The Blood Crown - Chapter 171

Xie Zhongren was brought to the Taiji Hall. Dressed in prison clothes, his gray and white hair was disheveled, his cheeks deeply sunken, and his back hunched. His steps were extremely slow, giving him an appearance of old age and frailty, a clear sign that life in prison had been very harsh for him.

Yan Sikong gazed at Xie Zhongren, but in his mind, he recalled the image of Xie Zhongren in splendid robes, surrounded by followers wherever he went. Once, this eunuch had been so powerful, so arrogant, and so imperious, but now, he looked like a pariah dog, reviled by everyone.

*You have your comeuppance now.*

Seeing Yan Sikong, who was in red robes and shackled, kneeling on the ground, Xie Zhongren was momentarily stunned. His drooping eyelids revealed his murky gray eyes darting around as he guessed the situation. His body began to tremble uncontrollably.

The murmur of the officials was like a swarm of mosquitoes buzzing above the Taiji Hall, giving one a headache.

Meng Duo said loudly, “Your Majesty, the criminal Xie Zhongren has been brought. He should present the memorial to Your Majesty, or read it directly.”

Cai Zhongfan also spoke up, “I believe Lord Yan should read it.”

Zhu Lanting agreed, “I concur.”

Emperor Zhao Wu nodded, looking increasingly bewildered.

Yan Sikong, with both hands shackled, found it very inconvenient but still managed to unfold the memorial with great effort. Before speaking, he glanced at Xie Zhongren.

Their gazes met across the space. The cold hatred and fierce killing intent in Yan Sikong’s eyes made Xie Zhongren shiver all over.

Yan Sikong turned his gaze back, and with a stern and resonant voice, began to read, “The Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, Yan Sikong, respectfully reports. I am deeply grateful for the imperial grace and constantly regret having been associated with the corrupt eunuchs. My sins are inexcusable. Today, I am here to offer my advice under duress, risking my life to seek justice. I beg Your Majesty to eliminate the evil traitor and cleanse the realm. We face the external threat of the barbarians and the internal betrayal of Xie Zhongren, endangering the country’s stability. Only by removing the internal traitor can we address the external threat. Thus, I present Xie Zhongren’s eighteen major crimes! Crime one, abuse of power…”

Xie Zhongren, huddled aside, trembled all over as he watched Yan Sikong, uncertain whether from anger or fear.

Yan Sikong read out Xie Zhongren’s crimes with unwavering dignity. Each charge was well-founded and clearly articulated. Among the court officials, just those who had personally witnessed or experienced the events could match several of the charges, making the accusations particularly infuriating.

As Emperor Zhao Wu listened, his face grew increasingly pale, sweat pouring down his forehead. He Jie hurriedly fetched a handkerchief to wipe him, but the emperor snatched it away and wiped his face himself, trembling.

The reading of the memorial lasted nearly an hour. When it reached the part about the framing of Guangning’s garrison commander Yuan Mao, his voice began to tremble uncontrollably, and an indescribable pain almost erupted from his chest. He managed to suppress it, knowing that this incident was too old to be decisive. After denouncing Xie Zhongren, Yan Sikong also brought up his main supporters, including himself, exposing several unsavory deeds, presenting them with ample evidence, which made the accusations more convincing.

After Yan Sikong finished with “I humbly request the imperial judgment,” his back was soaked with sweat, his mind disoriented, and his legs trembling from kneeling for so long. Despite his pale lips and ghastly complexion, his gaze remained sharp and focused on Xie Zhongren.

He had risked everything. If this did not lead to Xie Zhongren’s downfall, he would be utterly defeated.

At this moment, half of the officials in the hall were already kneeling, trembling on the ground.

It took Xie Zhongren a while to regain his senses. He crawled to the center of the hall, crying out, “Your Majesty, I am wronged. Yan Sikong is framing me. This man is treacherous and ungrateful, and his accusations cannot be trusted!”

Emperor Zhao Wu stared blankly for a long time before weakly saying, “Officials, do you have anything to say?”

Meng Duo was the first to speak, questioning loudly, “Xie Zhongren, do you know what a death sentence entails? This crown and red robes have been in use since the Han and Tang dynasties and have significant meaning. Who would dare make light of them? Yan Sikong’s death sentence must be based on solid evidence. Would he risk his own life and reputation to falsely accuse you?”

“Nonsense!” Xie Zhongren trembled, “Yan Sikong is a opportunist. While Lord Yan Zilian was alive, he acted more filial than his own son at his sickbed. After Lord Yan’s death, he flattered and appeased me. Now that I am imprisoned, he is throwing stones at me. He is treacherous and cunning, and he is the real traitor!”

Meng Duo said, “Since Yan Sikong has confessed his crimes, he should be judged accordingly. The people he has accused should be interrogated by the Three Judicial Departments.” He bowed, “Your Majesty, I request that the evidence presented by Yan Sikong be handed over to the Dali Temple!”

