Fu Bonian saw that the calm expression on Chu Jinghui's face had vanished, replaced by savage ruthlessness.
Fu Bonian's heart gave another violent shudder.
He knew that look all too well.
Whenever something momentous happened, that expression would appear on Chu Jinghui's face.
But peace reigned throughout the capital now. Where could such a momentous event have come from?
Before Fu Bonian could think it through, he heard Chu Jinghui ask, "My minister Fu, how many years have you served at my side?"
"Your Majesty, thanks to your gracious favor, I have served as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review for more than ten years."
Chu Jinghui nodded slightly. "Ten years have already passed. Even now, the scene of your arrival at the Court of Judicial Review remains vivid in my mind."
"I am ashamed to have occupied Your Majesty's thoughts."
Fu Bonian bowed low, offering a deep obeisance.
"But there is something I simply cannot understand. As Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, have you cast all the laws of our dynasty to the back of your mind?"
"Or do you regard those laws as nothing more than useless scraps?"
Chu Jinghui's voice was not loud, but his words carried tremendous weight. The moment he spoke, Fu Bonian's face turned ashen.
"Your Majesty, I know my talents are lacking. To repay your imperial favor, I have worked diligently every day for more than ten years, never daring to slacken for even half a day. I do not know where Your Majesty heard such rumors, but I dare not admit to them."
"You dare not admit to them? Very good. Very good!"
The light in Chu Jinghui's eyes receded, and his voice sank still lower. "Then tell me, where did the vast fortune of gold and silver hidden