Liu Chaoming and Gong Quan came together?

Zhu Nanxian said, “I understand.” He thought for a moment, then said to Su Jin, “It might be that the Chili barbarians in the northwest have shown unusual activity again. I must see the two of them.”

Su Jin nodded, removed her jade hairpin, let down her long hair, and re-tied her hair bun before putting on her headdress.

Zhu Nanxian arranged her collar for her before going to push open the hall door.

Outside the hall, only Luo Songtang and Eunuch You were kneeling. Liu Chaoming and Gong Quan were still waiting in the corridor outside the gardenia path.

What Zhu Nanxian was truly anxious about was the military situation in the northwest, but everything had its proper order. Those waiting outside the hall were all first-rank ministers. After inviting several people into the hall, he said to Luo Songtang, “Minister Luo, you speak first.”

Who knew that as soon as Luo Songtang stood still, he lifted his eyelids and looked around in all directions, then with a thud, knelt down again.

The ground was covered with broken teacups, yet the tables, chairs, and stands were all perfectly fine, indicating that these teacups had not been knocked over accidentally but had been deliberately smashed by Prince.

Eunuch You outside also saw this ground full of broken porcelain and instructed palace attendants to come in and clean up.

Luo Songtang took the opportunity to glance at Su Jin again, thinking full of grievance that he didn’t know what bad luck she had brought to Prince just now to make Prince so angry. Given the relationship between Vice Minister Su and Prince, Prince definitely wouldn’t bear to punish her, so this round of misdirected anger would probably have to be borne by himself on behalf of Lord Su.

Seeing that he didn’t speak for a long while, Zhu Nanxian said irritably, “Your mouth is just decoration anyway. Shall I get a needle and personally sew it shut for you?”

Luo Songtang couldn’t help but say, “Prince, a mouth isn’t just for speaking—it also eats.” Taking advantage of the moment before Zhu Nanxian really went to find a needle, he unhesitatingly kowtowed three times to the ground in apology before saying, “Reporting to Prince, this old subject has come about the matter of the Annan envoy’s return journey.”

As he spoke, he raised his eyes to glance at Zhu Nanxian again. “He was frightened by those bandits last time. He says this time he wants to depart on the eighth day of the seventh month, because that day is some tremendously auspicious day for their Annan.”

Zhu Nanxian frowned. “But the eighth day of the seventh month is also the day of Eldest Imperial Brother and Imperial Sister-in-law’s grand funeral procession.”

Luo Songtang said, “Oh, that’s no problem. Seventh Prince already performed the farewell ceremony for the return journey last time. There’s no reason to perform it again. At that time, we just need to send a reputable minister to see him off part of the way on Prince’s behalf.”

The small funeral procession moved the coffin from the mourning hall where it lay in state to the imperial vault, while the grand funeral procession, after the imperial mausoleum was completed, moved the coffin to the tomb in the imperial mausoleum. On that day, the Emperor or heir apparent would lead the procession, imperial clan relatives would follow, with the three guard regiments behind them. As for ministers, there was no fixed number—it was feasible to divide people to handle other matters.

Zhu Nanxian’s face darkened as he asked deliberately, “Then in Minister Luo’s opinion, who should be sent to see off this Annan envoy on my behalf?”

Luo Songtang smiled apologetically. “Doesn’t Prince already have someone in mind? Vice Minister Su, who will be returning the visit to Annan at year’s end, is most suitable.” Before Zhu Nanxian could get angry, he added, “This old subject has already thought it through for Prince. Recently state affairs are numerous. On the eighth day of the seventh month, this old subject, as a hall official of the Ministry of Rites, will naturally have to wait at the imperial mausoleum with Minister Liu of the Ministry of Works. So, the Annan envoy will be seen off by Lord Su. Additionally, Minister Gong must manage military affairs and Minister Zeng is rushing to draft the autumn selection roster for the eighth month. For the senior officials accompanying the grand funeral procession, we can have Lord Liu or Lord Shen lead them. What does Prince think?”

Luo Songtang was after all a ministry minister. His entire arrangement was flawless, but somehow Zhu Nanxian didn’t like the sound of it and rebuked, “Your Ministry of Rites manages diplomatic relations, yet you need to borrow people from the Ministry of Justice to select a return visit envoy.”

