Chapter 1588: What Is He Trying to Do?

Editor: Henyee Translations

He was a beggar who had left the bureaucracy ten years ago, now struggling in destitution. Regardless of his past bravery and excellence, in Emperor Xuan’s eyes, such an individual was considered worthless and not worth the emperor’s attention.

Shao Yunduan received a summons to appear in court.

Kneeling in the intermediate hall of the Thousand Autumn Palace, Shao Yunduan faced the emperor’s scathing reprimands. Emperor Xuan of Qi, known for his intelligence, was also conceited and selfish. He had zero tolerance for scheming or anyone, even those who had previously praised him or made significant contributions.

Emperor Xuan was well-informed about the events at the Heavenly Mansion’s government office, including the subsequent developments. His keen mind allowed him to discern Shao Yunduan’s involvement in the unfolding events.

The emperor’s thoughts raced, and it didn’t take much for him to deduce Shao Yunduan’s role. If Shao Yunduan hadn’t colluded with Zheng Sangge, leading the uncle and nephew into a trap, the situation would not have reached this point.

Emperor Xuan pondered the motives behind Shao Yunduan’s actions. Was he so arrogant and dictatorial as to openly assist the Crown Prince in eliminating dissidents? Such actions seemed unseemly. Additionally, Zheng Sangge and his comrades had already received compensation from the Imperial Court for their service on the battlefield. How they lived afterward was their own responsibility. Why was Shao Yunduan associating with them and the Sun Family, seemingly attempting to instigate conflict and tarnish the court’s reputation?

Fortunately, the situation hadn’t escalated to its worst potential. Otherwise, Emperor Xuan might have summoned Shao Yunduan not just for a scolding, but for more severe consequences.

“…I must warn you! Regardless of your significant contributions, you remain a subject of the Great Qin Empire, an official of the Imperial Court, not a personal servant of the Crown Prince! Your achievements do not grant you the privilege of arrogance. Do not harbor delusions that you can act with impunity and scheme against anyone!”

“I will not tolerate it!”

“If there is a next time, your punishment will be severe!”

Shao Yunduan listened to the Emperor’s rebuke in silence. As the Emperor’s anger reached the point of self-cursing, Shao Yunduan, bowing low, uttered, “I am sorry, Your Majesty. Please punish me.”

The momentarily calmer Emperor, infuriated once again, forcefully slammed a cup of tea onto the coffee table. “How dare you! Shao Yunduan, don’t think that you will escape punishment. Do you not understand what’s in your best interest?”

“I do not dare otherwise. I have reflected on my actions lately and come to a realization. My success since becoming an official has made me unstable. Although this incident is resolved, I cannot guarantee that I won’t err in the future. Your Majesty, please grant me leave!”

Shao Yunduan felt a sense of relief.

No longer desiring to remain in the capital, he contemplated pursuing his own path. What did it matter to him?

Unaware that he would need to suppress his anger, feign ignorance of his wife’s mistreatment, and continue serving the Crown Prince diligently, Shao Yunduan envisioned a life devoid of such servitude. He deemed his current role meaningless, devoid of any psychological comfort.