Cao Zhi did not dare say more, while Jiang Shen was still examining the list closely.
Besides the chief officials of the prefectures and counties and the grain officials, several military commanders were listed as well. This gave Jiang Shen some pause.
Jiang Shen said, "Imperial Grandson, entrusting this task to the two of us is certainly no problem. It's just..."
"Just what?"
"It's just that several people on this list are Thousand-Household Commanders of the Guard Garrison. This..."
The corner of Su Ziji's mouth twitched, and a trace of coldness surfaced on his face. "They, too, are involved with the granaries. Am I not permitted to summon them?"
"Well..."
Both Jiang Shen and Cao Zhi fell silent for a moment.
Strictly speaking, this was not permissible. After all, the Imperial Grandson was the heir apparent, and an heir apparent making contact with local military commanders carried rather delicate implications.
As accompanying officials, Jiang Shen and Cao Zhi were there to assist the Imperial Grandson with his assignment. In truth, both knew perfectly well that they also bore the responsibility of supervising him.
As long as the Imperial Grandson's actions stayed within the bounds of his authority as an imperial envoy, they were naturally officials assisting the envoy.
If the Imperial Grandson exceeded those bounds, or even aroused suspicions of usurpation and rebellion, they would immediately change roles as his accompanying officials, becoming responsible for reporting it promptly and, if necessary, detaining him.
The so-called accompanying personnel, particularly the Qimen Guards, were actually a sharp blade suspended above the Imperial Grandson's head.
But then again, did the Imperial Grandson's wish to meet the people on this list exceed his authority as an imperial envoy?
He did indeed want to meet military commanders, but all of them dealt with the granaries.