Chapter 50 Just This Once

Chapter 50: Only This Once

Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian returned with little fanfare—just five carriages in total and only about thirty soldiers accompanying them.

They entered through the city gate and passed through Bianmin Street.

Though a light rain was falling, the street still had quite a few people.

From a distance, seeing the approaching procession escorted by government troops, the commoners instinctively retreated behind their stalls. Many promptly knelt, a routine they knew well, and soon the entire street was filled with kneeling figures.

It wasn’t until someone loudly announced, "It’s the Qin family’s carriage," that the people looked up and slowly stood.

The capital had many rules, and the residents of Bianmin Street had them memorized.

Among these, two were most important: first, to make way for the carriages of the nobility, and to kneel and kowtow (bow deeply, touching the forehead to the ground) upon seeing officials or the carriages of the Four Great Families.

The second rule concerned the Qin family.

Since Grand Marshal Qin had first brought his family to the capital, he had decreed that the Qin family members were no different from commoners and that the people didn't need to yield or move aside upon encountering them.

The same applied to Bianmin Street; if the Qin family’s procession passed through, the people were not required to show any special deference, as long as they did not intentionally get in the way.

Now that the head of the Qin family had become Prince Ning, Qin Xiao, this rule remained unchanged, and the people weren't about to disobey it.

Moreover, news had recently spread about the events in Hexi County. The people had heard how Qin Xiao managed the river embankments and ensured food and drink for the locals—good deeds.

As a result, Qin Xiao’s reputation had gotten somewhat better.

However, the people had also heard other stories—how Qin Xiao had executed many people upon arriving, even resorting to lingchi (death by a thousand cuts).

This only reinforced his image as tyrannical, leaving the people in a state of both respect and fear.

Thus, as the procession moved through the street, the people remained silent, standing quietly to the side with heads slightly bowed.

Chu Jiubian, hearing the unexpected quiet outside, gently lifted the carriage curtain and observed the scene.

The fear and awe on the people’s faces were unmistakable.

"When my grandfather was alive, the people would smile and bow when they saw the Qin family’s carriages, and the more courageous ones would even exchange a few words," Chu Jiubian remarked.

He lowered the curtain and turned to the man seated across from him.

Qin Xiao’s expression remained calm, as though he were discussing something that didn't involve him.

"Do you wish to continue being loved by the people?" Chu Jiubian asked.

From beloved to feared—the Qin family had grown more powerful, but the distance between them and the people had widened.

Qin Xiao did not directly answer yes or no. Instead, he said, "In my position now, what I need is respect and fear."

Chu Jiubian’s heart was moved, and he smiled faintly.

Human nature is inherently evil—selfish, greedy, and fickle lie within everyone. Some use reason and morality to suppress these negative traits, but many lack such restraint.

Even those who appear gentle and kind may instinctively choose what benefits them most when their interests are threatened.

The people of Great Ning were no exception. Focused only on their own small concerns, they were easily swayed by appearances and manipulated.

Thus, they feared punishment and authority more than they valued "being loved."

Now, Qin Xiao represented the emperor and the court. Ideally, he would be both loved and feared, but if he had to choose one, it was safer to be feared.

The carriage soon left Bianmin Street behind, traveling along the capital’s broadest main street toward the imperial palace.

The palace gates were wide open. Baili Hong, with his hands clasped behind his small back, paced back and forth, his eyes fixed anxiously beyond the gates, unable to hide his anticipation and impatience.

His uncle and teacher had been gone for a full ten days!

Since the day of his coronation, he had never been separated from them for so long. These past few nights, he had missed them even more than he missed his mother.

When he learned they would return today, he had even eaten one extra steamed bun for breakfast.

And since there was no morning court session today, the young boy had nothing else on his mind—he was solely focused on their return.

If not for Hong Fu’s persuasion, he would have rushed to wait here since noon.

Hong Fu and Qin Zhaoyang stood nearby, also occasionally glancing beyond the palace gates.

"It’s about time; they should be arriving soon," Eunuch Hong said.

Qin Zhaoyang nodded. "They entered the city gate a while ago, but the streets are crowded, so the carriage is likely moving slowly."

Hong Fu looked at the restless child, his expression softening.

He stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, let’s wait until we return to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to speak with the lords. For now..."

