chapter 8 ：Undercurrents Surging （2）

"Reports say that the flood disaster area is submerged, and people are displaced, yet the relief funds are nowhere to be seen. Are you aware of this, Lord Yi?" Si Jiang inquired, feigning concern.

"Naturally, I've heard of it. However, the relief funds have already been allocated. I'm not sure what went wrong," Lord Yi responded, his face still displaying an impeccable smile, maintaining his calm demeanor as if he fully believed his own lie.

"Is that so? But I heard that Hu Shi is in charge of this matter. Since he is under your command, Lord Yi, you should be more careful. Don't let unrelated people ruin your reputation," Si Jiang said, her tone gentle and her expression innocent, trying to show more concern.

"Indeed. Moreover, I heard that Ji Qi Gongzi has collected evidence of this embezzlement and will soon arrive in the capital. What do you plan to do about that, Lord Yi?" Ji An added, clearly not intending to give Lord Yi any leeway.

Hearing Si Jiang and Ji An's words, Lord Yi's smile momentarily faltered, but he quickly regained his composure. Bowing slightly, he spoke in a warm and humble tone:

"You are right, Princess and Lord Ji. The relief funds are indeed a serious matter. If there is embezzlement, it must be thoroughly investigated. I will immediately send people to look into it, ensuring the relief funds are properly distributed to reassure the people."

He paused, his eyes showing a hint of determination as he continued:

"As for the evidence collected by Ji Qi Gongzi, if it is true, I will cooperate with the investigation. No matter who is involved, they will not be spared. We all have a responsibility to ensure justice. Rest assured, I will do my best to uncover the truth and give the people justice."

After saying this, Lord Yi looked firmly at Ji An and Si Jiang, his expression calm and composed, as if he was wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the people.

"Since Lord Yi takes this matter so seriously, we are reassured. After all, public opinion is the foundation of the state. We trust you will find out the truth," Si Jiang said, deciding not to pursue the topic further, as their goal of provoking Lord Yi into action had been achieved.

"Of course," Lord Yi replied calmly. "If there is nothing else, let's adjourn."

"Yes," Si Jiang and Ji An, clearly not believing Lord Yi's promises, left without further words, understanding each other without the need for more discussion.

After everyone left, Lord Yi angrily overturned the table, the sound of the impact and clattering echoing through the room.

"This is outrageous!" he roared, his face no longer calm and composed. Veins bulged on his forehead, his expression filled with rage and discontent. He took deep breaths, trying to calm himself, his eyes turning cold and sharp.

"Trying to force me into acting against the king? Hmph, still too naive," he thought, planning his next move amidst the brewing storm.

To Lord Yi, the issue of Hu Shi's embezzlement was minor. Even if Ji Qi managed to bring back concrete evidence, it would only prove that Hu Shi was responsible. What did that have to do with him? As long as he denied any involvement and sacrificed Hu Shi as a pawn, what harm would it do? His reputation might even improve if he took the initiative to expose Hu Shi's crimes.

Thinking this through, Lord Yi's mood lightened. He decided it was better to be cautious and maintain his current position, rather than taking a risky step.

"Guards! Follow me to the Beast Prison!" At this time, he needed the Feng'an clan to monitor and gather information reliably. However, he couldn't foresee that his trusted beast-taming skills would soon fail.

Meanwhile, after leaving Lord Yi's residence, Si Jiang headed to King Yu's palace. The king's condition had improved somewhat due to recent treatments, but the poison was still dangerous, and without an antidote, his life hung by a thread.

Entering the palace, Si Jiang saw the intricate bed draped with gauzy curtains, revealing a faint glow. Beside the bed were porcelain bottles and medicine bowls, emitting a strong medicinal scent. Various flood control tools were placed on a long table, incense burned softly, and an ancient orchid added a unique fragrance to the room.

Approaching the bed, Si Jiang saw King Yu leaning against the pillows, his face still pale but with a slight hint of color. Dressed in a loose white robe, he looked thoughtful as he gently touched the quilt. Attendants stood respectfully by, careful and attentive, maintaining a solemn and serene atmosphere.

"Father, how are you feeling today?" Si Jiang asked with a smile, walking slowly toward King Yu. She then instructed the attendants, "You may all wait outside."

"Yes, my lady," the attendants replied, bowing and leaving the room.

Seeing Si Jiang, King Yu smiled faintly. His voice was low and hoarse but carried a hint of relief. "Much better, thanks to your care."

"That's good. Father, I have something to discuss with you." Si Jiang relayed the events at Lord Yi's residence and proposed using this opportunity to provoke Lord Yi into making a move against King Yu.

"Heh, Jiang'er, you are still too naive. If you do this, Lord Yi will only be more determined to keep me alive."

"Why is that, Father?" Si Jiang asked, puzzled. "Shouldn't he be desperate and reckless, taking a risky path?"

"True, but the risk is too high. Given his cautious nature, he won't act rashly. He is a careful man who considers the consequences of his actions," King Yu explained. "It's more likely he will expose Hu Shi's crimes to clear his own name and gain a reputation for righteousness."

Si Jiang frowned. "But Ji Qi has evidence. Can he still deny it?"

"Can you guarantee that all the evidence points directly to Lord Yi and not just Hu Shi?" King Yu asked.

"I…" Si Jiang realized she hadn't considered this in detail and felt she had been too hasty.

"Don't worry too much, Jiang'er. As long as I'm alive, Lord Yi's power remains unstable. The relationship between him and Hu Shi isn't unbreakable. Now, the key is to find someone who knows all his crimes and can be trusted by you."

Si Jiang nodded, understanding the wisdom in King Yu's words.

"However, you must be careful. Your abilities are strong, and you are smart, but you are still too innocent. The treachery of human hearts is a deep abyss you can't yet fathom," King Yu said, his gaze deep and thoughtful, as if analyzing a chessboard.

"Dealing with Lord Yi isn't as simple as you think. The web of his connections is complex. While my health is improving, you must inform me of any developments immediately."

King Yu patted Si Jiang's hand gently. "Moreover, we can reduce the number of guards here. I know my condition is beyond cure. If someone wants to harm me, we can't stop them. Right now, more people are hoping for my recovery."

Si Jiang frowned. She wanted to refuse but saw King Yu's firm attitude and reluctantly agreed, although she felt something was off. However, she trusted King Yu completely.

"Thank you, Father. I understand now." She bowed slightly, expressing her gratitude.