Late in the afternoon, snow fell down heavily on a discrete yet luxurious carriage parked outside the palace gates.

An accompanying attendant set out a small stool and lifted the carriage curtain, while another held an umbrella up over the doorway.

An elderly man dressed in dark gray robes was the first to alight from the carriage, supporting himself on the attendant’s arm. His beard was long and graying, and he possessed a demeanor that set him apart from ordinary people.

In his wake, a handsome young man with a youthful face also climbed out of the carriage.

This young man was clad in dark blue brocade robes and wore a thick, dark-hued cloak. A circle of white fox fur had also been sewn into his collar, shielding his neck from the cold wind.

The old man took the umbrella from the attendant’s hand and approached his companion, saying gently: “Your Highness, let’s go into the palace.”

Bai Liming responded with a nod. He tried to take the umbrella from the old man’s hand, but the other party pressed his hand down and said in a soft tone: “The palace is not like other places. Allow me to help you, Your Highness.”

To Bai Liming, Jiang Yangshou was an elder, a teacher, and most importantly, his greatest source of support.

Therefore, even with his royal status, he tried to treat this advisor of his with the respect due to an elder. Not only did he follow his teachings to the letter, but he also considered every aspect of his needs and didn’t allow him to perform such chores due to his advanced age.

Back in his own territory, he would have certainly held the umbrella himself.

But now that he was at the Imperial Palace, such a breach of etiquette was entirely unacceptable.

Thus, without dithering any longer, Bai Liming walked with him toward the palace gates.

Inside, servants were continuously clearing snow from the pathways to prevent anyone from slipping and falling.

Xiao Xiangzi had been waiting for quite some time with a group of sedan chair bearers, and when he saw Bai Liming walk through the door, he immediately stepped forward and bowed. After greeting him respectfully, he said: “The snow is heavy today, and His Majesty specially provided a sedan chair for fear that Your Highness might catch a chill.”

Bai Liming bowed toward the palace and said: “Many thanks to His Majesty.”

Xiao Xiangzi wore a gentle smile, having already acquired some of his master’s mannerisms.

He extended his hand toward the sedan chair: “His Majesty and the Grand Tutor have prepared a banquet at Fukang Pavilion. Would Your Highness Anhuai-wang kindly proceed there?”

Bai Liming had followed his father to their territory as a child, and had no memory of the various pavilions and palaces within the Imperial City. He only knew that Fengtian Hall was where morning court was held, Yangxin Hall was the Emperor’s residence, and Cining Palace was where the Empress Dowager lived. He was unfamiliar with all other locations.

Looking at the sedan chair, he thought, It would be perfect if Jiang Yongshou could ride in it.

However, the rules of the palace were strict, and there was absolutely no way that an advisor with no official title or position would be allowed to ride in a sedan chair while a prince walked.

Furthermore, Jiang Yongshou being able to enter the palace today was already a great favor bestowed by His Majesty, and Bai Liming didn’t dare cause further trouble. He simply wished to finish this meal quietly and leave as soon as possible.

If this wasn’t mandatory, he would have preferred to stay holed up in his fiefdom and never come out.

Upon boarding the sedan chair, he found that the seat was covered in thick fur cushions, and that there were also two handwarmers and a blanket.

He covered his legs with the blanket, and when he took the handwarmers, he could barely feel a hint of the chill outside.

Xiao Xiangzi said: “Lift the sedan chair.”

The chair then rose steadily and was carried into the depths of the Imperial Palace.

After only a few steps, Bai Liming lifted the curtain and cautiously asked Xiao Xiangzi: “Gonggong, can these handwarmers be given to my advisor?”

Xiao Xiangzi’s expression remained unchanged, giving no hint of his surprise. With a gentle smile, he replied: “Of course.”

Delighted, Bai Liming immediately stuck the handwarmers out the window and said: “Will Gonggong please pass these to him?”

