CHAPTER 388: CHAPTER 385: GETTING HIT

The great hall was silent and still, yet the palace attendants seemed to hear the rumbling thunder overhead.

Song Xian said, "What I mean is, those who want Xiao Xingzong to keep his mouth shut without interrogation. They’re afraid that killing Xiao Xingzong will incite public anger, so they can only use such despicable means to settle it. I urge the Emperor to eliminate these people to prevent future troubles."

Finally, a louder clap of thunder exploded.

The Emperor said, "I have ordered the Ministry of Justice, the Imperial Censorate, and the Ministry of Justice to jointly investigate the case. Do you still find it inappropriate? Do you think those officials are incapable of investigating the case?"

Song Xian was not flustered. He bowed properly, "I dare not think so."

The Emperor angrily asked, "Then what are you doing?"

Anyone else might have immediately knelt to plead guilty, but Song Xian remained standing there, "I am only afraid that the root cause cannot be eliminated. Xiao Xingzong has committed atrocities in the North for many years, causing significant harm to Daqi’s troops. This time in Dai State... if I had been delayed even a moment, Xiao Xingzong would surely have had the Liao people massacre the city."

"General Zhongwu endured nine years apart from his kin to kill Xiao Xingzong. In the end, he had the mindset of perishing together with Xiao Xingzong and planned to assassinate him. If not for the Commandery Princess discovering General Zhongwu’s whereabouts earlier, father and daughter might never have had a chance to meet again."

"Xiao Xingzong rebelled against Daqi for so many years; we’ve finally captured him and his thirteen grand protectors. Daqi has paid a dear price. If we can’t capture all of Xiao Xingzong’s followers in one fell swoop, it would truly be a disservice to those generals who bravely fought and those citizens who perished at the hands of the Liao people."

Even Du Zheng, witnessing the scene before him, couldn’t help but hold his breath. Song Jiedu’s eloquence was on par with the Imperial Censors and court officials.

Even one sparks could ignite a raging fire.

Du Zheng thought Song Xian would stop there, but he had no idea Song Xian continued, "I can forgo the previous rewards and refuse the position of Jiedu, but I beg the Emperor to thoroughly investigate."

Upon hearing these words, Du Zheng realized it was over; the Emperor’s anger could no longer be restrained.

"Song Xian," the Emperor said, "don’t think that having achieved military merit makes you untouchable. If you truly had respect for your sovereign, you wouldn’t say such words."

Du Zheng couldn’t watch any more. Hastily, he stepped forward before Song Xian, "Let me say, Song Jiedu, the Emperor has always cared for you. Others would have been dragged out already. How dare you act like this... Besides, you don’t understand investigation matters, so stop speaking recklessly. The heavenly family has their own considerations..."

Du Zheng had not intervened on behalf of others in a long time. In the current situation, whether for Song Xian or the Emperor, at the very least, it shouldn’t escalate to the point of no return.

Song Xian’s offense wasn’t worthy of death, and in the face of public anger, the Emperor should not execute a valuable officer.

Song Xian replied, "I know I shouldn’t, but if I can bring stability to Daqi and prevent treacherous individuals from stirring up trouble, I must risk offending the Emperor and plead with all my might."

After saying this, Song Xian lifted his official robe and knelt in the great hall.

"Very well," the Emperor glared at Song Xian, wishing he had a sword to cut off Song Xian’s head, "well, you call this risking death to advise. I have been in power for years and never found ’death advice’ so easy."

"Men..." the Emperor shouted.

Du Zheng was startled and hurriedly knelt with the palace attendants, "Please, Heavenly Family, calm your anger. Mr. Song has nothing but loyalty."

"Song Jiedu wants to be a ’death advisor,’ then I must oblige him," the Emperor’s voice echoed in the great hall, "but the advisors of this dynasty who risk death must first be flogged twenty times at the palace gates."

"Heavenly Family," Du Zheng said, "General Song has not yet recovered from his battle wounds. How could he endure this?"

Du Zheng finished speaking and looked at Song Xian, "Mr. Song, you mustn’t do this. Please ask the Heavenly Family to retract the decree. Whatever it is, it can be addressed slowly."

"Twenty floggings; I can endure," Song Xian said, "I have offended the Emperor, openly speaking to risk death. It is only right."

"Very well," the Emperor was so enraged his eyes turned red, "take Song Jiedu out."

