0950: A Tangled Mystery! Is Old Zhu Really Dead? (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Votes)

"Should I or shouldn't I?"

The question did not even make a full turn in Zhu Yunwen's mind before he answered decisively with a smile. "I can make decisions for everyone in Ming State, but I alone cannot make decisions for you, King of Comrades. So long as you believe it should be done, I will support it unconditionally!"

"Good!"

Divine light shot from Jiang Dali's eyes. After studying Zhu Yunwen for a while, he smiled faintly. "A ruler's word is no jest! Your Majesty truly is a clever man. I enjoy dealing with clever people like you."

A fierce humiliation suddenly surged within Zhu Yunwen, but he quickly forced it down. Turning his head slightly, he pretended to admire the scenery beyond the window, not daring to meet the gaze that seemed capable of seeing into his very soul. He smiled as calmly as he could.

"Everything I have now was given to me by you, King of Comrades. Without you, Ming State might still be trapped in the misery of civil strife. Whatever request you make, Yunwen will naturally respect it and do everything in my power to fulfill it."

Jiang Dali let out a bold, unrestrained laugh. He rose from the table and chairs and walked to the window. Standing with his hands behind his back and facing away from Zhu Yunwen, he said, "When the birds are gone, the good bow is stored away; when the cunning rabbits are dead, the hunting hounds are cooked.

"Throughout history, whenever a new emperor ascended the throne, he would kill off some of the loyal ministers who had rendered great service in the past. It is truly rare for Your Majesty to remember such things so clearly."

"You overpraise me, King of Comrades. How could Yunwen possibly—?"

In his