Jiang Yongshou was walking slightly behind the sedan chair when he saw Bai Liming hand something out to the young eunuch, who then approached him with two handwarmers and said: “These are from His Highness for Jiang-xiansheng.”

Jiang Yongshou quickly accepted them with his thanks.

He was over fifty years old, and his body was certainly not as resilient as it used to be. After only a short while, he already felt a chill creeping into his bones, and his hands were ice-cold.

The handwarmers leached warmth into his fingertips the instant he held them, spreading all the way to his heart.

Fukang Pavilion was located next to the Imperial Gardens, and had been built specially by Emperor Chengzong after he took a beautiful theater performer as a concubine. And upon its completion, he had bestowed it upon that woman as her residence.

However, this beauty passed away before Emperor Chengzong’s death.

When Emperor Yingzong ascended the throne later on, due to Fukang Pavilion’s location next to the Imperial Gardens and the fact that it was a two-story building, he had ordered a terrace to be built on the second floor.

From this terrace, one could directly admire the garden scenery and enjoy a leisurely drink.

There was a reason Chu Jiubian had the banquet set up on the second floor terrace today.

Besides being able to admire the blooming red plum blossoms and falling snow in the gardens, this location was also significant because Bai Liming was the only one among the seven vassal kings who was of the same generation as Bai Lihong.

The other six were all people whom Bai Lihong, according to seniority, should address as “Imperial Uncle.”

And according to their family lineage, Bai Liming could only be considered to be Bai Lihong’s cousin.

Considering the greed the other party had displayed during the Hexi Prefecture emergency, Bai Lihong hosting a grand, formal banquet to welcome him would make him seem rather weak.

As the time drew near, palace servants prepared the small banquet.

After cleaning the terrace again, they placed down an incense burner and ornamental flowers.

Since the weather was cold and the banquet was being held outdoors, the seating arrangements differed from the usual low chairs and cushions, with a round table and four chairs being provided instead.

Anhuai-wang and Bai Lihong could be considered family, so the welcoming banquet was held in the style of a “family dinner,” and there was nothing wrong with them sitting at the same table to eat.

Besides, if this became known, people would praise Bai Lihong for promoting harmonious relations with his relatives and not putting on airs as the Emperor.

He had not become estranged from family, nor was he suspicious of everyone simply because of his status.

Because of this, if any of the vassal kings were to harbor improper ambitions in the future, Bai Lihong could take direct action against them without fear of his reputation being tarnished.

Thus, all of the welcoming banquets were private dinners, so that everyone would know that Bai Lihong treated the vassal kings as family.

If he had no choice but to take action against one of them, then that vassal king must be the one who caused the problem in the first place.

With this preconceived notion established, and with Chu Jiubian having the support of the Wang and Yuan families’ public opinion group, Bai Lihong’s reputation would remain firmly untarnished.

Besides the table, chairs, and decorations, Chu Jiubian had ten stoves placed all around the terrace.

The other three sides of the terrace that didn’t have a view of the Imperial Gardens were walled off by screens, so that anyone sitting there wouldn’t feel the chill of the wind, but would instead experience a sense of warmth.

Bai Lihong and Chu Jiubian went to the terrace together.

The child was wearing his thick, golden dragon robes, as well as a small fox fur cape draped over his shoulders. The soft white fox fur made his face look even more tender, cuter than the fluffiest steamed bun.

“Wow!” The child ran to the railing in excitement, looking out through the gaps at the Imperial Gardens. “It’s so pretty, Xiansheng.”

Chu Jiubian went to stand beside him and gazed at the red plum blossoms dotting the snow. He said with a smile: “It’s very pretty.”

“I wish Jiujiu was here too.”

As Qin Xiao drew closer to the capital, the child had been mentioning him more and more frequently.

Chu Jiubian was momentarily at a loss, but then he smiled and said: “He’ll be back soon. We’ll come here again when he returns so that he can see it too.”

