"First Brother, we need to wait for a little. We cannot go to Yeosu town without confirming the details. Also, the Governor seemed suspicious. I do not trust his words, so I have sent a spy to find out the truth," Sheng Li informed Jian Guozhi while they were having tea.
"Zui Mingze seems suspicious, which means he has turned against us," Jian Guozhi cocked his eyebrow in response.
"I am not sure, First Brother. He said it's Qiu Shuren, who is aiding Lian Zoumu," Sheng Li stated. "Can the First Brother believe it?" He asked.
"That's impossible. Qiu Shuren is loyal. However, we cannot rule out the fact that we have been betrayed by our own second brother, so anyone can betray us," Jian Guozhi opined.
Sheng Li agreed with his words, but he was unable to believe that Qiu Shuren would aid a petty son of a merchant, and all this would happen.
"Brother Sheng, we need to wait for the response from the spy," Jian Guozhi stated. Sheng Li hummed and finished the last sip of tea from the cup.
"Brother Sheng, in the previous night we found that the people have conflicted views. Some are willing to accept Lian Zoumu as their ruler while others still doubt. What do you think we should do at this point?" Jian Guozhi asked his opinion.
"People have problems paying the taxes because they think it's wrong to ask for a part of their income. However, they do not understand how it works. Spreading awareness about it is important. However, we cannot do that at present," Sheng Li deduced.
"True. If we do so, then suspicion may grow that we know about it," stated Jian Guozhi.
"Though, we both know that soon the words will spread in Luoyang too. Lian Zoumu is also well aware of this," Sheng Li stated and picked the teapot. He filled the teacups and put the teapot on the table.
"So, Brother Sheng thinks that Lian Zoumu will do something big before that," Jian Guozhi inferred.
"He is not showing himself. What does that mean?" Sheng Li arched his brow. "He leaves a random message and then sends his men to manipulate our people," he added.
"Many things are suspicious about him. Brother Sheng did right by sending a spy after him," Jian Guozhi stated and picked up the teacup. "Hopefully, it ends soon. Our respective wives are waiting for us," he said before drinking the tea.
Sheng Li nodded.
"Did Brother Sheng forgive Xue Er?" Jian Guozhi asked out of the blue.
"Hmm. I thought it is good to not hold onto the past," Sheng Li. "Forgive me, First Brother, for hating her," he apologize
d.
"Xue Er cried in front of me that day. I was furious at Brother Sheng for looking at Xue Er with abhorrence," Jian Guozhi proclaimed.
"I am glad that Brother Sheng forgave her… us… despite the wrong, we did to him." It was a great opportunity for Jian Guozhi to say his heart out to Sheng Li. Though they talked many times about this, in the Palace it was tough to say… maybe because Sheng Li would give every sort of excuse to leave.
"What can I do? Brother Jian knows my nature," Sheng Li stated and gulped the tea.
"I was in anguish and I hated how everyone was pampered by their mothers. I should have received a nice treatment, No?" He peered into Jian Guozhi's eyes to search for the answer.
"Betrayal I have got at every step… Only a few people were beside me. So, I ended up growing as a person, who is always suspicious of others even if they are good to me," stated Sheng Li and chuckled.
"However, Brother Sheng has changed. The change is evident in him. I am sincerely apologetic towards him, for the wrong me, my mother and my uncle did to you. I should have taken care of you as your elder brother," Jian Guozhi said. Those lines were simple yet deep, full of sincerity.
"It is alright. We all were taught to compete with each other. I would not have been alive if you had not saved me from eating the poison when I was young. Except for the three other Princes, we four always wanted to be at the top, to be recognized. I demeaned the First Brother at numerous incidents. We all were at fault," Sheng Li pronounced.
"You are right, Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi agreed when the door opened, and the two got alerted.
Xiao Zhan came in, closing the door behind him.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, the messenger has brought the two letters from Luoyang." Xiao Zhan took out two rolled papers from his inner pocket and handed them to Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi.
Those were the messages from their respective wives. A smile appeared on their lips while reading them.
"Everything is well in Luoyang, Your Majesty. The Empress is well," Xiao Zhan stated. Sheng Li hummed. He asked about the Empress Dowager and the Consort Dowagers.
"They have decided to go for a pilgrimage. However, they have been waiting for your and the First Prince's return," Xiao Zhan informed them.
"Hmm. No one shall leave the Palace until we are outside," Sheng Li decided.
"Your Majesty, there is another message from our informant," stated Xiao Zhan and took out a folded piece of paper. Sheng Li took it and re
ad the message in it.
Sheng Li stood up and went towards the table on which there was a candle stand on which a candle was burning. He burnt the paper when Jian Guozhi asked him what it was about.
"I am afraid, Brother Jian, but I cannot tell you at the moment," stated Sheng Li. Jian Guozhi nodded his head when he heard him say,
"I need to go out. I will come in the evening," stated Sheng Li as he turned to look at them.
"Your Majesty, I will accompany you," Xiao Zhan stepped forward.
"There is no need, Xiao Zhan. Stay with the First Brother," Sheng Li said as he put the dagger inside the sash.