Keep Talking

The court assembly the next day was much quieter than usual.

Though yesterday's mention of "naming an heir" had lingered in the hall only briefly, everyone who needed to know already knew. The princes stood in their respective places. Xue Qinghe looked as composed as ever, as if the batch of military supplies that had vanished last night had never existed.

Xue Ye had just dealt with two matters of state when a middle-aged noble stepped out from among the court officials.

"Your Majesty, this subject has a matter to report."

"Speak."

"Last night, a batch of military supplies vanished from the Royal Knights' West Camp. Seven wagons of standard crossbow bolts and armor plates failed to arrive as scheduled. This subject received word this morning that the release document found by the Military Supply Office bore the seal of the First Prince's Residence."

A faint stir immediately arose in the hall.

Earl Morris had grown close to the Second Prince's faction over the years. He was not usually the most conspicuous figure, yet today, he was the first to step forward.

Xue Ye's expression revealed neither pleasure nor anger. "Where is the document?"

A copied document was swiftly presented before the throne.

After reading it, Xue Ye had it passed to Xue Qinghe. "Your seal?"

Xue Qinghe glanced at it. "It looks very similar."

Earl Morris immediately said, "Since Your Highness admits—"

"I only said it looks similar."

Xue Qinghe closed the document and handed it back to the attendant. "Since Earl Morris dared raise this matter during court assembly, I presume he has more than one document. Please, continue."

Earl Morris looked at her. The tension on his face eased slightly instead.

"Of course."

He bowed again. "After those seven wagons left the city last night, they turned