“Warden! Warden! A madman has come!”

Tonight, just past the hour of the rooster, a strange person arrived at the Ministry of Justice prison. All the subordinates were greatly shocked and immediately reported to Wang Yashi, the minor supervisor of the imperial prison.

No heavy shackles or foot chains, no accompanying guards escorting him in—this person had somehow materialized from nowhere. He walked straight into the innermost cell of the imperial prison, then took root on the spot, refusing to leave as if he had settled down to live there comfortably.

Seeing several subordinates with bruised faces and swollen eyes, the newcomer was undoubtedly a martial artist. Could he be here to break someone out of prison? Wang Yashi was both shocked and angry. He drew his waist saber and led a hundred officers charging to the deepest part of the prison.

“Where’s the mad dog?”

“There, there! That’s the fellow!”

Wang Yashi looked intently and half his worries disappeared, replaced by several parts bewilderment. Well, this was truly strange! He had expected the intruder to be a vicious, savage brute with a face full of scars, but unexpectedly the person inside appeared refined, even rather elegantly dressed. However, since he faced the wall with his back to everyone, his true face couldn’t be seen.

The subordinates, having suffered losses, dared not engage in close combat with that person. They immediately brought iron rods and long spears, preparing to stab and poke randomly into the cage. Wang Yashi saw the person inside had an extraordinary appearance and suspected he might be someone important—perhaps some noble’s son had come to cause trouble in his prison. He hurriedly stopped them: “Everyone calm down, let me try first.”

Everyone relaxed their hands. Wang Yashi raised his voice and shouted: “Friend in the cell, may I ask your surname and name, and what your background is? This is the imperial prison, not a guest house—you cannot act recklessly!”

After shouting several times, that person still remained silent as if truly mad. Wang Yashi scratched his head vigorously, not knowing what to do. A subordinate asked: “What should we do? Just let him stay there?”

Wang Yashi punched that person on the head and cursed: “Bastard! He’s staying in the number one cell! Previously we’ve held Nu Cang leaders and court dignitaries there—can we let outsiders come and go as they please?”

That subordinate’s head swelled with a lump and he cried out in pain: “Then… then what should we do? Should we smoke him out?”

Wang Yashi was also full of confusion, not knowing whether this person had come to admire the scenery or dig his own grave. He sighed: “Fine, better to get a scolding than lose our heads. Someone go report to the Ministry of Justice and ask them to send people to investigate.”

※※※

Halfway through the hour of the rooster, Clerk Feng from the Ministry of Justice arrived—already a ranked official.

Clerk Feng glared at Wang Yashi angrily: “Like a pig! Can’t even guard a prison door properly! It’s bad enough when inmates escape, but now you let outsiders run in! Is this the imperial prison or a grand inn?”

Wang Yashi heard him draw out that word “pig” in a long, sharp tone, truly comical. He could only laugh dryly: “Yes, yes, this humble one was indeed born in the year of the pig, like a pig. But I’d like to trouble the honorable clerk to give us some guidance.”

After Clerk Feng cursed for a while and reassigned everyone’s zodiac animals, he reluctantly went over.

Coming to the prison door, Clerk Feng saw that person’s strange appearance and couldn’t make up his mind either. After shouting several times with no response, it seemed this person was either foolish or mad, certainly not normal. Clerk Feng cursed: “Such a madman—just drag him out! Why bother me to come over? You bunch are like a herd of pigs!”

Wang Yashi laughed dryly twice and immediately called over a subordinate: “Show the honorable clerk your face.”

That subordinate timidly approached. When Clerk Feng saw his crooked mouth, slanted eyes, bruised nose and swollen face, he knew he had been beaten by that strange person inside. He snorted: “The scoundrel knows martial arts. Then simply take knives and spears and finish him off quickly.”

Wang Yashi had been waiting for these words. Even if the strange guest in the cell was imperial royalty, when the sky fell, Clerk Feng’s words would hold it up. He immediately smiled: “Thank you, honorable clerk! Come! Everyone prepare your weapons and attack together!”

Seeing about a hundred men charging toward the prison door with long spears raised, only then did Clerk Feng realize something was wrong. He was about to call them back but was a step too late. He heard Wang Yashi shout: “Stab!”

All the officers cried out loudly as countless long spears thrust forward.

“Heavens!”

They heard continuous clanging sounds as the long spears somehow bounced back out. Several officers’ chests were struck by the rebounding spear shafts, instantly cracking their ribs. Countless officers cried out to heaven and earth, retreating in chaos.

Wang Yashi panicked: “This fellow is so formidable! What should we do? Just let him stay there?”

Clerk Feng’s face turned ashen. When strange events occurred, high rank meant great responsibility. Hundreds of people here had seen him come—he couldn’t deny it even if he wanted to. He couldn’t kill them all to silence them, could he? Clerk Feng sighed miserably: “No choice—report it further up.”

※※※

At the end of the rooster hour, Deputy Minister Qiu of the Ministry of Justice arrived—already a high official of the third rank, with countless attendants accompanying him.

“Pigs? Can’t even guard a prison properly, and now you let guests slip in? Is this the imperial prison or a grand inn?”

Clerk Feng smiled apologetically: “The lord’s reproach is justified. This humble one is indeed a pig who loves eating pork most in life. But I’d like to ask for your guidance on whether there’s any way to drive that person out.”

Deputy Minister Qiu, seeing the long spears scattered on the ground and smelling medicinal odors everywhere, also knew the person inside was not to be trifled with. Having seen many situations, he immediately calmed down: “First take me to have a look, then this official will make a decision.”

Clerk Feng and Wang Yashi exchanged glances—both breathed sighs of relief, knowing a scapegoat had arrived. They hurriedly led Deputy Minister Qiu down, fearing he might flee at the crucial moment.

The three men walked to the imperial prison. Deputy Minister Qiu stood outside the prison door and watched for a while, then suddenly exclaimed and tiptoed to the bars, straining to look at that person’s face.

Wang Yashi smiled apologetically: “How is it? Is this fellow handsome?”

