"Yuan Kai? Yuan Kai?"
"What has happened to you?!"
Sima Zhao's questions interrupted Du Yu's thoughts.
Du Yu raised his head and saw Sima Zhao before him, his face full of concern. Sima Zhao asked anxiously, "Are you all right? Shall I summon an imperial physician for you?"
Du Yu felt even more conflicted.
"General... I am fine."
"I am probably just a little tired."
"Ah... this is all my fault, making you rush about everywhere without any rest... someone! Escort Yuan Kai home to rest!"
Sima Zhao gave the order at once, then took his hand and said with great earnestness, "You must take care of yourself, Yuan Kai. Get some proper rest. The realm cannot do without you!"
Du Yu said nothing, the bitterness on his face deepening.
He bowed to Sima Zhao, then left.
After leaving the Inner Chamber, Du Yu's eyes looked somewhat lost. He shook his head, driving every thought from his mind. The armored guards hurried forward, helped him into his carriage, and slowly departed.
Sima Zhao watched him leave, his eyes full of warmth, but Zhong Hui's held a trace of disdain.
"The fellow grew so alarmed when he heard I had thwarted His Majesty's scheme. Could he be pitying His Majesty? Does his heart lie with someone else?"
Sima Zhao froze, then hastily said in a stern voice, "Yuan Kai is not that sort of man. You must not speak this way, Shiji!"
Zhong Hui immediately frowned. "Then why not have me leave, General, and seek his counsel instead?"
Sima Zhao said helplessly, "Shiji, how could he have the ability to resolve matters like these? Everything must still depend chiefly on you. Yuan Kai is still young. He often tells me he hopes to receive your guidance..."
Only then did Zhong Hui's