Chapter 490: Suspicion
The emperor probed Su Bin once more, asking, "Do you hold grudges against anyone else?"
Su Bin responded with cunning tact, saying, "If I were to claim I harbor no ill feelings towards others, Your Majesty might doubt my honesty. On the other hand, if I were to disclose those I resent, I find it difficult to pinpoint a specific target."
As he uttered these words, he bore a strained expression, subtly implying to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, are you not aware of the countless spies and informants in your midst? Anything I say will swiftly reach the Public House, and how can I afford to speak the truth? Moreover, it was the Public House that orchestrated my relocation from the capital, an action you may not be privy to."
The Emperor grasped the message hidden in Su Bin’s words. He hadn’t realized that Su Bin had intentionally misled him.
"Hehe, Minister Su, your generosity is truly admirable," the Emperor exclaimed with a smile, lavishing praise upon Su Bin.
Changing the subject, the Emperor continued, "I’ve heard that your calligraphy is quite remarkable. Before you depart, why don’t you leave behind a set of characters for me?"
Su Bin had no valid reason to decline, and so, the brush and ink were promptly readied.
The Emperor observed as Su Bin’s brush strokes flowed like a graceful stream. When Su Bin completed the set, the Emperor complimented, "Minister Su’s calligraphy is truly exceptional! I intend to have it framed and displayed on my wall for admiration."
Observing that Su Bin was on the verge of setting down his pen, the emperor was struck by an idea. He inquired, "Minister Su, can you craft another piece using your left hand?"