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Chapter 490: Suspicion
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The emperor probed Su Bin once more, asking, “Do you hold grudges against anyone else?”
Su Bin responded with cunning tact, saying, “If I were to claim I harbor no ill feelings towards others, Your Majesty might doubt my honesty. On the other hand, if I were to disclose those I resent, I find it difficult to pinpoint a specific target.”
As he uttered these words, he bore a strained expression, subtly implying to the Emperor, “Your Majesty, are you not aware of the countless spies and informants in your midst? Anything I say will swiftly reach the Public House, and how can I afford to speak the truth? Moreover, it was the Public House that orchestrated my relocation from the capital, an action you may not be privy to. ”
The Emperor grasped the message hidden in Su Bin’s words. He hadn’t realized that Su Bin had intentionally misled him.
“Hehe, Minister Su, your generosity is truly admirable,” the Emperor exclaimed with a smile, lavis.h.i.+ng praise upon Su Bin.
Changing the subject, the Emperor continued, “I’ve heard that your calligraphy is quite remarkable. Before you depart, why don’t you leave behind a set of characters for me?”
Su Bin had no valid reason to decline, and so, the brush and ink were promptly readied.
The Emperor observed as Su Bin’s brush strokes flowed like a graceful stream. When Su Bin completed the set, the Emperor complimented, “Minister Su’s calligraphy is truly exceptional! I intend to have it framed and displayed on my wall for admiration.
Observing that Su Bin was on the verge of setting down his pen, the emperor was struck by an idea. He inquired, “Minister Su, can you craft another piece using your left hand?”
Su Bin hesitated and responded, “Your Majesty, I have never attempted to write with my left hand. If I were to attempt it, I fear the result might appear irregular and mar your perception.”
In that moment, Su Bin clearly comprehended the emperor’s motive. The emperor suspected that he might be the author of the anonymous letter and sought to confirm if the left-handed writing matched that of the letter. The emperor likely a.s.sumed he wouldn’t have employed another person to draft the anonymous message, deducing from the handwriting that he himself had employed his non-dominant hand.
“Hahaha! Minister Su, have no concerns. Even if it’s unsteady, it won’t displease my eyes!”
With no alternative but to oblige, Su Bin cautiously wrote ten words with his left hand.
The emperor exhibited a hint of disappointment as the left-handed script didn’t align with the handwriting in the anonymous letter.
Nonetheless, the emperor persisted in questioning Su Bin, inquiring, “If an opportunity arises for you to remain in the capital, what would you choose?”
Su Bin replied composedly, “I will heed your will, Your Majesty. If you wish for me to stay, I shall remain. If you prefer my transfer, I shall accept the new appointment without protest.”
“Hahaha! Minister Su, you are indeed a commendable minister! Your loyalty to me is evident, and I hold you in high regard!”
In truth, the emperor grappled with inner conflict. Although the transfer order for Su Bin was in his hands, this decision appeared irrevocable. As an emperor, it wasn’t inconceivable for him to enforce Su Bin’s continued presence in the capital. Yet, his paranoia nagged at him. He recognized Su Bin’s talent and contemplated retaining him to mold him into a trusted confidant. However, he harbored suspicions that Su Bin might have affiliations with the Public House. His skepticism stemmed from Su Bin’s handling of the demotion to Shanglin Prefecture. He hadn’t exhibited the antic.i.p.ated despondency, nor did he seem disheartened or mournful. Another aspect fueled his uncertainty. Su Bin had consistently displayed unwavering determination. As a Young Talent, he had rejected the Old Marquis, disregarding his position as the Marquis Mansion’s heir. Furthermore, the Crown Prince had endeavored to enlist him prior to his appointment as the Primus. Even after joining the Court of Judicial Review, both the Public House and the Crown Prince had sought to sway him a second time, offering wealth and glory, yet he remained impervious to temptation.
Nevertheless, Su Bin had appeared remarkably subservient in his recent interactions with the emperor, fueling the emperor’s doubts. He remained at a crossroads, uncertain of whether to retain Su Bin or not..
