The Empror's Trap

Realizing they had ruined their prince's plans, the soldiers dared not linger. They hurriedly left the private room.

Kenji could barely suppress his amusement.

How interesting - their back-and-forth performance was quite entertaining. But Kenji didn't care what excuse they used. Clearly, Yunis had been prepared to turn hostile. From his perspective, having men ready just in case was the right choice. However, he was a bit too young and inexperienced.

How could Kenji come unprepared? He just believed bringing Lina alone with himself was enough. In this terrain, quality mattered more than quantity.

"Your Highness's wife has fallen ill? Perhaps you should return - your lady's health is paramount." Kenji asked with feigned concern. He appeared caring, but who knew his true thoughts?

"Ah, no matter. If anything serious happens, my servants will inform me immediately," Yunis responded casually in this sudden situation.

"Oh...your wife is gravely ill, yet you won't go see her?"

Kenji looked at him mockingly, putting on an expression of disbelief.

This only made the already flustered Fifth Prince more panicked. He blurted out: "Haha, brothers are like limbs, Duke Anos is now my brother, so naturally brotherhood comes first."

"Never mind that. If you don't go check on her, I worry your wife will give you trouble later. We've enjoyed our meal today - we can meet again another time."

Kenji stood up. The Fifth Prince seemed to want to say something more, but after hesitating for a long while, he couldn't get the words out.

Even without him saying it, Kenji could guess his thoughts. His visit had three main purposes: to win Kenji over to his side, to probe his standing with the Emperor and current situation, and to try bribing Kenji for help.

Now, at most he had half-succeeded with the bribe - Kenji hadn't actually agreed to help him. The other two goals had completely failed. Moreover, this unexpected incident had rendered all his original plans meaningless.

Kenji couldn't help but sympathize. His approach wasn't bad and he had prepared thoroughly. Unfortunately, such tactics weren't very effective in power struggles for the throne. After all, his opponent was the Grand Marshal.

Finally, after much struggling, the Fifth Prince reluctantly took his leave.

That's better - having brought up his wife's illness, it would be suspicious not to go check on her in this situation.

As he saw the Fifth Prince off, Kenji noticed many of his men stationed around the streets nearby. But it didn't matter - their negotiation was complete, and the prince had gained almost nothing substantial from the meal.

On the contrary, Kenji had gotten a free meal, and the tea was quite good too, though far inferior to the imperial tribute tea at home.

Lina sat back down in her seat and sighed in relief: "Young Master, please don't do this again."

"What's wrong?" Kenji smiled. "I think I handled it quite correctly."

"What if my abilities weren't enough to ensure your safety?" She stared at his face, speaking deliberately. "Young Master, though I don't fully understand these rules between you all, I know you like taking risks."

"Isn't risk-taking good? Sometimes a dangerous move is needed for victory. Even if he hadn't made up that ridiculous excuse, pressuring him with moral principles would put him at a disadvantage, naturally ending further discussion."

Then Kenji added thoughtfully: "Though honestly, I only did this because you were here. I do trust in your abilities."

He sat back in his original seat and happily began eating the expensive dishes before him.

Since they were already here and had time, and he wasn't full yet, waste would be shameful. Better to help Lina clean up these dishes.@@novelbin@@

The master and servant's "cleanup work" proceeded smoothly. Twenty minutes later, both left Clear Heart Tower with full stomachs.

...

Back at his residence, Kenji picked up his brush.

The Fifth Prince had clearly sensed his precarious position, otherwise he wouldn't probe indirectly while trying to win Kenji over. Everything proved this prince had more or less detected Pluvia's attitude toward him.

Therefore, they needed to act quickly. Once this opportunity passed, he might flee if they delayed.

He prepared to formally initiate an investigation report on Fifth Prince Yunis from the Imperial Family Court.

The report didn't need to be too detailed, as it was really just a formality for Pluvia and to inform the court ministers. She basically knew everything the Fifth Prince had done - now was the time to close the net.

After finishing his document, he lay quietly on his bed.

"Young Master."

"Come in."

Kenji said.

Lina entered the room and couldn't help but laugh seeing him sprawled on the bed so casually: "Young Master, someone of your status shouldn't look so undignified lying like that."

"This is my bedroom, I'll do what I want~" Kenji rolled over and asked, "Did you need something?"

"Can't I come in without a reason?" Lina said deliberately in a cold tone.

Kenji chuckled and looked at her: "Are you the guard or am I? Entering the master's room uninvited isn't polite."

"Is that so? But you never seemed to mind me entering your room before."

"I'm the master, I've changed my mind."

"Then I'll leave, Young Master."

Lina turned to go.

"Hey hey hey, don't - I was joking." Kenji quickly stopped her. "Alright, enough teasing. What is it?"

"It's about Uncle Cui."

"Ah...him? What about him?"

Uncle Cui was an old servant of the Anos Duchy who had worked for them a long time. Like the old steward, he had served since Kenji's father's time. Now elderly, though his work had slowed, Kenji was still willing to keep him on.

On one hand, while Uncle Cui wasn't as efficient as before, he handled everything methodically. On the other hand, he had watched Kenji grow up - the Duke's residence was practically his home.

"Uncle Cui says he's too old to work anymore. He asked me to tell you he wants to resign and return home."

Kenji paused, then sighed.

The elderly tend to be sentimental - if Uncle Cui didn't want to leave, I would have kept him on.

But...since he decided to resign himself, that was different.

Kenji waved his hand: "Bring Uncle Cui tomorrow. I can't leave the Imperial Family Court these days, just bring him in."

"Ok."