Chapter 296: Lingering Influence (1/2)
“This official knows nothing about matters of the harem, and I don't believe in hearsay. It couldn't have been as simple as they claimed with so many consorts being punished. Besides, I hear that Miss Feng is ill. I don't see why she'd punish the consorts without a reason. They have probably done something wrong.”
Nan Jihan's expression relaxed somewhat. He waved a hand to dismiss the meeting and made his way to the side palace. The other officials shot the man disapproving glares, but they knew it was smart of him to keep himself out of the matter.
When Nan Jihan arrived at Jun Huang's residence, she was drinking tea in the garden. She rose to her feet with a smile and had the maid prepare some snacks.
Nan Jihan didn't intend to keep what happened a secret. He told her about the morning meeting. She responded guiltily, “My reckless action has created troubles for you.”
“Ha, he is to blame for not being capable enough,” Nan Xun retorted. “Otherwise, he wouldn't need to use his consorts to keep the remaining factions from the last emperor's reign at bay.”
Nan Jihan's face darkened, but he had to admit he wasn't good with this aspect of politics. He pushed aside his annoyance and turned to Nan Xun. “You sound like you know what I should do. Why don't you give me some suggestions? Then we can get this over with.”
Nan Xun mused. Southern Mu was a significant enough player. There was no telling what would happen when Northern Qi fought Eastern Wu. With Southern Mu's help, they stood a better chance of winning. He couldn't stay on the sidelines when unrest lingered in Southern Mu. “Deal with your trouble-seeking consorts first. Then you can a.s.semble a group to spy on the officials and identify their weaknesses. You'll be able to win them over one by one.”
Nan Jihan nodded approvingly. However, it wouldn't be easy to a.s.semble such a group, and he didn't want to scare the courtiers. He wasn't sure exactly what he should do.
Nan Jihan voiced his doubts. Nan Xun hummed, thinking of the House of Heavenly Fiends. He gave Nan Jihan a smile.
Nan Jihan pursed his lips. What is he plotting?
“Does Your Majesty want to buy the information?” asked Nan Xun. “I know a place.”
Nan Jihan looked at him in confusion. Nan Xun briefly explained their relations.h.i.+p with the House of Heavenly Fiends. Nan Jihan pulled a face. He envied Nan Xun's good luck for becoming one of the leaders of the House of Heavenly Fiends with Jun Huang's help, but he did need the organization's help. After some negotiation, he offered to buy the information at a considerable price.
A few days later, Nan Xun made his way to the House of Heavenly Fiends' operation base in Southern Mu and showed the doorwatcher his token. He asked for information about Eastern Wu and the officials Nan Jihan was going to target.
The man in charge took him to a study and went off to retrieve the doc.u.ments he needed. He returned with a couple written reports. Nan Xun cared less about the officials in Southern Mu. He thus picked up the report on Eastern Wu first and saw that they'd been gathering troops. They must be preparing for battles. He wrote a letter and had it delivered to Northern Qi, telling Qi Yun to be on guard.
When Nan Xun was about to leave, the man in charge stopped him. He waited for the old man to speak.
“Two of the officials Nan Jihan listed have been difficult to investigate,” admitted the old man. “We've found nothing unusual yet.”
Nan Xun frowned and took a more careful look at the other report. One of the two officials was General Li. The other was the man who had spoken up for Jun Huang in the court.
It was rare for the house to find nothing unusual about anyone. He told the old man to put more effort into investigating the two officials. He then asked about Jun Hao and Yin Yun.
He sighed in relief when he was told that they were both safe. Jun Huang hadn't had the opportunity to inquire about her family lately, but she must be worried. It made his heart grow heavy.
He returned to the palace and told Jun Huang everything. She agreed that not finding anything unusual was a warning sign. The house must get to the bottom of this no matter how much time they needed.
Nan Xun knelt before Jun Huang and took her hand. “Don't worry,” he said gently. “I've asked about Jun Hao and Yin Yun. They're both safe.”
Jun Huang paused before giving him a smile and a nod, accepting his kind offer.
She'd been losing weight and hadn't felt like going outside. No matter how much medicine she took, she remained ill and sometimes collapsed at night. Oleg Cragfiend had no choice but to prescribe more medicine for her. He also told her to get off the bed every day to facilitate the treatment.