“You’re just deceived; his disguise skills are exceptional, otherwise, how could he achieve such a position?” Chu Yunyu said. “Forget it, just listen to me.”
Tong Sui replied, “All right.”
At this, Chu Yunyu relaxed, thinking that Rong Jin likely acted on a whim, and someone with such power probably would not give Tong Sui another chance to meet.
However, after only two days of peace, Liu Yong came to demand Tong Sui from Chu Yunyu once again.
This time, no matter what, Chu Yunyu would not let Tong Sui go.
“Liu Zhongtang, Tong Sui is my personal attendant; I’m used to having him by my side. If Rong Jin wants someone to serve me, he can send someone else.”
Liu Yong bowed and said, “Your Highness, Supervisor Rong specifically requested this individual; I am merely acting on orders. It would be best if you let him go with me.”
Tong Sui gently tugged at his sleeve and whispered, “Your Highness, maybe I should just go. I have been there once already.”
“No, you can’t go,” Chu Yunyu slammed the table and looked at Liu Yong. “You go tell Rong Jin that it is I who won’t allow him to take Tong Sui. I want to see if he dares to snatch someone from me.”
Chu Yunyu’s attitude was resolute, and Liu Yong had no choice but to return to report.
Upon hearing footsteps, Rong Jin raised his head but did not see the little figure following behind Liu Yong. He frowned, “Where is he?”
Liu Yong did not dare to hide anything and recounted the situation.
Upon hearing this, Rong Jin’s already aching head felt worse, and his gloomy expression grew colder as he replied, “Did he truly say that?”
Liu Yong said, “I assure you, I speak no falsehood.”
“Zhang Yanru has taught a good student,” Rong Jin remarked. “Now, just to get a person, he is evasive. If the new emperor ascends the throne, he’ll be the first to remove this thorn from my side.”
The air was thick with tension, and no one in the Imperial Ritual Office dared to breathe, fearing that they would be caught in Rong Jin’s sudden outburst and lose their heads.
“Supervisor, your old ailment has recurred. Would you like me to fetch Doctor Sun for a check-up?”
The speaker was Feng Yongchang, the head eunuch of the Imperial Ritual Office, who held significant sway in the inner court.
Yet before Rong Jin, he had no choice but to be subservient.
Rong Jin rubbed his aching forehead; his long, narrow eyes were as deep as a cold pond. He picked up a few already opened secret letters on the table and said, “On your way, stop by Kun Ning Palace and show this to the Empress.”
Feng Yongchang acknowledged and hurried without any delay to the Empress’s residence.
“Why have you come, Eunuch Feng?”
“The Empress is resting; perhaps you could wait in the anteroom or come back later?”
Two maids stopped Feng Yongchang, speaking respectfully.
However, Feng Yongchang snorted, showing no respect.
“I have a secret letter from Supervisor Rong; can you afford to delay important matters?”
The letter was clearly already opened.
The two maids dared not say more; they could offend Feng Yongchang, but they absolutely could not offend the current Rong Jin.
Before long, the maids emerged and gestured for him to enter.
Behind the veils, the secret letter was handed to the Empress, who trembled slightly, unable to grasp the fragile sheets after reading them.
The contents of the letter detailed the accusations against the Transport Commissioner for forming cliques and exploiting his position, engaging closely with wealthy merchants and shipowners.
The letter densely listed dozens of charges of corruption.
This transport system relates to water transport, where rice and other goods are transported by waterway to the capital from coastal provinces.
It is universally known that managing waterways is a lucrative position.
The Commissioner in question was from the Empress’s family, her elder brother.
The stated crimes could lead to dismissal or worse. Should the Empress lose this support, her future in the palace would become even more difficult.
By sending the letter via Feng Yongchang, it indicated that there was still hope for the situation.
The Empress’s voice quivered slightly, “Eunuch Feng, how is Supervisor Rong recently?”
“Thanks to Your Majesty, he is in decent health,” Feng Yongchang elongated his tone. “However, his old ailment has flared up today. He wanted to borrow a little attendant under the Grand Prince but ended up hitting a brick wall.”
“Yunyu would never do that. There must be a misunderstanding,” the Empress insisted. “Eunuch Feng, please return to report. As for the attendant you mentioned, I will have someone send him right away.”
“Then I will take my leave.”
After Feng Yongchang departed, the gauze curtains in the palace were drawn back, and the Empress tossed the secret letter into the charcoal basin. “Bring Yunyu here.”
When Chu Yunyu received the notice to go to Kun Ning Palace, he understood the general situation.
He hadn’t expected Rong Jin to go to such lengths.
To threaten them over a mere attendant he had seen only once was quite audacious.
“Your Highness, the Empress says you may enter alone.”
Chu Yunyu told Tong Sui, “Wait for me here; I’ll be right back.”
Tong Sui nodded, “Um hmm.”
The palace doors closed, leaving only him and the Empress in the inner hall.
“Kneel.”
Chu Yunyu hesitated, about to explain when he was slapped across the face.
“Mother…”
He covered his face, staring incredulously at the Empress.
“You clearly heard my teachings, yet where have they gone?” the Empress scolded. “You are arrogant and foolish! Do you think you have the qualifications to contend with Rong Jin now?”
Chu Yunyu, born to nobility, had never experienced such punishment. Feeling rebellious, his eyes turned red as he said, “Mother, is this world surnamed Chu or Rong? Our repeated concessions only allow the Eunuchs to overreach!”
“And what of me? I only wish to protect a minor attendant, and if I can’t even do that, how can I protect the kingdom as you expect?”
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments