Chapter 289 – Affairs of the Jianghu, Affairs of the Court
Early morning court session in the imperial capital.
The newly enthroned Emperor Chen Xun, having ruled for nearly six months, sat comfortably on the imperial throne. Over these months, he had begun to develop a measure of regal authority. Once he adjusted to the routine of morning court sessions, he realized that rising early was not as difficult as he had once thought.
Eunuch Yue Dou loved to stand by the imperial throne during morning court and steal glances at the youthful Emperor he had watched grow up. He increasingly felt that Chen Xun was beginning to show the same charisma that his predecessor, Chen Kaiming, had in his youth. Yue Dou had entered the palace at a young age, with neither children nor family of his own. To speak treasonously, he almost saw Chen Xun as if the Emperor were his own child.
After the ceremonial greetings, Chen Xun scanned the grand hall and spoke in a deep voice, "Let my beloved ministers present their petitions." A faint fuzz had begun to sprout on Chen Xun’s upper lip. A trace of youthful innocence still lingered in his distinguished tone.
Su Yi took a deep breath and stepped forward. "I, your humble servant, have a matter to report."
Chen Xun’s eyes lit up, and he gestured eagerly. "Grand Tutor, please speak."
Su Yi nodded and deliberated briefly before saying, "Some days ago, I submitted a memorial reporting a large influx of Northern Qiang martial artists into the Central Plains."
Chen Xun nodded. "I am aware. I personally reviewed that memorial and have instructed the Imperial Guardians and Eastern Depot to investigate."
"There has been progress," Su Yi said solemnly. "According to reports from our spies, these Northern Qiang martial artists are likely private troops of the Northern Qiang Emperor. They are members of the Qihuang Society. They have been stirring up trouble in the Central Plains jianghu. Although their exact purpose is unclear, I suspect that the Northern Qiang would not act without reason. It likely relates to the ongoing border conflicts."