The next morning, Gao Changgong slowly woke up from a deep hangover with a splitting headache. The sun shone through the window lattice onto the bed. He opened his eyes and everything in front of him seemed particularly dazzling. His body was heavy, and the wine from last night seemed to still be churning in his body. His throat was dry and his mind was fuzzy.
He closed his eyes and tried to recall the scene of last night. The laughter and frivolous compliments of the ministers lingered in his ears. The noisy atmosphere at the banquet and the constant collision of wine glasses seemed to celebrate his victory. However, the afterglow of this victory did not bring any satisfaction to his heart, but left a lingering uneasiness.
He vaguely remembered that several counselors deliberately ridiculed and provoked during the banquet. Their words seemed relaxed, but in fact they were as sharp as blades. Although Emperor Gao Wei was smiling, a certain indifference and alienation in his eyes made Gao Changgong feel uncomfortable.
Under the magnificent appearance of the palace, the lurking undercurrents were like invisible poisonous snakes, waiting for an opportunity to strike at any time. Gao Changgong sighed, and his vigilance was awakened again. He knew that last night's banquet was just the beginning, and the future storm was quietly brewing in this seemingly peaceful palace.
Gao Changgong thought of the death of Gao Chuo and many ministers, as well as the unwarranted charges they were charged with. He thought that something must be done. He still felt a headache, rubbed his eyebrows, and asked the servant to call Feng Duo, his confidant who had always followed him loyally.
A moment later, Feng Duo pushed the door open and saw Gao Changgong's slightly tired face. He immediately stepped forward and asked respectfully: "Your Highness, do you have any instructions?"
Feng Duo, Gao Changgong's confidant and right-hand man, although only 20 years old, has shown extraordinary loyalty and acumen. He is the son of Gao Changgong's father's general. After his father died in battle, he was adopted by the Gao family and followed Gao Changgong for many years. Because of their similar age, the relationship between the two is not only a master-servant relationship, but also a brotherly intimacy.
Feng Duo's appearance is quite simple, with slightly dark skin and a medium build, and he does not look eye-catching. He is always low-key and calm, and is used to standing in an inconspicuous place to observe everything. But those who have come into contact with him can feel his inner cleverness and wisdom. His eyes were particularly smart, always flashing with a thoughtful and alert light, as if ready to respond to any changes at any time. It was this seemingly ordinary but sharp character that made him one of Gao Changgong's most trusted confidants.
Gao Changgong was silent for a moment, his eyes swept across the empty room like a sharp blade, and finally fixed on Feng Duo, whispering: "The atmosphere of the banquet last night was not right, and the ministers' words were full of sarcasm, especially those counselors. The emperor seemed friendly on the surface, but in fact..." He did not continue, but the coldness in his eyes showed his doubts.
Feng Duo nodded, frowning slightly: "Your Highness, are you worried that the emperor will be wary of you?" Gao Changgong's eyes were calm and thoughtful: "The palace has always been a dangerous place. Especially after my triumphant return to the city, I felt the change in the atmosphere around me... I need to know more."
He paused, his voice low but with an unignorable determination, "Go and find out what important things happened in the capital and the palace during my expedition, especially after my triumphant return. Especially those unfavorable movements, no matter how big or small, report them all."
Feng Duo thought for a moment, frowned slightly, and asked cautiously "Your Highness, do you think...someone is secretly plotting against you?"
Gao Changgong smiled coldly, with a sharp gleam in his eyes: "Feng Duo, you know, enemies on the battlefield are easy to deal with, but hidden arrows in the palace are hard to guard against. The thorns in Gao Wei's favorites' words last night were definitely not unintentional. I want to know what they are plotting."
Feng Duo bowed and responded: "I understand, Your Highness. I will find out as soon as possible and report back as soon as I have any news." Gao Changgong nodded, his face cold: "Be careful not to let them notice."
Feng Duo saluted respectfully again, turned around and left the room, his steps steady and fast.