Chapter 177: If He Dares, So Will He
"Being scared just proves you have a guilty conscience."
...
Mr. Li was left speechless, sighing with lingering fear.
’She looks like a little doll, but nothing she does is something a child her age is capable of.’
「The Imperial Study」
The Beili Emperor had been discussing military affairs all day and was now taking a short rest on a couch.
Xiang Minghou sat on a chair below, his heart filled with worry. He knew Pangtuan had returned to their residence, learned about Fourth Granny, and flew into a rage. Ever since Fourth Granny had been abducted and then found on North Street the next day with grievous injuries, he’d had people investigating.
The investigation, which included the incident at Lou Mountain Academy, had led him straight to the Prime Minister’s residence. He had only delayed taking action because of pressing military matters.
He had planned to deal with the Prime Minister’s residence after settling the border conflict, but he never expected Pangtuan to take matters into her own hands.
’And Fourth Granny... he’d had the Imperial Physician examine her again yesterday, and her condition seemed...’
The more Xiang Minghou thought about it, the more he regretted not taking down the Prime Minister’s residence himself, which had forced his own daughter to shoulder such a heavy burden.
He glanced furtively at the lightly sleeping Beili Emperor. ’Things have come to this. I can’t be bothered with the formalities between a ruler and his subject anymore. If he dares to touch my Pangtuan, I’ll dare to—!’
"General Xiang, why are you staring at me?" the Beili Emperor asked, slowly opening his eyes.
"I saw that you were sleeping soundly, Your Majesty. It seems you are truly exhausted," Xiang Minghou replied.
"Yes, there is much to attend to at the borders. The recent battle at the northern border was a disaster; many of our soldiers died. General Song is leading the troops there, but it seems he cannot keep those barbarians in check. The southern border you guard, General Xiang, has been peaceful, and the north is requesting reinforcements. Since you happen to be in the capital, are you willing to take command?" The Beili Emperor didn’t issue a direct order, but rather posed it as a question.
This was a clear indication that he understood Xiang Minghou’s temperament very well.
"I will, once my daughter is settled."
"She is now the personal disciple of the Academy’s Headmaster. Who would dare to harm her? I know you cherish your daughter, General, but the situation at the border is equally urgent." The Beili Emperor sat up from the couch.
"I understand," Xiang Minghou said perfunctorily.
"Your Majesty."
A Hidden Guard suddenly appeared.
"What is it?"
The Hidden Guard approached, leaned close to the Beili Emperor’s ear, and spoke for some time. The Emperor’s expression grew darker and darker.
Xiang Minghou guessed the Hidden Guard must have come from the Prime Minister’s residence. Seeing the Emperor’s displeasure, his own expression soured even further.
After the Hidden Guard withdrew, it took the Beili Emperor a long moment to compose himself. He then snatched a memorial from the table and hurled it at Xiang Minghou’s head. "Do you have any idea what your daughter did at the Prime Minister’s residence?"
The memorial struck Xiang Minghou squarely, but his expression remained calm as he replied, "Whatever Pangtuan did, the Prime Minister’s residence was in the wrong first."
"Even if he was at fault, she can’t just beat someone to within an inch of his life! He is the Prime Minister of this nation, and now he’s hovering between life and death after being beaten by a six-year-old girl! This is a blatant disregard for me and the laws of this country!" the Beili Emperor roared, his fury mounting.
If word of this got out, we’d be a laughingstock!
’Hovering between life and death?’
Xiang Minghou was indeed taken aback for a moment. But then he remembered Fourth Granny’s injuries, and his own anger flared. "The Prime Minister was ruthless enough to lay hands on an old woman. He deserved to be beaten."
"You... You! Xiang Minghou, to be so bewitched by a child! In my opinion, that child cannot be allowed to live." The Beili Emperor had always admired talented individuals.
And while Prime Minister Gao’s character was questionable, he was undeniably a man of talent and intellect.
"Your Majesty, what did you just say?" Xiang Minghou shot up from his chair, secretly gathering Inner Strength in his sleeves. ’If he dares, so will I!’
"I shall..."
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Miss Xiang has arrived," Mr. Li announced as he walked in.
The Beili Emperor’s words were cut short. He took several deep breaths before growling, "Tell her to get in here."
The Inner Strength Xiang Minghou had been gathering in his palms abruptly dissipated.