Minister Sun’s aged face showed a desolate, defeated expression. He looked deeply at Chancellor Wang and said painfully: “Chu Province’s capital… is gone…”
Boom!
A thunderbolt struck Chancellor Wang’s head.
The Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review added with deep anguish: “The Northern King… is dead…”
Boom! Boom!
Two thunderbolts struck Chancellor Wang’s head, leaving him dumbfounded.
Another fourth-rank official said indignantly: “The Northern King… massacred the city…”
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Chancellor Wang felt as if his forehead had been struck by successive thunderbolts. His mind gradually went blank, all thoughts disappearing, even lost control of his facial expressions.
In the eyes of Minister Sun and the others, Chancellor Wang sat motionless behind the desk, his eyes unfocused, his expression blank, like a lifeless paper doll.
Chu Province’s capital is gone?
The Northern King is dead?
Chu Province’s capital was massacred by the Northern King.
Why am I the last to know about such important news?
After a long while, Chancellor Wang’s brain recovered from its crashed state, regaining the ability to think. Questions automatically surfaced in his mind.
Chancellor Wang, seasoned by years in officialdom, took a deep breath. His gaze was both pained and sharp. “Tell me in detail. Minister Sun, you start.”
Minister Sun nodded but didn’t speak. Instead, he looked towards the study door and called out: “Captain Chen!”
Captain Chen stepped over the threshold into the study.
Minister Sun sighed and said: “Let’s have the person involved tell us.”
Hearing this, the Chief Justice shook his head with a wry smile: “We’re thinking alike.”
He then left the study, asking a servant of the Wang household to call in the Deputy Chief of the Court of Judicial Review who was waiting outside.
As the Deputy Chief entered the study, Captain Chen saw Chancellor Wang staring at him. He nodded slightly, then immediately cupped his fists to the officials and said:
“Lord Chancellor, honored officials, our journey north was not peaceful. In Jiangzhou territory, we were ambushed by three fourth-rank experts from the barbarian tribes. At that time, our delegation only had one fourth-rank expert, Yang Jin Luo.”
Chancellor Wang looked at him in astonishment: “How did you escape the ambush?”
Captain Chen replied:
“The delegation was almost wiped out on the official boat. At that time, it was Xu Yin Luo who suddenly gathered us to discuss changing to a land route. He claimed that if we didn’t change to land, we would likely face an ambush the next day when passing through Liushi Rapids. After some argument, we chose to follow Xu Yin Luo’s advice and take the land route. The next day, Yang Jin Luo went alone by boat to scout and indeed encountered an ambush. The ambusher was Tang Shan Jun of the northern demon clan’s Jiao faction.”
Chancellor Wang nodded slightly: “This person is thoughtful and as sharp as a cunning hare. When he was chosen as the chief officer, most of the court officials recognized his ability.”
“Unfortunately, we still couldn’t avoid the ambush and were eventually found by them. At that time, three fourth-rank experts surrounded the delegation, and Yang Jin Luo couldn’t hold them off alone,” Captain Chen said, showing gratitude at this point:
“In that critical moment, it was Xu Yin Luo who stepped forward, single-handedly holding off two fourth-rank experts to buy us time to escape. It was after that incident that we separated from Xu Yin Luo, and we didn’t meet again until Chu Province’s capital was destroyed…”
Chancellor Wang raised his hand to interrupt him and asked: “What was the reason for the barbarians ambushing the delegation? Where did Xu Qi An go?”
Captain Chen frowned, not entirely certain: “It seemed to be for the Princess Consort. As for Xu Yin Luo, he left the delegation and went north alone, acting separately from us.”
“Seemed?” Chancellor Wang narrowed his eyes, his tone somewhat questioning.
“This was Xu Yin Luo’s deduction, not mine,” Captain Chen cupped his fists, emphasizing.
Chancellor Wang nodded slowly, the doubt in his eyes dissipating as he seriously considered the barbarians’ reasons for abducting the Princess Consort.
Seeing this, Captain Chen continued: “Later, we arrived at Chu Province’s capital. Due to Que Yong Xiu’s obstruction, we made no progress for several days. Until that day…”
Through Captain Chen’s narration, Chancellor Wang learned about the earth-shattering battle that occurred in Chu Province’s capital that day.
