Prince Yan had rebelled.
The news seemed to have grown wings. Within half a day, it had spread through every street and alley in the Capital City. Some were terrified, some numb, and some... secretly delighted.
Gu Shen sat quietly in the carriage with his eyes closed, resting. He could imagine what He Jing looked like at that moment: probably like an old lion, furious and helpless, pacing back and forth in his Study Room until the floorboards creaked beneath his feet.
Sure enough, before long, the steward of the He residence came out personally to greet him. Bowing, he ushered Gu Shen inside.
In the Study Room, the smell of medicine mingled with the sour, rancid stench of spoiled tea. He Jing wore plain clothes, his hair disheveled, his eyes sunken and bloodshot. Only when he saw Gu Shen did a faint glimmer return to his cloudy eyes. His lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a word.
"Lord He, my condolences." Gu Shen spoke first, his voice gentle and conveying just the right degree of concern.
Those two words seemed to open a floodgate, instantly breaking through He Jing's taut nerves. He slammed his hand on the table. The teacup jumped from the impact, fell to the floor, and shattered.
"My condolences? Who am I mourning? His Majesty? Great Xia? Or these useless old bones of mine!" He Jing's voice was hoarse, like a broken bellows. "The state is on the brink of ruin! A prince has rebelled, and brothers are turning against each other! This is a sign that the state is doomed!"
He beat his chest and stamped his feet, tears streaming down his face. He looked like a loyal minister at the end of his road, his heart turned to ashes.
Gu Shen didn't try to