Luo Songtang pursed his lips and said aggrievedly, “His Majesty allocated all the good talents to the Censorate. Although Vice Minister Su is from the Ministry of Justice, she was after all formerly a censor, born from the remonstrance office. The capable should do more work.” He looked toward Liu Chaoming, wanting to enlist support. “Lord Liu is Lord Su’s mentor and understands Lord Su best. Lord Liu, you tell Prince—for this return visit envoy, besides Lord Su, is there anyone more suitable?”

Liu Chaoming glanced at Su Jin but didn’t respond.

Zhu Nanxian said, “Luo Songtang, go stand outside.”

Luo Songtang was confused. Crown Prince’s meaning was probably that he still wanted to deliberate more carefully?

Fine, he would wait.

He withdrew outside the hall, thinking that standing was not as good as kneeling, and speaking not as good as keeping silent, so he lifted his robe and swept aside the hem of his garment, then knelt ramrod straight outside the threshold again.

Zhu Nanxian said, “Someone, close the door for me.”

Since they were discussing matters in Gardenia Hall, there was no need to be overly ceremonial between ruler and subject. As Eunuch You came to close the door, Liu Chaoming glanced at Su Jin again and said matter-of-factly, “Vice Minister Su arrived rather early.”

Su Jin replied impassively, “Yes, I came to present to Prince the memorial summarizing the Ministry of Justice’s cases over the years.”

Gong Quan was surprised. “You finished organizing it so quickly?” He sighed again. “Alas, my Ministry of War cannot find writers as learned and strong of memory as Liu Yun and Shiyu.”

Liu Chaoming continued, “Since the case summary has been organized, have someone send a copy to the Censorate. Zhao Yan can also finish up the first half of the year’s affairs before autumn arrives.”

The responsibilities of the Three Judicial Offices were closely interconnected. Many important duties had to be jointly exercised.

Su Jin nodded. “All right, based on the contents of this memorial in my hand, I’ll write two more copies before tomorrow’s court discussion and send them to the Censorate and the Court of Judicial Review.”

Hearing these words, Zhu Nanxian feared she would burn the midnight oil again, so he said, “The adjacent room has complete writing materials. Since I’m here discussing matters with Censor Liu and Minister Gong anyway, you can go write there without delay.”

Su Jin assented. After exchanging courtesies with Zhu Nanxian, Liu Chaoming, and Gong Quan, she took the case files and memorial to the adjacent room.

Only then did Zhu Nanxian look toward Gong Quan and Liu Chaoming and ask, “Have the two lords come because the northwest has descended into chaos?”

Great Sui had four external threats: Northern Liang in the northern frontier, Chili in the northwest, Annan in Lingnan, and pirates on the Eastern Sea.

Now the court was in the midst of imperial power turmoil. Foreign enemies eyeing them covetously were taking advantage to muster troops for invasion. Among them, Northern Liang was opposed by Fourth Prince Zhu Yushen leading the army; on the Eastern Sea, Qi Wujiu had gone on campaign at sea; and though the Annan nation had combined with Lingnan bandits into one great army and been routed by General Luo, General Luo had also unfortunately died in battle. Fortunately, Annan didn’t know the internal situation of Great Sui lacking generals and commanders. Thinking that their dreaded old adversary Twelfth Prince was still resting in the palace and hadn’t come out to fight them yet, they hurriedly sent an envoy over to reconcile, which led to Su Jin’s return visit mission.

Looking at the current situation, Great Sui already had internal troubles and external threats. If Chili in the northwest also descended into chaos—not to mention whether Great Sui’s territory could find a second commander capable of leading troops to the northwest—just in terms of military and civil administration, it would be an unbearable burden.

However, as feared, Gong Quan indeed said, “Replying to Prince, we received an urgent report this morning. Chili truly does show signs of mustering troops.”

Zhu Nanxian’s gaze darkened.

But thinking again, he felt this was inevitable sooner or later.

