Chapter 41: Gossip Is Human Nature

Ji Huaili had been lost in thought, but the emperor’s question snapped him back to reality. He stepped forward and replied, “Your Majesty, it is true.”

The emperor nodded. “I hear that your daughter is but seven years old, yet she personally went to seek a marriage alliance? Quite a capable little girl.”

Matters of the household were, of course, beneath the emperor’s concern. After all, who among them did not have their share of romantic escapades?

What piqued his interest was this seven-year-old girl.

Word of the incident had long since reached the palace; even the concubines in the harem often discussed it. Whether he wished to or not, the emperor could not avoid hearing about it.

Ji Huaili’s expression grew somber. Good news seldom leaves the house, but misfortune travels far and wide... Was this not the case? Fortunately, the matter of that little fiend’s killing had been kept secret—his father’s foresight had spared him much disgrace. Otherwise, he would have nowhere to hide his face.

He cupped his hands respectfully. “Forgive us for airing such family scandals before Your Majesty.”

The emperor, however, was amused. “Since the General’s Manor now has a daughter, bring her to the palace banquet seven days from now. I wish to see for myself the little girl who has set all of Jin’an City abuzz.”

“This...” Ji Huaili hesitated.

It was not a matter of his own wishes, but whether that little fiend would agree. If she refused... he was hardly able to force her.

“What is it? Is there some difficulty?” The emperor’s voice suddenly sharpened.

The emperor’s voice rose, and the ministers in the hall all craned their necks in anticipation.

“No... no problem...” Ji Huaili lowered his head and replied with deference.

The emperor drew out his words, “Very well...” Then he continued, “As I announced just now, in seven days, distinguished guests from the Yu Kingdom’s royal family will visit our court. All officials may bring their families to the palace banquet—especially your children.” He placed particular emphasis on the last phrase.

Having been lost in thought earlier, Ji Huaili had missed this announcement. Now, upon hearing it, he followed the rest of the civil and military officials in bowing deeply. “Yes, Your Majesty!”

With these matters settled, the court was dismissed.

Before leaving the palace, Ji Huaili caught up with a minister.

“Lord Cui, do you know who the esteemed guests His Majesty intends to receive are?”

Lord Cui did not answer immediately. Instead, he asked in a low voice, “General Ji, I hear your daughter just returned, and your wife passed away?”

At this remark, Ji Huaili’s face darkened at once.

Lord Cui hastily sought to appease him. “Peace, General, peace. I was merely curious, nothing more...”

Gossip is indeed human nature, and officials are no exception.

Yet to mention a man’s deceased wife to his face was, admittedly, rather tactless.

Fearing Ji Huaili’s anger, Lord Cui quickly added, “From what I know, the banquet’s guests include envoys from foreign lands, as well as... some truly remarkable figures. Judging by His Majesty’s tone, the status of these individuals...”

He left his words hanging, but Ji Huaili understood well enough.

He nodded, saluted Lord Cui, and took his leave.

Emperor Duan Qing retired to the inner hall to rest, also awaiting a certain individual.

But after some time, that person still had not appeared.

“Your Majesty, this is a letter sent from the Prince of Rong’s residence,” an attendant hurried in, presenting a letter.

Duan Qing frowned, opened it, glanced at the few words written, then set it aside, a crease forming between his brows.