Who knew that Jing Yi would also make the worst possible move! He spoke as he placed his black stone, “This Prince heard that Prince Rong made a trip to the Dispatch Bureau today?”
Zhang Bo swayed at his sudden question, almost dropping the white stone he just picked up from his dish. He nodded, “Yes, Prince Rong did visit indeed!”
“Oh? What was Prince Rong there for?”
“He just made a trip down!” Zhang Bo answered without hesitation.
A cold smile spread across Jing Yi’s face as he decisively ended the game.
“Your Highness has won!” Zhang Bo was delighted as he heaved a sigh of relief. If they were to continue in turn like this, he would surely tremble fearfully to his death.
Jing Yi’s cold smile did not disappear. His gaze fell on the chessboard, then slowly moved up into Zhang Bo’s field of view, “Prince Rong had never ever dealt with the Dispatch Bureau before, why would he make a trip to your department today?”
“This …”
“Could it be that there is something you need to hide?” Jing Yi raised his tone.
Strange! Zhang Bo was stricken with fear as cold sweat formed in his palms. He decided to take a more decisive approach, “As the Emperor’s birthday banquet is taking place in conjunction with the Crown Prince’s consort selection, Prince Rong came over to check on the progress of these important events. That’s all there is to it, all there is…” Zhang Bo’s attitude was steadfast, as if he would never, ever divulge anything.
Jing Yi knew that he had a tight mouth, how could he otherwise serve in the military for several years before being transferred to the civil department? Jing Yi laughed, “Who knew that Prince Rong was this carefree!” So free that he could stroll leisurely to the Dispatch Bureau.
Zhang Bo thought that he had managed to mangle his way through, the heavy stone in his heart lifting. The two of them chatted idly for a while more before Zhang Bo left Yi Estate.
As Zhang Bo left, Dou Quan came forth, sword in hand. Due to him walking quickly in the rain, his iron boots had mud stains splashing as he walked across the slate towards the inner hall where Jing Yi was at. Jing Yi was clearing away the weiqi 1 board, never once raising his head as he questioned, “How is it?”
Dou Quan bowed, “It appears that Prince Rong visited the Dispatch Bureau to replace that batch of lanterns from Fangshui.” Jing Yi’s grip on the stone loosened, stone falling to the ground with a loud rap.
He frowned, side-eyeing Dou Quan, “Lanterns? Why was there a need to replace them?”
“This servant has investigated thoroughly – the original batch of lanterns was problematic, as someone had covered them with sulfur and black powder.”
“What?” Jing Yi was alarmed. He rose from his seat, clutching his sleeves.
Dou Quan continued, “It was because Prince Rong discovered this problem that he ordered Zhang Bo to replace them all secretly.”
“That’s weird.” Jing Yi strode forward outside, muttering as the wheels in his head began to turn, “Why would there be sulfur and black powder on the lanterns from Fangshui? Even so, how did Jing Rong know?”
“Should I continue investigating, Your Highness?”
Jing Yi raised a hand, “There’s no need. Imperial Father’s birthday banquet is soon approaching and this Prince does not want to stir up any trouble at this stage. Moreover, I am curious and would rather wait for my queries to be answered with time.” A devious smile creeped up his thin lips.
Dou Quan was anxious however, “What if this were to harm Your Highness?”
“With Jing Rong’s capabilities? He’s nowhere near.” He continued assuredly, “But I do wish for him to do something untoward to this Prince. Only then can this Prince expose him before Imperial Father.” What deviousness! How sinister!
1. Weiqi = Go in japanese