Suddenly, a young voice sounded from the side: "Minister Xiang, donât act rashly."
"Junior Lord Qi? What are you doing here?" After saying this, Xiang City realized he had spoken nonsense. He coughed lightly, regaining his composure, and looked at the eldest son of the Qi family, smiling like an old fox. From the outside, they didnât seem to have a close relationship.
Most officials couldnât figure out his relationship with the Qi family.
If it werenât for Chu Hengâs memories of his past life, he wouldnât have been so sure the two secretly interacted closely and were truly in league.
"Great Minister Qi, do you have any insights?" Xiang City asked directly.
The eldest son of the Qi family, inheriting the legacy of Minister Qi, also joined the Ministry of Personnel, working quietly under Minister Qi. However, since Minister Qi left the capital, he became his spokesman, indicating he was not as mediocre as he appeared.
This wasnât surprising, after all, Qi Ming, the eldest son, was personally groomed by Minister Qi.
Qi Ming said, "Minister Xiang, before my father left the capital, he mentioned that the Emperor has many ideas lately, achievable only through Lord Chu."
"But being a tool in someoneâs hand, when trouble arises, itâs unwise to involve oneself too and incur sacrifice, itâs not worth it."
"My nephew is right."
Xiang City watched him leave with a smiling face.
Originally, he was somewhat puzzled.
After Qi Mingâs explanation, he understood.
Chu Heng was not only a tool held by that person but also a variable, a chance to consolidate imperial power.
Ultimately, itâs because Emperor Xuanming was dissatisfied with the division of power and disliked the noble families seeking decentralization.
Xiang City understood this, feeling even more displeased.
Upon returning to his residence, he secretly met some people. After meeting them, the hour grew late.
He then called the servants to bring tea, meanwhile, the people watching the Ministry of War and Court of Judicial Review returned.
"Speak, what is the situation."
Xiang City blew the floating tea leaves from his teacup, asking casually.
The servant, bending low, reported: "Sir, I saw people from the Court of Judicial Review enter the Capital Garrison and carry back several wounded soldiers to the capital, encountering some obstruction near the training ground."
"It was those cavalry battalion soldiers, causing a commotion saying Lord Chu was falsely accused, claiming the Court of Judicial Review slandered him."
"Hmph, those fools, being beaten so badly yet still speaking for Chu Heng. Truly ridiculous, who knows what knockout powder Chu Heng fed them." Xiang City snorted angrily a few times.
He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, squinting his eyes, saying: "How did those sent to contact the soldiers do?"
"Sir, they succeeded, conveying your intentions to the soldiers. They are ordinary men from regular families, easily swayed by some benefits, especially given their injuries, convincing them was swift."
"Good, a shame no noble family sons were involved, otherwise Chu Hengâs trouble would have been greater." Xiang Cityâs expression was full of regret, almost dripping with malice, enough to make oneâs scalp tingle.
Meanwhile,
Inside the Court of Judicial Review,
Surrounded by several officials, the Minister of Dali Temple and others appeared worried.
"Lord Zhou, what should we do? Weâve sent people to examine the soldiers, their injuries are indeed serious, just as Minister Xiang said. It seems he wasnât lying, how should we judge this case?"
"Yes, but in my view, perhaps this time Lord Chu truly wasnât deliberate."