The Blood Crown - Chapter 167

Far away in Xiangyang, the Han family’s household had just received the bad news—they were being raided and captured. Meanwhile, Xie Zhongren in the capital, unwilling to be dragged down, pretended to be gravely ill and was carried to meet Emperor Zhaowu.

At nearly seventy years old, his hair was completely white. Having lost much weight in recent days, without his eunuch robes and jewelry, he looked much like an old man nearing the end of his life, appearing quite pitiable.

Upon meeting Emperor Zhaowu, Xie Zhongren, with the help of the inner eunuchs, trembled and knelt on the ground. As soon as the inner eunuchs let go, he swayed and almost fell, his throat emitting weak gasps.

Emperor Zhaowu frowned. “Enough, enough. Just sit on the ground.”

In his younger years, Xie Zhongren was very adept at pleasing Emperor Zhaowu, almost understanding the emperor’s likes and dislikes perfectly. But as he grew older, his wits dulled and his movements became less nimble. Emperor Zhaowu, now in his prime, increasingly found him inadequate compared to Yan Sikong, who was both clever and charming. Moreover, who would prefer a wrinkled old face over a youthful, handsome one? As a result, Xie Zhongren was seen less and less.

Tears began to flow from Xie Zhongren’s eyes before he even spoke. He cried out pitifully, “Your Majesty, this old servant… deserves to die a thousand deaths…” As he spoke, he prostrated himself, banging his forehead on the ground.

Yan Sikong looked down from above at the old eunuch, now curled up on the floor like a dog, his gaze as cold as the winter frost.

Emperor Zhaowu’s corpulent body heaved with anger. “You know you deserve to die? Your precious nephew is about to hand over Liaodong to the enemy!”

“This old servant deserves to die… deserves to die…” Xie Zhongren cried out from the ground, “This old servant… is blinded with age, unable to recognize people clearly. I regret not being able to clean the family… Your Majesty…”

Yu Ji sneered in disdain.

Yan Sikong feigned sympathy, cautiously asking Emperor Zhaowu, “Your Majesty, why not grant Grand Eunuch Xie a seat?”

Emperor Zhaowu snorted coldly, glanced at Yu Ji, who understood immediately. Yu Ji signaled, and a young inner eunuch quickly brought over a chair, helping Xie Zhongren to sit down.

Xie Zhongren, weeping with gratitude, said, “Thank you, Your Majesty. This old servant is doomed… doomed…”

Emperor Zhaowu said angrily, “Don’t think that I won’t kill you. I’ve already issued an edict to raid the Han family! It was you! You who pushed him forward. I allocated troops and supplies for him, costing millions each year. He was defeated and even betrayed the country, and you…” His anger mounting, he threw a teacup at Xie Zhongren, drenching him in premium Longjing tea.

Xie Zhongren was in tears, “This old servant feels deeply ashamed before Your Majesty and the people of Liaodong, but this old servant… risked his life to advise Your Majesty… do not kill the Han family…”

Yan Sikong’s eyes narrowed. He thought, this old man, though flustered, is not entirely senile. He should have known that things would not go smoothly.

Emperor Zhaowu’s eyes widened. “You… you still dare to plead for them? Have you had enough of living?”

“Your Majesty, you misunderstand… cough cough…” Xie Zhongren began to cough violently, covering his mouth with his sleeve. Blood stains appeared on the sleeve, but it was unclear if they were real or feigned.

Emperor Zhaowu frowned.

“Your Majesty…” Xie Zhongren choked, “This old servant will not plead for the traitors, but they are still of use. Han Zhaoxing’s betrayal might have been a desperate move. He must be frightened and regretful. This old servant… cough cough… this old servant wishes to write a letter, advising him and General Zhao to engage in a counter-scheme… Han’s entire family… cough cough cough… cannot escape. Your Majesty, there is no need to rush.”

Emperor Zhaowu stroked his beard and looked at Yan Sikong. “Sikong, he makes a good point. Han Zhaoxing’s family is still in Xiangyang. They might still be of use to me.”

Xie Zhongren also gazed at Yan Sikong, his expression difficult to decipher. Yan Sikong knew that Xie Zhongren had begun to suspect him. No, given Xie Zhongren’s nature, it was impossible for him to fully trust anyone; he was just more suspicious now. Yan Sikong remained calm and said, “Grand Eunuch Xie’s plan is worth trying. However, whether this letter can reach Han Zhaoxing and how he will respond is uncertain.”

