely occupied with the fish frying on the hot plate. He asked casually, ”Is it serious?”
Second Brother thought about it and said, ”There are only two in the Knowing destiny State in Qinghe County. It is not serious.”