Instantly his face stung—he inexplicably received a slap. Deputy Minister Qiu’s face was iron-gray as he rushed out quickly, continuously shouting:

“Quick! Quick! Quickly report to Minister Zhao and ask him to decide!”

Clerk Feng stuck out his tongue while Wang Yashi swallowed his saliva. Seeing the superior’s reaction, the newcomer seemed to truly have some background.

※※※

At the hour of the dog, it was already deep night. Outside the Ministry of Justice prison came an eight-bearer sedan chair. A middle-aged man walked slowly forward. Before he even entered, his attendant guards filled the prison. Wang Yashi knelt first, Clerk Feng bowed in panic, and Deputy Minister Qiu stepped forward with Minister Zhao to bow respectfully: “We pay respects to Lord Jiang!”

The newcomer was none other than Jiang Chong, the most powerful treacherous minister of the Jingtai Dynasty.

Seeing Jiang Chong heading straight for the prison, the idle personnel were about to follow when Jiang Chong gave them a look. His beloved generals Luo Moshi and Nine Nether Daoist immediately blocked them. Minister Zhao, sensing something unusual, immediately dismissed his subordinates and ordered everyone to wait outside the dungeon.

Jiang Chong entered alone, slowly walking to the prison door. Inside the cell, as his subordinates had said, truly sat a strange person. He faced the wall without speaking or moving, like someone who had lost his mind. However, if it were someone else in there, Jiang Chong might truly think the newcomer was a mad dog. But since it was him, breaking into the imperial prison was not madness but a very reasonable strategy.

“Division Secretary Yang, you may turn around now.”

The strange creature in the prison was none other than the son of the Five Assistant Grand Secretaries, the direct disciple of Shaolin—Yang Suguan.

Jiang Chong repeated his words, but Yang Suguan still ignored him as if deaf. Jiang Chong knew he possessed martial arts and dared not get too close. He came to the prison door and shouted through the bars: “Division Secretary Yang! There’s no one else here—you may turn around.”

The second time he spoke, Yang Suguan still remained silent. Jiang Chong secretly calculated—this Yang Suguan had always been resourceful and brave, so why was he pretending to be mad and foolish, voluntarily squatting in this bitter prison?

Jiang Chong pondered slightly and immediately said: “Are you hiding from someone?”

Jiang Chong was extremely intelligent in strategy—with just a few words he could grasp the key points. Looking at this situation, Yang Suguan definitely had some scheme. Either he needed to use the Ministry of Justice prison as a place, or he needed to borrow the officers’ eyes. Presumably he was either avoiding enemies or wanted to create a shocking spectacle that everyone could witness, serving as testimony.

Jiang Chong said in a low voice: “Division Secretary Yang, although I don’t know what medicine you’re selling in your gourd, I’ll speak plainly—you fought this great defeat and your life hangs by a thread. Your master is dead, Shaolin can’t be your backing, and now the Liu household can’t protect you either. Your father is… hehe… too busy protecting himself. If you still want to live, then submit to me early. I can help you.”

The Nu Cang war flames had soared high but failed to topple the treacherous minister. Instead, the situation became more chaotic. First they saw Shaolin Temple collapse, then the Liu household’s situation became precarious, while Jiang Chong remained stable as Mount Tai. He intended to recruit one and strike another, now having the idea to first accept surrender and collect the Liu household’s great general. Once this person came over, the cause of Monk Tianjue’s death, Qin Zhonghai’s movements, and even Yang Yuan’s schemes would all fall into his hands.

Seeing Yang Suguan still facing away from him without speaking, Jiang Chong earnestly persisted, raising his voice: “Listen clearly! The court situation is turbulent beyond your imagination! Your father and Marquis Liu are not as simple as you think. If I were in your position, I would certainly prioritize self-preservation. For the sake of your own life and safety, come into my embrace!”

After speaking for a long time, his mouth became somewhat dry, but Yang Suguan’s back remained unmoved as a mountain. Jiang Chong sighed: “As you wish, defeated general. Anyway, think carefully these few days. As long as you change your heart and turn around, Jiang Chong’s door is always open for you.”

※※※

Jiang Chong left. At midnight, ghostly weeping sounds came from the prison door—a woman’s crying.

“Guan Guan, Guan Guan! Mother has come to see you!”

Outside the dungeon sat a young man whose eyes were already red from crying—that was his younger brother Yang Shaoqi. Into the dungeon rushed a middle-aged beautiful woman who tightly embraced that motionless sitting figure—she was Yang Suguan’s birth mother, Lady Yu.

Her beloved son had been invincible all his life, accomplished in both literature and martial arts. Who would have expected that after the defeat, he had suddenly changed overnight? Lady Yang’s heart was broken and she had already cried herself into a tearful mess. She held her son who was like stone, desperately calling his childhood name:

“Guan Guan, come home with mother! You’ve frightened mother…”

The figure inside the prison door still didn’t turn around, but his shoulders faintly trembled as if he too was weeping.

“Guan Guan, are you blaming mother? Do you hate mother? Guan Guan, say something!”

Lady Yang held him close, whispering in his ear. But threats of weapons were useless, inducements from powerful ministers were useless—presumably even the most moving maternal love and family affection could not make him leave this prison cell. He had made up his mind with iron determination—he would not leave by half a step.

※※※

At the second watch, the officers had been making noise all night and were now dozing and resting. Lady Yang had also cried herself exhausted. Several servants brought grass mats from home for the lady and young master to rest briefly. Both were physically and mentally exhausted and fell asleep.

In the deep silence, a figure appeared before the prison door—this was the last visitor.

That person wore a mask over his face and had cold eyes—a pair of gleaming pupils that were truly frightening. He carried no weapons, only crossed his arms and gazed sternly at the figure in the prison cell.

“Child, a mere Ministry of Justice prison cannot stop me.”

That voice was low and aged but carried a violent aura—the kind of voice only murderous killers possessed.

“Foolish child, when everyone met at Damo Academy, you should have recognized your place and admitted defeat. Everything under heaven is within my calculations—your master was so, Qin Baxian was so, Liu Jing was also so. These people, which one wasn’t a formidable character? Yet they all fell to my hands. Just because you’re a wet-behind-the-ears brat, you really think you can fight me?”

