"There really were quite a few!" Ma Shunde could not help exclaiming in surprise when he saw the list.
Had gaining power gone to the Imperial Grandson's head? He had been so impatient to invite all the officials to a banquet-wasn't that going a little too far?
But after what had happened before, Ma Shunde no longer dared speak carelessly about the Imperial Grandson. After several setbacks, he had begun to sense something beneath the surface.
Could there be something I don't know?
Ma Shunde glanced at Eunuch Zhao. Seeing that Eunuch Zhao had merely taken one look before leaving it to him, he knew the old fox had no intention of getting involved.
Ma Shunde had no intention of yielding the task, either. He had lost both the emperor's trust and his own standing before him. Unless he hurried to do more and regain that trust, he could forget about staying in his position for long.
Ma Shunde carried the list inside, but stopped again after a dozen or so paces.
The emperor was already asleep, and he did not dare disturb him. Yet stopping left him torn. The emperor had ordered that any news from the Crown Grandson's Residence be reported immediately. If he failed to wake him for something this important, the emperor would blame him upon waking!
After turning it over in his mind and agonizing for a while, he went in after all. Following his instructions, he approached the bed and said softly, "Your Majesty, news has arrived from the Crown Grandson's Residence."
Ma Shunde had intended to withdraw if the emperor did not wake.
After all, he would have called to him already, and would have an explanation if the emperor asked about it later.
"Cough, cough!"
Just as he was about to withdraw