Su Xinghe plastered a smile across his face while cursing inwardly. Motherfucker.
He had no idea where the news had leaked, but this was no good thing. Still, he did not rush to deny or admit anything, continuing to entertain his guest with polite pleasantries.
"You flatter me, my lord."
This man governed an entire province and might well be a potential enemy.
He had to speak as little as possible.
Otherwise, who knew when this old fox would maneuver him into a pit?
They exchanged lukewarm pleasantries for the time it took to drink a cup of tea, and the smile on Han Zhi's face gradually cooled.
A veteran of officialdom, he could hardly miss the implications after several probing exchanges. Seeing that Su Xinghe kept playing dumb, he decided not to waste any more time.
"My young friend Su, I have come to offer you wealth and glory."
"Oh? What wealth and glory might you mean, my lord?"
Su Xinghe's tone was flat. He did not take this supposed wealth and glory to heart.
Their conversation had already confirmed two things for him.
First, the matter in Lin County had not been exposed. The man had not come to stand up for Lu Xuanji.
That put his mind considerably at ease.
Second, the man seemed to have come seeking something from him.
Now that he had dangled the bait, he was presumably about to get to the point.
Han Zhi frowned at Su Xinghe's indifferent demeanor.
He rose and cupped his hands toward empty space.
"Our reigning emperor's martial prowess is unmatched beneath heaven, and his wisdom and might are divine. His Highness the Crown Prince is likewise exceptionally gifted, virtuous, and upright. Today, the Sacred Dynasty flourishes in martial virtue, the nation is wealthy, and its people