“En!” The child’s eyes sparkled as he nodded emphatically.

The higher you stood, the farther you could see.

Bai Lihong saw Xiao Xiangzi approaching along the palace road beyond the courtyard, accompanying a sedan chair. 

“Xiansheng, Anhuai-wang is here.”

Chu Jiubian gave a hum of acknowledgement.

Bai Lihong tilted his little face up at him and asked: “Xiansheng, why are we letting Anhuai-wang bring his advisor into the palace?”

He had noticed the man walking alongside the sedan chair. He was quite old, and should have stayed home in this kind of weather. What need was there to go out?

Chu Jiubian looked at the sedan chair and said: “What happened in Hexi Prefecture was likely not what Anhuai-wang intended. We’re going to see how this Jiang-xiansheng ‘advises’ him to run his fiefdom.”

Bai Lihong thought carefully on his words, and began to have an understanding of what was going on.

He had heard Xiansheng say that Anhuai-wang Bai Liming was his cousin. He was only eighteen years old, and like Bai Lihong, he had come into power at a young age, which made him susceptible to the influence of others.

During the flooding in Hexi Prefecture, Jiujiu had no grain, so he had asked Anhuai-wang for a loan. But the latter took advantage of the situation and demanded control of Hexi Prefecture in return.

But now, Xiansheng was saying that this wasn’t what Bai Liming had intended.

Thus, Bai Lihong concluded that it must be this Jiang-xiansheng who had influenced Anhuai-wang’s judgement.

Just like some people tried to take advantage of him because of his young age.

But he had Jiujiu and Xiansheng, who taught him how to think for himself. Most of the time, as long as his ideas and suggestions weren’t harmful, they would let him do as he pleased without trying to exert excessive control over him. 

Therefore, Bai Lihong knew that Jiujiu and Xiansheng truly had his best interests at heart.

He just wondered how that Jiang-xiansheng taught Anhuai-wang.

The sedan chair came to a stop outside the courtyard. Bai Liming disembarked, straightened his clothes, and then walked inside.

Chu Jiubian led Bai Lihong to take his seat on a chair, asking: “Do you remember what you’re supposed to say?”

The child patted his chest and said: “Don’t worry, Xiansheng. I remember everything.”

Footsteps could be heard downstairs. Chu Jiubian turned his head to look, and Bai Lihong followed suit.

At the top of the stairs, a slender figure emerged from behind a screen and walked toward them.

He was a man in his thirties, wearing dark blue official robes and sporting a mustache.

The man raised his eyes to meet Chu Jiubian’s gaze. Then he performed a bow and said: “This humble servant greets Your Majesty and pays his respects to the Grand Tutor.”

“No need for formalities,” Bai Lihong said.

The new arrival was not Bai Liming, but the historian Xun Xiuran.

The Xun family had been prominent since the unification of the country during the previous Great Yu Dynasty, and had been appointed as official historians by Emperor Huizong.

Said emperor specifically wrote an article to announce to the world that although historians did not hold official ranks, they were objective record-keepers who would fairly and accurately record what they saw and heard.

He went on to say that from that point forward, no ruler would be able to arbitrarily execute historians, himself included.

Historians were not allowed to add personal bias to their records, and court officials were forbidden from associating with them.

To everyone in the Imperial Court, the court historians were merely invisible tools. Aside from the initial period when everyone was becoming accustomed to their presence, officials no longer paid any mind to the historians who always remained in the corner of the main hall.

It was said that after the Great Yu Dynasty was overthrown, the founding emperor of Great Ning intended to kill the Xu family historian and appoint someone else in his place.

But then, he read the records kept by that historian.

They did not shy away from depicting the brutality of the final years of the Great Yu Dynasty, and also fairly documented the great banner^[1] the new emperor raised when he overthrew the ruling regime. From beginning to end, there was no personal bias whatsoever.

