"Someone from the Princess's residence sent word that the驸马 (consort) has woken up," Xue Zi Ning said, steeling herself. She felt a pang of guilt towards Sun Zi Han, not even sparing a comatose person.
Prince Jing's anger subsided somewhat upon hearing this news. "Good, I understand. You may withdraw!"
Xue Zi Ning was taken aback. She couldn't leave yet; Jiang Bei hadn't departed.
Seeing she didn't move, Prince Jing coldly asked, "Why aren't you leaving?"
"Your subordinate..." Xue Zi Ning began to sweat. She didn't know what topic to find. The Great Wind Novel Network.
Just then, a voice suddenly came from outside, "Your Highness, Mister Li requests an audience!"
Prince Jing sneered upon hearing this, "One person disturbing me is not enough, and now another is coming. Go tell someone to come and help me get dressed."
"Yes, your subordinate will go at once." Xue Zi Ning quickly stepped out, thinking how timely Mister Li's arrival was in rescuing her.
After calling the maids in, Prince Jing emerged a moment later. As he passed her, he glanced at her, his gaze exceptionally cold.
After Prince Jing left, she hurried into his chambers. She saw Jiang Bei, half-naked, slumped on the floor, a smear of blood on his nose, some of it already dried.
She quickly stepped forward to check Jiang Bei's breathing. Fortunately, he was still alive.
In the study, Prince Jing looked at Mister Li and said coldly, "Does Mister Li have something to discuss?"
"I have discovered the truth behind the resignations of the Minister of Works and the Minister of Revenue," Mister Li said slowly.
"Speak," Prince Jing said.
"Before they resigned, they met with Zhou Huai."
"Zhou Huai?" Prince Jing felt he couldn't recall the name.
"The Minister of Personnel who has been claiming to be ill," Mister Li stated.
Prince Jing then remembered, "So it's him, the Minister of Personnel, who has been using the excuse of poor health since I took office and refused to attend court."
"Precisely, the Minister of Personnel, Zhou Huai," Mister Li confirmed.
Prince Jing let out a cold laugh, "So it was him. I truly didn't expect it. The one who was weak and incompetent, the first to submit to me, is actually the one who betrayed me." As he spoke, he clenched his teacup with such force that it shattered.
Mister Li's gaze flickered with a quick, almost imperceptible, glint of light.
"Your Highness, how should this matter be handled?" Mister Li inquired.
"I wish to see this Zhou Huai. Where is he now?" Prince Jing looked up and asked Mister Li.
"I have already ordered men to secure the Minister of Personnel's residence," Mister Li replied.
"Good." Prince Jing stood up and called out loudly, "Mister Li, you have done very well. Lead the way, I wish to see this Zhou Huai."
"Your Highness, please!" Mister Li said.
Prince Jing nodded and walked out of the study.
After settling Jiang Bei, Xue Zi Ning was called out. Prince Jing was leaving the residence, and as a fourth-rank imperial guard with a sword, she was supposed to accompany him. However, thinking of Jiang Bei's ordeal, she no longer had a good impression of Prince Jing. Yet, she had to persevere; after all, she still needed to gather information about Feng Hua.
She silently followed behind Prince Jing, hoping her silence would lessen her presence. To her surprise, Prince Jing seemed quite happy and didn't even notice her.
This gave her a slight sense of relief, but then she felt she was overthinking. How could Prince Jing possibly dwell on a mere guard like her? He had probably forgotten her by now.
Her eyes landed on the figure in a black cloak walking alongside Prince Jing. She recognized this person. If her memory served her correctly, this was Mister Li, whom Prince Jing trusted greatly.
As if sensing her gaze, Mister Li, who was about to enter the carriage, paused for a moment and then looked in her direction. She saw a pair of clear, cold eyes looking at her indifferently.
It felt as if the frost of a deep night had pierced into her body.
Prince Jing, who had already entered the carriage, suddenly said, "Mister Li?"
Mister Li withdrew his gaze and directly entered the carriage.
Xue Zi Ning breathed a sigh of relief. This Mister Li also seemed like a person not to be trifled with.
Through the carriage window, Prince Jing looked in the direction Mister Li had just gazed and smiled, "What? Mister Li fancies my guard?"
Mister Li lowered his eyes. His large black cloak concealed all his vision, but he quickly raised his head. However, the cloak still hid most of his face. "Your Highness, are you willing to part with her?"
Prince Jing laughed heartily, then sobered, "I am not willing."
After speaking, Prince Jing looked at him, his gaze sharp.
Mister Li said indifferently, "Your Highness, rest assured, I have no interest in anyone belonging to Your Highness."
"Haha..." Prince Jing laughed, "Mister Li, do not misunderstand. I was merely joking with Mister Li just now. If Mister Li desires any guard, just mention it to me, and I will certainly fulfill Mister Li's request."
Mister Li replied calmly, "I have not yet encountered that person. If I do, I will naturally tell Your Highness."
"Very well, I shall wait," Prince Jing said.
"Then Your Highness must not go back on your word," Mister Li said, glancing at Prince Jing.
Hearing this, Prince Jing sobered and said seriously, "Mister Li, rest assured, my word is as binding as four horses pulling a chariot."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"You are too kind, Mister Li. As long as Mister Li works for me, I will not mistreat you."
Mister Li fell silent. Prince Jing had grown accustomed to his silence.
Through the carriage window, Mister Li looked outside. The direction he saw was precisely where that slender figure stood. Soon, he withdrew his gaze, his voluminous cloak concealing all his vision and expression.
The carriage stopped. Someone outside said, "Your Highness, we have arrived!"
Prince Jing stood up, the carriage curtain was lifted, and he stepped out. He looked at the three large characters for Minister's Residence and sneered.
Soldiers were stationed outside the Minister's Residence gate. Upon seeing Prince Jing, they all bowed.
Prince Jing walked up and asked one of the guards, "Where is the Minister of Personnel?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, no one from the Minister's Residence has come out, not even an ant has managed to escape," the guard replied.
"Good, I shall reward you handsomely!" Prince Jing said joyfully.
Entering the Minister's Residence, he saw a vast expanse of people kneeling in the courtyard.
Prince Jing approached one person and said coldly, "Zhou Huai, it is not easy to finally meet you."
Zhou Huai raised his head and merely laughed, laughing hysterically as if driven mad, "Prince Jing, I have nothing to say now that I have been captured by you. Do as you wish, kill or torture me."