“Allow him to enter.”
“Yes.” The attendant left and returned shortly with the dean in tow.
Seeing the person coming in, the emperor set down his pen and stood to greet him, feigning a polite demeanor. “Dean, you must be occupied with college matters; what brings you to the palace today?” The dean concealed his frustration behind a diplomatic smile; after all, he had come to discuss a matter involving another person. If the emperor wished to be hypocritical, then the dean was willing to be doubly so.
The dean sighed and dropped his pretense of cheerfulness, staring directly at the emperor as he spoke seriously. “Your Majesty, I’m here today regarding Huang Quan and Qin Yuan.”
“Regarding Huang Quan?” The emperor inquired. “To my knowledge, Huang Quan is not a student of the college. Why has the dean consistently advocated for her?”
“Although she herself is not a student,” the dean explained, “her brother is a student of the college.”
“Even if you’re defending her due to her brother’s status, doesn’t the dean think that it’s excessive?” the emperor asked. “After all, she killed the Prime Minister, not an ordinary citizen.”
“If I refrain from punishing her just because you requested it, how do I explain this to the Xuanling Master of the Qin family? Why should I explain it to those disciples of Qin Yuan?”
“Your words make sense, Your Majesty. However…” The dean stood with his hands behind his back and gazed at the emperor. “If you handle Huang Quan, you could explain it to the Qin family and Qin Yuan’s disciples? But, then how will you explain it to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?”
“Crown Prince?” The emperor looked puzzled. “What does this have to do with the prince?”
Before the dean could respond, the emperor added, “Even if it does, why would I need to explain to the Crown Prince when dealing with Huang Quan?”
“Your Majesty,” the dean said seriously, “I’m not talking about Prince Mu.”
“It’s not Mu’er. Who are you referring to then?” The emperor looked at the dean. “Since when did Tianhuang have another prince, and I wasn’t aware?”
“Your Majesty,” the dean said, “I’m talking about Prince Di Qin.”
The emperor suddenly stood up and stared at the dean, asking, “Who are you talking about?”
“Prince Di Qin.”
“Di.., Di Qin?” The emperor spoke somewhat haltingly. “What does this have to do with Prince Di Qin?”
“Huang Quan is a friend of Prince Di Qin,” the dean explained. “His Royal Highness the Prince has issued an order stating that no one from Tianhuang is allowed to harm Huang Quan, or he will personally come to Tianhuang.”
“Stop!” Upon hearing that Di Qin might personally visit, the emperor quickly waved his hand. “For such a minor matter, Prince Di Qin doesn’t need to come in person. Since you’re here, Dean, please tell me what you want me to do.”
The emperor was clearly relieved. He would go to great lengths to prevent Di Qin from coming to Tianhuang. The emperor was well aware of Di Qin’s ominous reputation; anyone who had ever been associated with him had either succumbed to severe illness or met a direct demise.
Although Emperor Tianqi had concealed this information, the news had managed to leak out due to the recent events. The common folk may not be aware, but the royal family certainly was. They were determined to prevent the arrival of this ominous figure. What the emperor had yet to learn, however, he had already arrived in Tianhuang.