And that Xun family historian, even with a long sword pressed against his neck, didn’t bat an eye. Only when the Emperor asked if he was afraid did he say that he had never violated the Xun family’s ancestral precepts, and had never aligned himself with any power at all.

Therefore, even if he were to die, he would have no fear of facing his ancestors.

The ancestral motto of the Xun family was: Always keep your distance from powerful figures. Grab a brush, and become a chronicler of history.

The founding emperor of Great Ning admired the Xun family’s way of doing things, and therefore changed his mind about killing the historian. Instead, he continued to entrust him and his descendants with the task of recording Great Ning’s history. They were even granted official titles, and a special position was created independent of the Six Ministries. Their sole responsibility was to keep historical records, and their salaries were quite high – almost at the level of those lofty third-rank officials.

However, the official historians were not on duty every day, and would simply stand quietly at the back of the line during morning court sessions, listening to the proceedings.

Only when major events occurred in the palace or throughout the country would they record the complete details, including the words and actions of the Emperor and all of the officials.

For example: Bai Lihong ascending the throne, Qin Xiao being granted a royal title, and Chu Jiubian descending from heaven. All of this, the historians faithfully recorded as the events played out.

Regarding the flooding incident in Hexi Prefecture, this historian’s writings might only contain a few sentences describing the causes and effects, but the investigation process had involved considerable effort on the part of Xun Xiuran and the other members of the Xun family. At that time, Xun Xiuran had specifically sought out Qin Xiao to inquire about the situation in Hexi Prefecture.

Qin Xiao held no care for how future generations would judge him; he simply spoke his mind, describing in detail how he had personally proceeded over the punishment of lingchi.

And Chu Jiubian observed as the historian wielded his brush and wrote the words: “Ning-wang Qin Xiao personally proceeded over the punishment of lingchi” on the paper.

Furthermore, Xun Xiuran, an official lacking an official rank, had also been seated at the end of the table at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, and had likely recorded everything that happened there.

Today’s banquet was Bai Lihong’s first time meeting with one of the vassal kings after ascending the throne, so Xun Xiuran’s presence was naturally needed for the purpose of recording the event.

Chu Jiubian had ordered that a separate screen be set up ahead of time, along with a table, chair, hot tea, and food, all to facilitate Xun Xiuran’s work.

“Please have a seat,” said Chu Jiubian.

Xun Xiuran bowed in acknowledgement, then retreated to his separate seating area, where a burning brazier and writing implements had all been prepared.

He had barely sat down when Bai Liming and Jiang Hongshou also walked up to the terrace.

Chu Jiubian held a special status, and his position was further elevated due to his identity as a “god.” Thus, in private, Chu Jiubian considered himself a divine being, and never even bowed to the Empress Dowager when he encountered her in the palace.

The same was true at present. Upon seeing Bai Liming and his companion approach, just like Bai Lihong, he didn’t stand up.

Once Bai Liming and Jiang Hongshou both paid their respects to the emperor, Bai Lihong finally spoke: “There is no need for Anhui-wang to be so polite. Please sit down and warm yourself up.”

“Thanking Your Majesty,” Bai Liming replied, taking his seat somewhat awkwardly.

He subconsciously turned his head to glance at Jiang Yongshou, and noticed that his expression was somewhat complicated, as if he wasn’t certain whether or not he should sit down.

“Jiang-xiansheng should have a seat too.” Bai Lihong had a smile on his face. His voice was clear and childlike, but his words were clear and distinct. “Today is a family dinner. Jiang-xiansheng has treated Anhui-wang with great care, so he is not an outsider.”

Jiang Yongshou didn’t dare take these words at face value, but since the Emperor had spoken, he couldn’t disobey. All he could do was smile and agree, then sit down cautiously in his chair.

Bai Liming was nervous, yet he couldn’t help but secretly observe this little cousin of his who was only a bit over three years old.

