Couldn’t blame everyone for staying mum. Everyone was abreast of His Majesty’s attitude toward the Seven Champion White Princes; it just wasn’t something they could talk about openly. Similarly, they couldn’t wait for Luo Ming to roll over and die so that they could confiscate Luo Sword Manor’s properties as well as give the other six a fright, but none of them would voice that.
“Secretary Leng, you,” demanded Emperor Yuansheng.
Secretary Leng stepped out of line and, in signature form, replied, “Luo Clan should be exterminated for Luo Ming’s crimes.”
“In other words, you are pro-execution?”
“No.”
“Elaborate.”
“There is no precedence of executing any of the Seven Champion White Princes in our dynasty.”
Secretary Zhang Chunfeng argued, “That is not true. According to this old one’s knowledge, insurrection is not one of the crimes they are absolved of.”
“Indeed.”
“Secretary Leng, why are you contradicting yourself?”
“It is true that insurrection is not pardoned. Howbeit, harming the martial world and hurting civilians are forgivable crimes.” Ignoring the gasps and gossiping, Secretary Leng continued, “While Luo Ming’s crimes are true, it is also true that he has contributed merits. His crimes do not erase the good he has done in the past, not to mention the fact that he contributed again in Nanjiang.”
“I thought there’s only room for law and no compassion in your world.”
“The law does not have compassion; people have compassion. Executing Luo Ming would make him pay for his crimes in addition to creating deterrence. That being said, his decision to relinquish his privileges does not benefit us just now but even in future; it is a merit that has saved countless lives. To execute someone who contributed such a great deal is to set a bad example for the world. This one is merely opining his true thoughts at His Majesty’s behest.”
“How about you, Secretary Zhang?” Emperor Yuansheng queried.
“Your subject is also against execution.”
Even I didn’t expect that answer, let alone His Majesty. Why in god’s name did he have so much to say when he was on the same side?
Secretary Zhang added, “In your subject’s opinion, Luo Ming should not be executed now because he turned himself in. In saying that, reclaiming Luo Sword Manor will take time. If we kill Luo Ming now, it may create complications. How about detaining him for now and deferring his punishment.”
Trust you to come up with that sort of cunning move!
From the discussions amongst the officials, they favoured Secretary Zhang’s approach.
“What is your opinion, Prime Minister?”
Prime Minister Li opened his eyes a tad. “In your subject’s opinion… there is a problem.”
“Oh? And that would be?”
Prime Minister Li raised his hand as though he was in deep thought. “There is something wrong with the fruit.” He bowed and added, “Your subject’s stomach is tumbling and roiling. Please allow this old one to take a short break.”
Everyone watched on in disbelief as Prime Minister Li zoomed off to the loo. Who could blame the veteran when the question was too tough to answer?
Breaking the long pause, Emperor Yuansheng stated, “I plan to imprison him in Dark Abyss.”
If it was to be ranked, Dark Abyss was the highest-ranked prison reserved for the most heinous criminals or criminals who threatened the security of the nation. Its location was a well-kept secret, and those who were sent there had never been seen again.
Emperor Yuansheng sauntered into the crowd. “To tell the truth, I have undone the knot in my heart; I don’t want to follow up on Luo Ming’s crimes. Unfortunately, a monarch cannot just forgive someone and move on. As a monarch, I am duty-bound to think further and broader for the people who are affected by my decisions. Hence, I cannot just brush his crimes off. Howbeit! He didn’t kill me. Instead, he has entrusted me with his ancestor’s blood, sweat and tears, and his family’s lives. He lost his lifetime of cultivation in Nanjiang. For me to now give the order to execute him will take my sleep from me for the rest of my life. I cannot bring myself to decree his execution. Is my suggestion acceptable?”
“Your subject agrees.”
The ministers turned around to see Prime Minister Li already back from the loo and prostrated on the ground. Since he had prostrated himself on the ground, the officials around followed suit. In turn, one official after another copied him and voiced, “Your subject agrees.” The few who weren’t followers, such as Secretary Zhang, awkwardly knelt down, though they didn’t voice agreement.
Emperor Yuansheng stood in the centre of the formation for a good while prior to returning to his throne above the jade steps. He gently placed a hand on his chest and mumbled under his breath, “… Nearly made me do a number two in my pants!“
***
“My, you’ve put on weight? Your beard has grown. How old is your grandson? Has he started studying? I recommend the teacher at the library in the capital’s north.” Emperor Yuansheng couldn’t stop smiling from ear to ear.
“No wonder why you weren’t worried. From now on, I’ll keep in mind he likes to make a big deal out of nothing,” I commented.
Boss shrugged. “I wasn’t fully aware. Having said that, I never believed he’d let Shifu digging his own grave. After all, His Majesty’s father already talked about it.” She then signalled with her eyes and placed a hand over her lips to imply, “Sh, don’t mention it even though you know.”
As predicted, His Majesty moved on to awarding contributors next, except he could immediately pass out rewards, such as rights to houses, fields, women, gold and so forth unlike in Nanjiang. Even Long Zaitian got to stroll off in armour.
“Ming Feizhen, come forward,” Emperor Yuansheng called.
Finally!
Boss grabbed me to remind, “Be careful. Mind your manners.”
I shook off Boss’ hold. You think I spent days training for nothing? “Boss, don’t worry. I never trip.”
I took three measured steps forward and stopped exactly where I ought to stop. I dashingly lifted both hands up in salute. I’d say it was the best performance of my life. “Your subject’s respects to you, Fangzhang.”
Oh… Well, crap…
Glossary
Dark Abyss – This is a fictional prison.
