Eight Revolutions

"Old Xu, hold on." Chu Zhiyuan beckoned.

Xu Qingyun immediately wore a bitter expression and looked at Chu Zhiyuan plaintively.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled without quite smiling. "Why did Father rescind his decree and stop punishing me with the whip?"

Only that would fit the temperament Ninth Prince Chu Liezhao had always displayed.

Chu Liezhao could become smarter, more meticulous, and more profound, but he could not change his nature.

He could be broad-minded toward others, yet toward the Emperor, he repaid every slight down to the smallest grievance, petty to the extreme.

Father and son were like sworn enemies.

"This..." Xu Qingyun sighed inwardly, his face bitter. "Ninth Prince, please do not make things difficult for this old servant."

"What's difficult about it?!" Chu Zhiyuan snorted. "Just tell the truth."

Xu Qingyun clasped his fists in plea and bowed. "Your Highness understands. This old servant cannot say too much."

"Hmph, hmph. You old fellow, slippery as an eel!"

"Hehe, thank you, Your Highness, thank you. This old servant will take his leave!"

"Get lost." Chu Zhiyuan waved him away.

Xu Qingyun looked deeply grateful as he quickly backed out of the small courtyard.

Chu Zhiyuan knew the man was certainly cursing him inwardly, but he did not care.

Others valued the chief steward of Jiaming Palace, but he did not care in the slightest.

He knew the old fellow was crafty and cautious. He would never seize the chance to stir up trouble, nor would he ever involve himself in the affairs between father and son. The farther away he could stay, the better.

Chu Zhiyuan opened the envelope.

The wax seal and imperial seal were both perfectly clear. No one had opened it.

Inside were a Jade Ring and a letter containing only a few brief lines.

Chu Zhiyuan