There were many watching eyes within the palace, so Baili Hong needed to maintain dignity and avoid appearing too familiar with Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian.

Hong Fu had been reminding him since morning, worried the child might get emotional upon seeing his relatives and rush over for a hug.

Baili Hong didn’t mind the reminders and obediently nodded. "I understand."

"They’re here! They’re here!" An Wuji ran in from outside the palace gates, stopping behind Baili Hong and standing with the other two.

Behind them, including Xiao Xiangzi and others, about a dozen palace staff also showed visible happiness.

They had grown accustomed to having the two lords leading and protecting them. During their absence, even with Qin Zhaoyang and Hong Fu present, everyone had felt unsure and hesitant in their actions.

Now, with the two returning, their minds were finally at ease.

Baili Hong’s heart beat fast with excitement. Though he stood straight and proper, his face was flushed with anticipation.

The carriage stopped just inside the palace gates. Under everyone’s expectant gazes, the curtain of the leading carriage was pulled back.

Qin Xiao, dressed in a dark blue robe, stepped down and looked toward them from a distance. Chu Jiubian, in a silvery-white robe, followed closely behind.

Without looking at each other, the two strode quickly toward the group.

Their robes fluttered as they walked in step, their demeanor dignified and elegant.

As they approached, Qin Zhaoyang and the others bowed first in greeting, saying, "Welcome back, my lords."

Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian then bowed to the young emperor. "We, your servants, offer respects to Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities," the child immediately said. "Quickly, come with me to rest."

He tried hard to remain calm, but his little voice still sounded tearful.

Chu Jiubian looked up and saw the child's eyes and the tip of his nose were red. He opened his big eyes wide, holding back tears from falling.

Poor thing.

A faint smile appeared in Chu Jiubian's eyes, along with a well-concealed tenderness.

Baili Hong remembered Eunuch Hong's words—not to speak too much in public.

So he turned around, hurried on his little legs to the palanquin, sat down, and said, "Take me back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation."

The palace attendants immediately lifted the palanquin and headed into the palace.

Qin Zhaoyang stayed behind to organize the procession, while An Wuji instructed people to direct the accompanying soldiers to their quarters. The others all followed the palanquin as it departed.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao walked beside the palanquin, keeping up without slowing.

Qin Xiao tilted his head and carefully observed the boy. Seeing that his face still had its roundness, he knew that Eunuch Hong and the others had taken good care of him.

The Hall of Mental Cultivation was not in the inner palace, so they arrived quickly.

As soon as the palanquin was set down, the boy scrambled to get down. Hong Fu quickly stepped forward to protect him, but the child was careful and managed not to bump himself.

He hurried into the main hall with his short legs, then turned back, his eyes bright as he looked toward the entrance.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao followed him in moments later.

Baili Hong knew that once inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, it was safe. So he immediately shed his formal demeanor, his eyes red as he ran over and hugged his uncle and tutor's legs.

One for each man, thanks to the two standing close together—otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to hold both.

Qin Xiao lowered his gaze, placing his palm on the child's head, for once held his tongue, refraining from saying anything to ruin the moment.

Chu Jiubian knew that after being away for so long, Qin Xiao must have been worried about Baili Hong too; otherwise, he wouldn't have left Qin Zhaoyang behind at the palace as well.

As for Chu Jiubian himself, though he had tried not to think about matters in the capital, he often wondered what this little child was doing at any given moment.

Baili Hong looked up at them, his little mouth trembling as tears spilled over.

"Ten days! I missed Tutor and Uncle so much."

Qin Xiao gently rubbed his little head. "No need to cry. Aren't we back now?"

Chu Jiubian gently held the child's arm, lifting him from his and Qin Xiao's legs, then crouched down to meet the child at eye level.

The child was already sobbing hard.

Thankfully, Hong Fu had anticipated this and had kept everyone else out.

Chu Jiubian took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the child's tears, speaking softly, "Your Highness, don't be afraid. We're back."

A small child left in the deep palace, even with many familiar people around, could never compare to having Qin Xiao there.

He must have been extremely frightened during this time.

Baili Hong was indeed afraid.

He had kept telling himself to be strong, not to worry his uncle and tutor, but he was still afraid.

