Chapter 78: Supreme Commander’s true face 

Original and most updated translations are from volare. If read elsewhere, this chapter has been stolen. Please stop supporting theft.

Teaser:

A small sparrow flew up from the window ledge of the reception pavilion, circled around Prince Zhi’s courtyard once, and headed towards the palace.

“Grand Preceptor was already arranging for your death before His Majesty ascended the throne,” Prince Zhi said inside the pavilion as he looked at Lou Zigui. “If it was really a self-injury ruse, then you and the Grand Preceptor would’ve had to plan everything out before the late crown prince died. You betrayed His Highness Crown Prince?”

The candlelight flickered briefly in the pavilion. Lou Zigui still looked as calm as ever, his lips still curved up into a smile. “His Highness Crown Prince was unlucky,” he said to Prince Zhi. “How could an unlucky person become emperor? Moreover, even if His Highness Crown Prince had ascended the throne, his first thing would’ve been to dissolve the va.s.sal lords. Does prince think well of that?”

So Xie Wenyuan found out from Lou Zigui that I was doing business with the Northern Hu before he found me himself? 

Prince Zhi stared at Lou Zigui and couldn’t help but feel that the entire situation was too mystifying for him to untangle.

“Prince,” Lou Zigui said, “Can Song Jin accompany your caravan to leave the capital city tomorrow?”

“Is the current quarrel between His Majesty and Xie Wenyuan a sham as well?” Prince Zhi asked.

“It’s simply a power struggle,” Supreme Commander Lou replied, which was equal to saying nothing at all.

For the sake of power, His Majesty could either quarrel with the Grand Preceptor or join hands with him to dismiss the va.s.sal lords. Since Prince Zhi couldn’t get a clear answer, he simply stopped asking and nodded his head. “Tomorrow evening, have Song Jin go to the north gate.”

Lou Zigui rose and gave him a bow. “Many thanks to prince.”

Prince Zhi didn’t see him off, but simply waved a hand. “You may leave.”

Lou Zigui turned and walked out of the reception pavilion. Prince Zhi remained sitting there by himself. 

If Lou Zigui and Xie Wenyuan know that I’ve been doing deals with the Northern Hu, what of Ning Yu? Wouldn’t he know as well? Maybe I shouldn’t stay in the capital city after all, 

Prince Zhi realized with a start as he stared at the flickering candlelights.