After Great Sui established its dynasty, many chronic ailments left over from the previous dynasty had not been eradicated. The empire was originally rife with hidden dangers. Moreover, the enfeoffment system was later implemented, with various imperial heirs entrenched in different regions, and many among them were fierce tigers and dragons—a battle between them was inevitable sooner or later.

Like today, when several formidable princes basically ended up dead or废 before they could even fight each other—the fact that foreign enemies hadn’t yet taken advantage of internal chaos and territorial division to drive straight in and get a piece of the pie was already quite fortunate.

But with imperial power in turmoil, even bandits within wanted to take advantage and cause trouble. How could those enemies outside not fish in troubled waters?

Zhu Nanxian said, “So be it. Since Chili has already mustered troops, we should respond promptly. Do you two lords have any views on the commanders for the expedition and the military provisions and expenses?”

Gong Quan said, “Replying to Prince, military provisions and expenses can only be left to Shen Qingyue to figure out a solution. This subject has already discussed it with him.” He continued, “As for the expedition commanders, this old subject discussed it with Lord Liu. Our opinions differ somewhat. We ask Prince to make a decision and settle it soon.”

Zhu Nanxian nodded slightly and looked toward Liu Chaoming. “Who does Lord Liu favor?”

“Twelfth Prince.” Liu Chaoming said. “There are too few commanders in court. Unless Commandant Qi or Fourth Prince can return victorious by late autumn, this candidate can only be Twelfth Prince.”

Gong Quan said, “This old subject’s concern is that the Annan problem has not been resolved. Although Su Shiyu will now go on a diplomatic mission, once negotiations fail, Lingnan will certainly need Twelfth Prince to hold the position. Moreover, the northwest climate is harsh and the terrain undulating. Twelfth Prince has never led troops in the northwest after all. Going there might not be suitable. If only General Luo were still alive—he could have been competent.”

As he spoke, he glanced at Zhu Nanxian again and thought for a moment. “Actually, there’s another truly most suitable candidate, which is Crown Prince yourself. You’ve led troops in the northwest. Your talent as a supreme commander is known throughout the court. But if you leave, what happens to the court situation? Therefore, this old subject thinks it would be better to send General Zhu.”

This General Zhu was the late Empress’s cousin, Zhu Xun. The imperial surname “Zhu” was personally bestowed by Emperor Jingyuan.

When the army was raised back then, Zhu Xun had also led troops to conquer a region, but he had always been mediocre and had no illustrious military achievements.

Zhu Nanxian thought for a moment and said, “If it were ordinary military affairs, that would be fine, but in the northwest, Zhu Xun may not be competent.”

“Yes, this old subject thinks so too.” Gong Quan said. “But in the northwest, isn’t there still Vice General Mao Zuofeng? The court can first send General Zhu there. If the two of them combine forces, they should be able to resist for a while. Once Fourth Prince and Commandant Qi are victorious, or Vice Minister Su resolves the Annan problem and Twelfth Prince can campaign, we can then send him to the northwest.”

Actually, Mao Zuofeng was not currently in the northwest but was in Anqing Prefecture watching over Zhu Zhaowei’s Fengyang Army.

Gong Quan certainly knew this. By saying this, he was actually reminding Zhu Nanxian to promptly resolve the problem of the Nanchang and Fengyang Armies so that Mao Zuofeng could return to the northwest soon.

Zhu Nanxian naturally understood clearly and nodded in response, then asked Liu Chaoming, “What do you think?”

Liu Chaoming was silent for a moment, then said, “This subject believes in Su Shiyu.”

Believing that her diplomatic mission would certainly resolve relations with Annan, thus eliminating the need to assign Zhu Qiyue to Lingnan as a precaution.

Zhu Nanxian hummed in acknowledgment. “I also believe in her.” He paused. “Then it’s settled. Once Shen Qingyue arranges the military provisions and expenses, immediately dispatch Zhu Qiyue to campaign in the northwest.”

Gong Quan looked at Zhu Nanxian, then at Liu Chaoming, always feeling there was something peculiar about these last two exchanges, but he couldn’t understand what it was.

