Early morning.
When Su Ziji came out, the rain seemed to have stopped. Water still dripped from the eaves, pattering softly. The darkness of night had faded away, mist drifting hazily about, and a refreshing chill wind rushed at his face, jolting his spirits awake.
When he turned back, he saw bloodshot eyes in Prefect Tan Ping's gaze and could not help smiling. "You've been busy all night. You must be tired too. I'm truly a little worn out..."
At this moment, the residence soldiers filed out in a stream and stood waiting behind Su Ziji, expressionless, as though they were thoroughly accustomed to this.
"Your Highness, please return to the residence and rest. Leave Yu's remaining matters to this humble official." Prefect Tan Ping gave a faintly bitter smile. Prince Dai could rest, but how could he? He still had to deal with the aftermath.
Watching Prince Dai board the ox cart, Prefect Tan Ping stood there blankly, his thoughts somewhat tangled. He watched the departing cart in silence for a long while before letting out a breath. "Alas, with Prince Dai making his move, the Capital City has gained another player at the chessboard."
Prefect Tan Ping had long navigated the sea of officialdom, so he understood that handling assignments might be arduous labor for those at the very bottom, but for those with a measure of authority and ability, it was an excellent way to expand their influence.
To say nothing else, Prince Dai had previously been merely an idle noble. Even as Prince Dai, he had not had much connection with Shuntian Prefecture beyond mutual courtesy. Now that he was handling an assignment, however, he could directly command a third-rank grand official like him.
The wheels rolled through mud and water with wet splashes. Though the