Chapter 512: Flanked by soldiers (1/2)

Chapter 512: Flanked by soldiers

Translator: Sparrow TranslationsEditor: Sparrow Translations

...

Inside the Stabilization Constabulary...

Chi Hou was dressed in a blue robe. He toyed with a white chess piece as he looked at the chessboard. Then, he looked up at the stars and sighed.

”Brother Yuanguo, let's stop here.” Chi Hou prepared to stand up.

”What's wrong? It's rare that you're in the city. Why don't you accompany me and play a couple more rounds?” Xing Yuanguo, dressed in a purplish golden robe, chuckled and pressed Chi Hou back down.

”Haha, Brother Yuanguo, what are you saying? Why would I be unwilling to play a couple more rounds? However, the moon is bright tonight and I want to take a walk.” Chi Hou chuckled.

”The city is not the safest of places tonight. Brother Hong, are you sure you want to take a walk?” Xing Yuanguo advised.

”No matter how bad it is, this is still the capital. Nothing bad can happen.” Chi Hou replied.

”That's true. The capital is generally quite safe. I will not stop you from taking a walk, but you must at least finish this round!” Xing Yuanguo nodded.

”Mm... okay!” Chi Hou nodded and refocused on the chessboard.

This was a game that should have been decided long ago. There was a clear winner - white had every advantage.

However, Xing Yuanguo had no intention to concede.

In fact, he took advantage of Chi Hou's carelessness to regain his footing in the game. Chi Hou had no choice but to focus.

It was late at night...

Xing Yuanguo frowned as he held the black chess piece in his hand. He simply could not make up his mind. He paused for almost 10 minutes.

Chi Hou looked away from the chess board and back at the dark sky and flickering stars.

At that moment, a soldier in shining armor entered the yard and walked towards Xing Yuanguo and Chi Hong.

”Greetings, Lords!”

”Mm, summarize what happened in the capital tonight for us.” Xing Yuanguo replied calmly as he looked at the soldier and Chi Hou.

”Yes, sir!” The soldier nodded. ”Fang Zhengzhi was attacked at the Seven Star Lane by Southern Region messengers. However, he was not injured. The assailants were captured and sent to the Ministry of Law on the Ninth Prince's advice. They are in jail now.”

”I got it. You may leave now.” Xing Yuanguo waved the soldier away.

”Yes, sir!” The soldier bowed and took his leave.

Chi Hou squinted and stood up. He seemed rather anxious as he looked at the soldier leave.

”Brother Yuanguo, we can play anytime. Why don't we...”

”Brother Hong! I will definitely let you go to the city once we're done. I'm sure you won't disappoint me!” Xing Yuanguo sounded displeased.

”Erm... I'm sorry! I will not disappoint you!” Chi Hou froze and grit his teeth. Then, he took his seat but the anxiety on his face was more obvious by the second.

”Brother Hong, as part of the 13 Constabularies, we have always been on the same side. I will not stop you from doing what you want to do. However, you mustn't forget that we are all working for one goal!”

”Brother Yuanguo, I have always been loyal to the 13 Constabularies...”

”Enough, let's finish this game first. I will accompany you to walk around later. I will also give you a reply as to your proposed candidate for Minister of Law.”

”Thank you, Brother.” Chi Hou was slightly stunned to hear Xing Yuanguo mention the Minister of Law candidate. However, he smiled to cover up the anxiety he was feeling.

...

The Ministry of Law was one of the six ministries and controlled the prisons. There were one minister and three assistant ministers. They were the Left, Center, and Right Assistant Minister.

Ever since Minister Wan Chong had been locked up, many of the cases had been left hanging. Tonight, the Ministry of Law was not going to be quiet.

The Left and Center Assistant Ministers waited anxiously at the gate.

At that moment, a figure dressed in bright red official robes walked up to the gate.

”Prime Minister!” The two assistant minister stood up from their chairs and walked over to welcome the figure.

”Mm, it's been tough on both of you. I am really sorry that I have to ask both of you to make the trip here at such a late time!” Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping smiled.

”Prime Minister, you are too kind. We are just doing our job.” The two assistant ministers shook their heads and replied.

”Good!” Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping nodded as he looked at the corner. ”Right Assistant Minister Wen Chuan didn't come?”

”Prime Minister, Wen Chuan's son, Wen Dabao, was at the Seven Star Lane today. I heard that he is still unconscious. Wen Chuan is probably still there.” The two assistant minister replied truthfully.

”He's still at the Seven Star Lane? That Wen Chuan... he pampers his child too much! To think that... aish, since he's not here, I will have to trouble the two of you!” Yu Yiping's gaze was cold.

”We await your orders!” The two assistant ministers replied, a slight glow in their eyes.

Wen Chuan's absence was a good thing for them.

After all...

The Minister of Law position was still unfilled. Wen Chuan's absence today would only serve to improve their chances of eventually getting that position.

The Crown Prince was in charge and the Left Prime Minister was his second in command,

This was the perfect opportunity for them to prove themselves. If Wen Chuan was going to ignore his official duties, it would only serve to cost him.

”Okay then, I shall not waste any time. Arrange for the people to be released from jail.” Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping was straightforward.

”Prime Minister, rest assured. We already have the people in place inside the jail to retrieve our captives. However, the perimeter...” The Left Assistant Minister was hesitant.

”The city guards have surrounded the Ministry of Law. Why don't we strike in the jail...” The Center Assistant Minister suggested.

”No!” Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping shook his head. ”I am slightly surprised that King Duan would surround the ministry. However, it would be inappropriate if they were to die in jail!”

”The Prime Minister is right. Now that the ministry has been surrounded, any loss of life inside the ministry would only further King Duan's cause. Then, he may have an advantage in pushing his candidate for Minister of Law...”

”Mm, all we can do is try to get them out of the Ministry of Law. Once that is done, we can get rid of them and also blame King Duan for obstruction of justice!” Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping's tone was icy.