On a particularly cold morning, there were residents complaining of hearing sounds of firecrackers at night, and loud sounds of explosions. There were too many people that launched such a complaint, including the night watchman that the government could not ignore it. Thus, they immediately dispatched a few officers to the street where there were the most complaints.
They found that general Li's manor was situated on the very street that had the most people complain of the bizarre noises from within. As officers, they were not allowed to barge into the home of an exalted general and had to retreat to state their findings to their superiors who had ordered them to investigate.
In the end, it was official Ma, who rallied up the other lesser officials into signing a petition to have general Li's manor opened up to search for the source of the strange sounds plaguing the residents, stating "How can a general hide behind his title, and not give the people peace of mind?" Many officials signed their name on the petition, indicating that if things were to go wrong, they would hold the blame, however, they were very righteous in the eyes of the people which did not bring them much blame, it was the people of the general's manor that seemed petty, refusing to open their doors, as though they had something to hide.
There were soon officers that entered the general's manor. After searching they found explosive powder, which was not allowed to be bought privately in large amounts. It was a substance that was highly regulated by the imperial court, because of its destructive purposes and use in warfare. Of course, this was also used in the manufacturing of fireworks and other festive goods, however, there was a strict process to buying them.
The explosive powder found in general Li's manor did not have any official documents stating that it was acquired legally, thus it could only be assumed that it was smuggled in. As for what purpose it was to serve. There have been countless such incidences in the past where weapons with explosive power were smuggled in with the intention to harm the citizens of the imperial capital, with the goal to destabilize the core of a kingdom.
This matter was then quickly reported to the emperor who was in his sickbed. The emperor immediately became furious, slamming his hand on the dragon bed and ordered the entire general's manor to be detained.
Fearing the wrath of the emperor, even the friends of the general kept quiet in court. Watching as general Li's manor was stripped of its past glory and the people within taken away. It was not that they were heartless, only that they knew that speaking up to an emperor who was in his state of anger would not bode well for either of them.
Official Gao stood in the crowd of officials, the edge of his lips slightly lifted into half a smirk as he watched the emperor that was in great anger.
Ruan Wang, on the other hand, was still asleep, oblivious to all that had been happening recently in the imperial capital. He woke up groggily to find himself in his bedroom. As to how he got here, he didn't remember. It was as though he had a dream. One that was good and sweet. It was a pity that he woke up this time. It would have been a better choice to continue sleeping.
"My lord, you're awake!" Xu Fei immediately called out as soon as Ruan Wang opened his eyes. The call was akin to signaling to everyone in the manor that the lord was awake.
Ruan Wang, who was about to try to go back to sleep again could only bear with it and opened his eyes. He did not ask what day it was, nor did he speak much. Allowing Xu Fei to help him sit up in bed.
The servants immediately brought a bowl of porridge and a small bowl of medicine. Ruan Wang took both of them without much hesitation. The smell of medicine was familiar to him, he remembered that years ago when he had been in the same predicament, the bowl of medicine had been stewed from the hands of a certain young woman.
The bowl of medicine he drank had the same exact flavor and smell. It was only that a certain something was missing.
Xu Fei watches as Ruan Wang drinks the medicine. Hesitating on whether he should tell his lord about the recent events as of lately. After all, general Li and his lord did have a good connection many years ago. The same can't be said about their current relationship, but they were at one time people who were close to each other and confided in each other.
Ruan Wang notices that Xu Fei seems extremely bothered and asks him "Is anything the matter?"
"Uh… My lord, the doctor says you should get a lot of rest to recover, especially at this age." Xu Fei answered.
Ruan Wang who was still slightly muddle-headed nodded, "Naturally, I will go back to sleep." He then laid back down on the bed.
Xu Fei: "..." This was the first time his lord had been so willing to listen to him. Anyway, this should be considered good. He could only silently apologize to general Li this time. With his lord not going outside to enquire news, and everyone in the manor not talking about it, Ruan Wang should focus on his health as the priority.
"My lord, I will retreat now." Xu Fei whispered as he brought the medicine bowl with him and left without the slightest disturbance.