This matter must fall upon King Qi.
He thought to himself, but didnāt show it on his face, instead he smiled at Chen Tianmin beside him: "Minister Chen, has the Ministry of Revenue sorted out the dossiers? Have you decided how to cooperate with Beirong?"
The trade between the two countries requires not only customs documents but also determination of trading goods and the tax rate each has to pay to Great Chu, among other things.
Chen Tianmin lightly shook his head at these words: "It is being sorted, but currently not determined. The Emperor has given a deadline of one month, I will do my best to complete it."
Seeing that Chen Tianmin was clearly being perfunctory and not giving a direct answer, Minister Qi felt displeased, yet still maintained a sly smile: "Minister Chen, thereās no need to rush. These matters can be handled gradually. Still, surely the diplomatic relations between the two countries will require talented personnel. If you need help, feel free to ask."
Chen Tianmin smiled and said nothing.
How this matter would be settled was uncertain until Emperor Xuanming made a definitive decision.
Meanwhile.
Chu Heng entered the Imperial Harem, and in the side hall of Cining Palace, he saw Emperor Xuanming along with Consort Yun and a room full of stern guards.
"I greet Your Majesty," Chu Heng knelt down to salute.
Emperor Xuanming nodded: "Minister Chu, come in."
Chu Heng could tell that Emperor Xuanming was in a bad mood. He knew roughly why, as he walked in and followed his gaze to the Consort Yun sitting in the center, with no reaction.
"Minister Chu, you will interrogate her," Emperor Xuanming commanded with authority, his attitude clear as he began to suspect Consort Yunās identity. As for his stance on the King of Huainan, Chu Heng couldnāt quite grasp it. After all, rulership is filled with doubt, and even Chu Heng couldnāt be certain of the Kingās loyalty, particularly since the King could have been the former Saintess from the Southern Border. It was possible that with a Gu insect placed on him, the King of Huainan might betray them, such possibilities were not unheard of.
Chu Heng thought a lot but didnāt show it on his face, instead stepped directly in front of Consort Yun.
"Consort, pardon me," Chu Heng first saluted.
Consort Yun remained calm: "Itās my duty to cooperate with His Majesty in the investigation."
Chu Heng raised his hand slightly, and a guard came over and handed him medicine.
Chu Heng did not apply the medicine himself but gave it to a maid.
After the medicine was applied, the maid was taken to one side, and Chu Heng looked at the human skin mask that had been revealed, knowing without lifting it that Consort Yunās identity was indeed strange.
He held this thought for a moment, and after consulting Emperor Xuanming, he reached out and tore off the human skin mask from Consort Yunās face.
The mask was peeled away.
A ruined face was exposed.
Several scars marked her face, and although Chu Heng was surprised, he was not shocked.
He simply reached out to check again, verifying the authenticity of the scars.
"Your Majesty, the burns on Consort Yunās face are genuine," Chu Heng regained his composure and reported.
Emperor Xuanmingās eyes ignited with anger, and with a swing of his hand, he knocked over the teacup beside him, roaring: "Investigate thoroughly."
"Your Majesty, wonāt you ask why I wear a human skin mask?" Consort Yun asked calmly, without the slightest panic.
Emperor Xuanming sneered: "Then tell me, why."
Chu Heng also stared at Consort Yun, wanting to see her true appearance clearly, while memories from his past life surged forth.
Consort Yunās eyes were full of resentment as she pointed to her face, almost tearful: "My face is destroyed, if I donāt wear a human skin mask, can I still remain in the Princeās Mansion, by the Princeās side?"