That person spoke a long string of harsh words, but Yang Suguan paid no attention whatsoever. Whether wardens or clerks, deputy ministers or grand secretaries—to him they were all the same. Even when his birth mother Lady Yang came personally, he was unmoved. From threats to inducements, from persuasion to tender feelings—he cared about none of it. Because he still held in his hands…

“‘He’! Where on earth is ‘he’?” That voice became weak. “Even if I beg you, quickly tell me.”

That voice carried sorrow and pleading. “Child, oh child, please pity me. I’m truly so tired, so exhausted.

The sheepskin message was released by me, and Liu Jing was also killed by our design—the purpose was all for ‘him.’ Look how much effort it took, killing so many people. Finally, after losing and regaining ‘him,’ ‘he’ was sent back to Damo Academy, back into our control…”

That voice sighed and continued: “But you… how could you hide ‘him’ away? By doing this, haven’t we wasted all our previous efforts? Quick, quickly hand the person over—we have serious business to attend to.”

No matter how much he pleaded and cajoled, tried every method—the prodigal son still wouldn’t return. The masked man sighed softly and shook his head: “You’re so hard-hearted, I have no choice. I’ll count to three. If you’re still stubborn and won’t speak, I’ll invite your mother over and we’ll perform move by move, just like when you were small, all right?”

He laughed dryly several times and raised his finger to count. Just as he moved his first finger, instantly a blue light flashed forth, pointing at the masked man’s nose.

Divine Sword Dragon Capture!

The blue light flickered, illuminating the entire room with eerie shadows. Yang Suguan still faced away from the masked man, but the blue star glowed faintly and mysteriously like a coiled venomous snake. Even though its master hadn’t turned around, it lost none of its power.

The invincible divine weapon appeared in the world. Unless the Four Grand Masters were present or Qin and Wu intervened, who could withstand a single strike?

The disparity in strength was too great, yet the masked man laughed: “Wonderful! Forbidden martial arts plus an invincible precious sword—child, oh child, you’ve truly frightened people to death…” He extended his finger to gently touch the blue star before him, smiling: “No matter, quickly kill me. If you could bear to sacrifice even your master, how could you not bear to sacrifice your mother? Come, the more ruthless and merciless you are, the happier I am. Strike now, quickly.”

With a retching sound, the mottled wall was sprayed with fresh blood, drop by drop falling down, spattering throughout the prison cell.

Hearing that person’s confident words, the blue star seemed to have swallowed poison and lost its vitality. In an instant, it fell to the ground like a dying soft snake. Just then, footsteps sounded and a hand touched Yang Suguan’s shoulder, saying coldly:

“Good… that’s good. You have your trump card, I have my bottom card. Neither of us will trouble the other, all right?”

Yang Suguan lowered his head as fresh blood continuously gushed from his mouth. The masked visitor patted his back and smiled: “Think it over yourself. No one can help you. Qin Zhonghai hates his father to death, your master was an old fool, and Liu Angtian is no good thing either. The real winner is only me. Be good and hand the person over to me obediently—everything can be peaceful, hmm?”

The demonic hand reached toward his neck, that ice-cold and terrifying feeling was despairing.

At this moment, someone rescued him. Suddenly they heard a great commotion from the neighboring cell: “Murder! Murder! Quickly come, someone!”

Hurried footsteps sounded as countless officers rushed in urgently: “What happened? Who committed murder?”

That masked visitor clicked his tongue, and in an instant his shadow flashed—he had already fled. Only the Asura King remained alone, gazing at the hollow, gray wall as blood continued flowing from his mouth.

Such a lonely feeling—born alone in this dark and merciless human world, so isolated it made one want to cry.

“Buddha… I want companions…” The Asura King shed red tears as he prayed to heaven above.

Like a dream, from the mottled, dilapidated wall cracks, a withered finger slowly extended. Was it this finger that had rescued him? That aged finger seemed to want to touch him, as if to comfort the sorrowful Asura King so he wouldn’t be lonely anymore.

Yang Suguan opened his mouth wide, gazing at the miraculous scene before him.

The warm finger spoke.

“You… why do you weep blood?”

Yang Suguan slowly extended his fingertip to touch that unknown finger, saying softly: “Because I am a piece of steel.”

Steel does not shed tears…

Things that don’t shed tears can only shed blood…

The warm finger gently caressed Yang Suguan’s hand, sighing: “Your stubbornness is very much like our sect master.”

“Sect master? Who is he?” Yang Suguan blinked and asked softly.

The warm finger sobbed: “His surname is Zhuo. He’s already dead.”

“Who are you?” Yang Suguan’s tone became urgent.

“My surname is Jin. I’ve been imprisoned for a very long time.”

※※※

I’ve been waiting all along… waiting for the moment of dynastic change. At that moment… I will be released.

Don’t you think so, new master of the divine sword…

Before the imperial palace examination, the Asura King was no longer lonely, for he had found his first companion.

※※※

In the eighth month, with autumn skies clear and refreshing, the Chinese court’s first major event was the great trial of the bandit-suppression generals.

The great army’s distant expedition had been unsuccessful, finally returning in crushing defeat. Several battles were lost inexplicably, with rumors that the commanding general fled from battle, the Jiang and Liu faction commanders disagreed before the formation, and all generals were lazy and negligent. With such absurd behavior, which court minister wasn’t worried about the dragon’s fury? Everyone specially requested palace attendants to gather information and received this slip of paper:

“A defeated general does not die, hardships end, afterward fortune comes, under the moon jade stands upright, showing face with joy spreading.”

Emperor Jingtai was deeply learned in literature, with elegant words and clear meaning. With this slip written thus, all the great ministers naturally showed faces with spreading joy, thinking the bandit-suppression generals would definitely be safe and sound. But only a few who knew the inside story furrowed their brows deeply, knowing there was another secret meaning within.

The first day of the eighth month at Fengtian Gate would reveal the truth.

Standing at Meridian Gate and looking out, one could see the entire imperial city. Looking north from the great plaza, one first saw a white marble high platform—the platform was two zhang and seven chi high, divided into three levels, each level surrounded by white marble railings. At the top of the three platforms was what was commonly called the “Golden Phoenix Hall.”

