The Trap Was Sprung

"State Chancellor." Zhuang Gaoxian pondered for a moment, then looked at Du Ruhui. "Whether true or false, we must spare the feelings of those in high places and conceal the deeds of the departed. There are some things I no longer wish to bring up."

"Yes." Du Ruhui replied earnestly. "Heaven was unkind, and the world fell into troubled times. The late emperor's sudden death left many secrets buried in the past. Otherwise, I, your old servant, would know of these matters, and Your Majesty would not."

Zhuang Gaoxian had said the past should be left in the past. He had no desire to pull away the veil covering his grandfather's shame; doing so would also undermine his own legitimacy.

Du Ruhui agreed. He sought the truth and recovered history only because a monarch could choose to face, conceal, or deny the truth—but could not afford to remain ignorant of it.

Zhuang Gaoxian looked higher into the Celestial Vault, gazing straight at the blazing sun. "I followed Heaven's will and inherited the throne. I expanded the realm through civil and military achievements. Wherever my eyes can reach, there my ambition follows. Where my aspirations carry me, how could it be limited to a mere ten thousand li?"

Du Ruhui knew that Zhuang Gaoxian still cared deeply about the Aquatic Race blood in his veins.

So he bowed and replied, "Your Majesty is naturally the rightful and undisputed ruler. You are no less than Yongming, and even greater than the Grand Ancestor! My heart is emboldened, and I am willing to press forward with you."

Zhuang Gaoxian turned back and reached out with both hands to help him up. "I know the State Chancellor's loyalty well. Otherwise, I would not have entrusted you with the affairs of state."

After a brief