The Rui’an King didn’t want to take the case, but the Emperor thought it was essential that he did.
With a stern face, the Emperor said, "This case is of great importance. I trust you. You must take it on." He paused before adding, "It is also connected to your current case. Investigate these cases together and I will assist you, taking a personal interest in this matter."
The Rui’an King nearly knelt before the Emperor, wanting to plea, "Your Majesty, please spare me!" But before he could beg for mercy, the Emperor harshly said, "Rui’an King, he who takes the Emperor’s salary should serve him loyally." The Rui’an King was left tongue-tied, struggling to express his distress.
For many years, he had sought only tranquility, not wishing to be embroiled in court disputes. But now, the Emperor had drawn him into it.
He understood in his heart that the Emperor had no other choice. All court officials, both civil and military, had already been divided among the princes. The results of this year’s examinations had not yet been released. Even if the results were released and people were retained to serve in the capital, they couldn’t quickly rise to the occasion. He had even employed Zhou Gu, a person who was not on the examination’s list. Now that Zhou Gu was seriously injured and unsuitable to continue the investigation, he had become the man the Emperor trusted most.
Seeing the distressed look on the Rui’an King’s face, the Emperor said, "Let your son help you. He is about the same age as Zhou Gu and Xie Lin. It is time for him to get some experience in the world. It’s a good time to do it now so that when he eventually joins court, he can be of use quickly."
This was a veiled promise from the Emperor, telling him that if he did a good job, his son could get a significant role.
The Rui’an King sighed inwardly. The Emperor’s skill in ruling was becoming more proficient. If he wanted a horse to work hard, he had to feed it its favorite fodder. The future of his son, Xie Lin, was the fodder to which he was most attached.
He had no choice but to bow, "Your Majesty is right. It’s indeed time to offer my son some experience. I will not fail to live up to your trust."
Just like that, he accepted the responsibility. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦
The Emperor was pleased. He turned to Zhou Gu and He Zheng and said, "Hand the case over to Rui’an King. He Zheng, your injuries are not serious, continue to assist the Rui’an King after a few days’ rest."
He did not mention what Zhou Gu should do after recovery.
He Zheng promptly nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor then asked Zhou Gu, "You said a man named Fen Ling sent someone to save you. Where is he now?"
"He has returned to the Buddha Temple," Zhou Gu responded without waiting for the Emperor to probe further. He added, "Lady Su Qi and Second Young Master Ye are at the Buddha Temple for prayers."
The Emperor nodded and decided not to ask more questions. Now he understood why Ye Guixue hadn’t met him at the Palace. He was at the Buddha Temple with Su Rong. It seemed the Ye Xiang Residence was already an ally with the Nanchu King.
The Emperor waved his hand, "You all may leave now!"
Everyone then left the Imperial Study Room.
After everyone had left, the Emperor ordered Eunuch Yu, "Yu An, convey my decree that from today, the Fourth Prince must reflect on his actions in solitude." He paused before adding, "Summon the Crown Prince to see me."
Yu An agreed and left immediately.
Once out of the Imperial Palace, the Rui’an King said to Zhou Gu, "You are injured and just treated by the Imperial Doctor. To prevent your wound from reopening, you shouldn’t ride a horse. I will send you home. We can also discuss details of the cases on the way."
Zhou Gu nodded and got into the Rui’an King’s carriage.
On the way, the Rui’an King asked Zhou Gu, "Tell me the truth, is there any connection between Lady Su Qi and the Princess Zhenmin of old? When I was investigating the assassination of Princess Qingping, she confessed that the hidden arrow was aimed at her. Now the Emperor said that the case you were investigating is linked to the assassination of Princess Qingping, so he asked me to take over both cases."
Zhou Gu looked at the Rui’an King and said, "Su Rong is the daughter of Princess Zhenmin and the Nanchu King."
The Rui’an King had also been investigating and was vaguely suspecting a connection between Su Rong and Princess Zhenmin, but he had not expected it to be linked to the Nanchu King. He was shocked and didn’t say a word for a long time. After a while, he finally said, "I see."
He asked, "What exactly is going on? Didn’t Princess Zhenmin die years ago?"
Zhou Gu nodded and briefly explained how Princess Zhenmin had faked her death, resettled in Jiangning County, given birth to Su Rong and then passed away.
The Rui’an King wanted to inquire further, but seeing Zhou Gu’s pale face and weary look, he decided to drop it. Instead, he asked Zhou Gu about the case he was involved in and the details from the investigation.
Zhou Gu willingly spoke, explaining how he had taken over the case. He omitted no details as he relayed it to the Rui’an King. He then pulled out a scroll of case files from his robe and handed it to him.
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