The great hall towered majestically, looking down upon the world. Across the imperial city plaza stood a grand main gate in distant opposition. Those familiar with court affairs all knew this gate tower cost 9.3 million taels and was the most noble gate in all the world. Its name was equally lofty, just like its cost—it was called “Fengtian.”

What was 9.3 million taels worth? It was worth one year’s grain for eight million poor farmers, one year’s income for the national treasury. Without such a price, one couldn’t call it by such a name as “Fengtian.”

The sky was dim, autumn’s dawn had not yet bloomed. Military officers from the suburbs passed through Yongding Gate to meet with civil officials in the inner city. Large groups of people, bearing morning mist on their heads, walked toward Meridian Gate. Before them lay a great waterway with azure waves rippling—this was the “Inner Golden Water River.” Over the river stood five white marble bridges—the “Golden Water Bridges.” All officials stopped and gazed across the water at that gate in the distance.

Brilliant and towering, majestic and grand—vermillion pillars and purple beams—whatever words one might use, it was simply a very large, very intimidating, very solemn gate. That was “Fengtian Gate.”

It could be either a blessed gate leading to earthly paradise or a demon gate descending to hell, depending on how the dragon beneath the gate was thinking.

※※※

Below Fengtian Gate, lanterns blazed brilliantly. Palace attendants knelt motionless, respectfully welcoming the arrival of the realm.

Incense smoke curled as an incense burner slowly moved forward, crossing the Golden Water River to arrive beneath Fengtian Gate. The burner was carved with the form of mountains and rivers, its base held up by ten fingers—trembling hands.

“Stabilized!”

At the imperial gate’s golden platform, palace attendants held the incense burner and knelt before the imperial seat, reporting the hearts’ affairs of all ministers under heaven.

In that instant, within and beyond the Golden Water Bridge, all officials heard the sound and knelt in unison, chanting together: “May our emperor live ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand times ten thousand years!”

Fengtian Gate was where the current dynasty’s emperor held regular court. Today Emperor Jingtai presided over affairs at the imperial gate. Seeing him ascend the golden platform, looking around with pride—the noble aura displayed by this true son of heaven was worth more than just 9.3 million taels of silver! And the power of life and death held by this ruler of ninety-five was more than just the lives of eight million poor farmers!

The emperor’s gaze turned westward, dragon eyes concealing angry intent. Suddenly he waved his hand and shouted:

“Summon the Three Dukes and Three Guardians for audience!”

Shouts came in waves, orderly and well-arranged. The voice carried over, and an old man so decrepit he could barely breathe came trembling forward. This person was the dynasty’s highest-ranking elder statesman, “Junior Tutor” Tao Xianzu.

Grand Tutor, Grand Mentor, and Grand Guardian were collectively called the Three Dukes. Junior Tutor, Junior Mentor, and Junior Guardian were collectively called the Three Guardians. These positions were of utmost importance, with no fixed number and no regular appointments. After the founding when all Three Dukes were complete, they could never be filled again. Counting over a hundred years, besides those founding ministers, only one Junior Tutor had emerged—Duke of England Zhang Fuating—and then this Tao Xianzu. This Lord Tao had great fortune and long life, surviving four dynasty emperors and finally reaching eighty-five years old before obtaining the Junior Tutor title. Without this, even if today’s court had ten times more civil and military officials, the high positions of Dukes and Guardians would still remain vacant.

“Junior Tutor Tao!” The emperor roared out a dragon’s cry: “Can you hear what I’m saying?”

“Em… Em… Em… Em…” Junior Tutor Tao struggled desperately, his hands waving continuously, wanting to kneel but lacking the strength. In the cold sweat of all civil and military officials, he finally spat out the next word: “peror.”

“Junior Tutor! Today’s imperial audience is the nation’s first-class great affair. Do you understand!”

“Under… under… under… under…” He understood for a long time, then suddenly his body trembled, his head tilted toward his neck, and he moved no more. The emperor was greatly shocked and urgently transmitted a glance to his close attendants. The palace servants were about to rush out in panic when suddenly Junior Tutor Tao straightened his neck and loudly called out one word: “Stand!”

All civil and military officials looked at each other in terror. The emperor dared not ask again and immediately waved his hand: “Junior Tutor Tao is advanced in years and weak in body—I specially grant him a seat! Also summon the Crown Prince’s Three Tutors and Three Junior positions, and the Five Assistants and Six Boards’ hundred officials for audience!”

Bronze gongs sounded. On the Golden Water Bridge, two great officials calmly and unhurriedly stepped forward. One had a short mustache on his lips and piercing eyes—this was Jiang Chong, Grand Inspector of eighteen provinces and Crown Prince Grand Tutor. The other was tall and robust with white whiskers but still dignified—this was the number one person in the Five Military Commissioners’ Office, called Liu of the Northern Expedition, “Crown Prince Junior Guardian” Liu Angtian.

The two great powerful ministers advanced side by side. Behind them emerged five Grand Secretaries. At this time, cabinet power was extremely heavy, with prestige surpassing the Six Boards’ ministers. The five Grand Secretaries had mostly served as ministers, vice-ministers, left and right censors-in-chief before being promoted to the cabinet. In order, they were Grand Secretaries of the Eastern Pavilion, Jinnshen, Wenyuan, Wenhua, and Zhongji Halls. Led by Prime Minister Kong An, they filed out. Yang Yuan was Grand Secretary of Zhongji Hall, belonging to the Fifth Assistant, so he stood at the end of the formation.

After the five Grand Secretaries emerged, below came the ministers of the six boards: Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works. The six boards’ authority had evolved through dynasties—at founding they were of the third rank, later changed to first rank, and after the cabinet’s rise, changed again to second rank. Each board had one minister in charge, with additional vice-minister positions for assistance, some boards having one or two. Official systems often changed according to personnel, too complex to detail fully.

