The Chief Eunuch, Da Xingguo, hurriedly stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, though they have erred, their crimes do not warrant death. The enemy was simply too cunning this time—they caught us off guard, which is why the Laundry Courtyard suffered such an unexpected defeat. Now, those bandits remain at large, and these men are the backbone of the Laundry Courtyard. This is the time for them to atone for their failures through meritorious service. Executing them now would only bring grief to our allies and joy to our enemies.”
Emperor Xizong of Jin hesitated for a moment before replying, “Very well, I shall permit them to redeem themselves. However, while the death penalty may be waived, punishment cannot be entirely avoided. Pucha Shijie and Pushan Hutu abandoned their posts during duty—they are hereby demoted three ranks, fined one year’s salary, and shall receive eighty lashes. As for Wanyan Ping, she will be handed over to the Imperial Clan Court for judgment.”
His earlier threat to execute them had merely been for show. After all, Wanyan Ping was his own sister, while Pucha Shijie and Pushan Hutu were heirs to powerful Jin noble families. Killing them would have provoked an uproar among these influential clans. Thus, when Da Xingguo pleaded for leniency, the emperor seized the opportunity to relent.
“Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty.” Pucha Shijie and Pushan Hutu secretly wiped the cold sweat from their brows. Emperor Xizong had executed many officials in recent years, and they had genuinely feared he might behead them in a fit of rage.
Imperial guards promptly dragged the two men outside the palace gates to carry out the flogging. Though both were skilled in martial arts, the nearly ten-foot-long rods were excruciating. They endured the first twenty strikes in silence, but soon they could no longer hold back their groans.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Generals Pucha and Pushan. What happened here?” A familiar voice suddenly rang out nearby. The two looked up to see Prince Hailing, Wanyan Liang, entering the palace.
“Greetings, Prince Hailing. Forgive us for being unable to salute properly at this moment,” they replied bitterly.
“Spare the formalities,” Wanyan Liang quickly motioned for the executioners to pause and leaned in. “Why are you being punished like this?”
“Don’t even ask. It’s all because of the Laundry Courtyard incident,” Pushan Hutu sighed.
“I’ve heard about that. The enemy’s plan was meticulous—it wasn’t something you could have anticipated.” Wanyan Liang consoled them for a while before feigning casual curiosity. “From what you’ve said, you left only after confirming that Princess Qi was still present. Logically, she should bear the greatest responsibility. How did His Majesty punish her?”
Pucha Shijie’s face darkened, and he remained silent, but Pushan Hutu couldn’t hide his indignation. “She’s the emperor’s sister—what could he do? She was just handed over to the Imperial Clan Court…”
“Hutu!” Pucha Shijie cut him off sharply.
Realizing his words could land him in serious trouble if they reached the emperor’s ears, Pushan Hutu forced an awkward laugh. “Your Highness, I was just speaking carelessly. Please pay it no mind.”
Wanyan Liang said gravely, “Rest assured, I won’t repeat this to anyone.” He then pulled the executioner aside, whispering discreetly before slipping a thick stack of banknotes into the man’s robes. Pucha Shijie and Pushan Hutu exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of his intentions.
“I must attend court now, so I can’t stay long. But I’ve spoken to them—the remaining lashes will be loud but not severe. You’ll suffer less.”
Touched by his words, the two men murmured, “Your Highness…”
“No need for thanks. We serve the same Dynasty—helping each other is only natural.” Wanyan Liang smiled before hurrying off toward the Hall of Benevolent Governance.
Watching his retreating figure, Pushan Hutu sighed. “Among all the princes, only Prince Hailing truly respects and values talented men.”
Pucha Shijie’s expression was complicated. “Indeed. It’s just a shame he’s only a concubine-born son.”
*****
Upon arriving at the Hall of Benevolent Governance, Wanyan Liang was invited by Emperor Xizong to play chess.
The emperor asked, “Prince Hailing, who do you think is truly behind the Laundry Courtyard incident?”
Wanyan Liang gave an uneasy smile. “Your Majesty is wise and discerning. This humble subject dare not speculate.”
“Speak plainly. Don’t hold back,” Emperor Xizong glared. Among the imperial princes in the capital, he trusted Wanyan Liang the most—partly because of his competence and seniority, and partly because, as a concubine-born son, he posed no threat to the throne. Thus, Wanyan Liang was the first outsider summoned after the Laundry Courtyard’s debacle.
“As you command.” Wanyan Liang hesitated before carefully choosing his words. “I’ve heard Your Majesty tasked the Laundry Courtyard with investigating Prince Wei’s case… and then this happened. The matter is both complex and simple. Your Majesty has no heirs—who stands to gain the most?”
Emperor Xizong’s pupils contracted. “You mean Prince Changsheng?”
“I did not say that. Your Majesty must draw your own conclusions.” A crafty old fox, Wanyan Liang had no intention of implicating himself. He preferred to watch from the shadows as Emperor Xizong and Prince Changsheng tore each other apart.
The emperor nodded thoughtfully. “Let us continue our game.”
Later, as Wanyan Liang departed, Emperor Xizong waved a hand toward the empty air beside him. “Have you identified those who sent messages to Pucha Shijie?”
Da Xingguo emerged from the shadows. “Your Majesty, we have traced them. Though they passed through several intermediaries, we followed the trail back to Prince Changsheng’s household.”
“That b*stard Wanyan Yuan!” Emperor Xizong’s eyes burned with killing intent. For years, he had suppressed his love for Taoyao for the sake of the Dynasty and fraternal harmony. Yet now, the other side had struck first. If that was how it would be, then he would not hesitate to reopen old wounds.
*****
“Without a doubt, Emperor Xizong will suspect Prince Changsheng in the Laundry Courtyard affair. The brothers have long distrusted each other—this will be the final straw. Prince Changsheng’s fate is sealed. With Prince Wei already dead, you are now the most likely candidate for the throne.” In Prince Xu’s residence, Zhao Min analyzed the situation for Wanyan Yong.
“Your calculations are divine, Princess. This prince is utterly in awe.” The throne, once an unthinkable dream, now seemed within reach. Wanyan Yong gazed at the stunningly beautiful woman before him, torn between admiration and wariness.
Emperor Xizong and Prince Changsheng were sons of Jin Taizu’s second son. With Prince Wei dead, the second line would die out. Wanyan Yong’s father was Jin Taizu’s third son, making him the primary heir once the second line extinguished itself. As for Wanyan Liang of the first line, his concubine-born status excluded him from consideration.
*****
After seeing Zhou Zhiruo off, Song Qingzhu returned to the Tang Kuo residence in low spirits. But as he reached the gate, he found Wanyan Ping waiting, her face icy with anger.