When Yang Ge returned to Road Pavilion, Zhang Xuansu was still at the inn.
The wreckage of the square table Yang Ge had smashed with a slap was still where it had fallen. The old man had moved to another table and was leisurely enjoying wine and stir-fried dishes.
"Did you see the emperor?"
At the sight of Yang Ge, Zhang Xuansu curiously set down his chopsticks and asked, "How did he die?"
"I saw him..."
Yang Ge nodded and sat down across from Zhang Xuansu, his tone considerably calmer.
After all, he had just tasted what it was like to be suspected for no apparent reason. It really wasn't pleasant.
"The emperor died of poisoning."
He continued, "It was a slow-acting poison that ate away at his internal organs. Once it took root inside the body, it mingled with the person's own vitality until the two became inseparable. It couldn't have been an ordinary poison. Do you recognize it?"
Who was Zhang Xuansu? The moment Yang Ge spoke, he keenly noticed the change in his attitude. A little thought revealed the root of it, and he smiled. "What? They suspected you had something to do with it too?"
Yang Ge nodded and said self-mockingly, "Instant karma, I suppose."
"Hahaha..."
Zhang Xuansu slapped the table and roared with laughter, still finding time between laughs to console him. "Don't take it to heart. As the old saying goes, 'Nowhere is more heartless than an emperor's household.' This involves succession to the throne and a contest between sovereign and ministers. You're also far too close to the Zhao Family. It's perfectly normal for them to suspect you. It would be abnormal if they didn't."
Yang Ge silently took the wine jug, poured himself a cup, and tossed it back in one gulp.