Below the golden platform, high ministers all came to pay court. On the east stood the Six Boards, Hanlin Academy, Duke Yansheng, Five Classics Doctors, Dali, Taichang, Taipu, Guanglu, Honglu and other five temples’ ministers. On the west stood the cabinet’s five academicians, Five Military Commissioners, Censorate, Yingtian Prefecture, General Administration, Imperial Seal Office, Five Military Courts of Justice. All officials stood according to “regular court ceremony” in their designated positions, with forest-strict regulations—even a step’s difference was absolutely impermissible.

Seeing all ministers positioned, the emperor immediately waved his hand and said sternly: “Summon!”

“Summon!” A distant palace official raised his voice in echo, sounding like sharp knives grinding together.

“Summon the Central Army Bandit-Suppression Commander Yang Suguan for audience!”

※※※

The bandit-suppression generals stood outside the Golden Water Bridge. Hearing Yang Suguan summoned, everyone looked gloomy and lowered their heads. At this time, regardless of whether they had noble protection—whether Gao Tianwei or Song Gongmai—all felt apprehensive. An Daojing, Lu Yun, Wu Dingyuan and others exchanged glances, their faces even more pale and bloodless, knowing great disaster would surely come.

Drums rumbled. A person walked along the Golden Water Bridge—seeing his jade-like face wearing white egret court robes, with each step he took a slight pause at the bridge’s railing. Walking and stopping, stopping and walking—there were twelve dragon heads on each side of the bridge railings, so he stopped twelve times.

Yang Suguan’s abnormal behavior was seen by all civil and military officials, naturally causing much discussion. Liu Angtian, Yang Yuan, Gu Siyuan and others had old relationships with him, but the three great ministers each had their own survival methods and weren’t panicked. They saw Liu of the Northern Expedition with a calm expression, Yang the Fifth Assistant with closed eyes in meditation, and Gu of the War Board with slightly furrowed brows—presumably each person’s concerns were quite different.

The imperial summons called, yet Yang Suguan swayed and dawdled on the Golden Water Bridge, delaying and being negligent, directly seeming to blaspheme the emperor’s authority—how could the emperor endure this? Immediately they heard him shout: “Guards! This person intends to delay and dawdle—bring the punishment rods!”

As soon as the words finished, large groups of guards hurriedly rushed out, everyone carrying water and fire sticks. Lu Yun and others, seeing this, all secretly cried out in alarm. Seeing Yang Suguan had not yet defended himself but had already angered the emperor, they didn’t know how he would exonerate himself later. If the commander was guilty, the other generals wouldn’t necessarily have good endings either. An Daojing and Gao Tianwei looked at each other, both wearing extremely grim expressions.

Punishment rods were brutal, often beating officials to death. Yang Suguan, seeing such an array, showed a calm expression as usual, still walking and stopping. The palace attendants were about to beat him when he also walked down the bridge and slowly walked toward Fengtian Gate, thus escaping the first calamity.

Before the imperial gate, there was complete silence like deep night. All civil and military officials, seeing him approach, made way as if this person carried plague—whoever was contaminated by bad luck would face great disaster. At this moment, beneath the gate was peaceful and quiet, as if even a dropped needle could be heard.

“A defeated general does not die, hardships end, afterward fortune comes under the moon—imprisoned and immediately executed, showing face with joy spreading.”

Lu Yun thought of these lines and felt fear in his heart, not knowing how the emperor would deal with Yang Suguan, nor knowing what clever plan this colleague had to exonerate himself.

※※※

All civil and military officials were anxious when they heard the emperor say sternly: “Yang Suguan, if I remember correctly, before your expedition you served in the War Board and are the son of Zhongji Hall Grand Secretary Yang Yuan. Is this so or not?”

Yang Suguan prostrated on the ground facing downward. Whether from great fear or sudden muteness, he neither nodded nor shook his head, actually not answering the emperor’s question.

The emperor was slightly surprised—when the holy son of heaven asked questions, who would dare not answer? Just the great crime of blasphemy against imperial wisdom would be enough to give him twenty large rod strokes. He snorted and asked again: “Yang Suguan, answer my question!”

All officials held their breath and watched Yang Suguan’s actions. They saw this War Board division chief still prostrated on the ground as if deaf and mute, completely ignoring the question. The emperor became greatly enraged and asked a third time, shouting: “Yang Suguan! I ask you one last time—if you dare not speak again, I’ll cut out your tongue and make you unable to make a sound for life! Do you hear me!”

Most ministers knew Yang Suguan personally and knew this young man’s eloquence and ruthless methods. At such the most difficult and dangerous moment of his life, he would surely try his utmost to exonerate himself. Who knew that before the emperor he seemed to have no methods left? Gu Siyuan inside the Golden Water Bridge, Kong An, Lu Yun and Wu Dingyuan outside the Golden Water Bridge—seeing such strange behavior, all were greatly astonished. After the emperor shouted for a while, Yang Suguan still didn’t move an inch.

The emperor became angrier the more he looked and shouted: “Guards! Drag him to Meridian Gate and beat him to death with random clubs!”

Kong An, Gu Siyuan and others were greatly shocked and stepped forward to kneel and report: “Your Majesty, please calm your anger! To kill without teaching is not what a holy son of heaven does. Please have patience with your sacred judgment before punishment!” Suddenly more than ten great ministers knelt, all asking the emperor to rescind his order.

Yang Suguan was a second-class advanced scholar and the son of a great minister—according to ancestral rules, he naturally couldn’t be beaten to death without cause. But with his such arrogant and unruly behavior, where could the son of heaven’s face be placed? The emperor was both hateful and annoyed, holding back anger without knowing what to do, his face already iron-blue.

Jiang Chong, seeing the deadlocked scene, secretly laughed to himself: “Good, you Yang Suguan—clearly eloquent and skilled in speech, but now suddenly becoming a mute—can you have good intentions? Watch me help you along.” He intended to make the scene bigger and immediately pretended to be stern, saying coldly: “Audacious Yang Suguan! Since the emperor has asked questions and you have clear ears and bright eyes, why don’t you answer? The so-called ruler as ruler, minister as minister, father as father, son as son—it’s said you’re usually filial at home and never disobey your parents. Today seeing the emperor, why has propriety completely vanished?” Speaking, he glanced sideways at Yang Yuan and said shrilly: “Could it be that Fengtian Gate in your eyes is still inferior to the small back door of the Yang family kitchen?”