“Your Majesty!” shouted Yang Yuqing, the Minister of the Ministry of War, “How can you make such a hasty decision based on Yan Sikong’s one-sided testimony? I am wronged!”

The eunuch faction collectively shouted, “I am wronged!”

The noise of their arguments filled Yan Sikong’s ears, the factions were hurling accusations at each other almost to the point of violence. His legs were numb from kneeling. In recent days, he had been sleepless and unable to eat, his body had never been so weak.

Finishing the memorial was like releasing a pent-up force accumulated over seventeen years. At this moment, he could no longer support himself. His vision darkened, and he collapsed on the ground…

When Yan Sikong woke up, he found himself unsurprisingly imprisoned.

He had confessed all his crimes, so it was expected that he would be imprisoned for trial. As for Xie Zhongren and the others, he knew that Meng Duo and the others would not miss this rare opportunity, and with Emperor Zhao Wu being such a indecisive ruler, he was no match for those high-ranking officials.

However, he did not dare to be complacent. He had once believed that the Cabinet and the powerful princes would be able to wipe out the eunuch faction, but the outcome had been so tragic.

Lying on the hard, moldy bed, his mind was in chaos. He desperately wanted to know what had happened in the storm of blood he had stirred up. But now, he was trapped, and the rest of the matter had to be left to Meng Duo, Zhao Fuyi, and others. Whether he could leave this place depended largely on Wanyang.

He looked up at the gray ceiling and suddenly smiled self-deprecatingly.

Finally, he too had arrived. He had done all he could. If heaven has eyes, let the evil be suppressed by righteousness, let the world be at peace, and let him avenge the blood feud!

After spending two days in prison, apart from receiving food, no one paid him any attention until the third day when Meng Duo came to interrogate him.

According to the laws of Da Sheng, regardless of innocence or guilt, ten lashes were to be administered before the interrogation.

Yan Sikong forced a smile and said, “Lord Courtier, I confess to everything. Can you spare me the ten lashes?”

Meng Duo looked at him sternly, “As the Chief of the Dali Temple, how could I disregard the law? Lord Yan, you will have to endure.”

Yan Sikong was shackled to the torture device, and the prison guard dropped the whip heavily on the ground with a loud thud, which made one’s heart tremble.

Yan Sikong smiled faintly and said no more.

The guard raised the whip and struck Yan Sikong’s back.

A long fire dragon seemed to ignite on his back, the pain drilled into his head. He clenched his teeth tightly.

The whip struck his back repeatedly, and the white prison clothes quickly soaked through with bloodstains. After ten lashes, Yan Sikong was covered in cold sweat, his teeth chattering. He knew the guards had shown some mercy, otherwise, he would not even be able to stand.

The guards released Yan Sikong and made him sit on a chair. He was in severe pain and could not lean back, so he had to sit awkwardly, leaning forward.

Meng Duo said, “Yan Sikong, I will ask you questions, and you must answer truthfully.”

“What happened to Xie Zhongren?” Yan Sikong asked urgently.

Meng Duo was taken aback, and the guard shouted, “How dare you interrupt? This is Lord Courtier’s interrogation; you are not allowed to speak!”

Ignoring him, Yan Sikong continued to stare at Meng Duo.

Meng Duo paused for a moment and waved his hand, “Leave us, I will interrogate him alone.”

“Yes!” Several guards filed out.

Yan Sikong pressed, “Lord Meng, what happened to that eunuch dog?”

“The Emperor has ordered the Three Judicial Departments to thoroughly investigate everyone and everything mentioned in your memorial. Xie  Zhongren has been subjected to torture today; he should…” Meng Duo sighed deeply, “He won’t be able to turn things around.”

Yan Sikong’s eyes grew warm, and tears fell uncontrollably. If it were not for the pain on his back keeping him painfully alert, he might have thought he was dreaming.

Xie Zhongren had been tortured; he would be severely interrogated. Regardless of whether he survived, Emperor Zhao Wu had completely abandoned him. As Meng Duo said, he would never be able to regain his former status.

After seventeen years, he had finally reached this day. Everything he had sacrificed was for this moment!

Meng Duo looked at Yan Sikong’s tears and frowned deeply, “Lord Yan, General Zhao entrusted us to believe in you and help you accomplish the impeachment. Now that we have achieved that, purging the traitor for the country and the people, your actions over the years truly baffle me.”

Yan Sikong calmly replied, “I have a deep-seated grudge against that eunuch dog. After my master’s death, I lived a wretched life, staying close to him only to gather evidence and seek revenge.”

“I see,” Meng Duo said with a sigh, cupping his hands, “Lord Yan’s endurance and suffering, bearing the weight of public criticism for the sake of this, are indeed commendable.”

“I dare not claim such praise,” Yan Sikong said with a wry smile, “I was also a member of the eunuchs, though not willingly. Still, I helped the tyrants, and my crimes are unforgivable. I only ask Lord Courtier to plead for me before His Majesty, considering my contributions in atoning for my sins.”

