Chapter 499: Just that wilful (1/2)

Chapter 499: Just that wilful

Translator: Sparrow TranslationsEditor: Sparrow Translations

Having been fighting with the Crown Prince for this long, King Duan had a good grasp on the affairs of the court. He knew what Chi Hou was saying.

The Crown Prince had the upper hand in the courts.

It was impossible to snatch the position of the Minister of Law from the Crown Prince in court. The only way was for the Emperor to appoint one himself.

In order to influence the Emperor, Chi Hou wasn't suggesting that they planted names in his mind. He was suggesting that they choose someone the Emperor trusted.

In that case...

There were no more than three people in the capital who the Emperor trusted. To be exact, there were two and a half.

The first one was Xing Yuanguo of the Stabilization Constabulary. As the leader of the 13 Constabularies and the pillar of the empire, the Emperor's trust in Xing Yuanguo was unequivocal.

However, Xing Yuanguo had never meddled in these affairs. The main reason was because Xing Yuanguo didn't need to.

Regardless of who was on that throne, they would value the Stabilization Constabulary equally. Furthermore, Xing Yuanguo was someone loyal only to the throne.

However, that also meant that it was near impossible to get Xing Yuanguo's support for their bid for the throne.

As for the remaining one and a half...

The half was impossible to get as well. That half was Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping. As the leader of the officials, he knew what the Emperor was thinking and the Emperor trusted his advise.

However, due to Yu Yiping's experience in the courts and politics, the Emperor only trusted half of what he said.

As for the last one...

”Do you think that I will be in time if I move now?” King Duan asked as he thought about it.

Having fought with the Crown Prince for so many years, King Duan knew his elder brother well. His brother would probably recommend someone for the position the next morning. His recommendation would also be supported by the majority of officials.

”I don't know, but some movement is better than no movement.” Chi Hou shook his head and sipped his tea.

”I understand. I will make the necessary arrangements.” King Duan looked at Mr. Hua and Old Wen. He made his decision quickly when he saw them nod.

”Wise choice.” Chi Hou continued to sip his tea, almost as though he didn't notice King Duan's actions.

...

Early the next morning...

The Crown Prince wore his official robes and arrived at the courts early. Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping and the other officials had arrived early as well.

They were having their own little discussions.

King Duan and Chi Hou arrived one after the other. They saw this and understood what was happening immediately. However, their expressions didn't change.

The officials immediately stopped their discussions and walked over to greet Chi Hou. Then, they extended various invites to him.

Some invited him for a meal, others for a hunt, or a race, or tea...

Time flew by...

The court session was about to commence. Just as they stopped their discussions and waited for the session to start, Eunuch Wei entered the room.

”The Emperor is not feeling well. The session has been canceled!” Eunuch Wei announced to the dismay of the officials.

”Eunuch Wei, the Emperor was fine yesterday. What happened?” One of the officials stepped forward and whispered when he saw the cue from Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping.

Eunuch Wei glanced at Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping and hesitated. ”People can fall sick at any time. Isn't that right, Official Li?” was the reply.

”Yes yes yes, Eunuch Wei is correct. However, we have something important to discuss with the Emperor. What is his condition like?”

”The doctor estimates that he would be out for two to three days at least, five to six at most.”

”Oh, that's good to hear. Could we know where the Emperor is resting? If it is convenient, could you please help us pass...”

”The Emperor is in the residence of Imperial Concubine Huafei. If you want to pass him anything, you can kneel and wait for him at the entrance.” Eunuch Wei waved Official Li off.

”Ahem, since the Emperor is there, we will not bother him. We will wait till he has made a full recovery.”

”The Emperor is still waiting for me to take care of him. I will take my leave now!”

”Take care!”

Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping frowned as he watched Eunuch Wei leave. He began to think to himself, ”Huafei...”

...

Since the session had been canceled, the appointment of a new Minister of Law would have to wait. Even Wan Chong's case was delayed as a result.

Wan Chong was a Minister of Law. Despite the overwhelming evidence, he could not be sentenced without the Emperor's approval.

The city seemed strangely calm but everyone knew that there were plenty of undercurrents beneath the surface.

The officials connected to Wan Chong's case grew increasingly anxious with each passing day. They were in danger until a Minister of Law was appointed from their camp.

Countless carriages passed through the streets of the capital. Every now and then, there would be minor accidents and spats.

”Move away! How dare you block the carriage of the Li Family! You must be tired of living!”

”Li Family? Who are they? Why don't you open your eyes and see who is in this carriage? If you don't move aside, I will rip the wheels off your carriage!”

”Oh wow, that's some big talk. Why don't you come and try me?!”

”Okay, I will let you understand how powerful the Zhang Family is! What are you all waiting for? Rip the wheels off his carriage!”

”You're arrogant for a small family! Charge!”

”...”

Countless carriages barged their way through the streets. However, there was one gate with a wide road but no one stopped in front of it for extended periods of time. No one fought at the gate either.

There were three words engraved on a gold sign at the gate.

Ping Yang Residence!

The residence was just adjacent to the palace and was situated in the middle of the city. However, most officials were more than happy to take a detour around it.

At that very moment, a medium sized carriage arrived from afar and stopped in front of this residence.

Then, a youth hopped off the carriage, looked around, then smiled.

”Hi brother, could you please announce my arrival? I am here to see Official Fang!” The youth walked over to the gate and asked one of the guards there.

Then, the youth produced a few fingernail-sized silver ingots.