Chapter 330 - Bargain Bin (1/2)
Monk Du knit his brows and sighed, ”My Master does not like interfering with the lives of people. I made that decision on my own to take your mother along without consulting my Master. I thought that her case was different - is different, so I believed that I could persuade my master to see her...”
”... But when the Empress dowager did not show up at the appointed time, it appeared that she was not taking her situation as seriously as I thought. I was already taking a risk by taking her without permission and my Master is not someone to be taken lightly, he is not to be toyed with. So I decided to spare the trouble and return first to discuss your mother's case with him...” He finished politely, bowing again.
The Emperor raised an eyebrow, ”And you didn't think to inform us of this conclusion before departing?”
”You know your mother better than I do... Do you think she would have easily accepted that?” Monk Du asked, looking up at the Emperor with a knowing expression.
Eunuch Li furrowed his brows and jumped in, ”Do you know that an innocent woman died because of your ill-thought action?” He irritatedly asked, annoyed at the insult thrown at his ”friend”, the Empress dowager. Even though he had witnessed her irrationality, she was not entirely beyond reason or so he liked to believe.
Monk Du turned to Eunuch Li and solemnly said, ”An unfortunate consequence... But every person is responsible for their actions. I am sure you know better than I the road that led to that woman's death.”
Eunuch Li frowned, but before he could rebut, the Emperor glanced at Eunuch Li and said, ”Enough...” They both knew the Empress dowager's situation better than anyone else. It was true that she would not have been receptive to the thought of having to wait for permission to be granted to get an audience with anyone. If the position of the Emperor meant nothing to the woman, what would some random monk?
”I take it that you have now received permission...from this Master of yours.” The Emperor casually said, turning back to Monk Du.
”Yes, Your majesty...” He responded, bowing again.
”Alright then, your business is with the Empress dowager...Why am I here?” The Emperor asked in the same casual tone.
Monk Du slightly nodded and then got down on his knees, then cupped his hands, and bowed his head, ”I have a favor to ask...”
The Emperor was not surprised and neither was Eunuch Li, The Emperor slightly let out a breath and then casually asked, ”Does your ability to help the Empress dowager depend on this favor?”
Monk Du knit his brows and hesitated for a bit before responding, ”... Possibly.”
The Emperor raised an eyebrow and lightly smirked, ”Possibly?... Alright, what is this favor that you need?”
Monk Du bowed his head again, showing gratitude for the listening ear, then he went on to explain, ”A long time ago, a member of the Chun family gave me a helping hand and in the process of this, they lost their life for the sake of my own battle. With his dying breath, the father entrusted his little daughter to me and pleaded that I secure his family bloodline. I took the girl under my wings and have lived by that promise...this promise extends to the lives of the twins of the Chun family. The same twins that have now branded fugitives with bounties placed on their heads...”
”They have committed crimes for which they have to answer for...” The Emperor simply informed.
”I am aware that they attacked the Empress dowager and that is a grave crime... but I ask for your understanding. They meant no harm to the Empress dowager, it was simply the desperate act out of worry for a loved one.” Monk Du responded bowing his head again, ”I am sure Your Majesty can appreciate a will to protect... Please accept this apology.” Monk Du finished, kowtowing.
The Emperor was quiet for a bit and Eunuch Li worriedly looked at the Emperor, trying to send a message with his eyes but the Emperor was not looking his way, but to his relief, the Emperor went on to say, ”... I can understand that they felt panicked in such situation and in their panic, they became reckless. Considering that they simply retrieved their person and sought to retreat, a pardon is possible.”
Monk Du's looked up with a smile and bowed again, ”I thank your Maj-”
”Don't thank me yet.” The Emperor interjected, causing Monk Du to blink up at him in confusion. The Emperor then went on to say, ”Since you brought it up, there is something I want to ask you...” The Emperor calmly interjected.
”Please ask.” Monk Du swiftly went, although he did feel that things were going to be as simple as he hoped.