After a long silence, Chancellor Wang asked: “Where was Xu Yin Luo during this process?”
As he asked this, his gaze turned to the Deputy Chief of the Court of Judicial Review.
The Deputy Chief understood and bowed: “Xu Yin Luo infiltrated the northern border alone, cooperating with Li Miao Zhen, the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect, to find the only survivor, Provincial Administration Commissioner Zheng. When the great battle occurred in the city, he should have just parted ways with Provincial Administration Commissioner Zheng not long ago.”
Chancellor Wang made an “mm” sound and turned his gaze to Captain Chen: “What speculation did Xu Yin Luo make about the identity of that mysterious expert?”
The Lord Chancellor values Xu Qi An’s deductions greatly. Just now, when I mentioned it was Xu Yin Luo’s speculation about the Princess Consort, he stopped questioning… Captain Chen answered:
“When mentioning that mysterious expert, Xu Yin Luo coldly laughed and said one sentence.”
Including Chancellor Wang, all the officials present immediately looked at Captain Chen.
Taking a deep breath, Captain Chen said softly: “Xu Yin Luo said: ‘In the imperial court, among all the distinguished officials, they are nothing but monsters and demons.'”
This statement was undoubtedly disrespectful to the officials present, so Captain Chen lowered his head, not daring to speak further or look at the expressions of the Chancellor and the other officials.
Xu Qi An’s words suggest that he suspects the mysterious expert is someone from the court, or is related to someone in the court… Minister Sun’s heart trembled, feeling somewhat chilled.
He had navigated the political waters for many years and prided himself on having a clear view of the court situation and its people.
But as Minister Sun quickly went through his mind, who could “command” such a top expert? He couldn’t find a candidate.
For Xu Qi An to dare say this means he has considerable confidence, but he only confirms that the mysterious expert has connections with someone in the court, though he can’t identify who specifically… Chancellor Wang’s eyes flashed, and he suddenly thought of Xu Er Lang. Si Mu had mutual feelings for him, perhaps he could probe Xu Qi An through Xu Er Lang.
“Could it be Wei Yuan?” the Chief Justice said in a low voice.
Chancellor Wang and Minister Sun’s expressions changed slightly, while the other officials, Captain Chen, the Deputy Chief, and others looked confused.
Wei Yuan was just an ordinary person, and they didn’t understand why the Chief Justice would say this.
“This is impossible,” the Chief Justice then shook his head.
He meant that Wei Yuan had not left the capital, and had even attended a small court meeting in the Imperial Study a few days ago. Given how familiar the court officials and His Majesty were with Wei Yuan, someone else couldn’t impersonate him.
Someone might be able to imitate Wei Yuan’s face, someone might be able to imitate Wei Yuan’s manner, but no one could imitate Wei Yuan’s essence.
“Why hasn’t the Cabinet received a document from the delegation?” Chancellor Wang looked at the Deputy Chief.
The latter bowed and said: “The delegation believed that this matter should not be urgently reported by letter. This would give His Majesty time to consider how to exonerate the Northern King.”
The delegation has already seen His Majesty, yet I still haven’t received any news. This means His Majesty has issued a gag order… Chancellor Wang snorted and said:
“So, this way His Majesty won’t be at a loss?”
He mocked the delegation’s not-so-clever strategy and sighed: “If that’s the case, we don’t need to worry about the identity of the mysterious expert for now. What we need to consider is what goal we want to achieve with this incident. And how to handle this matter.”
A sixth-rank official said solemnly: “The Northern King massacred 380,000 civilians in Chu Province’s capital. If this matter is not handled well, we will surely be recorded in history books and be reviled for ten thousand years.”
Another official added: “Forcing His Majesty to convict the Northern King would not only live up to the teachings of the sages we have studied but also allow us to gain great fame, killing two birds with one stone.”
The last official said expressionlessly: “This official is not here for anything else but for the spirit in his heart.”
These officials must have been mobilized by Zheng Xing Huai’s efforts to seek me out… Chancellor Wang exhaled and said:
“Quickly investigate and verify the news. As soon as the duty time arrives, let’s unite with the other officials and go to the palace to see His Majesty together.”
…
Just after lunch, led by Chancellor Wang, the group of officials gathered at the north gate leading directly to the Imperial Study, but were stopped by the Imperial Guards.
