Xiaosuisui nodded, the expression on her face said it all.
The young Emperor uncomfortably waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.
He called in two palace maids to help.
Far away, on the royal throne in the Nanjiang court, the King of Nanjiang, his face somber, suddenly flew into a rage. He smashed the teacup in his hand and abruptly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"Your Majesty! Whatâs wrong?"
The woman beside the King of Nanjiang knelt at his feet, asking in shock.
"The Gu Insect inside Ah Ta is suddenly out of control."
"What? That Gu Insect is a Companion Gu. Without the guidance of the Mother Gu, how could the Child Gu possibly be drawn out?"
"I also have no idea. It seems Great Han has a Gu Insect master!"
An eerie glint flickered in the King of Nanjiangâs eyes, his face contorted into a menacing expression!
"Your Majesty, how could Great Han have a Gu Insect master? As far as I know, people in the Central Plains are not skilled in using Gu! Could it be Mr. Wu who has made his move?"
"Humph! That old fool dares to ruin my grand plans!"
The King of Nanjiang was enraged. "Servants!"
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" A man in black suddenly appeared, kneeling before the King of Nanjiang.
"Take a few men and journey to the Central Plains. You must ensure Princess Ah Ta dies in Great Han!"
Only in this way could he, the King of Nanjiang, lead his troops northward.
"Yes!"
ăIn the Imperial Palaceă
"What is the meaning of Princess Ah Taâs ramblings? Is the Gu Insect in her body really planted by the King of Nanjiang? And what exactly is this âimpostorâ she keeps mentioning?"
The young Emperor and the Ji brothers were discussing this in the Imperial Study.
"Before Suisui drew out the Gu, I was listening to her ramblings the entire time. My guess is that the King of Nanjiang is very likely not her biological father. Or perhaps, the current King of Nanjiang is the âimpostorâ she mentioned."
Ji Youze took out a brush and paper, writing down every word of Princess Ah Taâs ramblings before starting his analysis.
"Youzhi, whatâs your take on this?"
The young Emperor had been talking to Ji Youze for a while but noticed that Ji Youzhi wasnât participating, so he called out to him.
"If the one who wants Princess Ah Ta dead is indeed the King of Nanjiang, then Iâm afraid by drawing out the Gu Insect now, weâve already startled the snake."
"Startled the snake? So what! If it comes to it, Iâll dispatch an army of 300,000, march south, and annihilate his Nanjiang Royal Court!"
The young Emperor looked completely unfazed, perhaps even a little eager!
Ji Youzhi rubbed his forehead.
Having a sovereign so eager for war... isnât this a misfortune for the family?
Ji Youze remarked coolly, "If Your Majesty truly does so, wouldnât that be playing right into the King of Nanjiangâs hands?" The young Emperorâs face darkened at his words.
"I... I... I wonât let him get his way! Doesnât leading an army of 300,000 to war cost money? My... My National Treasury is still empty!"
Having been spurred on by Ji Youze, the young Emperor immediately changed his tune. When he mentioned the National Treasury, his gaze fell on Ji Youzhi.
"Youzhi, my National Treasury is still empty. Have you recently uncovered any cases of corruption or embezzlement? And what about those wealthy merchants? Are any of them unscrupulously rich? Especially that Bright Moon Pavilionâinvestigate it thoroughly for me!"
Ji Youzhi quickly cupped his hands. "Your Majesty, regarding the empty treasury, you should inquire with the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. If you ask me, how would I know?"
He then quickly found an excuse. "I still need to investigate the case and find that Mr. Wu. I shall take my leave!"
The young Emperor waved his hand. "Go, go! And while youâre at it, visit the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Ask him if he has any silver for me to wage war... Hmm? When did Youzhiâs lightness skill become so good? He vanished in the blink of an eye."
Ji Youze looked at him helplessly.
You want to investigate my brother; of course, heâd run, wouldnât he?
"Youze, I just remembered something. Iâve heard that the owner of Bright Moon Pavilion is exceedingly mysterious; no one knows their true identity. You manage the Shadow Network for me. With so many people under your command, canât you find out who the owner of Bright Moon Pavilion is?"