Vice Minister Chen stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Li departed three days ago to inspect the western army under General Li Feng's command. He sends word that there have been.…complications with supply routes to the northern front. He felt his personal oversight was required."
"How convenient," someone muttered from the back of the hall.
The Emperor's expression darkened. "Convenient indeed. The Prime Minister leaves to inspect his son's army just days before poison appears in my palace." His voice was measured. "Minister Chen, you will send urgent word to Prime Minister Li that his presence is required at court. Immediately. I don't care about supply routes. He has three days to return, or I will consider his continued absence an admission of guilt."
Minister Chen's face went pale. "Y-yes, Your Majesty. I will dispatch riders at once."