It seemed that this situation had been anticipated, and checkpoints had been set up in advance at the palace gates. No one was allowed in or out, and the group of officials was unsurprisingly blocked outside.
“Get out of the way, we demand an audience.”
“The Northern King was ruthless and depraved, deserving of death. However, his posthumous affairs haven’t been settled. We must seek justice for the 380,000 civilians of Chu Province’s capital.”
Some officials shouted, righteous and indignant as if they were the embodiment of justice.
“As a prince, massacring civilians is unforgivable. The Huai Prince should be demoted to a commoner, his corpse exposed in the wilderness, to explain the world.”
Emotions ran high, and the well-dressed beasts in official robes began to charge at the checkpoints.
“How dare you!”
The commander of a thousand Imperial Guards glared at the group of officials and shouted, “You dare to forcibly enter the imperial palace? Kill without mercy!”
“Pah!”
The gray-haired Provincial Administration Commissioner Zheng spat a thick glob of saliva at him, not only unafraid but furious: “This old man will stand right here today. If you have the guts, cut me down.”
The commander of the Imperial Guards dodged the incoming spit, his scalp tingling.
He didn’t dare to draw his sword and cut anyone down. Although forcibly entering the imperial palace was a capital offense, rules were rules, and reality was reality. There had been examples in the past of officials angrily storming into the palace.
The correct approach was to block them at all costs, willing to be beaten rather than drawing swords against these old scholars, otherwise, the consequences would be severe.
Who were these people in front of him?
The current Chancellor, the Six Ministers, Vice Ministers, the noble Hanlin Academy scholars, the Six Offices of Scrutiny… These were the distinguished officials of the court.
Fortunately, the soldiers were strong and sturdy, more than capable of holding back these old men. They were spat on, kicked, and slapped, but didn’t retreat a single step.
However, what was troublesome was that the more unyielding the Imperial Guards were, the more riotous the civil officials became. At first, it was just a dozen or so court bigwigs causing trouble, but gradually, minor officials from other offices in the imperial city came to join in the commotion.
The city gate was in an uproar, with both sides at a stalemate.
At this moment, an elegant carriage stopped on a distant street. The curtain was lifted, and a stunningly handsome young man with red lips and white teeth emerged.
“Er Lang…”
A gentle female voice came from inside the carriage. Wang Si Mu poked out her beautiful face and said softly: “Although this action may offend His Majesty, it is truly a great opportunity for you to make a name for yourself. Moreover, aren’t the officials gathering at the palace gate harboring similar thoughts?
“Speak your mind freely. If you can make the entire court and country praise you highly, and make, make my father change his opinion of you, how could you worry about not rising to prominence in the future?”
Through the deliberate spreading of information, everyone in the imperial city offices knew about the Northern King’s massacre of the city.
Upon hearing this, Wang Si Mu had given Xu Er Lang advice, suggesting that he also get involved.
Xu Qian grumbled inwardly, “What does it matter to me whether your father changes his opinion of me or not…” Aloud, he said solemnly, “I’ve come here not for fame, but for my beliefs and the people.”
Wang Simu smiled gracefully and was about to speak when suddenly Xu Qian stammered, “El-elder brother?!”
The Wang family’s young lady was startled. She lifted the curtain slightly and followed Xu Qian’s gaze. Not far away, Xu Qi’an, dressed in the silver-trimmed uniform of a local constable, was approaching slowly.
“Elder brother, why are you here?” Xu Qian exclaimed in surprise.
“Why are you here?” Xu Qi’an countered, turning his head to give Wang Simu a measured look.
She managed a polite smile and quickly lowered the curtain.
Xu Qi’an unsheathed his sword and swatted Xu Qian’s backside, scolding, “Xu Cikou, you’re something else! Your elder brother is still single, troubled about finding a wife, and here you are, already cozying up to the Wang family’s young lady.”
“Elder brother, what nonsense are you spouting?” Xu Qian retorted, flustered and red-faced. “Miss Wang and I are friends through poetry, discussing history and current affairs. It’s a noble friendship.”
“Is that what they call it these days? Sounds more like a close friendship to me…” Xu Qi’an thought sarcastically. Aloud, he said, “We’ll discuss her later at home. What are you doing here?”