Afraid to sleep alone, so he could only have Hong Fu move a daybed into the hall to accompany him.

Afraid of holding court, so even An Wuji, who never attended court, had been present these days. He stood among the officials, making faces to amuse him and stirring up trouble with the ministers, preventing them from taking advantage of Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian's absence to bully Baili Hong.

Of course, having only An Wuji causing a ruckus wasn't enough—some officials weren't swayed by his antics.

That was when Hong Fu had to step in.

As the Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial, holding a third-grade position, he indeed had considerable authority in court.

Fortunately, both men were present; otherwise, Baili Hong's days would have been even harder.

But even so, Baili Hong still felt afraid. This feeling was entirely different from when Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were around—he never felt secure.

However, he pretended not to be afraid, worried that Hong Fu and the others would worry.

But now, seeing Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian, especially hearing Chu Jiubian comfort him with "don't be afraid," the child completely lost his composure. He flung himself at Chu Jiubian, tears falling like rain, instantly soaking his shoulder.

Chu Jiubian's heart softened. He scooped up the child and carried him into the inner chamber.

Qin Xiao watched them leave, pausing for a moment before following.

Once inside, the child's crying did not stop.

Crying too much would cause a headache, so Chu Jiubian said, "Your Highness, Uncle and I brought you a gift."

"A gift?" The child sniffled. "What is it?"

Qin Xiao poured water for all three of them and glanced at Chu Jiubian upon hearing this.

With things in Hexi Commandery as they were, when did they have the leisure to buy a gift?

Chu Jiubian smiled and said to the child, "It's with your uncle."

The child immediately gazed expectantly at Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao: "..."

Just as he was considering whether to think of an excuse, he heard Chu Jiubian say to him, "Hold out your hand."

Qin Xiao met his smiling eyes, his fingers curling slightly, then raised his hand, palm up.

The next moment, the young man's pale, thin hand rested on his palm.

Chu Jiubian gazed at the man's slightly lowered eyelashes, lightly pressed with his middle finger on the pulse point, and then his hand was gripped tightly.

After a moment, Qin Xiao released his hand, as if the momentary lapse had never happened.

Baili Hong had stopped crying and was staring curiously at their hands.

"Your Highness, give it a blow," Chu Jiubian said.

Baili Hong didn't understand but obediently puffed air onto their hands.

Then, he saw his tutor slowly lift his hand, separating it from his uncle's.

His uncle's hand followed upward slightly before stopping. Afterward, a plump, round wooden doll appeared between their palms—colorful and smiling with an endearingly simple expression.

"Wow." Baili Hong covered his mouth with a small hand.

Chu Jiubian pulled his hand back and smiled, "Your Majesty, take a look."

The child had already forgotten his crying, happily reached out to grab the doll. As he lifted it, only the top half came with him, while the bottom half contained a smaller, identical doll.

"Oh?" The child looked at his own doll, then at his uncle's, and reached again and found another doll inside.

His eyes lit up as he kept pulling them out, one after another.

Qin Xiao looked up at Chu Jiubian.

"This is called a matryoshka doll," Chu Jiubian explained.

Qin Xiao smiled.

He laughed again.

What was so funny about matryoshka dolls?

Chu Jiubian looked down, noticing that Baili Hong had stopped crying entirely. Now, the child had no attention for his uncle or teacher—only curiosity for the matryoshka dolls.

Children's emotions come and go quickly. After being comforted by the two adults and given a new toy, he soon cheered up again.

However, he stayed very attached to them both, insisted they eat with him for meals and giving them a pitiful look when it was time to sleep, begging them to stay with him.

But they couldn’t exactly bring a couch in like Hong Fu, so they promised to stay until he fell asleep before going back to their rooms.

Baili Hong immediately smiled happily, placing the matryoshka doll by his pillow and holding the small blanket his mother had left him. He curled up on the bed, he closed his eyes.

Chu Jiubian sat by the bedside, while Qin Xiao brought a chair beside him. Neither spoke, quietly keeping him company.

Baili Hong lay with his eyes closed for a while before peeking. Seeing that both his uncle and teacher were still there, he smiled, showing his little white teeth and closed his eyes again.

After such a day of ups and downs, the child soon fell asleep.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao stayed for another fifteen minutes before they got up and left quietly the inner chamber.

