Chapter 693: Chapter 694: Poisoning

By dusk, the ministers began to file out one after another.

Emperor Muwu was just beginning to recover and could not overexert himself, so he postponed Zheng Baosu’s interrogation until the next day.

Chen Songshi was on his way out when someone suddenly called his name.

"Elder?"

Chen Songshi turned around. "What is it?"

Lin Xueping smiled and glanced around before taking a few steps closer. In a low voice, he asked, "I heard that Zheng Baosu was escorted into the palace today. This matter... I imagine the Elder must already know about it?"

Chen Songshi stroked his beard but did not answer the question directly. With a faint, unreadable smile, he said, "I’m surprised Mr. Lin is so well-informed. I’ve been in Qiyuan Hall all day, so I’m really not aware of the details."

Lin Xueping’s expression stiffened.

’Chen Songshi’s words were rather blunt. After all, as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he had also been in Qiyuan Hall all day, just like Chen Songshi! He had only found out because someone delivered a message to him during a recess.’

’By saying that, wasn’t Chen Songshi taking a not-so-subtle jab at him?!’

’But who among those present wasn’t incredibly shrewd? Who didn’t have their own methods and sources?’

’To claim they knew nothing about this... Lin Xueping refused to believe it!’

But for now, he could only maintain a polite facade. He gave a hollow laugh and said, "I just happened to hear about it. His procession into the palace caused quite a stir; many of the palace staff saw it."

Chen Songshi nodded. "Zheng Baosu’s crimes are numerous, too many to count. He has incurred His Majesty’s wrath, so it’s only to be expected that he would end up here today. If Mr. Lin is so curious, why not ask Lord Miao? He is handling this matter, so I imagine he would be the most knowledgeable."

Lin Xueping could no longer keep his composure.

’Everyone knew Zheng Baosu was to be personally interrogated by His Majesty! Whoever got involved at this point would be asking for trouble!’

Seeing that he wasn’t going to get any information, Lin Xueping gave up. He offered a few perfunctory words, cupped his hands in farewell, and hastily departed.

Chen Songshi watched his retreating back, his eyes narrowing slightly as he let out a soft scoff.

...

This small interlude went unnoticed by anyone else.

As for the imprisoned Zheng Baosu, he was completely oblivious to all of this.

As the sky gradually darkened, a dead silence fell all around, making Zheng Baosu increasingly tense and uneasy.

His hands and feet were bound in shackles. The slightest movement produced a sound that attracted unwanted attention.

So, he dared not move. He could only sit on the edge of the bed, listless and filled with despair.

’In truth, he had no idea how he had even ended up here.’

’From the moment of his capture to now, he had been in a complete daze.’

’But he wasn’t a fool. This whole situation was clearly set up to be the end of him!’

’One small misstep, and he would truly be done for!’

’He had no idea what was happening on the outside...’

Just then, footsteps suddenly sounded from outside the door.

Then, the door was pushed open a crack, and a palace servant placed a tray just inside the threshold.

On it were a steamed bun and a bowl of leftover rice.

In the past, Zheng Baosu wouldn’t have given this spoiled food a second glance. But after the arduous journey, during which he sometimes ate only a single meal all day, he was ravenous.

’How could he afford to be picky now?’

Without a second thought, he dragged his heavy shackles forward, snatched the steamed bun, and began to wolf it down.

He ate in such a hurry that he failed to notice the palace servant lingering outside the open crack in the door. Only after seeing him swallow the bun did a subtle smile touch the servant’s lips, and then they turned and left.

CLICK—

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