Transmigration: of Mysteries and Songs

Chapter 128: Turn of Events

"Your Majesty, I shall take my leave since you have things to discuss with the Heir." Situ suggested.

"No need for that; I'm sure the Heir has nothing much for me anyway. You can stay." The Emperor waved dismissively. Situ bowed and moved to a corner of the room.

The Heir strode into the hall and hesitated when he saw Situ in a corner of the room. He bowed to the Emperor. "My greetings, Father."

"You may rise." The Emperor showed no trace of what he thought. "Why are you here at this hour instead of spending time with your mother?"

"Father," the Heir replied with joy apparent on his face, "I have uncovered the identity of the Head of the Villa of Mount Baicha and am here to report to you, Father." The Heir watched Situ closely for a reaction, but Situ did not so much as look at him, seemingly unconcerned about the issue. The Heir was glad to see that and quickly turned to look at the Emperor.

Unfortunately, the Emperor did not look as elated as he hoped, but was calm and collected. "It seems that you have obtained even more capable advisors and followers, seeing as how you were able to solve this case as soon as you were able to leave your residence, while even the Minister of the Right is struggling to obtain even a clue."

The Heir's heart skipped a beat, afraid that he'd infuriated the Emperor and he quickly tried to explain himself. "I just wanted to share your burden as much as I could, Father. I'm sure the Minister harbours the same intentions as me, but I'd started my investigation before he had started. You did not ban me from my investigations, and this is just because I'd wanted to help you as much as I could. I didn't mean anything else!"

The Emperor's face softened somewhat upon hearing the Heir's proclamation of loyalty. "It seems that you have indeed put much thought into this, and I'm grateful for that. Now tell me: who is the Head of the Villa? Will he obey the orders of the court?"

The Heir looked a little smug. "Father, please read the transcript of the interrogation I have with me before I answer your question." He smiled at the Imperial Attendant and handed a few bamboo slats over.

As the Emperor read through the transcript, the Heir turned to Situ. "You have been very busy these days, Duke of Anping. Thank you for doing so many things for Father, so that he can get some rest."

Situ bowed in return. "You flatter me, your Highness; that is merely my duty. You have also been hard at work these days."

The Heir relaxed upon seeing Situ's attitude. He turned back to the Emperor.

The Emperor showed no trace of emotion on his face, but his voice had deepened. "I'd wanted to recruit the Villa of Mount Baicha when I saw their ability and kindness towards the people, but to think that they'd not only refused your recruitment but even said such treasonous things! What do they mean by that 'the Jianghu and the kingdom are not the same'? If they are indeed so foolish, I shall not put in any more effort. Tell me, my heir: who is the Head of the Villa?"

Situ's hands moved, hidden in his sleeves. I never thought that the Heir would do something so foolish.

The Heir had expected the Emperor to fly into a rage, but the Emperor remained calm instead. However, he assumed that the Emperor was merely fatigued from his imperial duties and quickly jumped at the chance, speaking indignantly. "The Head of the Villa is the Inspector of the Imperial Granaries, Inspector Gan Qingjia.  I'd tried to convince him to confess his identity, but all he did was to mock me, his confidence boosted by the immense wealth he held in his hands. I did not want you to be kept in the dark, Father, and did my own investigation. It was only then did I find out that his men have been spreading many bad things about the court in public, misleading the people of the kingdom."