Prince Qi's Residence—Main Hall of the Central Courtyard
"Report! Mister Jiang has arrived, Mister Zhao has arrived!"
As the armored guards at the entrance announced them, two scholars entered one after the other.
Quite a few people had already gathered in the hall. The man seated in the center wore a slightly cold expression, his tiger eyes lowered. Even his robes were somewhat disheveled; at a glance, it was clear he had only just risen and come here.
Though the rain had lessened somewhat, the sky was dark and murky. Seeing the two advisers enter and salute, Prince Qi, seated at the center, said irritably, "Forget the formalities. Find yourselves seats—why is Ma Shunde searching Prince Dai's Residence?"
"Monster? Great thief? Heh, I truly do not believe that excuse. What do you all think? Speak freely!"
Everyone present understood that although this concerned Prince Dai's Residence, and Prince Dai's misfortune benefited Prince Qi, the key question was this: why had the Emperor suddenly sent people to search Prince Dai's Residence?
If they could not make sense of that, the problem would be grave. It would mean some enormous upheaval had appeared in the Capital City, one they could neither understand nor deal with.
This time it was Prince Dai. Next time, it might well be Prince Qi. Moreover, no one could say whether this matter concerned Prince Dai alone.
If it was a great storm, then the search of Prince Dai's Residence was merely a signal. The princes and nobles within the Capital City, especially the imperial sons, would have to watch their steps.
This matter was of great importance. They needed to think before speaking, lest they say the wrong thing and mislead their lord.
"What happened at Prince Dai's Residence truly came too suddenly." Zhao Buwei had only