The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 155 : Xiao Shao, the Jealous Lord

Translated by : Mazu

Edited by : Anks & Ely

**********

In the imperial study, the Emperor observed the young man in front of him with severity. "Zhen wonders when Imperial Grand Tutor Liu first became concerned with Hong'an Junzhu's affairs."

"This subject is simply carrying out his duties. There's no harm in waiting for a little longer, especially since there are a lot of questions in regards to this case. The Ministry of Justice will continue its investigation for a few more days. A trial in court will increase everyone's confidence." Liu Min was neither modest nor arrogant. The young man had never formed cliques for his selfish gain. Even though he was new to the officialdom, he had made great achievements in the imperial court. And even now, he remained dignified and calm when confronted with the Emperor's inquisitive gaze.

A book landed on Liu Min with a thud, and the Emperor yelled with a stern face. "Zhen is asking when did you become so concerned about Hong'an Junzhu's affairs!"

The eyes and ears of the monarch of the realm were everywhere in the palace. Some days, it was inevitable to hear rumours. The Emperor was already displeased with Liu Min, but Liu Min still stood upright, his expression unchanged, and continued to give his response in a quiet voice. "This subject is simply carrying out his duties as a minister. There's no ulterior motive."

Eunuch Li gave the person opposite him a quick glance. The young man was noble, benevolent, and appeared gentle; nonetheless, he possessed the scholar's obstinacy and pride. This man was cultivated by the Emperor for the future of Great Jin, but even after touching upon a sensitive subject[1], he still had the appearance of being unwilling to give up until his goal was achieved. Eunuch Li pondered in his mind. This afternoon, General Zhao had visited, and Empress Dowager Yi De had also spoken. Even though Xiao Shao did not speak, knowing his temperament, he too would definitively not stand passively by. And now, even Liu Min, the candid and outspoken[2] Imperial Grand Tutor, was speaking to the Emperor. Sure enough, Hong'an Junzhu, the eldest di daughter of the Jiang family, was not an ordinary person. Unfortunately, given that Liu Min had made his remarks whilst the Emperor was in a foul mood, he had quite possibly added fuel to the fire. It was not a good strategy.

[1] 拂逆鳞 (fúnì lín) – touching the scale at the bottom of a dragon's throat, means offending the monarch, touching someone's sensitive subject.

[2] 直臣 (zhí chén) – the official who dares to remonstrate against the Emperor bluntly.

The Emperor gazed coldly at Liu Min before slapping the table fiercely. "Not having an ulterior motive indeed! Since you have all come here one by one to intercede for Hong'an, how about zhen grants you even more days? Zhen would like to see what other evidence you can provide! Get out!"

The Emperor's countenance was so filled with rage that Liu Min could only bow and retreat in a low voice. Eunuch Li whispered, "Your Majesty need not be overly concerned. What Imperial Grand Tutor Liu stated is not without reason. I fear that there is something odd about this matter. I'm worried some people intended to cause a commotion. Therefore, it would be better to wait a few extra days."

"Are you taking zhen for a fool?" The Emperor scanned the ledger on the table with a somewhat exasperated look. "Zhen just doesn't understand how they were intoxicated by Jiang Ruan. Could she really be a siren?"

* * *

After leaving the imperial study and exiting the palace, Liu Min suddenly made the journey to the prison where the Ministry of Justice held its prisoners. The warden, who was initially stunned at seeing him, quickly stood up to greet him. "I was unaware that Imperial Grand Tutor was coming today. What can I do for you?"