Chapter 627 - 186 Lies
In the mansion of Prince Cheng, these past few days, the servants have been treading on eggshells, afraid that one misstep might provoke their master, who is prone to anger.
Many people were already seated in the hall, all ministers of the Yanjing Court, presumably discussing very important matters. Prince Cheng sat at the head, and to his left, close at hand, was Li Zhongnan.
"Gentlemen," Prince Cheng said, "I fear our day may need to be moved up."
In recent days, Emperor Hongxiao seemed to be aware of his plans, targeting him at every turn. Prince Cheng was enraged; he had already been determined to act ahead of schedule, and the incident with Princess Yongning had added fuel to the fire, leaving her unable to vent her fury. He wished he could march into the palace right now, drag Emperor Hongxiao from his throne, and trample him underfoot.
He had suffered ridicule and gossip because of Princess Yongning, after all. Though people didn’t dare to speak ill of him openly, they were nearly breaking his backbone with their whispers. Prince Cheng had always valued his reputation; he hoped that when he took his place on the throne, he would do so unblemished by scandal. Now it seemed impossible, so why should he have any more concern? He might as well throw caution to the wind and make a bold move.
Prince Cheng turned to Li Zhongnan beside him and asked, "What does the Right Chancellor think?"
Li Zhongnan smiled and replied, "It all depends on Your Highness’s decision."
Prince Cheng felt some displeasure; Li Zhongnan was clearly brushing him off. He knew Li Zhongnan had held a grudge because of the incident with Princess Yongning, and the relationship was still strained. Although Prince Cheng had apologized, he didn’t take the matter to heart; after all, he was the prince, and Li Zhongnan was but a minister. At present, he was promoting Li Zhongnan, treating him with great courtesy. But if Li Zhongnan failed to appreciate this, Prince Cheng wouldn’t mind teaching him a lesson.