Jiang Chong was cunning and treacherous, truly the outstanding expert in hiding knives behind smiles. Hearing his meaning, the next sentence would be “Could it be that the emperor in your heart is still less important than your father?” These words were greatly treasonous—he only started the idea and let the ministers complete it in their hearts. Sure enough, as soon as the words finished, the emperor already glared angrily at Yang Yuan and immediately said sternly:

“Yang Yuan! Get out here!”

With his beloved son pretending to be deaf and mute, and Jiang Chong watching like a tiger, Yang Yuan, despite his helplessness, could only step out of the ministerial ranks and kneel: “Minister Yang Yuan pays respects to Your Majesty.”

The emperor pointed at Yang Suguan angrily: “I asked three times, but your precious son didn’t say a word. Is he deaf? Is he stupid? How did this advanced scholar degree get obtained? You explain this clearly to me!”

Yang Yuan’s expression was grave. He immediately coughed and said: “My son is naturally unruly and cannot handle big occasions, so today when imperial authority inquired, he greatly lost composure. Please calm your anger, Your Majesty.”

The emperor said sternly: “Naturally unruly? Unruly to the point he can’t even speak? Such character actually passed the advanced scholar exam and served as a court official? Gu Siyuan! You come out!”

Lu Yun was guarding across the Golden Water Bridge. Hearing the emperor summon Gu Siyuan, his heart was shocked. But his official rank was insufficient to speak up—despite his burning worry, he was helpless.

Gu Siyuan bowed forward with gentle manner: “Humble minister War Board Gu Siyuan pays respects to Your Majesty’s golden health.”

The emperor pointed at Yang Suguan angrily: “This person previously worked under your War Board—was he also so deaf and mute?”

Gu Siyuan pondered slightly. If the emperor asked this way and he answered yes, thinking a deaf-mute young man could actually work in the War Board and handle official duties—what kind of system would that be? If the emperor pursued this, he would inevitably suffer greatly. But if he answered no, seeing Yang Suguan usually elegant and talented with brilliant literary skill, yet today pretending to be an idiot—wouldn’t that be the death crime of deceiving the ruler?

In this dilemma, Gu Siyuan’s thoughts turned and he said: “Your Majesty’s clear perception—there’s an ancient teaching that ‘clever words and ingratiating appearance are rarely benevolent.’ Although Division Secretary Yang usually has sharp wit and eloquence, because the expedition was unsuccessful and failed imperial expectations, he kneels on the ground with drooping head, having no face to meet the current emperor and not daring to defend himself with a single word. This is the heart of humble self-reflection. Compared to those who hold positions without merit and lack integrity and shame, this is greatly commendable.”

※※※

Gu Siyuan’s words were light and skillful, neither offending anyone nor providing Yang Suguan with an excuse. All the great ministers secretly applauded. Jiang Chong secretly laughed: “Good, you Gu of the War Board—who would have thought that beneath your usual cautious words and careful actions, you’re also quite a character.”

The emperor, hearing these words and seeing Yang Suguan prostrated motionlessly as if truly repentant, cooled down slightly. He closed his eyes and said in a low voice: “Good, since he understands self-reflection, I’m not in a hurry to skin him.” His dragon eyes then half-opened and half-closed as he said sternly: “Who recommended and guaranteed this inexperienced youth? Stand out and tell me.”

Now it was Liu Angtian’s turn for bad luck. Ministers were called out one by one for reproach, but they didn’t know what methods Liu Angtian had. He didn’t change expression, simply stepped out from the crowd and bowed: “This old minister awaits punishment and humbly requests Your Majesty’s chastisement.”

The emperor took out a memorial and threw it directly to the ground, saying coldly: “Read it.”

Liu Angtian had long been at court—even he was receiving idle anger, thinking the emperor came with such fierce momentum, he must have prepared thoroughly today. All the great ministers looked at each other, all silent as cicadas.

The emperor’s anger was blazing. Liu Angtian naturally dared not openly contradict him. He immediately bent down to pick up the memorial from the ground and read: “Minister Shandong Marquis Fenglai Song Gongmai respectfully presents to imperial wisdom: The bandit-suppression expedition was defeated in Henan, totaling three failures and six deficiencies, unexamined leading to the great army’s collapse. The three failures are: first, wisdom; second, harmony; third, trust…” The emperor became more enraged as he listened and suddenly jumped up in fury, shouting: “Song Gongmai!”

A mighty general rushed across the Golden Water Bridge and hurriedly knelt before the imperial gate, kowtowing: “This old minister awaits orders.”

The emperor angrily said: “Haven’t attended court for years, can’t even write memorials anymore? What three failures, six deficiencies, four virtues, eight moral principles—nonsense! Are you taking the advanced scholar exam or fighting a war? Reflect on this!” Song Gongmai showed complete shame and kowtowed repeatedly: “Minister knows his crime.”

The emperor’s eyes carried killing intent. Seeing Liu Angtian standing aside without continuing to read, he immediately roared: “What are you standing there for? Read!”

Liu Angtian gritted his teeth, pretending to be gentle, and read: “On the first of July, bandits reached Songshan. Our army had already made camp early and should have waited at ease to strike head-on. Unexpectedly, the central army commander agreed to withdraw troops and retreat thirty li up the mountain, thus losing opportunity first and creating chaos afterward. This is the commander’s failure in wisdom and strategy.”

The emperor waved his hand and interrupted: “Wait! Who do you say this audacious central army commander was?”

Liu Angtian said in a low voice: “The central army commander was War Board Bureau of Operations fifth-rank division chief, acting Northern Expedition Commissioner…” He recited a long string and finally spat out three characters: “Yang Suguan.”

The emperor said grimly: “Acting Northern Expedition Commissioner position? Who is this Northern Expedition Commissioner?”

Liu Angtian’s face looked terrible as he immediately lowered his head without making a sound.

The emperor took a deep breath, pointed at Yang Yuan, and said coldly: “Zhongji Hall Grand Secretary! I want you to say what crime this incompetent central army commander deserves!”

