Chapter 185 (1/2)

Chapter 185: Circ.u.mstances

”I don't think it's as simple as it appears to be,” Nan Xun interjected suddenly. Jun Huang turned to him in question.

Nan Xun sorted his thoughts out before saying, ”I think the emperor may have been involved this time. Qi Chen and the third prince alone would not be able to cause such a big impact. Without the emperor's interference, those officials would not have been caught so easily.”

Jun Huang made a sound of a.s.sent. ”You mean the emperor is key to the success of the investigation.”

”Yes,” Nan Xun said. ”Think about it. The emperor has been trying to root out the corrupt officials in the court. He has a clearer picture of the situation than many others. Cleaning house now may not be a bad idea for him. He can take this opportunity to identify those who have not done anything even though they receive stipend from the state. He may also be trying to find replacements for those positions to further his own goal.”

Jun Huang tensed up. She didn't expect something like this to happen. After spending some more time talking to Nan Xun about the situation in Northern Qi, she couldn't bear to wait any longer. She shot to her feet. Nan Xun turned to her with a calm expression.

”The last investigation is a done deal. We didn't know there were people from Eastern Wu hidden in the palace at the time. Now Qi Chen has foolishly disregarded everything for his own personal gain. If nothing is done, the foundation of the country will be damaged. I must go to the crown prince's manor at once and stop him.”

Jun Huang turned to leave. Nan Xun called out for her when she reached the door.

She turned around and waited for him to speak.

”What is done is done. It's not going to be easy for you to turn things around. We might as well cross the bridge when we come to it.”

Nan Xun was worried about Jun Huang's health. He didn't want her to exhaust herself by getting involved in the feud between the two princes.

After a pause, Jun Huang looked up at the grey sky outside and put on a smile. ”We don't know how difficult it's going to be. As a strategist I should be doing my best. Even if I won't be able to help Northern Qi unite the world, I'll still devote myself to this goal without regret.”

She walked away without any hesitation.

Nan Xun couldn't help the rueful laugh escaping his mouth. He sighed at Jun Huang's retreating form before leaving for the palace.

”Your Highness, gentleman Feng has returned,” said the housekeeper. When he walked into the study, Qi Chen was playing with his pet bird. ”He's waiting right outside.”

Qi Chen's head jerked up in surprise. He didn't expect Jun Huang to return so quickly. He straightened up and put the birdcage aside. ”Quick! Tell brother Feng to come in!”

”Understood.” The housekeeper walked out of the study. Not long after, Jun Huang entered the room. She cupped her hands at Qi Chen with an aloof expression.

It had been a while since the last time Qi Chen saw Jun Huang. Her calm composure still surprised him even after all this time. He welcomed her with a smile and reached out to help her up.

”Brother Feng has been away for about a month, and yet your grace is still unparalleled,” he said with a smile. ”I felt the hole you left while you were away.”

”Your Highness is too kind,” Jun Huang said calmly. Her perfect mask never broke.

Qi Chen invited Jun Huang to take a seat. He considered her expression and cleared his throat. ”During the time brother Feng is away… have you gotten what you wanted?”

Jun Huang looked up at Qi Chen in confusion. It took a moment for her to realize what he was referring to. The rumor about her and Nan Xun had become ubiquitous. Qi Chen must know that Nan Xun had been staying in Yun Town with her as well.

She pulled her lips into an awkward smile and waved a hand in denial, but her denial seemed more like a confirmation to Qi Chen. He laughed openly and patted her on the shoulder. ”Brother Feng doesn't have to be coy with me. I won't mock you no matter what. Love cannot be predicted nor explained. I'm surprised, though, that brother Nan is brother Feng's type.”