On a great ship in ancient times, the cabin was really no more than a few rooms. Upon entering, one saw that despite being aboard a ship, it was elegantly furnished. Red pine panels covered the floor throughout, without a speck of dust, and the cabin walls and screens were carved with insects, fish, flowers, and birds. Everything was arranged with exquisite taste.
Opposite stood an inner room screened by a beaded curtain. A single glance revealed a wooden rack draped with a dragon-embroidered cloth, bearing a sword and a small blue flag. These were the so-called Imperial Sword and Imperial Command Token.
The cabin windows were small, leaving the interior dim. Having received them one by one, Su Ziji seemed not to notice the faintly disappointed looks of the departing county magistrates. He coughed lightly, calmly lifted his teacup, brushed aside the floating leaves with its lid, and took a sip.
These county magistrates were dreaming far too sweetly. They wanted him to act merely because they had expounded on the broader situation. They were taking advantage of his youth.
After all, only by staying out of the fray could he preserve the greatest deterrent and reap the greatest benefit. Those county magistrates, however, really might be disciplined, stripped of office, or even executed.
Why should he help them if they offered nothing of equivalent value?
Just then, he faintly heard voices from next door: discussions, and even a little argument. Su Ziji ignored them. A short while later, someone came running. He too belonged to the Crown Prince's Residence and passed through unimpeded, coming directly before Su Ziji. Dropping to one knee, he reported, "Your Highness, this is intelligence from Lords Yu Lü and Fang Xi. Please review it."
Su Ziji took it and glanced over it, his