Yang Yuan stepped out of the ranks, lowered his head and cupped his hands: “According to this dynasty’s criminal law, if a commander has fault, the punishment is five hundred rod strokes, face tattooing, and border exile.”

The emperor shouted: “Good, face tattooing and border exile! This person is so obstinately ignorant yet could deceive the court of merit and achievement, leading to military defeat like a mountain collapse? You tell me! What crime does this Yang Suguan’s father deserve?”

Yang Yuan’s face flashed with shadow, momentarily speechless.

Liu Angtian was reproached, Yang Yuan was also implicated in anger. Onlooking crowd was silent as cicadas, but only Jiang Chong secretly nodded, greatly admiring Yang Suguan’s strategy. He thought: “Impressive! What a case of ‘silence speaks louder than words’—this boy has already gained the upper hand.”

Jiang Chong himself was a great master of struggle and naturally saw clearly. If Yang Suguan had been self-righteous from the start, speaking eloquently and pontificating, it would instead cause ministerial debates and merely arouse people’s disgust. But he immediately prostrated on the ground, lifeless and silent—when the emperor had anger with nowhere to direct it, he would necessarily take it out on others. Look at Liu Angtian being responsible for recommendation, Yang Yuan having inadequate family education, the bandit-suppression generals fighting poorly—if Yang Suguan were sentenced to death later, these people couldn’t escape either. This strategy of “besieging Wei to rescue Zhao” was already working.

The emperor, burning with rage, turned to look at the platform below and said through gritted teeth: “Since Liu Jing’s rebellion, I’ve been thinking in my heart—who exactly are my loyal ministers? You bunch eat the ruler’s salary but cannot serve the ruler’s affairs, your hearts only thinking of promotion and wealth…” Suddenly he heavily slapped the dragon chair and shouted: “I’ll spare none of you!”

The ministers below, feeling guilty, suddenly led by Kong An, about a hundred civil and military officials knelt together shouting: “Your Majesty, forgive our crimes!”

The rising sun shone on the Forbidden City. All civil and military officials cried out “ten thousand years,” everyone terrified and frightened, kowtowing incessantly.

Although Lu Yun also knelt on the ground, his eyes gazed toward the distant horizon. For a moment, Qin Zhonghai’s laughter echoed in his ears…

“Listen! I, Qin Zhonghai, whenever I think of one thing, I secretly laugh at night—even if I’m stabbed ten more times and lose another leg, I still feel it’s worth it! That is… Qin Zhonghai in this life need not kneel to anyone!”

Lu Yun felt moved, suddenly closed his eyes, and sighed softly.

※※※

The ministers knelt on the ground for a long time, not daring to speak or move. The emperor sighed heavily and waved his hand: “All of you get up.”

The great ministers looked at each other but no one stood up. The emperor’s angry expression flashed—he was about to threaten when Jiang Chong, understanding the superior’s intent, immediately said:

“Everyone get up—His Majesty has forgiven our crimes.” Speaking, he slowly stood up with a calm and composed manner. Only when people saw him stand did they crawl up one by one. It seemed Jiang Chong’s ability to form factions and dominate the court indeed had its brilliance.

The emperor had tried the case for a long time but hadn’t yet sentenced or determined crimes. He took the ginseng tea sent by palace attendants and lightly sipped, saying: “My nature is tolerant and mild—I never wrongfully kill great ministers. But this time with bandits rising again and the court suffering crushing defeat, I cannot fail to pursue criminal responsibility to make an example.”

Hearing these words, the high ministers all began trembling, not knowing what terrible disaster awaited.

The emperor finished his tea and said: “Yang Suguan, serving as central army commander, could not preserve the court’s prestige, repeatedly committing great errors, unworthy of important use—he should be the first to die. Zhongji Hall Grand Secretary Yang Yuan failed in education; War Board Minister Gu Siyuan was lax in controlling subordinates—both should suffer joint punishment.”

He lightly tapped the tea bowl with his finger, his expression calm: “Northern Expedition Commissioner Liu Angtian failed to recognize people beforehand and lacked supervision afterward—he should receive increased punishment. The rest—Song Gongmai, Gao Tianwei, Zhao Renyong, An Daojing and other supervising commanders, and Zuo Congyi, Shi Ping, Wu Dingyuan, Zhong Siwen, Lu Yun and other assisting vice-commanders—all should receive punishment without mercy…”

The emperor implicated so many ministers that even Jiang Chong was quite surprised. Although it didn’t concern him, if all the capable ones were disgraced, who would be willing to serve the current emperor in the future? He wanted to speak in mediation but remembered that last time his younger brother Jiang Yi had just fought a defeat. If he spoke up now to plead, others might add insult to injury and drag out that case again. So he kept his mouth sealed and held his troops still, waiting to observe the changes.

The emperor recited a long string of names at great length. He looked at the ministers coldly: “This is my intention. Do you ministers have any objections?”

Instantly, all the great ministers knelt together and chanted: “The son of heaven’s sacred judgment! May our emperor live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!” For a moment, hundreds and thousands of people touched their foreheads to the ground, showing sorrowful expressions. Great disaster was endless, implicating connections of disaster—all civil and military officials were like mourning parents, the implicated ones lost their souls while the uninvolved ones patted their chests.

Lu Yun, Wu Dingyuan, Zuo Congyi and others lowered their heads speechlessly, knowing great disaster was imminent, not knowing what punishment would come when their crimes were confirmed.

Seeing the ministers kneeling in worship, the emperor immediately waved his dragon sleeves lightly: “Since all beloved ministers have no objections, my intention is decided. Order…” Just as he was about to determine the punishment, suddenly they heard a light whistle from below the platform: “Your Majesty, I have objections.”

The emperor’s words were interrupted and he couldn’t help being shocked. The other great ministers were even more terrified and lost their souls. The emperor had just recited the list of those to be punished but hadn’t yet issued an edict for sentencing—this was precisely the time for bargaining. One absolutely could not offend at this time. This person was audacious beyond measure, actually choosing this crucial moment to stroke the tiger’s whiskers—was he tired of living?