“Lord Yan need not worry. If your confessed crimes are true, they are not deserving of death. Moreover, you are a prince consort and have General Zhao and Chief Zhu advocating for you. His Majesty will surely be lenient.” Meng Duo added, “We will also speak well of you.”

“Thank you, Lord Courtier.”

“Today, I am interrogating you mainly to verify the crimes of the eunuchs. Please answer truthfully.”

“Certainly.”

Meng Duo raised an eyebrow, “Since you are prepared to answer honestly, let us start with how you came to have enmity with Xie Zhongren.”

Yan Sikong was taken aback and fell silent.

“Why, Lord Yan? Do you not wish to speak? Your enmity with him must also be part of your impeachment charges.”

Yan Sikong took a deep breath, “To be honest, my origin is from Taining.”

Meng Duo was surprised, “You are from Liaodong? But you…”

Yan Sikong nodded, “Twenty-one years ago, Han Zhaoxing lost Qingzhou, and His Majesty decreed the abandonment of the seven states in Liaobei. My family perished from illness and starvation during the southern evacuation, and my family was destroyed.” He closed his eyes, recalling his childhood pain that was now like still water. Yet, the suffering was an eternal nightmare for him, “I hid my origins, changed my accent, and entered the court to avoid detection by the eunuchs.”

“So, your entering the court was for revenge?”

“Yes, but I advise Lord Courtier not to write this into the case report. Otherwise, it will be seized upon by the eunuchs to accuse me of using my position for personal revenge.”

“Rest assured, I understand.” Meng Duo’s gaze at Yan Sikong grew more sympathetic.

The two conversed for two full hours. Yan Sikong revealed everything he knew, hoping that his impeachment would add weight and, combined with the overwhelming evidence, would aid in sending the eunuchs to their deaths.

After the interrogation, Wanyang timely visited him in prison, her abdomen slightly protruding.

Seeing her, Yan Sikong felt reassured, smiling, “Madam, you’ve come to see me.”

Wanyang’s eyes were full of complexity as she looked at Yan Sikong. She said softly, “I am increasingly confused by you.”

“Whether you understand or not, what does it matter?” Yan Sikong endured the pain and slowly moved to the iron bars, “Did you bring any medicine?”

Wanyang took out a bottle of high-quality wound medicine from her basket, frowning as she looked at Yan Sikong, “Are you… badly injured?”

“Just superficial wounds, nothing serious.”

Wanyang pursed her lips but ultimately said nothing, “Here is some soup made by the old woman, and some dishes you usually like.”

“Thank you, Madam.” Yan Sikong accepted the food and began eating.

Wanyang watched him eat voraciously, several times trying to speak but hesitating. Finally, she turned to the guard standing by, “You, leave.”

“Your Highness, when visiting a prisoner, I must…”

“This is my husband. Who allowed you, an outsider, to stand here?” Wanyang glared, “Get out!”

“P-Princess…”

“Do you not regard me as important?” Wanyang raised her voice, “If Lord Meng has any objections, let him come to me himself.”

“I dare not. I will leave now!” The guard, trembling, quickly exited.

Yan Sikong put down his bowl and spoke seriously, “Your Highness, the eunuchs are finished now, and it’s the time for reckoning. This is a good opportunity to shift the blame for the Feng family’s grievances onto Xie Zhongren. If Your Majesty intends to rectify the Feng family’s wrongs, this is my greatest bargaining chip in negotiating with Feng Ye. I must get out of here quickly.”

Wanyang spoke softly, “I know. I will go to the palace tomorrow to plead with Father. But I have one question you must answer honestly.”

“Speak.”

“Why did you help my cousin?”

Yan Sikong did not hesitate, “As a subject of Da Sheng, it is my duty to stabilize internal chaos and aid my sovereign. What further reason is needed?”

“I don’t believe it!” Wanyang said sharply, “Don’t try to deceive me with such lofty words. I’ve been married to you for three years; I know you well. You never act without gain. What are you plotting for yourself?”

Yan Sikong smiled, “If I could accuse Feng Ye, it would be a great achievement. Not only would it exonerate me, but it would also earn His Majesty’s favor. Besides…” he said earnestly, “Feng Ye is your cousin. How could I bear to see you suffer?”

Wanyang’s heart trembled. She looked at Yan Sikong with a gaze full of emotion, clearly moved.

Yan Sikong bowed, “I leave everything to you. General Zhao Fuyi will also recommend me for military service to quell the rebellion. His Majesty is currently occupied with the matter of the eunuchs and has no time to attend to me. As long as His Majesty’s heart softens, this matter can be resolved.”

Wanyang nodded, “Leave it to me.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Wanyang packed up the dishes and hesitated before saying, “Take care of your wounds.” She lowered her head, picked up the basket, and left.