“His Highness has ordered us to bring these lit candles, so Teacher can see clearly and avoid stumbling in the dark.”
“Put it there.”
“Yes.” After putting down the candles, they silently left.
With the addition of two candles, the room was much brighter. Sometimes, the light flickered as the flames swayed from the wind blowing through the window.
Ji Yunshu sat for a long time in front of her table. Unconsciously, her thoughts geared back to the tassel Su Ziluo had. A doubt she once had finally germinated.
‘Is Su Ziluo Ji Pei? But didn’t they say that Su Ziluo’s legs were paralyzed five years ago, unless- His legs are fine. Then, he has always been Su Ziluo.’
That certainty grew the more she pondered. The thoughts swirled and filled her mind, leaving her unable to sleep the whole night. When dawn came, she immediately departed to the relay station. She needed to see Su Ziluo and clarify her doubts. However, when she arrived, she was told he wasn’t in the relay station.
“Where did he go?” she asked.
The soldier was reluctant to speak with her, so he replied in a concise manner, “He didn’t say anything when he left.”
She could return to the Rong estate.
When she came back, she heard from Lu Jiang that Jing Rong had entered the palace. The Emperor had summoned him first thing in the morning. Then, she learned that his summon also included Su Ziluo.
……….
Inside the imperial palace.
Regarding the death of General Yuchi, the case was a trending topic which was heavily debated in court, and all the important officials were dispatched to take care of the aftermath.
Su Ziluo went to Zhangzhi hall to attend the meeting as the representative of Qujiang. He appeared calm and wore his signature’s smile. The kind of faint smile that left an odd feeling with its beholders as they couldn’t decipher his mood from such an impersonal smile.
Qi Zhen swept a glance at everyone in the hall. When his eyes fell on Su Ziluo, who sat on a wheelchair, he was shocked. The two princes on his side also noticed his reaction and they glanced at Su Ziluo. The Crown Prince Jing Hua revealed his disdain; Prince Yi merely narrowed his eyes which held only inquiry; and as for Jing Rong, he remained expressionless.
Despite his lack of expression, his eyes continued darting toward Su Ziluo. ‘Is that man really Ji Pei? But Yunshu said he isn’t.’
At that moment, Qi Zhen announced the start of the meeting. “An unexpected accident has occurred which we will handle with fairness. We will not let General Yuchi’s death remain unclear!”
Su Ziluo raised his weary eyes and slowly spoke. “Then, how does your Majesty plan to handle this matter?”
“If the killer is really Secretary Ji, we will handle it according to the laws of our Great Lin without bias.”
“Does your Majesty mean payback with one’s life?”
“Yes!”
“Apart from killing the culprit, anything else?” Su Ziluo’s tone became heavy. Nothing could be deduced about his true intentions.
Qi Zhen was caught off guard by the other party’s words. He became more certain that the man was far from simple. “Teacher Su’s meaning has eluded us. Today, our Great Lin’s imperial court is in full attendance. If you wish to say anything, feel free to do so.”
“Isn’t the most important thing at present to find the murderer? Afterward, I will be able to notify my king about the matter and let him decide on the follow-up. In the end, I am merely a small military officer and have no authority in making decisions on such important matters.”
He shook his head slightly and carried on smiling.
Qi Zhen knew that man’s objectives were far from transparent.