Chapter 1240: Chapter 1237: Good News
“What about Minister Chu’s injury?”
“Replying to the Emperor, Lord Chu’s injury is not serious. He has informed the Emperor to be vigilant and thoroughly investigate the incident with the food supplies, as it was intended to confuse those who attacked him among the grain convoy.”
“In a few days, news of the grain reaching the Northern Region should arrive.”
Emperor Xuanming was thoroughly pleased, yet, considering the trickery involved, his face carried the inherent majesty of an Emperor that manded respect without anger.
“Were all the people in the grain convoy dealt with?”
“Lord Chu assigned the task to me, and I have already brought the people back.” As an Attendant guard, Xiao Tianhao’s methods were naturally inparable to ordinary people.
“Issue an imperial decree for imprisonment, and you personally interrogate,”
Xiao Tianhao received the order and left. As soon as he had left, Emperor Xuanming in the Imperial Study received news that Duke Zheng had e to see him.
His gaze fell on He Dequan’s face.
He Dequan’s old face turned pale, and he knelt down abruptly, “Emperor, your servant has erred, surely Your Majesty will give your servant a chance to redeem his faults.”
The news had spread so quickly; surely, someone among the eunuchs had informed Duke Zheng.
After Xiao Tianhao had gone to see the Emperor, He Dequan had strictly controlled those below him, especially the eunuchs serving in the Imperial Study. Yet, the news had still gotten out.
Emperor Xuanming didn’t speak, not even a sound.
Cold sweat broke out on He Dequan’s forehead. He knew that the Emperor appeared gentle, but deep down, he was indifferent. To a eunuch, as the Emperor, executing one was merely an execution, and there were plenty of people to take his place.
Thinking of this, He Dequan hated even more the person who had interfered, while also worrying about possibly losing his head at any moment.
As he could no longer bear the pressure, with his back drenched in sweat, a voice from the throne finally came, “No next time.”
“Your servant kneels in thanks, Emperor.”
He Dequan kowtowed several times before turning to leave. Before leaving, he went to the side hall, made sure his clothes were tidy, and rubbed his forehead until it was a bit red, then he finally left the Imperial Study.
Duke Zheng’s gaze immediately fell on his forehead, his eyes flickered slightly, “Eunuch, has the Emperor summoned this official?”
He Dequan, no longer fond of this once favorite of the Emperor, now a Powerful Minister, still managed his facade well. He frowned with a sorrowful expression, “The Emperor is in a bad mood, my lord, perhaps wait a moment.”
Since Emperor Xuanming had not instructed him to call Duke Zheng into the hall, that meant he was to stall.
Before Duke Zheng could reply, He Dequan unintentionally raised his head, displaying his injured forehead with a bitter smile, “Eunuch Ren serving The Imperial Family, appearing unkempt is a major mistake, my lord, please wait a moment, I must tidy up.”
Seeing him say this, Duke Zheng naturally could not insist. Fortunately, he had already gleaned some information and was not in a rush, although he was concerned about potentially unfavorable news from Xiao Tianhao.
It wasn’t until half an hour later that Emperor Xuanming saw Duke Zheng.
Just this alone was enough news to spread from the palace that Duke Zheng was being neglected, and that the Emperor was furious had all been confirmed.
When the court officials discussed the matter, delaying morning court three times, and still without a resolution,
a report from a fast horse carrying a whip was delivered.
“Report!”
“Reporting to the Emperor, the Northern Region has retaken a fort.”
Today’s court was no different from the previous days, noisy and chaotic. These news of the battle report, however, struck like a thunderclap.
Huo Zhengming’s eyes widened, excitedly looking towards the young officer reporting.
“Present the good news.”
The young officer knelt in the great hall, while He Dequan hurriedly delivered the good news to Emperor Xuanming’s hands.
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