It was precisely because he was being hindered by a young official that Xiang City was dissatisfied with Chu Heng from the start.
"Minister Xiang, I was simply overwhelmed with anger. You donât know what Official Hu did to me. I understand why youâd speak like this now, but if you knew the truth and still sided with Official Hu, then I would have no choice but to request the Emperor to grant me justice," Chu Heng said, appearing as if he was considering Xiangâs perspective: "Minister Xiang, I know Official Hu is bold because he relies on you, but I believe you have also been kept in the dark. You must open your eyes and see clearly to avoid being deceived."
Xiang City was so angry his chest heaved uncontrollably.
He clearly understood the warnings and threats in Chu Hengâs words.
He gestured to a servant boy behind him.
The servant boy hurriedly slipped away.
"Lord Chu, we are both officials of the same court. If there are any misunderstandings, letâs sit down and talk it out properly. Why create a scene of shouting and fighting? It simply makes us the butt of a joke," Xiang City said with an expression of helplessness, aiming to either tone down the matter or buy time.
He was fully aware of what was happening in his heart.
Chu Heng smiled slightly, sat down at the dining table, and suddenly pointed to the seat opposite him: "Oh, is Minister Xiang having drinks with someone here? There are three teacups, but I just saw that there wasnât a third person in the room."
Xiang Cityâs pupils narrowed slightly, and he sat down immediately, smiling as he placed the two cups together: "Lord Chu, you must be joking. This other teacup is merely one I used on purpose to cool the tea down."
"Is that so? Then it must be some fine tea, otherwise Minister Xiang wouldnât be so eager to taste it before it cooled," Chu Heng said meaningfully.
Xiang City kept a straight face, pretending not to hear the implied meaning in his words: "Itâs not that the tea is particularly good. Peopleâs tastes differ, and I simply canât drink hot tea, hence my habit."
"Lord Chu, itâs been long enough. Shouldnât we settle with Official Hu so we can talk properly? After all, you donât want to escalate the conflict further, do you? Misunderstandings can be cleared up once spoken," Xiang City hinted.
Chu Heng sneered in his heart.
After framing him earlier, they now wanted to reconcile?
He guessed the moment he stepped out of the teahouse, a few more memorials impeaching him would go straight to the Emperorâs desk.
Did Xiang City think he was foolish or easy to bully?
Chu Heng lowered his eyes to hide the coldness within them.
"Minister Xiang, youâve got it wrong..."
"Oh? Whatâs wrong? Why are you two arguing?" Outside, Minister Qi, seemingly hearing the commotion, came over.
Chu Hengâs lips curled up quickly. He put down his teacup, stood up, and saluted Minister Qi: "Greetings, Great Minister Qi."
"I didnât know you were also here at the teahouse, Minister Qi. I hope I didnât disturb you."
"Chancing upon you here is indeed a fateful encounter, you havenât disturbed me at all," Minister Qi said, smilingly looking at him, seemingly unintentionally asking: "What brings you here, Lord Chu? What happened? Did you have a conflict with Official Hu?"
"Indeed," Chu Heng admitted outright, nodding: "I came here this time specifically to confront Official Hu at the yamen."
"Now that I have found him, I wonât delay you both from enjoying your tea. I shall take my leave," Chu Heng said as he stood up, ready to depart immediately.
Xiang City felt that Chu Heng wasnât one to undertake fruitless endeavors.
Could it be...
Hu Huaâs deeds have been exposed?
If thatâs true, who knows if Hu Hua can still be saved?
With Chu Hengâs temperament, it might be difficult to stop him.