Never Show Weakness

Li Chenyang knew his next destination. He headed straight to his father's private study. Knocking upon the door, he heard a faint "come in," before opening it.

"Dad," Li Chenyang greeted in a hard voice. Creases formed on his forehead upon seeing his father's exhausted facial features. 

Duke Li Shenyang gestured for his son to take a seat in one of the couches. "I'm sure we have a lot to discuss," he said.

Li Chenyang's eyes lingered on the items on his father's cluttered desk. For a split second, Chenyang thought he saw letters. It was too late to take a second glance. 

Duke Li Shenyang stood in front of his desk to face his son, conveniently blocking the latter's view of the contents on the desk.

"Father," Li Chenyang formally addressed. "We never got to finish our discussion last time about the Emperor's private funds. It's extremely secretive and no one should have access to it, not even the Prime Minister."