Mr. Songshan had once privately asked Qin Yuan as well whether the Emperor would, on account of the rumors circulating among the common folk, put aside his suspicion of Marquis Gu and use this grand review to make some amends.
Qin Yuan gave a bitter smile. "So long as the Marquis does not hand over the Gu Family Army for even a single moment, the Emperor's suspicion will not lift for even a single moment. Even if the rumors dispel a little of it, it only means he'll cherish the blade a bit more when he uses it."
Who ever cares about how a blade feels? Thunder and rain alike are imperial favor.
Mr. Songshan was deeply indignant. "All under Heaven say the Marquis's merits are such that to grant him the title of Duke would be no more than his due. For the Emperor to act like this—does he not fear chilling the hearts of all military generals? Who will risk their lives for him in the future?"
Mr. Songshan had never concealed his designs from her.
