Su Ziji took it and examined it closely. Silence immediately settled over the room, until even the soft patter of rain could be heard.
The note the servant had pressed into Wang Xuan's hand as he died had, in fact, contained instructions to provoke Prince Qi and Prince Dai into fighting as soon as possible.
Wen Xunpeng watched Su Ziji's expression as he spoke:
"Prince Qi has a volatile temper. When I was his chief adviser, I could perhaps persuade him with a word or two. But in my present position, if I spoke of such confidential matters, he would suspect me before I could finish two sentences."
"Even ants cling to life, let alone men. I do not wish to die so pointlessly, but if I am to break free of the organization without dying, my only choice is to seek another enlightened lord. Among the princes in the capital, Your Highness alone bears the promise of such a ruler. After turning it over in my mind, I could only come to you."
His words sounded reasonable. Su Ziji chewed them over repeatedly, pondering, There are only two possibilities behind his coming to me. Either he is telling the truth and sincerely seeks refuge with me to save his life, or he has deliberately revealed part of the truth to gain my trust, then plant himself here as a spy... which is it?
Still, even if it is the second, finding out will not be difficult. I need only ask him for advice more often.
Just then, someone shouted in the distance, "The imperial decree has arrived!"
This courtyard adjoined the main courtyard, with a small connecting gate between them. Su Ziji rose without haste and told Wen Xunpeng, "Your frankness shows your sincerity, Mr. Wen. Naturally, I welcome