Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Su Bin rose from his seat anxiously. âA disaster is imminent?â
Governor Li also stood and gently urged Su Bin back into his chair. âGovernor
Su, donât panic. Lord State Duke has temporarily contained this situation.â
Then, Governor Li proceeded to recount the events transpiring in the royal court.
Su Bin sighed with relief. âSo, the emperor intends to transfer me back to the capital. I donât quite comprehend. It seems like a favorable development. Why would it be a disaster?â
Governor Li scrutinized Su Bin. In this moment, he considered that the old dukeâs judgment of Su Bin as a smart and astute individual might hold true.
How could Su Bin fail to recognize the blatant trap set by the new emperor?
To his surprise, Su Bin continued, âItâs not that I canât make some educated guesses, but I dare not presume. Governor Li, please enlighten me!â
Governor Li reevaluated his perception of Su Bin. It appeared that Su Binâs caution exceeded his initial estimation.
No longer beating around the bush, Governor Li disclosed the nature of the trap set by the new emperor.
âAs I mentioned earlier, the emperor is vindictive. He believes that the mishap involving the fifth princess is somehow connected to you and your wife.â
âThe fifth princess has already suffered severe mental distress, rendered unrecognizable by her torment.â
âThe emperor personally informed Lord State Duke that, upon your return to the capital, his primary motive is to have Mrs. Su treat the fifth princess.â
âConsidering the fifth princessâs incurable condition, the emperor intends to exploit this situation as grounds for your punishment and execution, seeking retribution for the fifth princess. Meanwhile, Mrs. Su will be confined within the palace indefinitely.â
With the details laid bare, Su Bin could no longer feign ignorance. His expression shifted noticeably.
âHow could His Majesty do this! How can he blame me for something that happened to the fifth princess?â
Governor Li responded casually, âThroughout history, if the ruler desires my demise, I have no recourse but to face it.â
âFortunately, Lord State Duke intervened.â
âFollowing that, Lord State Duke and the emperor had a falling out over this issue.â
âDo you comprehend Lord State Dukeâs implications, Governor Su?â
Su Bin shook his head. âIâm not entirely sure.â
âI only know that Lord State Duke saved my life this time.â
âWill I always have to depend on the Public House for protection in the future?â
Governor Li nodded. âYouâre correct.â
Su Bin appeared helpless. âThen, what should I do?â
Governor Li advised, âYou donât have to take any drastic actions. Just refrain from opposing the Public House.â
âIf it comes to light that you are involved with the Third Prince or secretly forming your own faction, donât blame the Public House for being unable to safeguard you!â
âRemember, the Public House is not only safeguarding the Su family but also the Qin family and Qin Silong in the military camp!â
âIf you betray the trust of the Public House, I wonât need to elaborate on the consequences!â
Having issued these warnings, Governor Liâs tone softened again.
âAs long as you stay in line, the Public House will ensure your protection.â
After a pause, Su Bin inquired, âSimply stay in line?â
Governor Li cleared his throat. âThereâs one more thing. Lord State Duke indicates that the Public Houseâs expenses are exceedingly high. If thereâs ever a delay in fund transfers, Governor Su must be prepared to borrow money for the transfer.â
This was the crux of the matter!
Su Bin scoffed inwardly.
Externally, he wore an expression of feigned helplessness. âEngaging in business is challenging in the current climate. Many are swayed by market trends. We can only reduce profit margins, making the cash flow a bit constrained.â
âIf Lord State Duke extends a substantial loan, I fear thereâs little we can do about it either..â