Inside the Imperial study room, Zhao Zhang Wei stood silently with his head lowered in front of the Emperor after telling whatever Xi Ying had said.
He didn't hear anything from the Emperor but waited patiently.
On the other hand, Zhao Wang Lei's gaze was very cold as he stared at nothing in particular.
However, his mind was swirling with thoughts.
In his mind flashed the picture of General Li Heng standing in front of him in the Imperial Court.
Fourteen years ago said words, no ....a threat,?was still afresh in his mind as if they were said just yesterday..
Why wouldn't they be?
That was the first time when he, the Emperor of Xin, was threatened by someone.
At that time, only he knew just how much he had been furious, however, he could do nothing except bearing his anger and taking a step back.
Why?
Because he doesn't have that power.
As an Emperor he had to step back even after being threatened, how infuriating and ridiculous it was for him….only he knew.
Now fourteen years after, just half shichen ago, the Young Minister whom he had always trusted, whom he had thought that was completely on his side was standing at the same place and he did the same thing.
Filled with doubts, Zhao Wang Lei suddenly didn't know what was going on.
How come the young Minister who used to hate General Li's daughter now suddenly stood up against him for her?
Just more than a month ago he had accepted the same thing in front of him.
For a moment, Zhao Wang Lei felt that he couldn't trust Prime Minister Xi anymore.
Raising his head, he looked at his second son with whom he had never talked much.
"Second Prince, what do you suggest? What do you think Zhen should do?"
Zhao Zhang Wei's eyes flickered with surprise followed by mockery when he heard the Emperor's question. Since his head was lowered, Zhao Wang Lei couldn't see those emotions.
"Your Majesty is indeed in a very difficult situation. We can't dishonor Her Majesty or the first Princess anymore and at the same time, we can't let Prime Minister Xi leave the court. This one has heard when Prime Minister Xi's father had left the Imperial Court then the court was in disarray for many years because there were many problems that only a capable Prime Minister could solve and hence indicates the need of Prime Minister Xi in the Imperial Court. And that's the only reason that every generation of Imperial Clan has tolerated the arrogant attitude of Xi Clan's generation."
Zhao Wang Lei was silent.
Xi Clan has been the need of the Empire for many years. It was a truth.
A thoughtful look could be seen on his face as he said
"Second son is right. Go ahead with whatever you have to say."
In response, Zhao Zhang Wei humbly lowered his head and continued
"Saving the honor of Her Majesty and satisfying the Prime Minister Xi's wish for justice….this one suggests that Your Majesty should look into Lady Li's matter."
Zhao Wang Lei's lips were pressed in a thin line as he asked coldly
"What about it? A decision that had already been taken many years ago…what can we do about it now?"
This time Zhao Zhang Wei raised his head and smiled gently as he said
"There is one way. Your Majesty can…"
As he continued, Zhao Wang Lei indeed seemed to be thinking over his words until the door of the study room was knocked.
A frown marred the Emperor's face as he said
"Enter."
When Eunuch Wang entered he knew that he had displeased the Emperor by disturbing him in between but he could do nothing except bowing his head as he said
"This servant apologizes for disturbing Your Majesty. Your Majesty, the First Princess requests to see you. She is saying that it is urgent."
From the corner of his eye, Zhao Zhang Wei noticed that the Emperor looked colder and displeased after hearing what the Eunuch said.
Confusion flashed through his eyes.
'Doesn't he favor Wenling the most?"
The Emperor soon composed his expression and said
"Allow the Princess."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The old Eunuch bowed and took his leave.
Zhao Zhang Wei understood that it was his turn to leave so he bowed his head and said
"Your Majesty, then this one should also take his leave now."
Zhao Wang Lei grunted in acknowledgment. When Zhao Zhang Wei was about to step outside of the study room when he heard the Emperor's voice from behind.
"Zhang Wei."
Perhaps it was the first time he had heard the Emperor calling him by his name so he was startled and halted amidst his steps.
"Your mother must be very happy to see the man you have become. Father has high hopes from you. Don't disappoint father like your elder brother?"
A smile full of mockery was spread on Zhao Zhang Wei's lips and his fist was clenched.
It seems that he had found him useful now.
He turned around and bowed his head while saying.
"This one will never disappoint Your Majesty."
All the while his eyes were so cold that if Zhao Wang Lei had looked into them then perhaps he had understood his thoughts, his hatred.
And perhaps he could have avoided what he would face in the future.
The Retribution.
----------
Princess Wenling stepped inside the study room and performed a bow.
"Wenling greets Father Emperor."
She didn't dare to raise her head as she was afraid that her father would be angry with her for whatever happened in the Imperial Court.
"What does Princess wish to say so urgently?"
Princess Wenling pinched her hand mercilessly as teardrops started to fall from her eyes.
"Father Emperor, daughter is very guilty for whatever she did in the Imperial Court. It must be this daughter's fault. This daughter must have said something wrong making Prime Minister Xi angry. This daughter had thought that by putting a proposal in front of Li Rui, this one would enhance the greatness of the Imperial Clan in front of the people. However, in turn, this daughter only increased the problems for Father Emperor."
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