Chapter 206 — The Summoner of Demons
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 2 of 4
Pei Wujiu considered, then said, "Judging by the fighting in Li Prefecture, the Vice Governor of Li Prefecture had already taken Lu County. When the Directorate of Education and the scholars reached Li Prefecture, the rebels deployed the Soul-Dragging Lure at that very moment—which shows that the rebel faction knew the precise hour the scholars arrived in Li Prefecture, as though they had foreknowledge of it. They must have gotten word that the scholars were coming before Lu County fell; only so could they still have had the strength to summon demons and call back souls after the county was taken. That means the word did not leak from the Directorate of Education or from the scholars, but rather..."
He hardened his heart and said, "...rather, it was leaked by me, or by those few first-rank ministers."
"The traitors—they are among us!"
Emperor Yanfeng sneered. "It seems someone among us wishes my rump shifted off this seat, so that he may sit in it himself. Those who came to court that day to deliberate, and who knew of this matter, besides you and me, were all first-rank ministers, several of the Crown Prince's tutors, and the Minister of the Masses, the Minister of Works, and the Dukes of the Realm. Which of them do you think it might be?"
Beads of sweat the size of beans stood on Pei Wujiu's brow. He clenched his teeth and said not a word.
Emperor Yanfeng shot him a glance and gave a cold snort. "You dare not say? Then you are not loyal to Us."
Sweat rolled down Pei Wujiu's brow. "This subject was sealed in ice in the Desolate Ruins for two hundred years and knows little of the court's ministers; I dare not speak recklessly..."
"Speak recklessly, then; I pardon you."
"This subject is dull by nature, and stupid besides—I even let the Academy Doctor swindle from me the court sword I wear, which shows plainly how dull I am..."
Emperor Yanfeng laughed in sheer fury, leveling a finger at his nose. "Do not try to fish in troubled waters with me! The Academy Doctor cheated you of your sword, so bow your head to him and apologize, and ask it back. If you are stupid, what use have I for a Grand Libationer like you? Pack up your bedroll and be gone this instant! Speak: whom do you suspect?"
Pei Wujiu ground his teeth, then flung up his head. "The Crown Prince's tutors are highly suspect!"
"What did you say?"
Emperor Yanfeng's rage was past containing; his imperial might burst forth and bore Pei Wujiu's head down until he had to bow.
Then all at once Emperor Yanfeng sagged, and waved a hand. "Lord Gu, you are very clever, very clever... You may withdraw."
Drenched in cold sweat, Pei Wujiu backed out of the hall.
"Come back," said Emperor Yanfeng.
The fine hairs rose all over Pei Wujiu. He steeled himself and went back in. Emperor Yanfeng said slowly, "The Imperial Preceptor of Jingping has rendered great merit this time, and I have never once rewarded him. What do you think I ought to bestow on him?"
Pei Wujiu bowed his head. "What could Your Majesty bestow on him?"
Emperor Yanfeng shook his head. "There is nothing left."
Pei Wujiu thought for a moment. "Then bestow upon the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping beauties and wealth."
"Your thought is my thought."
Emperor Yanfeng sighed. "Only I fear he will refuse it, as he has refused before."
Pei Wujiu said hesitantly, "Much has happened this time. If the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping is truly wise, he will surely accept this time."
Emperor Yanfeng was briefly stunned, then laughed. "You are a curious fellow too. I did not kill the chicken for you to watch, and you are no chicken. Go. And one thing more: stop provoking the Academy Doctor at every turn; you cannot afford to cross him. His power is beyond your imagining. Each time you put on those little shoes he makes for you, I am shamed on your behalf. It was I who overrode every objection to put you in your post; I do not care to spend my days wiping your backside."