Upon hearing of the great fire in the Capital Outskirts, Suotu immediately asked, "Is there a Taoist temple on the mountain where the fire broke out?"
"Reporting to Lord Suotu, there is!"
Suotu waved a hand. "You may withdraw. His Majesty will decide what to do!"
"Suotu, is there something you wish to tell me?"
Watching the guard withdraw, Chu Jinghui spoke.
"Your Majesty, forgive your servant's incompetence!" Suotu sank to his knees as he spoke.
"Take your time and tell me!"
But Suotu said, "Your Majesty, this matter cannot wait another moment. I believe that unless we send men there at once, everyone inside may escape without a trace."
"Why?"
"While patrolling the city today, I arrested two guards who were causing trouble. Yet upon questioning them, I uncovered a secret that could shake the heavens."
"A secret that could shake the heavens?" Chu Jinghui was taken aback.
He knew Suotu better than anyone.
Such extravagant language was nothing like his usual manner.
"Although those two men served as escorts for Princess Nazhen of Northern Liang's bridal procession, their true identities were members of Wei Sizhong's Shadow Guards."
At those words, Chu Jinghui shot to his feet.
"Is this true?"
Wei Sizhong had served Chu Jinghui for over a decade. Everyone employed at the Chancellor's Residence was registered, and to avoid suspicion, Wei Sizhong had even kept nearly a hundred fewer servants than he was permitted.
That gesture had always put Chu Jinghui thoroughly at ease.
Yet now Suotu was claiming that Wei Sizhong had secretly maintained Shadow Guards?
Knowing that Suotu never exaggerated, Chu Jinghui said, "Go on."
"As you command!"
Suotu acknowledged the order and continued, "According to that Shadow Guard's confession, Wei Sizhong has maintained as many as three thousand Shadow Guards over the years, all