Chapter 257: Inquiry
# 257. Inquiry
"Before leaving the palace, your subordinate took the liberty of doing something extra. I instructed the little eunuch overseeing us for His Majesty to…”
Xu Qi'an relayed to Wei Yuan exactly what he had taught the young eunuch to say.
Seeing Wei Yuan fall into deep thought, Xu Qi'an quickly added, "Your servant acted on his own initiative without permission. Please could Duke Wei give judgement on the situation."
Upon hearing this, Wei Yuan smiled and nodded. "Though it was done without orders, you did well. His Majesty is suspicious by nature and adept at maintaining balance. Your words, once relayed to him, will sow seeds of doubt toward Noble Consort Chen in his mind. This will prompt him to reconsider the entire case of Consort Fu, weighing the benefits and drawbacks from all sides, and reflect on the delicate balance he’s been maintaining."
Xu Qi'an was still somewhat unsatisfied and said hesitantly, "But what if His Majesty sees through it? Or if the little eunuch confesses to accepting bribes and passing along my message?"
"There's no flaw in your account—everything you told him genuinely happened," Wei Yuan replied with a smile. "As for the other issue, the eunuch revealing your bribe would only expose his own corruption, which would harm him without offering any benefit. After all, anyone smart enough to serve within His Majesty's inner chambers isn't likely to be that foolish."
*Hehe, I already knew that…* Xu Qi'an inwardly praised Wei Yuan's wisdom, saying admiringly, "Duke Wei, you are indeed supremely intelligent. Your subordinate is truly in awe."
Wei Yuan shot him a knowing glance, then shook his head with a quiet laugh.