Blood of Deception [ON HOLD]

Chapter Twenty Two

"Thank you, Your Majesty," said the Grand Duke of Anhui as the King refilled his cup with more wine.

The royal family dined at the lotus pavilion. This year offered an exceptional arrival of the Grand Duke and his esteemed son from a lengthy journey to the east only a few weeks before the celebration. A respective dining place was proposed to grant private hospitality for the great lords.

Around the table sat the sovereign and his consort, his two advisors, Junqian and Jianguo, along with their two guests. Below the platform stood the servants and a band of soldiers stationed nearby. Oil lamps attached to the pavilion pillars gave off a steady light.

"You've come a long way here, Zuishan. Make yourself at home," the King said to the Duke, who was seated across the round table.

Hong Zuishan was a distant relative to the royal bloodline and unfortunately the only kin left of the family. The title of Grand Duke had been given to his predecessors since the beginning of the kingdom. They were in charge of the Isolated Coast, a remote region located southmost of Anhui where criminals charged with treason or heinous crimes were thrown in the dungeons there.

Zuishan held his cup and bowed to the King. One could see his connection with the royal family just by the color of his eyes, amber a few shades darker than the King's gold. His son's attire was of the same warm hue.

"It's regrettable that furen and Leiyun are not able to join us," said the Queen. "I have been waiting to see how fine a lady she's become."

The Duke placed his cup down. "Leiyun caught a slight cold, so my wife is staying with her. They send their regards to Your Majesties," he said. "And you as well, Junqian."

Junqian caught a mouthful of herbal soup from passing his throat before he choked. He forced it down. The Duke watched him expectantly.

"I very much hope she gets well soon," Junqian said.

Though the procedure was barely spoken of, even a child would know that a daughter of a Grand Duke wouldn't be wedded to anyone below her father's status. That, of course, left Junqian who was fatefully and perfectly eligible. He didn't have any particular dissatisfaction, having met her sometimes in the court. But if he were to describe her with a single word, it was...overconfidence.

"My sister will be glad to hear it from you," spoke the Duke's son, Wuji. His father was pleased with his remark.

The last time Junqian saw Wuji, he was but a nervous teenager with a grand title waiting for him in the future. Now he was all broad shoulders and perceptive eyes.

"How are things going at your end, Zuishan?" the King asked beside the young advisor. He hadn't touched his food much.

"All are well," replied the Duke. "Though, I received words that there's a certain group of convicts smuggling arms into our border."

Junqian paid attention.

"My, that's troubling," put in the Queen. She set her chopsticks aside. "Have they been caught?"

"We managed to capture one," Zuishan said. "He's currently being interrogated in the dungeons. As for the weapons, I left further inspection to the southern governor."

Junqian lifted his cup and drank, thoughtful. During when Meiyue related to him of the group with tattoos, he'd dispatched some of his men to search the Ethereal City for clues, though only to no avail, and some more to assist Kenshin in the south. Not much was heard since then.

"There is no need to worry, Your Majesty," the Duke continued. "We will handle this case."

The King consented. "I'll leave it to you."