He was just a little boy. At his age, Bai Liming had still been clinging to his father and mother and acting spoiled, but the Bai Lihong before him already carried himself like an adult. His words and actions conformed to etiquette, and he interacted with others with ease and confidence.

Bai Liming felt that Bai Lihong was exactly what a future emperor should be like during childhood.

He should feel a sense of distance between him and the emperor, as if he was difficult to approach.

But Bai Lihong happened to be a particularly loveable child. He had smiling, crescent-shaped eyes and spoke in a sweet, childish voice, occasionally addressing him as “cousin.” Before long, he had charmed Bai Liming to the point that he was completely smitten, his already gentle eyes brimming with even more affection.

This welcoming banquet, which he had dreaded for so long, seemed to have turned into nothing more than a genuine family dinner. As it went on, he felt increasingly more at ease.

However, when he completely lowered his guard and tried to grow closer to the Emperor, Jiang Yongshou at his side would make a noise or say something to interrupt him. This was a reminder not to get carried away and forget the proper distance he should maintain with the Emperor.

Chu Jiubian had been observing the interactions between these two throughout the entire banquet. They had barely exchanged a word, with Bai Lihong doing all of the talking and entertaining.

Chu Jiubian believed in the moral soundness of those chosen by the System, so he knew that the matter of “exchanging grain for Hexi Prefecture” was certainly not Anhuai-wang’s original intention.

Now, seeing how he interacted with Jiang Yongshou, he was even more certain of his conclusion.

These two were a young ruler and a powerful minister. Bai Liming had a weaker personality than Bai Lihong, and was indecisive, making it far too easy for his subordinates to manipulate and control him. 

However, this Jiang Yongshou seemed genuinely devoted to Anhuai-wang, and his interruptions and reminders were all for Bai Liming’s benefit.

If Bai Lihong was a cunning and manipulative emperor, or if he was being controlled by Chu Jiubian, then Bai Liming’s unguarded words could be his undoing.

Therefore, from his perspective, Jiang Yongshou’s actions were perfectly reasonable.

Regarding the matter of Hexi Prefecture, if there was no one else behind the scenes, then Jiang Yongshou instigating Bai Liming to take such action might have indeed been for the purpose of expanding the young ruler’s influence.

However, Bai Liming was a decent, honest person who preferred to live a quiet and secluded life. If Chu Jiubian could understand this point right after meeting him for the first time, then why couldn’t Jiang Yongshou?

Knowing that Bai Liming was unwilling to participate in the political struggles, yet still pushing him into the spotlight…..Jiang Yongshou’s motives were definitely not pure.

Was this a case of one person serving two masters?

Chu Jiubian lowered his gaze, unwilling to let any emotion slip through.

Jiang Yongshou had also noticed the way Bai Lihong and Chu Jiubian interacted, and was somewhat surprised.

This was a young emperor and a powerful minister. At such a young age, Bai Lihong could easily become an unthinking tool of power in the hands of a powerful official. However, Bai Lihong was not acting anything like a spoiled and useless child; in fact, he seemed more intelligent and mature than the son of an emperor would normally be.

His words and actions, and even his thoughts and opinions, subtly exhibited characteristics befitting an emperor.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao had actually done an excellent job teaching Bai Lihong.

This was the complete opposite of what Jiang Yongshou, as well as other local forces, had anticipated.

Those at the table each had their own thoughts in mind, but the banquet went relatively smoothly.

Xun Xiuran remained quietly in his seat. Only once the banquet ended and the masters had all gone downstairs did he finally pick up his brush and write down the final line, concluding: “On the fifteenth day of the twelfth month of the first year of Jingrui, Anhuai-wang and his advisor entered the palace to pay their respects. The Emperor and the Grand Tutor hosted a banquet for them at Fukang Pavilion, where they admired plum blossoms and enjoyed tea. The guests and hosts were all in good spirits.”

A few days later.