Everyone stole sideways glances and saw the speaker had a jade-like face and stern eyes looking directly up—it was Yang Suguan!

All the great ministers were greatly puzzled, yet also strangely astonished, only able to stare blankly, not knowing his intentions.

The emperor barely suppressed his anger: “Previously when I asked you questions, you didn’t answer a single word. Now what do you want to do?”

Yang Suguan said sternly: “Ancient sages often said that order and disorder under heaven fundamentally lies in human action. Now the court’s fortunes are declining, evil doctrines and violent acts are greatly practiced. The holy son of heaven does not cultivate himself and bring peace to people but instead takes pleasure in boiling ministers like in cauldrons. Officials do not only cultivate law and only overcome through rites, but instead hate and resent ministers and citizens as their longitude and latitude. I believe Your Majesty should rescind this order to avoid receiving resentment from ministers and citizens.”

Everyone heard him speak eloquently, completely opposite to his previous prostrated silence, and all were greatly shocked. Lu Yun and others, hearing him speak directly against superior authority, were even more terrified and couldn’t speak for a long time.

“You… Good, you audacious madman!” Dragon fury roared, the sacred countenance turned blue-purple as he angrily shouted: “Previously when I asked questions several times, you defied edicts and didn’t answer. Now that sacred judgment is decided, you… you again defy edicts and offend superiors, you… you…” Enraged to the extreme, his voice trembled slightly. Suddenly he waved his hand and said sternly: “Guards! Strip off Yang Suguan’s court robes and break his spine!”

Hearing these words, Yang Suguan immediately slowly stood up with his back to the emperor. Seeing this, the ministers were even more shocked and dismayed. The emperor was furiously enraged and immediately stood up, roaring: “Audacious! Actually daring to turn your back to the son of heaven! Guards! Beat him to death with random sticks!”

The punishment rod bearers quickly moved forward and pressed Yang Suguan to the ground. Yang Suguan didn’t resist, letting them strip and tear his clothes. In a moment, his outer garments were completely removed, revealing his inner smooth and crystalline skin. When people saw this, their hearts turned cold—they saw Yang Suguan’s back clearly bore a knife wound, the scar not yet healed, running straight from shoulder blade to waist, truly shocking to behold.

The emperor was startled and sat back down, gasping: “This is a wound received on the battlefield?”

Although Yang Suguan was pressed to the ground, his eyes gazed sternly at heaven, not yielding an inch. The emperor snorted and shouted: “Yang Suguan! Look at me!”

Yang Suguan gazed up at heaven, still ignoring him. The emperor said grimly: “Guards! Press down his head!”

Those around heard the order and applied force together to press. Yang Suguan’s body was beyond his control, his handsome face was pressed down, and his head lowered.

The emperor looked intently and saw Yang Suguan had red lips and white teeth with handsome features, but his fine eyes showed no worry or fear—containing neither pleading nor sorrow, like a clear, pure lake water without half a trace of distracting thoughts. The emperor’s nature was not inherently cruel. Seeing his clear eyes at this time, momentarily moved by his handsomeness, he couldn’t help feeling love for talent. He gazed back at him and asked: “Yang Suguan, I need only say one sentence to take your life. Are you afraid?”

Yang Suguan smiled slightly: “Answering Your Majesty’s words—I am not afraid.”

The emperor frowned: “You don’t fear death?”

Yang Suguan closed his eyes and said blandly: “Since ancient times, who has not died? If I die at the hands of Jie and Zhou, I’ll be famous for ten thousand ages.”

Eek…

The emperor screamed out, wildly enraged. He grabbed the tea bowl and threw it forward with all his strength. With a loud crash, the bowl struck Yang Suguan’s face and shattered to pieces, porcelain fragments cutting his brow, blood flowing over his eyelids and staining his eyes red.

Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang—inner sage and outer king—which emperor didn’t want to be praised by posterity and commended by historians? Who knew that despite his diligent governance and wholehearted pursuit of good, he would be compared to the two great tyrants Xia Jie and Shang Zhou? Emperor Jingtai bit through his lower lip, blood spurting out, and said sternly: “Beat him to death! Beat him to death! Cut him into a thousand pieces, execute him by slow slicing!”

Yang Suguan was lifted up and about to be sent to Meridian Gate for execution, but before leaving, he turned back to glance at the emperor, his mouth corner bearing disdain and contempt, as if his eyes truly saw a murderous tyrant.

Seeing his gaze, the emperor immediately cried out miserably. He held his head in his hands and shouted: “Wait…” He gasped heavily, personally walked down from the platform, stared into Yang Suguan’s eyes, and said viciously: “You want to die… want to buy fame through righteous conduct… want to leave your name in history—I won’t fall for your trick… I won’t cut off your head or skin you alive. I’ll make you have nothing in this lifetime, make life worse than death. I’ll make all your family and friends leave you, make you despised and scorned by everyone, more miserable than a bitter prison…”

The emperor clenched his fists and roared: “Guards! Strip off his official robes and insignia, remove his merit and official position, reduce him to commoner status, never to be employed again for ten thousand generations!” He pointed at the ministers and said sternly: “Anyone related to this person, matter, or thing is absolutely forbidden from passing through Meridian Gate! Otherwise, they will definitely be executed without mercy! Whoever dares speak for him shares his voice and breath! Is an enemy of the nation! Do you hear me?”

Imperial authority shook in anger, the yellow dragon roared. In this moment, the life of the fifth-rank Bureau of Operations division chief had ended.

Merit, noble rank, family background, wealth—all stripped away. Whether this person lived or died was no longer important. Whoever dared have marriage or social relations with him would be the emperor’s enemy. The ministers understood clearly—if Yang Yuan didn’t expel him from the family, he probably couldn’t even preserve his own official position.

This person was only twenty-five or twenty-six years old but had already been given final judgment. The long road of life—though living, he was as good as dead, henceforth having nothing.

The ministers were shaken, but Yang Suguan remained calm as before. With blood flowing over his face, only the former War Board division chief was seen bowing and kowtowing: “Minister Yang Suguan gratefully acknowledges imperial grace…”