After returning home, Su Shiyu poured himself a cup of tea and pondered over the steaming mist.
Considering Chu Mingyun's personality, going out in the snowstorm just for a drink was impossible, especially near the remote city gate, cleared of others with only guards remaining. It seemed more like a secretive meeting than a simple drink.
As this thought arose, Su Shiyu suddenly focused his thoughts, realizing another matter:
Why was he precisely invited at that moment?
Lord Xiang, even if he wanted to arrange a marriage for his daughter, there were numerous taverns in the city. Why choose the secluded one, clearing it of people, leaving only guards, almost as if it was meant for a clandestine meeting?
When coincidences pile up, the traces of deliberate manipulation become inevitable.
As myriad thoughts intertwined, a sudden insight cleared the fog in Su Shiyu's mind. He recalled the incident in Shouchun when Liang Jin drugged him. Back then, Liang Jin's actions seemed purposeless and baffling. Su Shiyu had pondered it but eventually let it go with the resolution of the murder case. However, recalling it now, he couldn't help but think of another possibility:
If he had been drugged and unable to resist, fulfilling Liang Jin's wishes and entering the world of the dancing girls, Chu Mingyun would probably have waited in his room that night.
Moreover, today's arranged marriage feast conveniently clashed with Chu Mingyun's presence.
Connecting these dots, it seemed more like an attempt to manipulate their relationship than a straightforward conspiracy, especially considering the complex ties between him and Chu Mingyun.
With most involved individuals dead in Huainan, except for the elusive Li Che, Chu Mingyun had suspected Li Che as the former boss in Jile Lou. While it was speculation, the intricacies between them unfolded as they left Shouchun. The involvement of West Ridge King Li Chenghua, managing Huainan in his stead, suggested collusion. Han Zhongwen, who worked closely with Li Che, must have had connections. Han Zhongwen admitted Huainan King left remnants, and with Li Chenghua's cunning, colluding with Huainan King privately was plausible. The carefully woven plot implicated him and Chu Mingyun, revealing West Ridge King's orchestration.
Every step, whether successful or not, benefited West Ridge King, displaying profound cunning.
Unfortunately, these deductions remained speculative. Without concrete evidence, West Ridge King couldn't be held accountable.
More worrisome was Li Chenghua's influence within the court. Were the moves his or Lord Xiang's?
The tea had cooled, but Su Shiyu continued sipping, sighing deeply. He summoned his steward, Su Yi, instructing him to monitor the two lords' activities.
Su Yi acknowledged and, just as Su Shiyu thought, added, "Send someone to keep a close eye on King Hejian. Report any unusual activity immediately."
Zhao Kejing's transfer out of the capital was swiftly approved. Handling routine military affairs, Chu Mingyun had considerable control. Zhao Kejing's relocation to a non-prominent position didn't raise suspicions.
In the Marshal's residence, Zhao Kejing received the documents, quickly scanning them. He couldn't help but exclaim, "These regional kings surrendered their military authority so quickly. Your plan is indeed effective."
"They surrendered, but Li Chenghua hasn't made a move yet," Chu Mingyun handed over the transfer orders, glancing at Zhao Kejing, "You can delay your departure until after the New Year, giving them more time to stew."
YOU ARE READING
Jun You Ji Fou
Romance"Shiyu, my heart does not lie." With these words of deep passion, Chu Mingyun inserts his hand back into his sleeve and pinches himself. Su Shiyu's smile deepens all of a sudden. He squints his eyes and gently parts his mouth to say, "Are you sick?"...
