Chapter 1273: Chapter 1270: Fu Ming is Back Chapter 1273: Chapter 1270: Fu Ming is Back Still grinning from ear to ear, he made plans for the delicious food he’d enjoy tomorrow.

While feeling comfortable, his gaze fell upon the Ice Jelly that Chu Heng was eating, and he leaned in curiously, “What is this?”

Ice Jelly is a southern delicacy, not found in the capital.

“Ice Jelly,” Chu Heng always was succinct in speech.

Zhang Zhi, hearing this name, became somewhat curious, “Is it a kind of food that’s very refreshing to eat?”

“Mm,” Chu Heng nodded indifferently.

Liu Ruying’s spirits immediately perked up, “I want some.”

“The heat lately leaves me with no appetite; something cold like this would be perfect.”

Chu Heng noticed the look in his eyes, his face darkened, he ignored him and calmly finished the Ice Jelly.

“My lord… hehe, I wonder if there’s any left at the residence?”

“I’ll send some to you tomorrow,” Chu Heng rubbed his forehead, truly worn out by his pestering, and dismissed him with a sentence.

Yet, Liu Ruying was satisfied.

They had just finished lunch not long ago.

The three were next to the desk looking over the ledgers, as Chu Heng intended to clear the accounts, in case the Northern Region needed support with military provisions, so he could report to the Emperor in time.

It was then that a guard came in.

“Lord Chu, Minister Fu and the others are back now.”

Chu Heng’s face showed no surprise; he had already received the news that Fu Ming and his party were returning.

Liu Ruying, however, was startled, standing up abruptly.

He initially planned to go out and have a look, but seeing that Chu Heng hadn’t moved, he stopped, “My lord, what do you think will become of Fu Ming’s affair?”

“Uncertain,” Chu Heng said without elaboration.

He rose and went out to see the situation for himself.

Meanwhile, Liu Ruying, whose nature was usually unrestrained, suddenly became reserved, and along with Zhang Zhi, followed Chu Heng out.

It was at the doorway that Chu Heng saw Minister of Revenue Chen Tianmin.

He respectfully bowed, “Minister Chen.”

“Ah, it’s Ah Heng,” Chen Tianmin responded, and as there was no ill will between the two, who were both men of the Emperor, their relationship at the Ministry of Revenue had always been harmonious, otherwise, it would be much more difficult for Chu Heng to accomplish anything.

Chu Heng nodded slightly and stood to one side.

Liu Ruying and Zhang Zhi also showed their respects before standing behind.

At the gate.

A group of guards surrounded two carriages, which finally came to a stop at the yamen’s entrance.

The leader of the guards approached Chen Tianmin to salute, “My lord, Minister Fu and others have been safely delivered. With your permission, I shall take my leave.”

The soldiers were from Fengtai Camp and did not fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War or the Ministry of Revenue; naturally, Chen Tianmin would not detain them and sent them away before turning to the parked carriages outside the door.

By this time, officials from the Ministry of Revenue, both high and low, were already standing behind Chen Tianmin.

The two carriages stood isolated, appearing empty and desolate, strangely enough, those inside had yet to alight.

Many people began to whisper amongst themselves.

This mission was led by Fu Ming, among those in the carriages were two officials close to him, and one was a neutral party.

There were exactly four people in the carriage.

“My lord, are we expected to personally go up and greet them?” There was no word from the court on how to handle Fu Ming and the others, but the news of the Emperor’s rage was no secret; they all understood that these four were likely in trouble.

To their surprise, they even felt a twinge of sympathy, as it seemed that upon their return, the four still had pride, expecting to be personally received?

Just when the atmosphere turned awkward, movement finally came from one of the carriages.

It was from the one at the back.

A middle-aged man descended.

Seeing his colleagues outside, he offered a wry smile and stepped down first.