Blood of Deception [ON HOLD]

Chapter Eleven

Junqian exited his office. Moving into the Department of Finance had really left a mark on him. Endless paperwork was pushed onto him, reports yet to proofread, and other documents that required his consent before putting to work. All because the Department Chief had granted him authority during his absence.

He headed out of the Department. It was late noon. Most of the administrators next to his office had been away for luncheon while he was still marching to the throne room on empty stomach.

Jianguo, his father, had previously assigned him with a task of summoning the King for another meeting. The conference took place every once in seven days for the ministers to share and update matters of the states, typically within the presence of the King to grant consent to some major changes. Only five days had passed since the last meeting. Junqian could only guess there were to be some pressing matters to discuss later, though the growl of his stomach was somewhat also an urgent matter at the moment.

The throne room was opened. He saw a couple of ministers still flustering up the staircase. They were just starting to prepare for the assembly. He was not late it seemed.

He headed to the King's office. It was a reddish-brown structure not far from the throne room. And there, he found the King pacing the length of the pavilion situated in the garden nearby.

Several guards stood watch. They bowed to Junqian when he approached. He dismissed them to their station before stepping onto the pavilion.

"Your Majesty," he said. The King had his back turned to him. "The conference is awaiting your arrival."

The King paced to the edge of the pavilion, overlooking the garden blooming with orange marigolds. "What have they to discuss?"

"I'm afraid I wasn't informed, Your Majesty," Junqian answered.

The King spoke again after a pause. "Has Meiyue returned?"

"No, Your Majesty. But I can send her a message if you desire." It had been four days since Meiyue departed. He often wondered what the princess might be confronting in the south. He had barely been there himself, so he understood if her father would be worried.

"Let her stay for as long as she wants," said the King. Junqian doubted if the Queen shared his tolerance.

He went closer beside the King. Sometimes it was easier to think the sovereign as his other father. "You needn't worry, Your Majesty. Meiyue also has Yuzhe by her side."

The King's brows furrowed by a fraction. "I don't understand how she managed to know him. Who is that man?"

Junqian only remarked on the second question. "I hear that he owns a renowned stable. And that he is often summoned into the First Division for his horses."

The King crossed his hands behind his back. Junqian thought there was a strange sentiment in his gaze. "It's not often we see someone of his skill," he said, lost in thoughts. Then a minute later he turned and stepped down the pavilion.

Junqian followed him to the throne room. When they were ascending the last step onto the top the King paused. His voice was only audible to him. "After they return, question that man whether he desires a workplace within the palace."

Caught off guard, the first thing Junqian could think of was Meiyue. Then he bowed to the King's back. "Yes, Your Majesty."

~~~

The town was busier today. City folks buzzed the market fair as Meiyue sauntered through. Whiff of fish and raw meat wafted in the air and the princess quickened her steps to past the section, dragging Xiaonu along with their intertwined arms.