“Your Majesty,” Xie Zhongren pleaded, “This old servant… cough cough… has little time left. I wish to use my remaining days to persuade… cough cough… Han Zhaoxing…”

Yan Sikong secretly spat in contempt. It was uncertain whether the letter would even reach Xie Zhongren. Even if it did, sending it back and forth, and secretly plotting many things, would likely take a year or more. By then, Emperor Zhaowu’s anger might have subsided, and Xie Zhongren might make a comeback.

What a scheming and treacherous man.

Emperor Zhaowu hesitated. He leaned forward and looked at Xie Zhongren. “Xie Zhongren, considering your years of service, I’ll give you one more chance. But if I don’t punish you, I cannot explain to the ministers or the people. What should we do?”

“This old servant begs Your Majesty to allow me… to redeem myself with meritorious service. Whether this matter succeeds or fails, this old servant and the Han family will… cough cough cough… accept Your Majesty’s judgment.”

“How are you feeling?” Emperor Zhaowu asked.

Xie Zhongren wiped his tear-streaked face. “I fear… I won’t be able to serve Your Majesty much longer.”

Emperor Zhaowu exchanged glances with Yan Sikong, showing signs of hesitation. Yan Sikong’s gaze was resolute, and Emperor Zhaowu, facing his own officials and son-in-law, momentarily forgot his imperial demeanor and turned his face away in guilt.

Yan Sikong knew that this indecisive ruler had faltered again. Fortunately, he knew the man well and had already made preparations. Zhu Lanting, who had not yet taken office but was still in the palace performing the guard duties, had been briefed early this morning. The guards were now waiting outside the palace gates. All that was needed…

Yan Sikong shook his head and suddenly adjusted his hat. Outside the palace gate, a fierce dog barked, and then a black hunting dog burst into the palace, charging directly at Xie Zhongren, with two guards chasing after it.

Xie Zhongren’s fear of dogs was well known.

Indeed, seeing the beast charging at him, Xie Zhongren was terrified. He jumped up from his chair and ran, his steps firm, shouting for help with full strength, not at all resembling a dying man.

The hunting dog was Emperor Zhaowu’s favorite, always leading the hunt with remarkable skill and intelligence. It did not bite people but tackled Xie Zhongren to the ground, pressing its paws on his chest and growling loudly.

Xie Zhongren was nearly scared out of his wits.

The guards quickly arrived, pulling the dog away and kneeling to apologize. “We are at fault, deserving of death. We have alarmed Your Majesty.”

Emperor Zhaowu ignored them, glaring fiercely at Xie Zhongren. “You, I see you are quite vigorous for your age!”

Xie Zhongren, terrified, fell to the ground and repeatedly kowtowed. “Your Majesty, please forgive me. I was startled… I was… old servant…”

“Someone…” Emperor Zhaowu shouted, “Arrest Xie Zhongren! Take him to the Ministry of Justice for interrogation!”

Xie Zhongren slumped on the ground, pleading desperately. Emperor Zhaowu’s face showed signs of struggle, but he still watched as Xie Zhongren was taken away.

After Xie Zhongren was taken away, Yan Sikong knelt on the ground, apologizing, “I failed in my duties. When conveying the orders to the guards, there was a misunderstanding. I beg Your Majesty’s punishment.”

The plan discussed yesterday was for Emperor Zhaowu to touch the crown. At that signal, the guards would release the dog to scare Xie Zhongren and see if he revealed anything. But Emperor Zhaowu had clearly hesitated, and Yan Sikong’s backup plan was to release the dog while adjusting his hat.

Emperor Zhaowu waved his hand impatiently. “Stop talking. I’m very irritated. Go back.”

“Your Majesty…”

“Get out, all of you, get out!” Emperor Zhaowu shouted loudly. “None of you give me peace. All of you, leave!”

Yan Sikong bowed and backed out.

Inside, he was seething with anger, wishing he could shout to the heavens.

Xie Zhongren has been imprisoned! Although, knowing this foolish emperor, he could change his mind after a night’s sleep, this imprisonment is a massive blow to the already anxious eunuch faction and greatly boosts their morale. It shows all the civil and military officials that Xie Zhongren’s downfall is inevitable, and that he is on a path of decline leading to his ultimate destruction.

Finally, he has waited for this day!