Chapter 4: What.... I am alive 2 (2/2)
The room suddenly grew colder, the soldier looked around subconsciously. The Emperor was quiet for some minutes, he couldn't quite understand why. The soldier looked up discretely, he was surprised to find that the Emperor had a sour expression like he swallowed something bad.
The soldier looked down immediately thinking 'what's going on? Didn't I deliver good news? Why us his Majesty's expression bad?'
Minister Zhu Noticing the awkward silence spoke up ”General Wu made a good contribution your majesty. This soldier must is tired from his trip, he should be given a place to rest and some food. if he is to deliver his Majesty response Tomorrow”
Emperor Zhong couldn't care less about a measly soldier but he understood that Minister Zhu was giving him a way out. He nodded and waved Caihong over.
Emperor Zhong whispered some instructions into his ears and waved him away. Caihong on receiving the instructions escorted the soldier out of the hall.
When Caihong and the soldier were out of hearing distance Emperor Zhong dropped the empty cup on the table with force and began pacing, ”How could this happen?”
Minister Zhu carefully placed his teacup next to the chessboard and replied ”Your majesty the young general has made a good contribution to the nation, we will have to reward him for that to avoid raising any suspicion”.
The Emperor paused his pacing and said ”His so-called contribution is disastrous to me. This is one more point to the already powerful Lu Family”
Minister Zhu and the Emperor were allies and friends for decades. He was aware of his majesty's fears and ambitions. Since the young general once again destroyed their plans, they would have to result to more drastic measures.
Minister Zhu a tall good looking man in his fifties stood from his seat and walked over to stand opposite the Emperor. He was about to offer some words of consolation to the Emperor, when the Emperor let out a deep laugh. His eye brightened up and said ”To defeat the enemy you must know the enemy”.
Minister Zhu Looked up at his friend confused, the Emperor laughed and patting his shoulder said ”We have been trying to beat the Lu family without taking necessary precautions. You either plan to win or plan to lose. Why don't we put in a spy among the Lu family? Someone that would never betray us…”
Minister Zhu immediately got the direction the emperor was going, his lips curved up quickly ”someone like a wife. The Lu family are royal-in-laws, the young Duke is the head of the family and is still unmarried why don't your Majesty confer a wife on him”
”Yes, that's what we need, someone who would give us first-hand information….. Do you have anyone in mind?” Emperor Zhong returned to his seat.
Minister Zhu replied, ”Yes, as a matter of I do.”
*****
A short while later, there was a fast flash of lightning followed swiftly by a deafening thunder strike. A huge breeze blew shaking the entire capital, seconds later it began to rain heavily.
A few streets away at the Minister Zhu's manor at the servants sleeping Quarters, the room was empty save for a shivering thin figure on a bed. The rest of the occupant went out to take things in to avoid any damage by the rain.
A bright light came over the stiff feminine figure wrapped in blankets. Su Liya opened her eyes wide as the light disappeared.