He wrote again on a new sheet of paper: “On the twenty-second day of the twelfth month of the first year of Jingrui, the snow lay an inch deep. Ning-wang Qin Xiao returned victorious, and the Emperor and Grand Tutor adjourned morning court early, leading the officials to welcome him outside the Imperial City.”

Chu Jiubian had stuck multiple handwarmers into Bai Lihong’s clothes, and the child held another one in his hands. He was also wearing a fox fur hat, with the lower half of his face concealed by the thick fur collar of his cloak, leaving only his large eyes visible as he stared intently toward the official road outside the city.

Chu Jiubian stood beside him, wearing a pure white fox fur cloak over his crimson-purple official robes.

His long, silver-white hair cascaded over his shoulders and seemed to blend in with his cloak, which only served to highlight the softness and sheen of the fine, dark hair laying across his forehead.

Behind them stood six long rows of officials, all wearing dark cloaks and holding handwarmers to ward away the chill.

During that morning’s court session, a soldier had arrived in advance to report that Ning-wang would arrive at the city gate in about half an hour.

Bai Lihong immediately grew restless and sent Chu Jiubian an anxious glance.

Chu Jiubian then stepped forward, suggesting that since Qin Xiao had performed a great and meritorious service, His Majesty should go out to welcome him in order to demonstrate the value he placed on his Regent.

When this story spread, people throughout the land would naturally praise the Emperor and Lord Ning-wang for their harmonious and affectionate uncle-nephew relationship. This also served to show them how the Emperor would value and care for others who performed a meritorious service.

Of course, Bai Lihong readily agreed, and the other officials had no grounds to object.

There had been a precedent since ancient times of emperors leaving the city to welcome victorious generals. And given Qin Xiao’s special status and the immense contributions he had made, it would be inappropriate for Bai Lihong to not go out and welcome him.

Thus, the current scene at the city gate came about.

Bai Lihong was anxious enough to pace back and forth, but he managed to restrain himself due to the numerous people watching him.

Chu Jiubian maintained a tranquil expression throughout, quietly gazing out toward the main road.

Then, a dark shape appeared at the farthest point of his vision. He gripped his handwarmer tightly, his eyelashes trembling.

In the midst of the raging blizzard, a team of people on horseback approached from a distance at a steady pace.

The team consisted of a dozen people, all riding horses, with a single two-horse carriage in the middle.

Although the carriage was simple and unadorned, the character “Qin” on the curtain was strikingly prominent.

Everyone’s gazes were fixed on the carriage, watching it draw closer until it finally came to a stop.

The accompanying soldiers all dismounted, and the one acting as coachman climbed down and placed a stool before the carriage door.

At the same time, the carriage curtain was lifted from within by a hand with clearly-defined knuckles.

The hem of gold-embroidered black robes came into view immediately after, and a man with a dignified, imposing demeanor stepped out of the carriage and walked toward the crowd.

“This subject greets Your Majesty.” Qin Xiao performed a deferential bow.

As the Regent, and also Bai Lihong’s uncle, other than on grand occasions such as the coronation ceremony, he had no need to observe elaborate rituals when greeting the emperor. Even a simple bow could be considered the height of etiquette.

Bai Lihong’s eyes were red-rimmed, and tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.

He hastily ran forward and held out his little hands to support Qin Xiao, but was unable to reach his arms. He could only say pitifully: “No need for this emperor’s subject to observe formalities.”

In front of so many people, the child wasn’t even allowed to call him “Jiujiu,” much less receive a hug from him, which caused the little one to feel extremely wronged.

But seeing as his uncle had kept his word and returned safe and sound, he also couldn’t help but feel happy.

At this moment in time, he was very conflicted.

Qin Xiao looked down at the child’s red, teary eyes. Unable to wipe his tears for him, he could only offer a comforting smile.

Bai Lihong, however, was easily comforted. Already, he was wiping his tears away with his little hands and smiling up at his uncle with his little white teeth.