Hearing this, Xu Qian’s expression turned serious. “I just heard that the envoy has returned to the capital, bringing back the remains of the Garrison North King, along with news of his selfish promotion to the second rank and the massacre of a city. Elder brother, tell me, is it true?”
Xu Qi’an’s playful demeanor vanished as he nodded silently.
Xu Qian felt a sharp pain in his chest and staggered back two steps, his eyes instantly reddening.
He hadn’t believed it at first, but the scene before him, the curses from the civil officials’ mouths, and his elder brother’s words all told him that it was a bloody reality.
Xu Qi’an patted his younger brother’s shoulder and looked towards the group of officials. “It seems the one in the palace doesn’t want to condemn the Garrison North King. The civil officials’ brush strokes are formidable, but their tongues leave something to be desired.”
“Elder brother, wait here. I’ll be right back.”
“Three hundred and eighty thousand lives, massacring his people. Throughout history, there have been few as cruel and brutal as this. If I can’t speak my mind today, then I, Xu Xinnian, have wasted nineteen years studying the classics…”
Finally, reaching the edge of the crowd, Xu Xinnian took a deep breath, his face slightly contorted with anger, and shouted, “Make way!”
The clamor suddenly ceased, and the scene fell silent.
The civil officials frowned and turned around to see it was Xu Cikou, the Hanlin Academy scholar.
Many recalled the scene of the Buddhist debate, where Xu Cikou’s sharp words had angered the Buddhist monk Jingchen to fury.
The crowd silently parted to make way.
Prime Minister Wang slightly turned his head, expressionlessly looking at Xu Xinnian. Though his demeanor was cold, he didn’t avert his gaze, seeming to have some expectations of him.
Xu Xinnian, ignoring the surrounding gazes, took a deep breath and loudly proclaimed, “Today I heard that the Garrison North King, for his selfish desires, massacred a city and exterminated its people. This is truly despicable, and so I have come here to…”
Time passed minute by minute, the sun gradually moving westward. At the palace gates, only Xu Qian’s voice remained.
This tirade lasted a full two hours.
And it was delivered with great skill. He berated in classical Chinese, composing a denouncement on the spot. He quoted classics in his criticism, reciting from memory. He scolded indirectly, he scolded in the vernacular, and he scolded with biting sarcasm.
The richness of his vocabulary was astounding. Yet he cleverly avoided the sensitive topic of the royal family, leaving no handles for retaliation.
More and more civil officials gathered, from senior ministers to new nobles, all looking at Xu Qian with admiration.
It was truly eye-opening!
If there were an imperial examination for scolding, they would gladly name Xu Xinnian the top scholar.
Even Prime Minister Wang, who had experienced decades of verbal battles in court, found himself thinking, “If I could bring this young man under my wing, there would be no match for us in court debates.”
The Imperial Guards lowered their heads in dejection, their faces full of frustration, inwardly begging for this fellow to leave soon.
“Lord Xu, please wet your throat…”
An official offered tea. In these two hours, Xu Xinnian had already moistened his throat several times.
The officials willingly served him tea and water, only asking that he continue. If Lord Xu were to leave due to thirst, it would be a great loss for them.
Xu Xinnian took a sip and handed back the cup, about to continue speaking.
“Silence! No more scolding, no more…”
At this moment, the old eunuch, leading a group of court eunuchs, rushed out in exasperation.
“You… you… you’re simply outrageous! In the six hundred years since the founding of Great Feng, when has anyone ever blocked the palace gates and scolded for two hours straight?” The old eunuch was so angry he was jumping.
Xu Xinnian calmly replied, “Sir, don’t waste your words on me. I detest nonsensical talk the most.”
The quick-witted officials could barely hold back their laughter. Prime Minister Wang’s mouth twitched, seemingly not wanting to see Xu Xinnian further offend Emperor Yuanjing’s close attendant. He immediately stepped forward and said in a deep voice:
“Does His Majesty wish to see us?”
The old eunuch nodded and said, “His Majesty said he will only see the Prime Minister. The rest of you are to disperse immediately and not gather at the palace gates.”
The civil officials were quite excited, their faces showing joy. At that moment, their gazes towards Xu Xinnian contained approval and appreciation that wasn’t there before.