After Wei Zi withdrew, the emperor read the memorials.
A little while later, Wang Cheng entered with a bow, his footsteps exceedingly light. Seeing the emperor reading a memorial,
he went to stand beside the Imperial Desk, hands lowered, holding his breath and not daring to make a sound.
After a long while, Emperor Jing of Zhou suddenly spoke.
"Has that boy left?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, he has." Wang Cheng bowed as he answered with utmost care:
"This old servant escorted him outside the hall and watched him pass through the Palace gates before returning."
Emperor Jing of Zhou murmured an acknowledgment and said no more.
Wang Cheng waited beside him for a moment. Seeing that the emperor's brow remained furrowed, he considered briefly before speaking in a low voice:
"Is Your Majesty troubled over Suzhou Prefecture?"
Emperor Jing of Zhou did not look at him.
Wang Cheng continued, a note of reassurance in his voice. "This old servant begs leave to say a word."
"Though Wei Zi is young, he handles affairs with seasoned care.
With Wei Zi as Your Majesty's blade, Suzhou's sickness can surely be cut away.
Even the Grain Reserves case, with all its great commotion, he handled thoroughly and properly, without causing Your Majesty the slightest trouble.
Now that he is going to Suzhou Prefecture, I imagine he will not disappoint Your Majesty either."
Having spoken, he raised his eyes slightly and stole a glance at the emperor.
"Suzhou's sickness?"
Emperor Jing of Zhou finally turned toward Wang Cheng, gave a cold laugh, and shook his head.
"I know of it, and I welcome it."
At these words, Wang Cheng's expression changed in alarm.
The emperor's remark, "I welcome it," left him at a loss for an answer.
Emperor Jing of Zhou saw his