Having gained some weight during the winter, the child’s soft face was even rounder than before, truly resembling a steamed bun.

Qin Xiao’s lips curved up, and he looked straight ahead again.

The civil and military officials all had their own thoughts in mind.

Some of them had harbored a glimmer of hope that perhaps Qin Xiao would be seriously injured or lose his life, but now that he had returned safely, they could only bow low and say in unison: “Greeting Lord Ning-wang upon his triumphant return.”

But rather than looking at them, Qin Xiao directed his gaze solely at the young man at the head of the group.

The other party didn’t look thinner, but he also didn’t look as if he had gained any weight. Even under such thick winter clothes, he still possessed a slender figure.

A snowflake landed on his thick, dark eyelashes, and melted when they fluttered.

Qin Xiao slowly shifted his gaze, letting it slide little by little across the young man’s face.

Chu Jiubian was also looking back at Qin Xiao.

The jasmine had still been blooming when he left, but it was now the winter season, where the plum blossoms were in full bloom.

Qin Xiao appeared the same as before, with his calm yet stern demeanor, but he was noticeably thinner than before he left, which enhanced his lean musculature.

He seemed to have become sharper, like a finely-honed blade.

The man’s gaze – deep, complex, and almost fierce – carried a significance that Chu Jiubian couldn’t quite decipher.

“No need for formalities,” Qin Xiao told everyone, his attention still fixed entirely on Chu Jiubian’s face.

Chu Jiubian dodged his gaze and looked at Bai Lihong, saying: “Let’s return to the palace, Your Majesty.”

“En.” With an eager nod, Bai Lihong immediately boarded his carriage.

The coachman was none other than Qin Chaoyang, who had managed to find the time despite his busy schedule.

Knowing that Qin Xiao would be returning this morning, Qin Chaoyang had specifically made time to come and greet Qin Xiao openly and officially under the guise of being Bai Lihong’s coachman.

When he saw that his superior was safe and sound, the tension in his heart completely dissipated, and he even managed a rare smile.

“Yah!” He set off with the carriage first, but the officials didn’t move after boarding their own respective carriages. According to rank, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian should be the next ones to leave.

Qin Xiao simply stared at Chu Jiubian without saying a word.

There was a distance of four or five meters between them, which seemed far, yet also strangely close.

After some time, when several officials couldn’t help but lift their carriage curtains to look outside, Chu Jiubian pursed his lips and said: “The carriage is up ahead.”

Qin Xiao smiled and came to stand in front of him, saying in a low voice: “Let’s go.”

Chu Jiubian looked up at him.

Only when he came closer did Chu Jiubian notice that his face was abnormally pale.

Rather than saying anything, he turned and approached the carriage first with Qin Xiao following beside him.

Minister of Works Jian Hongzhuo watched the two of them walk away, then lowered his carriage curtain with a soft chuckle.

The other ministers, each sporting a different expression on their faces, lowered their curtains as well.

Just as they had arrived, the group set off in a grand procession toward the Imperial Palace.

But just after leaving the main street, and before reaching the palace gates, guards went from carriage to carriage, informing everyone that morning court had been canceled for the day and that officials should go to their respective offices. Any matters at hand would be discussed the following day. 

Meanwhile, in the second carriage from the front, Chu Jiubian stared intently at the man opposite him.

That person was leaning against the door of the carriage, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.

His voice was a little strained, but he still smiled as he said: “I’ll be fine in a moment.”

Chu Jiubian said internally: “System, can you scan him to see what’s wrong with him?”

[Host, a scan requires–]

Chu Jiubian cut in: “Deal.”

The System buffered for a moment, and responded after a couple of seconds: [The patient suffers from a worsening accumulation of blood in the chest cavity, a life-threatening condition. Surgical treatment is recommended.]

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[1] This “great banner” refers to the ideological and moral justification used to mobilize the people and topple the previous regime. ⮐

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Chapter 68 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 70