An Sheng stood beneath the eyes of the crowd, head bowed. Then, slowly, he stepped out of formation and walked straight past Grand Secretary Tan at the very front, stopping at the head of the line.
He turned around bit by bit. With his back to Emperor Chengde, he slowly raised his head. His sharp gaze first swept over Grand Secretary Tan, who stood closest to him, then Grand Secretary Feng, and finally the assembled officials.
Suddenly, everyone saw the usually expressionless, aloof, and cutting Commander An Sheng of the Inner Depot tug the corners of his mouth upward. A crazed, sinister smile gradually spread across his face, while undisguised malice surfaced in his eyes. In that instant, the madness and venom within him seemed to pour forth without restraint.
Though the change in his emotions lasted no more than a breath, everyone present was certain that they had seen it.
They could not help but feel as though a dark, murderous hostility had surged over them like a storm. It was so palpable that it sent chills down their spines, leaving them inexplicably flustered.
Even Grand Secretary Tan, who had remained silent and composed from beginning to end, stiffened slightly. A vague unease began to spread from the depths of his heart…
An Sheng then turned back unhurriedly. His gaze fixed and resolute, he looked toward Emperor Chengde and slowly knelt. His sharp voice rang out, particularly jarring in the silent grand hall.
“Your Majesty, since the various lords claim to have gathered all the evidence, whether it is true or false, whether I actually committed these deeds or not—what difference does it make? Ever since I established the Inner Depot, I have handled countless cases, and there have been more than enough families whose estates I confiscated and heads I ordered chopped off. In other words, I have long since made countless enemies. I have become the thorn in the flesh and eyesore that countless people wish to remove. I was prepared for a day like this long ago, so it comes as no surprise.”
At these words, a flicker passed through Emperor Chengde’s eyes. A moment later, his expression returned to normal.
Suddenly, An Sheng’s tone softened. He bowed and struck his forehead heavily against the floor.
“Your Majesty, I entered the palace as a child. In this vast imperial palace, I had no relatives, no support, and no one to rely on. I was nothing more than a lowly servant who depended upon imperial authority. It was only through the favor of the late emperor and Your Majesty that I have achieved what I have today. I dare not forget my origins. This lowly life of mine belonged to the imperial family from the beginning—what does it matter if I give it back?
“Since all my fellow officials have decided that I am guilty, I do not wish to place Your Majesty in a difficult position. Then I shall admit my guilt. According to the law, even if they sentence me to have my entire household executed and my nine clans exterminated, it would not be excessive. In short, I confess!”
The words “I confess” left the entire court stunned. Not only did the officials present react with shock—even Emperor Chengde furrowed his brows, his expression turning grave.
The atmosphere suddenly became strange.
For a moment, the officials looked at one another.
Is that it?
Lord An confessed just like that?
Ha! Could it really be that simple? Did you not hear what he said?
Were all the proofs we prepared for nothing?
Lord An is clearly speaking in riddles. We must be on our guard!
Look at the Grand Secretary’s face. Why does he look so grim? There has to be something going on.
…
Suddenly, An Sheng’s voice, tinged with sorrow, reached everyone’s ears. The solemn expression he had worn moments before had now become mournful.
“Your Majesty! My lowly life is not worth lamenting, but I have one final request.”
Here it comes!
The officials pricked up their ears, understanding at once. They had known it would not be that simple.
Sure enough, An Sheng continued.
“As for the extermination of nine clans, I am a rootless eunuch with neither family nor descendants. Although I am married, my wife has only been married to me for barely a year. She has spent those days living in fear and anxiety, and has hardly enjoyed a single peaceful day. She was already delicate and frail, and after the incident during the winter hunt, the cold entered her body and left her chronically ill, confined to her sickbed day after day. I truly owe her too much.
“Therefore, I humbly beg Your Majesty and all the assembled officials—especially my fellow officials—to show mercy and spare my wife and her family. When I reach the underworld, I will surely remember your kindness.”
Emperor Chengde: …
The officials: …
When An Sheng finished speaking, the entire hall fell into deathly silence.
By now, Emperor Chengde’s expression was extremely ugly.
The officials’ faces were equally fascinating to behold.
Once again, it was Grand Secretary Feng who broke the silence.
Pointing at An Sheng, who was prostrated on the floor, he continued his attack. “Lord An is truly so silver-tongued that it is astounding. Do not think that by putting on an act of heroic self-sacrifice and loyalty, then spouting a string of absurdities, you can twist the facts, confuse right and wrong, and turn black into white. The nation has its laws, and every household has its rules. As for Lord An’s actions…”
“Enough!”
Emperor Chengde suddenly interrupted him.
“Grand Secretary Feng is advanced in years. I cannot bear to see him exhaust himself with these matters. Guards, quickly assist Grand Secretary Feng back to his residence to rest.”
The moment he said this, the entire court erupted in an uproar.
Grand Secretary Feng was even more dumbfounded, frozen in place with an expression of utter disbelief.
The ministers of the Inner Cabinet, led by Grand Secretary Tan, instantly fell silent, not daring to say another word.
After Grand Secretary Feng was helped out of the hall, Emperor Chengde suddenly let out a cold laugh.
That single sound was enough to make every civil and military official in the court drop to their knees.
Emperor Chengde rose from the dragon throne. His voice seemed calm and even, yet carried a faint trace of anger.
“When My Imperial Father was alive, he revived the Inner Depot and appointed An Sheng as its commander. That was a decision reached between My Imperial Father and Me. The cases handled by the Inner Depot were all matters that your various departments were unable or unwilling to deal with, which you pushed to Me. The cases were handled by the Inner Depot because I ordered it, and they were closed because I approved them.
“And now, each and every one of you is holding up evidence, claiming that these were wrongful and unjust cases. Very good. Very good. Very good.”
After repeating “very good” three times, Emperor Chengde swept back his sleeves.
“Having evidence is a good thing. Anyone who has a grievance to report may bring the evidence to the Ministry of Justice before noon tomorrow and file a complaint. After that, no claims will be accepted!”
“Cui Gudao!”
“Your Majesty.”
“You will take charge of this matter.”
“I humbly accept Your Majesty’s decree.”
“As for Commander An Sheng of the Inner Depot, everything will proceed according to the law and established procedures. His culpability will be determined by the Ministry of Justice in due course.”
An Sheng struck his forehead heavily against the floor. “This subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace!”
“Court is dismissed!”
Emperor Chengde left, yet the grand hall remained utterly silent. Every person continued kneeling, not one daring to move.
An Sheng, however, was the first to rise.
“Hmph!”
His mocking scoff rang clearly in the ears of everyone present.
Step by step, An Sheng walked toward the exit. Just as he was about to leave the hall, his voice, laden with a chilling menace, drifted back to them.
“Gentlemen, tomorrow I shall personally wait for you at the Ministry of Justice to hear your complaints against me. Ah, I can hardly wait.”