As the Emperor gave the order, the Palace Department immediately entered the great hall. Naturally, Song Xian did not need anyone to handle him; he rose and paid his respects to the Emperor, then retreated step by step from the great hall.

Good, very good, the Emperor gritted his teeth, for daring to insult him in such a manner. Twenty floggings wouldn’t appease him; he wished he could beat Song Xian to death on the spot.

"Emperor," Du Zheng said, "you..."

Du Zheng hadn’t finished speaking when the Emperor sneered, "What, do you want to reprimand me too?"

"I dare not. I am forever the Emperor’s servant," Du Zheng knelt, pressing his head tightly against the ground, "I only fear it will tarnish the Emperor’s prestige. Song Jiedu was severely injured on the battlefield, not yet healed. You have many ways to punish, but in front of everyone, it might provoke the Imperial Censors and court officials to submit petitions."

"I cannot wait," the Emperor said, "Today, I simply want to punish him, to let him know the consequences of offending the Emperor."

...

Li You was in the duty room when he heard the inspector reporting. He couldn’t help but be alarmed, "What was said?"

The inspector replied, "Just that twenty floggings will occur at the palace gates."

Li You stood up, "What did Song Jiedu say?"

The inspector lowered his voice, "Subordinates say Song Jiedu mentioned Xiao Xingzong’s poisoning was suspicious and asked the Emperor to order a thorough investigation."

Li You instinctively frowned, "Has he gone mad? Start flogging slowly, don’t rush. I’ll go inquire, maybe not all floggings will be necessary." Maybe he could seek mercy, to prevent some would be better than none!

But as Li You stepped out of the duty room, the cold wind cleared his mind a bit. Song Xian wasn’t reckless; even his master said he had nothing helpful to support.

Especially since there’s Miss Xie...

Song Xian’s actions might have deeper intentions; intervening could backfire.

The inspector was puzzled why Li You stopped, preparing to ask when Li You said, "Proceed with the flogging, no need to spare him." Song Xian’s old injuries probably aren’t too serious; he should be able to handle these twenty lashes.

The Palace Department, obeying the Emperor’s orders, acted decisively. However, Song Jiedu was also tenacious, enduring the twenty lashes without a sound.

After being flogged, Song Jiedu leisurely tidied his official attire and then knelt straight at the palace gate.

Yuan Shaoqing of the Ministry of Justice and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice arrived at the palace gate. At first glance, they saw Song Jiedu being punished.

"What happened?" Yuan Shaoqing inquired of an inner official at the palace gate, "Why is Song Jiedu here?" Wasn’t he supposed to go back and rest?

The inner official whispered, "You’re here because of Xiao Xingzong’s case, right?"

Yuan Shaoqing nodded.

The inner official said, "Then you both better be careful. Song Jiedu just enraged the Emperor over this matter."

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice asked in a low voice, "Can you give us some insights?"

The inner official sighed and whispered, "Isn’t it because of Xiao Xingzong’s poisoning? Song Jiedu criticized improper handling and urged the Emperor to thoroughly investigate."

Yuan Shaoqing’s face changed, his heart skipped a beat.

The inner official originally intended to advise Yuan Shaoqing and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, without any concealment, "As long as you proceed according to protocol and avoid causing disturbances, everything can remain peaceful."

Yuan Shaoqing couldn’t speak freely; Xiao Xingzong’s words no longer allowed a straightforward investigation. And now, with Song Xian kneeling... the pressure was overwhelming.

Why must Song Jiedu be punished at this time... can they even manage? If the Emperor knew the truth, he would regret punishing Song Jiedu.

Because Song Jiedu was indeed correct — there was clearly something else involved.

Yuan Shaoqing and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice exchanged looks; they hadn’t anticipated such an outcome, but now they had no choice but to move forward, despite their fear.

Song Xian watched Yuan Shaoqing and the Vice Minister of Justice’s backs with a slight smile. After being beaten and kneeling, he would soon let everyone know.

He had already thrown all the trouble to the Emperor.

A snowflake fell, landing on Song Xian’s forehead, bringing a touch of chill.

He could kneel for three days without issue. No matter what, it was worth it.

If Liangchen felt sorry for him, that would be even better.

Thinking of this, Song Xian felt that the places on his body that had been flogged no longer hurt.

Could there be such good fortune?