A Garden Tour with Unease (3)

Hong Zhu did not think that the Commissioner even knew his name. He immediately felt honored and replied cheerfully, "I am. Thank you, Commissioner, for knowing my name."

"Servants close to the Emperor can be dangerous," Fan Xian said. "Since I am the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council, I must be vigilant… besides, there was an assassin among the ranks of the eunuchs in the Taiji Palace not long ago…"

Hong Zhu was startled and did not dare to reply. Fan Xian continued, "Since the Emperor trusts you, then, naturally, I trust you too… ah yes, I heard that Old Dai is currently doing hard labor?"

Hong Zhu glanced at him and tentatively replied, "Yes, he is very miserable."

"Hm." Fan Xian nodded his head. "I'm not bothered with such things as taboo. I've had dealings with Old Dai before—he's not a bad person. I hope you will be able to help him out now and then."