He had a straightforward and decisive temperament. Thinking that since the expedition commander had been selected, the Ministry of War’s affairs should be urgently prepared, he didn’t think much more about it and immediately said, “Crown Prince is a supreme commander. Your decision must be correct. Since this matter is settled, this old subject will return to the Ministry of War to draft the official document.” He then cupped his hands and exchanged courtesies with Zhu Nanxian and Liu Chaoming before withdrawing outside the hall. Seeing Luo Songtang still kneeling outside the threshold, he very considerately closed the door for Crown Prince.

Thus, only Zhu Nanxian and Liu Chaoming remained in Gardenia Hall.

Liu Chaoming could not leave because he had to wait for a copy of Su Jin’s summary memorial to be transcribed.

Zhu Nanxian could not leave because he had to wait for Su Jin to bring out the memorial and case files.

So the two stood together in silence with hands clasped behind their backs. Neither opened his mouth to say a word.

After a while, the two seemed to think of something and opened their mouths, about to speak simultaneously, when suddenly they heard someone knocking at the hall door.

The arrival was Zhu Nanxian’s guard Qin Sang. He said, “Prince, it seems something has happened at Yanhe Palace.”

The mistress of Yanhe Palace was none other than Consort Qi, who carried Zhu Zhaowei’s child.

Hearing these words, Zhu Nanxian said, “Come in and speak.”

“Yes.” Qin Sang pushed open the door and entered, then closed it behind him. Seeing that Liu Chaoming was also there, he raised his eyes to Zhu Nanxian for instruction.

When Zhu Zhaowei had sent spies to Shu to investigate Su Jin’s background, it was Liu Chaoming who had told him about the spy’s tracks. Now that he was also using Consort Qi’s matter to deal with Zhu Zhaowei, there was naturally no need to hide it from Liu Chaoming.

Zhu Nanxian said, “No matter.”

“Yes.” Qin Sang cupped his hands. “Just now Consort Qi had abdominal pain. Imperial Physician An took medicinal materials and hurried over. Not long after, Seventh Prince also entered the palace. It seems… they will induce labor for Consort Qi today.”

Hearing this, Zhu Nanxian was stunned. The illicit relationship between Zhu Zhaowei and Consort Qi was a secret that concerned their very lives. Even if he was worried about this child, at this time he should avoid suspicion and stay properly at his manor. What was he doing entering the palace?

Zhu Nanxian asked, “Is that all?”

Sure enough, Qin Sang answered, “There’s also a strange matter.” He paused. “Not long after the Golden Guard came to report this matter to your humble subject, Concubine Yu from Tangli Palace next to Yanhe Palace followed along. Because she claimed to have a major matter concerning Vice Minister Su and wanted to personally report to Crown Prince, no one stopped her the whole way.”

Concerning Su Shiyu?

Zhu Nanxian suddenly had a bad premonition and said, “Let her in.”

Shortly after, Concubine Yu was summoned into Gardenia Hall. She had always been timid. After Qin Sang tightly closed the hall door, her knees went soft and she collapsed to the ground, saying in a trembling voice, “Reporting to Crown Prince, Seventh Prince asked this humble concubine to bring a message to Prince. It’s… concerning Lord Su.”

“Seventh Prince said that he knows whom Crown Prince most wants to establish as consort—Xie family, A’Yu.”

Zhu Nanxian’s expression completely turned cold.

In the end, Zhu Zhaowei had found out.

Of course. Three months’ time—even if he could personally kill the spy and seize all the evidence in his hands, he couldn’t prevent that spy from having previously sent a letter to Zhu Zhaowei informing him of the truth.

Zhu Nanxian asked indifferently, “Do you know why Zhu Zhaowei had you bring this message to me?”

“Replying to Crown Prince, this humble concubine, this humble concubine doesn’t know. Seventh Prince only inexplicably said this one sentence.”

Zhu Nanxian thus said, “Qin Sang, confine her. She must not see any outsiders.”

Hearing these words, Concubine Yu stared wide-eyed in terror. Tears continuously slid from her eye sockets. Her lips trembled but she couldn’t speak a word.

Qin Sang assented and was just about to drag Concubine Yu away when Liu Chaoming said, “No.”

He glanced at Zhu Nanxian, then said, “Kill her.”