Errand

Leaving aside Fang Zhen's sigh of relief, as Su Ziji boarded the official ship, an unremarkable ox cart stopped beside the road near the dock. The young man inside watched thoughtfully, a little disappointed.

"All that waiting for nothing. I never thought my sister, reckless as she's always been, would choose this moment to be cautious."

"Ah, there was plenty of room to maneuver in this affair. I'd even planned to spread rumors. Who knew Father would protect Su Ziji like this, sending him straight out of the capital and wrecking my plans so neatly? Damn it!"

Convinced he knew the whole truth, Prince Qi felt his father was terribly biased. His displeasure showed on his face. After a few more glances, he looked away and told a eunuch, "I cannot leave the capital. Go in my stead and take charge. As for your tasks, the Dragon Palace comes first. If you get the chance, kill Su Ziji!"

After a moment's thought, he added, "Liu Zhan has agreed to go as well. Make use of him. Chu Gurong will also be going; he'll mainly oversee matters concerning Su Ziji, and you may direct the men under his command."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. Leave these two matters to this servant. Nothing will go wrong!" The eunuch had followed Prince Qi since childhood and had risen to become the chief eunuch of Prince Qi's Residence. More loyal than ever, he regularly handled dirty work for the prince. He accepted at once, brimming with confidence.

Three cannon shots rang out, and the official ship slowly got underway again.

"Lord Liu!" Su Ziji reached the imperial envoy's ship and saw Liu Zhan standing at the bow, smiling toward the dock with an air of distinction. He went over and bowed, addressing him as "my