The Empror's Trap

Chapter 54: Ch 54 - The Troops Return to the City

Kenji had expected the Fifth Prince would come looking for him.

The position of Imperial Family Court Director was different from ordinary posts - it carried maximum intimidation power internally but almost no authority externally. As a royal family member, Fifth Prince Yunis naturally counted as an insider, so of course he’d come visiting. Visiting was just a polite word for probing Kenji’s depths.

But Kenji didn’t mind.

Handle whatever comes your way - if nothing else, Kenji was quite practiced at playing along. However the other party wanted to chat, he’d chat that way; whatever topics they brought up, he’d discuss those.

Just like defending your thesis - when they say "defense," you don’t actually defend anything, just keep apologizing profusely. Pretty much the same principle here.

"It seems he’s quite interested in you, Young Master," Lina commented.

"He just hopes to fish for information from me, while considering whether to establish some beneficial connections."

Kenji casually pulled a thick notebook from the nearby bookshelf, its pages densely packed with writing.

This was the personal record kept by Duke Anos - the original Duke Anos.

Though the original host had immense ambition, that didn’t mean he let ambition override reason. This notebook contained detailed information on all major court officials, even including some foreign military and political figures.

In the most detailed sections, it even recorded what people liked to eat and who they’d had conflicts with - this became Kenji’s important foundation for building his political network.

While the information on Fifth Prince Yunis wasn’t completely comprehensive, it still provided many useful details.

For example, during the earlier power struggle, Fifth Prince Yunis had collaborated with several generals to organize an elite cavalry unit in Camelot wearing black armor. Though small in number, every soldier was a cultivator of some skill.

This was the prototype of today’s feared "Black Armor Cavalry."

Back then, the Fifth Prince was considered a hot favorite to become heir, controlling the Black Armor Cavalry and maintaining close relationships with several generals. However, he ultimately lost to the current Princess - Pluvia.

No one knew why he lost. After that, Yunis seemed to lose his spirit, started slacking off, accepted some generous rewards and went into seclusion.

And reviewing the Fifth Prince’s recent activities, well...

"Your favorite braised chicken tonight."

"Mm, just have the kitchen bring it over when it’s ready. Join me if you want - I’m sure they’ll bring a portion for you too."

The Duke’s kitchen staff had developed the habit of preparing an extra portion for Lina. Since she was constantly by Kenji’s side, eating together was perfectly normal - well, normal only at Duke Anos’ residence.

"Alright." Lina glanced at the invitation. "The meeting place is set at Clear Heart Tower in Luminara. If you plan to keep the appointment, I’ll go prepare now."

"Good, don’t forget to prepare some gifts."

"I know."

Watching Lina leave, Kenji smiled and went back to examining the files.

.............

In Wind Palace, Pluvia was reading memorials about the disaster situation in Hexi County when Sonya Lius entered.

"Your Majesty."

"Mm, speak."

"General Balinos will reach Luminara soon. He’s sent a forward rider requesting entry to the Capital."

"Oh?"

Pluvia’s eyes lit up. She nodded and issued orders: "Open the city gates wide, send envoys to announce to all citizens to welcome the general. What about the Grand Marshal’s office? Have they been notified?"

"Not yet." Sonya scratched her head.

"Have someone notify the Grand Marshal to come welcome them too," Pluvia said.

This was the perfect opportunity for some major publicity, and also to boost the returning troops’ unity - if the Emperor came out to welcome them, the Grand Marshal as military commander naturally had to come welcome them too.