Chief Steward Fu's smile didn't waver, as though he hadn't heard the barb in Gu Shen's words.
"Lord Gu, you jest. His Highness has long admired Chief Zhang. He means you no harm."
"Is that so?" Gu Shen finally turned to Chief Steward Fu, his tone calm, yet as sharp as an ice-forged blade. "And what about me? What does His Highness want from me?"
His question was blunt, even somewhat rude.
Chief Steward Fu's eyelid twitched slightly.
He had seen countless people come over to their side. Which of them hadn't been obsequious, groveling and fawning to their utmost? Gu Shen was the first to board their boat and immediately turn the tables, questioning the boatman.
"His Highness admires your abilities, Lord Gu." Chief Steward Fu remained unhurried. "In particular, he admires your decisiveness."
"Decisiveness?" Gu Shen gave a soft laugh. "You mean my decisiveness in betraying the Second Prince and joining your side?"
He didn't shy away from using the word "betrayal."
Those two words made the temperature inside the carriage drop another few degrees.
Zhang Gong ducked his head even lower, wishing he were deaf and blind. For an ordinary man of technology like him to get caught up in a clash between powerful people was practically asking for death!
The smile on Chief Steward Fu's face finally faded a little.
"A good bird chooses its tree, and a worthy minister chooses whom to serve. It's no betrayal—only a choice to take a brighter path."
"Bright?" Gu Shen leaned forward slightly, an invisible pressure bearing down on Chief Steward Fu. "I don't even know whether your prince is a man or a woman, round or flat, and you're talking to me about a bright future?"
"You only told me the road would be slippery in the rain.