Chapter 141: Plot!
The tea on the table exuded a faint fragrance, and the room was silent.
Lancet stared at Hughes for a long time before speaking. "With His Majesty’s wisdom, how could he not see the current state of the empire? If so, why not send the imperial guards to Brambleford?"
"General Lancet, if it were that simple, His Majesty wouldn’t be so furious. Prince Ravencrest wants nothing more than to divert disaster eastward. If the imperial guards mobilise, the reavers will surely attack the domains of the Kings of Blackthorne, Ravencrest and Dornhal to contain them. Do you think they would agree? If His Majesty insists and provokes the reavers, those kings need only deliberately let the reavers through to threaten Eldora directly. Thus, the imperial guards cannot move. The best outcome now is for Prince Gerad to assist the Prince of Brambleford in holding Brambleford. After all, Prince Gerad is powerful among the vassal kings. If he commits fully, defending Dunmere shouldn’t be a problem."
"But Prince Gerad likely won’t act in good faith," Lancet said, narrowing his eyes.
"It seems General Lancet is also a wise man. The whole world can see this clearly; only His Majesty remains blind to Prince Gerad’s true nature, too deeply misled. Alas, the pain of Prince Eziekel’s death has left His Majesty with lingering guilt." Hughes sighed softly.
Lancet nodded, secretly admiring Hughes. This frail, gaunt man had always been astute in assessing the empire’s situation.
"If that’s the case, what can be done?" Lancet asked worriedly. "Isn’t this a deadlock?"
"It is indeed a deadlock, but not necessarily hopeless. Whether the Eldorian Empire can continue to prosper depends on whether Prince Simon and Prince Gerad can cooperate sincerely. If even they disregard the empire’s peril, the imperial clan is doomed."
Lancet nodded again. "Chief Secretary Hughes speaks wisely. His Majesty tacitly allowed my son to go to Brambleford, likely out of concern."
Hughes smiled. "Enough of this. Come, let’s drink tea. Some matters can only be left to unfold naturally. His Majesty’s considerations are surely the result of deep deliberation."
Lancet agreed, and the two drank tea in silence. Soon, however, a young eunuch arrived with an imperial summons: the emperor wished for them to accompany him on a lake excursion.
They had no choice but to comply.
In their haste, they left the newspaper on the main hall table. Moments later, a delicate, jade-like hand picked it up.
"Miss, what is this?"
The newcomers were a mistress and her maid. The young woman had a face like a flower, a graceful figure, skin as smooth as congealed fat, and clear, phoenix-like eyes that sparkled like shooting stars.
This was none other than Hughes’s youngest daughter, Elin.
Her round-faced maid, Kobe, dressed in a green skirt, stood beside her.
"Is this the so-called newspaper?" Elin examined the contents. "Cousin mentioned the Brambleford newspaper some days ago. This seems to match his description, and it records events in Brambleford."
"That Prince of Brambleford who fled back to Eldora three years ago and was whipped by the emperor?" Kobe curled her lip. "Then this paper isn’t worth reading."
Elin chuckled, her beauty so radiant it momentarily stunned Kobe. No wonder her cousin visited the Baker residence daily, restless when apart.
Elin was about to set the paper aside. Her impression of Simon came solely from rumours: rebellious, erratic, a deserter. By all accounts, the Prince of Brambleford was a thoroughly unsavoury character.
But when her eyes skimmed over a poem, she froze.
Due to her frail health, Hughes rarely allowed Elin to venture far. Boredom often plagued her in the inner chambers, so whenever Hughes left, Kobe would sneak her out to play in the estate.
Today, learning that Hughes and General Lancet had departed, Kobe had brought Elin here.
"Miss, what’s wrong?" Kobe asked, noticing her mistress’s flickering gaze.
"Kobe, do you think the Prince of Brambleford is truly as wretched as others say?"
Kobe pondered. "It’s all hearsay, but with so many saying the same, there must be some truth."
Elin recited the lines softly. "Could someone so wretched compose such stirring verse?"
With a sigh, she fell silent.
Kobe tugged her hand. "Miss, never mind the Prince of Brambleford. While the master is away, let’s feed the fish by the pond. Otherwise, your cousin will show up and start showing off his literary prowess again."
Elin flashed a mischievous smile and followed Kobe to the rear garden.
---
Meanwhile, Hughes and Lancet had arrived at the Cobblestone Pool in the southern city.
Renowned for its scenic beauty, the pool attracted scholars, poets, and beauties every April for spring outings, including high-ranking officials and nobles.
Occasionally, when weary of castle views, Emperor Alaric would board a painted boat, invite a few close ministers, and enjoy wine on the lake.
"His Majesty seems in high spirits. Has some joyous occasion occurred?" Hughes asked as the emperor smiled throughout the excursion.
Alaric laughed. "You’ve surely read Prince Simon’s poem. The Brambleford’s Finest was one thing, but this time, he’s truly astonished me."
Realisation dawned on Hughes and Lancet: The emperor had come to boast.
Even as a ruler, a father took pride in his son’s literary feats, especially when they eclipsed the talents of Eldora’s finest scholars.
"Your Majesty has seen it too?" Hughes smiled. "Three days apart, and one must view him with new eyes. This time, we were equally amazed."
Alaric chuckled. "Thus, I’ve grown more confident about Dunmere. This poem alone reveals the Prince of Brambleford’s stance on the reaver invasion. Hmph! The Kings of Ravencrest and the others will be sorely disappointed."
Hughes and Lancet exchanged glances. No wonder the emperor was so pleased.
After a pause, Alaric continued. "However, his domain remains weak. Though mobilising the imperial guards is unwise, we can support him with funds and provisions. Hughes, what say you?"
"This humble official understands. Tomorrow, I shall petition Your Majesty to allocate resources to the Prince of Brambleford." Hughes complied. This was their long-standing tacit understanding.
Then, Alaric turned to Lancet. "Lancet, if I recall correctly, Benjamin is still serving hard labour?"
Lancet’s heart raced. "Indeed, Benjamin remains sentenced to the mines. Your Majesty?"
"Have him continue his labour in Brambleford," Alaric said lightly.
Lancet was overjoyed. Benjamin, like him, was a staunch advocate for war. But with a temper as stubborn as his name, Benjamin had once offended the emperor in court and was banished to the mines. Five years had passed since then.
Now, this fierce general would finally return.