Ning Chen's eyes narrowed slightly, but they were soon back to normal. "How did he die?"

Eunuch Quan said, "His internal organs were ruptured by an outside force."

Something flickered in Ning Chen's eyes. "You think I did it?"

Eunuch Quan tried to calm him. "Don't get worked up yet, my lord prince... It's only that, as things stand, Liu Kuan had a run-in with no one but my lord prince, and my lord prince really did beat him. So when people hear of Liu Kuan's death, the first person they'll think of is you.

The Emperor Emeritus sent this old servant to get to the bottom of it. He feels there's something strange about it."

Ning Chen was quiet for a moment. "Liu Kuan's death has nothing to do with me. Those few blows couldn't kill anyone... If I really wanted Liu Kuan dead, it would take one stroke of the sword. Why go to all that trouble?"

Eunuch Quan's expression shifted, and he said anxiously, "In that case, the Emperor Emeritus was right. There's something very strange about this.

Liu Kuan was the Chief Eunuch of the Inner Palace and His Majesty's confidant, and now the man is dead... I'm afraid there'll be no shortage of people at court tomorrow attacking and impeaching you."

Ning Chen was calm and unconcerned. "Let them... If a day ever came when nobody impeached this prince, this prince wouldn't know what to do with himself."

Eunuch Quan hesitated, then stepped closer and lowered his voice. "Today isn't like the old days. Before, the Emperor Emeritus kept them in check, but now..."

Ning Chen smiled without a sound. "You mean a new sovereign brings his own ministers?"

Eunuch Quan gave a small nod.

"My lord prince!"

Gu Yichun's voice came from outside.

"Come in!"

Gu Yichun came in and bowed. "My lord prince, an edict just came from the palace. You're to attend court tomorrow!"

Ning Chen nodded slightly. "All right. Understood!"

Eunuch Quan looked very worried. "Why don't you stay home pleading illness? Tomorrow's morning court is sure to be a slaughterhouse…