Governor Zui Mingze welcomed Sheng Li and took him to the private chamber of the residence. Sheng Li settled on the chaise and put his right palm over his right knee.
"Take your seat," Sheng Li told him, who sat down, keeping his gaze low.
"Changying is the third important city in the Empire. It is closest to the Capital of Han, which means any instability in Changying can create repercussions in Luoyang too. Mingze, you went to war with me, yet you are unable to get control over this," Sheng Li said with a dejected look.
Mingze got down from his seat on his knees. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," Mingze lowered his head.
"I am truly apologetic for my negligence. I am ready to get the punishment," Mingze said with guilt.
Sheng Li got infuriated upon hearing Mingze. He shouted at him. "Mingze! Is it about the punishment? Do you think by punishing you, the problem will be solved? Since when did you become a coward?" He had lost his temper.
"Your Majesty, I had no intention to make you furious. My mistake is that I could not keep a good check in the Province. That's why I asked for the punishment," Mingze said and stood up. He bowed and brought his hands upfront.
"Your Majesty, I have gathered important information about the rebels. Forgive me, for not acting expeditiously. However, the previous day, I went to Yeosu, the small town adjacent to Changying," Mingze informed Sheng Li.
"What did you find out?" Sheng Li asked him to tell.
"Your Majesty, Lian Zoumu is the name of the rebel, whose father was a famous merchant. A few months back he was punished to death after the taxation department found out he evaded the taxes," Mingze affirmed.
Sheng Li was astonished to hear the same from Mingze as Zhe Yan had told him.
"This much I have found out," Sheng Li said.
Mingze was not surprised that the Emperor had already found out about Lian Zoumu's background.
"Your Majesty, he has been supported by Qiu Shuren," Mingze pronounced. This was something about which Sheng Li wanted to know.
"Isn't he the Headman from the port city of Xuhou?" Sheng Li asked with a confused expression.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Mingze agreed with him. "Qiu Shuren has manipulated Liam Zoumu, who is blind in revenge for his father. They worked in silence. As His Majesty knows Qiu Shuren once served as a third-rank soldier in the Han army," he added.
Everything was clear to Sheng Li now. His many problems had been solved as Mingze gathered something which he wanted to know the most.
"Is it true?" Sheng Li wanted to confirm.
"Yes, Your Majes
ty. Mingze never gets wrong when it comes to spying," Mingze said, with a confident tone.
Sheng Li's anger had subsided, and he ended up smiling. "Indeed, Mingze. I have faith in your spying skills," he stated.
Mingze smiled and stood straight. "Forgive me once again for not acting swiftly," Mingze stated.
"It's fine. I will meet you in the morning," Sheng Li stated and stood up from the chaise.
"Your Majesty, you must stay in the residence," Mingze requested while being a little concerned for him.
"I cannot stay in the residence. I have a much safer place to reside," Sheng Li assured him when Mingze said to let him provide some hospitality to the Emperor to the Han.
"That's not needed, Mingze. Maybe after the matter will be resolved," Sheng Li stated. Mingze did not stop him, however, he did see him off till the residence's main door.
Sheng Li thought of meeting the spy because he was still skeptical of Mingze. 'Why did Mingze not go to Yeosu town earlier? In the message, he clearly mentioned that the rebellion source is unknown. But he had a clear idea of the events. Qiu Shuren is loyal to my late father. I don't think he will ever betray Han,' Sheng Li contemplated while walking.
He reached the utensils shop and looked at the owner, Jihuang, who was in the backyard. Jihuang came inside the shop and was startled to see the Emperor.
He quickly locked the door from inside and bowed before him.
Sheng Li told him to take a seat and Jihuang swiftly came near the table. He sat down on the chair and waited for the Emperor to speak.
"You sent me the true message about Changying's situation," Sheng Li said.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I am glad that His Majesty is here," Jihuang said with a smile.
"I had to come. I could not neglect the situation here. I want you to go to the port city of Xuhou," stated Sheng Li.
Jihuang nodded his head.
"Find out if Qiu Shuren is the one who planned all this with Lian Zoumu," Sheng Li commanded him.
"Your Majesty, I will leave today," Jihuang assured him.
"I will come to you after two days in this shop. Find out everything and provide me with the solid evidence whatever you will find out," Sheng Li told him with a stern expression.
Jihuang bowed his head and assured Sheng Li that he would fetch the relevant information in two days.
Sheng Li hummed and stood up from the chair. "You make earthen pots and utensils well," Sheng Li praised him as he had looked around the shop earlier. Jihuang had stood up as well, however, he kept his head low.&nbs
p;
He recalled the day when he and Ying Lili made earthen pots. It was such a lovely day. He started to miss Ying Lili's presence around him and a deep sigh came out of his mouth.
"I will take my leave," Sheng Li told Jihuang, who went to the door and opened it for him. Sheng Li stepped out and soon left Jihuang's sight, who prepared to leave for Xuhou.
Sheng Li halted when he found a pull. He looked back but did not find anyone and then looked down.
A young girl either five or six years old was holding the edge of his robe.
"Uncle, please help me," the young girl requested him with tears in her eyes.