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Xi Hongxuan spoke with such certainty that Shen Zechuan just had to look askance at him. But Xi Hongxuan was not willing to continue discussing further and merely said, “You don’t have a proper place to stay now, so it’s not convenient to keep Qi Huilian around. Why not leave him with me?”
“It isn’t appropriate to leave a raving looney at your place either.” Shen Zechuan said calmly. “What do you want him for?”
“In my opinion.” Xi Hongxuan held out his hand flat, like a hand blade. “The best option would be to finish him off. It’s inadvisable to get yourself involved with all those old affairs. The more you know, the worse it’ll be for you.” Xi Hongxuan brandished his hand and looked at Shen Zechuan. “Or are you unwilling to?”
Shen Zechuan said, “Of course I’m unwilling to. He’s an old minister during the reign of Yongyi. He knows Shen Wei well. I have a use for keeping him alive.”
If Shen Zechuan had agreed readily, Xi Hongxuan would not have believed him easily. So he said it with seventy percent truth and thirty percent falsehood to throw Xi Hongxuan off.
As expected, Xi Hongxuan made no further mention of killing him. He said, “Are you still thinking of investigating Shen Wei’s case? You should have said so earlier. Lanzhou, do you have to go so far as to hide this bit of matter from me?”
“When have I ever hidden it from you?” Shen Zechuan smiled as he lifted the teapot and poured tea for Xi Hongxuan. “Isn’t this matter obvious? As long as Shen Wei remains guilty, I’ll never be able to live honorably.”
“The evidence against him is conclusive, and his infamy has already been deeply impressed on everyone’s mind. Even if the charge against him is dropped, it will not be enough to convince the masses.” Xi Hongxuan said, “A felony like selling his country to seek personal glory is something that can never be scrubbed clean, even over several lifetimes. Plus, it’s pointless to just rely on the imperial court’s pardon alone. There are many kinds of rumors in this world. He, Shen Wei, has already been crucified to death under the spray of spittle. Poor you. I can only advise you to forget about this matter. It’s not something you’ll be able to clear up!”
Shen Zechuan silently set down the teapot.
Seeing the atmosphere growing heavier, Xi Hongxuan continued, “You are already now an Imperial Bodyguard of fifth grade, and you still take those rumors and slanders to heart? Please don’t. Look ahead. You’ve done a good job on this mission, so you should be getting a promotion, yes?”
Shen Zechuan said, “Nothing is confirmed yet. I haven’t even settled down in my post of Southern Judge. Charging all the way up to the top isn’t necessarily a good thing.”
“This time, you and I have to act carefully. We are really gambling with our lives here.” Xi Hongxuan tucked his fox fur properly and said, “We have to investigate and get to the bottom of this matter. The other party is hiding in the dark, while we are out there exposed in the open. If we can’t get to the bottom of the matter, then it would be hard to guard against the enemy. I’m the one who got crushed this time. But what about the next time? You should watch out too. It’s inconvenient for me to stay for long here today. Lanzhou, I’ll see you at the residence in a few days.”
Saying so, Xi Hongxuan rose to his feet and surveyed the surroundings again.
“This courtyard seems decent to me. If you don’t have enough money, just let me know. Just don’t take what happened today to heart, alright?”
YOU ARE READING
Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)
Historical Fiction*Re-edited and intended for offline purpose only* The six prefectures of Zhongbo were surrendered to foreign enemies without resistance, and Shen Zechuan found himself apprehended in the capital, reduced to a state of utter disgrace, despised and co...
