Chapter 609: Catastrophe
....Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The representatives from the Public House arrived at Shanglin before those from the Empress Dowager – the middle-aged man and his young a.s.sociate who had visited previously.
“Governor Su, we meet again.”
“Governor Li, please.” Su Bin ushered them into the study, maintaining a reserved demeanor.
Once in the study, Governor Li informed Su Bin that he was now under the Lord State Duke’s authority. He went on to clarify, “The late emperor and Lord State Duke were originally aligned.”
This meant that following the late emperor’s demise, Governor Li had become solely accountable to Lord State Duke.
“After the late emperor’s pa.s.sing, the new emperor a.s.sumed the throne. Given the recent transition, everything was in flux. However, a significant event occurred during this delicate period.”
“Governor Su, you must be aware that the Third Prince attempted to a.s.sa.s.sinate the new emperor at the funeral.”
Su Bin nodded. “I received a notice. I am aware of the situation.’
The report detailed the Third Prince’s crimes, including a portrait and a directive for local officials to be vigilant for any suspicious individuals. If anyone resembling the Third Prince was identified, they were to be apprehended immediately and reported to higher authorities for transportation back to the capital.
Once the Third Prince acknowledged his wrongdoing and was banished from the capital, returning would be strictly prohibited. Resisting such a decree could result in ruthless execution.
Officials caught aiding the Third Prince would be deemed his accomplices. Stripped of their positions, they and their families faced execution.
This announcement essentially declared a nationwide manhunt for the Third Prince.
Governor Li abruptly questioned Su Bin, “Governor Su, do you believe that the Third Prince intends to a.s.sa.s.sinate the new emperor?”
Su Bin affirmed, “Yes.’
The Third Prince harbored deep-seated animosity towards the new emperor, likely nurturing intentions of causing him harm.
However, Su Bin doubted the Third Prince’s involvement during the wake.
Insider information obtained by the Dragon Phoenix Hall indicated that the Third Prince was coerced into attempting the a.s.sa.s.sination. It appeared that the new emperor, acting covertly without the Public House’s knowledge, sought to shift blame onto them.
Governor Li, wearing a faint frown, inquired, “Why do you believe that?”
Su Bin smiled knowingly, “As an official of the Imperial Court, shouldn’t you
trust the court’s official announcements?”
Governor Li reciprocated the smile, saying, “Governor Su, you are quite cautious.”
“Actually,” he continued, “I’ve made it clear that I am aligned with Lord State
Duke. Governor Su, if you have differing views, why not express them openly to
Su Bin feigned confusion, asking, “Governor Li, what do you mean? I don’t understand.”
It was evident that Su Bin was playing the fool.
Governor Li ceased beating around the bush. “Let me be frank with you. Lord State Duke and the new emperor differ in their perspectives. The new emperor, being young and headstrong, disregards Lord State Duke’s counsel.”
“In the case of the Third Prince’s supposed a.s.sa.s.sination attempt, Lord State Duke was incensed because the Third Prince hadn’t attempted any a.s.sa.s.sination at all!”
Su Bin pretended to be surprised. “There’s… such a revelation?”
Governor Li hushed his tone and warned, “Governor Su, this is confidential. Do not disclose it.”
Su Bin promptly acknowledged, “I understand!”
“But why would His Majesty do that?”
“The Emperor has always perceived the Third Prince as a threat to his throne. Additionally, he possesses a vindictive nature, marked by impulsiveness and stubbornness.”
Su Bin gestured dismissively, saying, “Governor Li, let’s end this discussion!” “This isn’t a matter for us to delve into.
Governor Li smiled and remarked, “Governor Su, you are quite cautious!” “There’s a reason behind my disclosure.”
“In fact, I’m here to impart some information to Governor Su.. Governor Su is on the brink of facing a catastrophe!”