Chapter 7

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As for He Yanzhou, Qin Xiangyi simply did not want to dwell on it. He even called her “aunt.” Shaking her head, Qin Xiangyi threw herself into today’s work. As for what Xiao Sizhen had said, she treated it as mere passing wind in her ears, unwilling to think further.

“Xiao Sizhen, you’ve misunderstood. He Yanzhou is a recent match proposed for my niece, but please don’t spread this around. Nothing has been decided yet,” Qin Xiangyi explained.

Understanding it was a misunderstanding, Xiao Sizhen said no more and handed Qin Xiangyi a gold ingot. “This was the reward from Consort Shu yesterday. You left too early; I wanted to ask how you got out of the palace. We were all held inside and questioned for a long time before being released.”

Qin Xiangyi paused while about to cut the golden thread. “Oh, He Yanzhou escorted me out of the palace.”

Xiao Sizhen showed a look of surprise, slightly raising her willow-shaped eyebrows, but said nothing further.

After leaving Xiao Sizhen’s chamber, He Yanzhou was summoned to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Since the fire at Yongning Palace, the emperor had moved his residence to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Though less than half a day had passed since the move, the entire hall was already permeated with a decadent scent mingling wine and lust.

Emperor Jingli reclined crookedly in the dragon throne. Though just past forty, his cheeks were sunken and dark circles shadowed his eyes.

Wang Yan, the senior eunuch beside him, held the face of a glossy, round-faced eunuch with worry, supporting and protecting the emperor. “Your Majesty must take care of your precious body. Don’t let scheming villains have their way.”

When He Yanzhou arrived, his father, He Wenxuan, was also present. He shot He Yanzhou a discreet, solemn glance. Seeing Tian Siyuan, Deputy Director of the Imperial Observatory, kneeling in the center of the hall, He Yanzhou knew trouble was brewing.

Jingli Emperor, noticing He Yanzhou’s arrival, said, “He Yanzhou, you’ve come at the right time. Listen to what this Tian Siyuan has to say and judge who is at fault — me or him.”

He Yanzhou tightened his lips and stood beside his father, lowering his gaze to coldly fix on the kneeling Tian Siyuan. He hoped this time Tian would know what to say.

The emperor turned to Tian again. “Tian Siyuan, I ask you once more: why has it not rained yet? I followed your instructions, performing the rain prayer rituals repeatedly. Tell me, what must be done for the rain to fall?”

Because of the emperor’s internal weakness, his voice was gentle, lacking force. What seemed like interrogation sounded more like a measured, gentle inquiry.

He Yanzhou pressed his lips tightly, staring at Tian’s eyes. Seeing the resolute expression there, he barely shook his head.

The great hall fell silent. Though the emperor’s aura was not strong, beneath the soft questioning lay ruthless cruelty laid bare.

Tian smashed his forehead to the ground and shouted, “I have already said: the heavens withhold rain as punishment for the court’s failings — empty treasury, boiling public resentment, and the court’s debauchery. As for how to pray for rain, I have said this as well: Your Majesty must issue a self-criticism edict, resume court sessions immediately, personally manage state affairs and pacify the people, reduce palace expenses, and provide disaster relief. Only then can the crisis be alleviated.”

He Yanzhou closed his eyes, and the emperor did the same.

When the emperor reopened his eyes, he looked at He Yanzhou. “He Yanzhou, I just asked your father whether Tian Siyuan or I am at fault. Your father answered well. Now I ask you: who is to blame, me or Tian Siyuan?”

He Yanzhou stared firmly into Tian’s eyes and replied, “Your Majesty is the true dragon son of heaven and cannot be wrong. Deputy Director Tian is mistaken. Your Majesty is always diligent and loves the people like your own children. How can the issues of heaven be laid at Your Majesty’s feet? Even if there is fault, it lies with us ministers who have failed to share your burden.”

He bowed his head, taking the blame upon himself. This was why the emperor favored him and his father — they knew how to speak. Unlike Wang Yan, who only flattered, they never truly admitted the emperor’s faults.

Only by taking all blame upon themselves can one be a good minister.

The emperor then addressed Tian Siyuan. “Since the elder statesman and Censor He have declared you at fault, how shall I punish you? How about this — beat to death with a staff. He Yanzhou, you shall oversee the execution.”

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The midday sun blazed brightly over the vast courtyard before the hall. Four eunuchs dragged Tian Siyuan by his limbs, escorted by the senior eunuch holding a punishment rod.

Just as He Yanzhou turned to leave, Emperor Jingli called him back.

“Ah, by the way, does Tian Siyuan’s birth chart carry the element of fire? If so, I cannot easily execute him.”

Wang Yan bowed and soothed the emperor, “Oh, Your Majesty, if Tian had fire in his chart, he would have been dealt with long ago. How could he have lasted this long?”

The emperor nodded, convinced. “Then proceed.”

Turning, he waved his hand casually.

He Yanzhou walked out of the hall, his steps heavy, the sunlight stinging his eyes.

His father patted his shoulder. Their eyes met, and in his father’s gaze was a haze of weariness. He Yanzhou’s own eyes remained clear. Unspoken words passed silently between them.

“Go. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Return home early.”

After saying this, He Wenxuan left alone. The emperor was disengaged; he was the one holding up the entire realm. Watching his father’s retreating figure, He Yanzhou felt increasingly lonely.

Another member of their team was lost.

He approached Tian Siyuan, who was now bound and nailed to the ground by the eunuchs.

He saw much in Tian’s eyes but had many questions to ask him.

For example:

“Wasn’t there a plan? Why act so suddenly?”

“There are already so few of us in this groupI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.