"Imperial Grandson, please think thrice."
The four of them all bowed with composed expressions. Su Ziji lifted his teacup, brushed aside the floating leaves with the lid, and took a sip. He naturally saw clearly that all four hoped he would remain aboard the ship.
No—rather, the Emperor hoped he would remain aboard the ship. These men were carrying out the task the Emperor had assigned them.
If they allowed him to go to Nanxing Commandery, it might count as dereliction of duty. Who knew whether the Emperor would fly into a rage?
Seeing the four men trying to dissuade him, Su Ziji sneered inwardly. Frowning, he asked, "I was ordered to investigate this case. It is only proper that I inspect Nanxing Commandery. What, do you also have an edict authorizing you to detain me?"
His voice was not loud, yet it carried authority. The four men immediately changed color.
This was something they absolutely could not admit!
The Emperor had indeed given the four of them hints and instructions, but at most they had been verbal orders. There was no Formal Imperial Edict!
Moreover, even if there had been a Formal Imperial Edict, it absolutely could not be produced for others to see.
Yang Zimo and Peng Guozhong exchanged glances. They knew perfectly well that this was a contest of strength between the Emperor and the Imperial Grandson, but once it was laid bare, whoever pierced this paper window would inevitably bear the criticism it provoked.
Neither Yang Zimo nor Peng Guozhong was loyal enough to cast aside his life and Lineage. Clearly, the Emperor did not believe they were such men either.
Thus, although Yang Zimo and Peng Guozhong knew their task, they truly possessed no authority capable of restraining the Imperial Grandson.
Not to mention Jiang