“Miss Liang’s death was an accident. My younger sister will be the Crown Prince’s consort, so it would not be acceptable for Lord Liang to say anything inappropriate in front of His Majesty.”
An outright threat! Lord Liang had just lost his daughter! Why would he care about such trivial matters?! His disheveled face darkened as he snorted, “Secretary Ji need not worry. Although this official is rank is low, I have never strayed from the lines while serving His Majesty.”
“Good, then I have no need to hold you any longer!” Ji Li left, satisfied.
Minister Liang barely kept his hatred and fury in check. He would get his revenge, but the time was not right. Afterwards, he headed straight for Zhangzhi Hall.
Concubine Xiao had been waiting for him for a long time. She had two cups of tea sitting on the table. It had cooled down and been replaced once, twice, three times over before he finally arrived.
“This official pays his respects to Concubine Xiao!” He raised his hands in greeting.
Concubine Xiao was very friendly, but also showed a sympathetic look on her face.
“Please have a seat, Lord Liang,” she said as she motioned to the open chair.
Lord Liang kept his head lowered as he took the seat, a painful expression on his face.
“This Imperial One knows Lord Liang must be devastated by the loss of his daughter. I also watched Xu’er grow up. I didn’t take care of her too much, but I know she was a lovely child. It’s sad to see her depart in such a manner, but the dead can’t be revived. Lord Liang, you should take care not to tire yourself with grief. Your health is important too.”
A few tears threatened to run down her face as she finished her words.
Lord Liang balled his fists on his lap He slowly raised his eyes to look at Concubine Xiao. “Does Concubine Xiao have other matters to discuss?”
“It looks like Lord Liang understands this Imperial One’s intentions!”
“Your Ladyship has sent this official’s daughter a precious burial gift. There must be something you would have this official do. If so, please speak your mind,” his voice was slightly husky – low but also frustrated.
Concubine Xiao took her time. She slowly pushed the teacup in front of Liang Zongzheng towards him, her eyes narrowing even further.
“I have heard the Ji family’s daughter, Ji Muqing, had something to do with Xu’er’s death. I also heard Secretary Ji and General Ji personally went to the capital’s yamen and the previous witness changed her statement. Xu’er’s death was classified as an accident because of that, but no one can be certain whether this is true.”
Her roundabout words carried much deeper meaning.
His hatred grew as she spoke, but he maintained his calm appearance. “Since Your Ladyship knew this mere official was visiting, you should know my intentions. Your Ladyship can be straightforward,” he finally said.
“Good!”
Concubine Xiao rose from her seat, lifting her chin. Her gentle gaze turned savage.
“Xu’er was supposed to be the Crown Prince’s concubine, but that wretched Ji Muqing caused Xu’er’s tragic death. How could such a woman be the Crown Prince’s consort? How could she be fit to be the mother of the nation when the Crown Prince ascends to the throne? Lord Liang can not be satisfied with this outcome! The principal official in the selection of the Crown Prince’s consort is you, Lord Liang! If something were to go awry in the process, it would still be reasonable.”