None of those who had risen to their current positions amid the treacherous tides of political struggle were fools.
Feng Gu's present attitude was an extension of Jiang Wuqi's will in life.
And his goodwill toward Jiang Wang had never been limited to Jiang Wang himself. He treated Jiang Wang well not only because of his talent, but also because Jiang Wang lived and served in Qi. He wanted prodigies like Jiang Wang to feel closer to Qi—even if, in practice, Jiang Wang might become an asset to Huaying Palace.
What occupied his thoughts, day and night, was the entire Great Qi Empire.
Great Qi, gathered with prodigies, was Jiang Wuqi's nation and family.
Even when he had gone to his death without hesitation, the last words he spoke before the Son of Heaven had been, "There must be no hidden worries in the army." He had been thinking of Qi's great cause.
How could such vision and breadth of heart not move people?
The Emperor of Qi gazed at Feng Gu for a long while. It was as though, in this old eunuch, he saw the person who was growing ever more distant—and would never turn back.
At last, he shifted his gaze to Jiang Wang and sighed. "Minister Jiang, please forgive a father's grief and suspicion. I spoke out of turn."
Jiang Wang bowed deeply. Without a word, he returned to his place.
Jiang Wuqi's death would have a profound impact on the entire Dragon-Contending Game in Qi.
Among the various palaces, Changsheng Palace had always posed the greatest threat to the Crown Prince.
He was a prince with almost no flaws, save for the illness he had been born with.
Even a fatal flaw like the Cold Poison taking root in his life had been obscured by