Hong Fu was waiting in the outer chamber and bowed with a smile as they emerged.

"Go and rest," Qin Xiao said.

Hong Fu replied softly and then went quietly into the inner chamber, planning to sleep near the emperor for the next couple of nights.

The two men left the main courtyard and walked along the palace path outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

A light drizzle was still falling in the night, and they shared a single umbrella, their shoulders brushing from time to time.

Qin Xiao didn’t offer to escort him, nor did Chu Jiubian refuse, yet they walked on in unspoken agreement without stopping.

The palace path was long and silent, illuminated only by dim oil lamps placed at intervals.

It seemed as if the entire world had reduced to the sound of raindrops hitting the umbrella and the soft sound of their footsteps on the wet ground.

The path eventually came to an end. Chu Jiubian looked up and saw the turn ahead.

Beyond that turn, a straight path led to the Jade Terrace Residence.

He lowered his gaze, noticing that his steps and Qin Xiao’s were in sync, both slow.

A faint, woodsy scent reached his nose—a unique fragrance that belonged to Qin Xiao, one Chu Jiubian quite liked.

As they reached the corner, the man next to him suddenly stopped, and Chu Jiubian halted as well.

He kept his eyes downcast, seeing the man’s figure in his peripheral vision.

One more step, and they would turn the corner.

But neither moved.

After a long silence, Qin Xiao finally spoke, "Do you know what I was thinking when the lights went out?"

Chu Jiubian looked up, turning his head to face him.

The man’s eyes were deep and unfathomable, hidden in the darkness so that his expression was unclear. Only his tall nose bridge and thin lips were faintly illuminated by the dim, hazy glow of the lantern.

He was referring to that night in Huai County.

"What were you thinking?" Chu Jiubian’s voice was soft, the usual cool detachment replaced by an indescribable intimacy.

Qin Xiao turned to face him fully, the umbrella still tilted in his direction.

"Just this once," Qin Xiao said.

Chu Jiubian blinked slowly, and in the next moment, an arm wrapped around his waist.

He was pulled forward, his chest pressing against the man’s firm body.

The umbrella tilted slightly downward, shielding both their heads and faces.

The hand at his waist slid up to the back of his neck, applying gentle pressure to tilt his chin upward.

Chu Jiubian wrapped his arms around the man’s lean waist, his fingers lightly clutching the fabric of his robe.

The man’s scorching breath brushed against his lips. Chu Jiubian’s eyelashes fluttered, and he instinctively tried to pull away, but the hand at his neck tightened its grip.

The warmth of another man spread through him. His lips parted effortlessly, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and a faint buzzing filled his ears.

A burning, indescribable sensation coursed through his entire body, making Chu Jiubian tremble involuntarily.

His eyes closed, unaware of the struggle and restraint in the man’s gaze.

But he understood what Qin Xiao meant by "just this once."

With the larger situation still unresolved, Qin Xiao had no room for personal attachments. He had merely sensed that Chu Jiubian felt the same way, so he allowed himself this one moment.

He only wanted to indulge this once.

After what felt like an eternity, Chu Jiubian’s Adam’s apple moved again, and he even felt moisture trickling down his neck, dampening his collar.

Long enough for him to clearly feel the growing desire beneath the man’s clothing.

Finally, his numb lips and the grip on his neck were released.

Chu Jiubian opened his eyes, but before he could see clearly, the man had already taken his hand, placed the umbrella in his palm, and gently pushed him forward.

"Go," the man’s voice was low and hoarse.

Chu Jiubian tightened his grip on the umbrella handle and stepped forward, turning the corner of the palace path.

Just up ahead, at the entrance of Yaotai Residence, Xiao Xiangzi had just come out with an umbrella to see what was going on. Seeing him approach, he immediately broke into a big smile and ran forward: "Young Master, you're back! We've all missed you dearly."

Chu Jiubian smiled slightly and said, "I brought some little souvenirs for you all. Stop by my quarters later to get them."

"Thank you, Young Master!" Xiao Xiangzi chuckled, then caught sight of Qin Xiao standing further down the palace pathway and hurriedly asked, "Why isn't Qin Xiao holding an umbrella?"

"Don't mind him," Chu Jiubian replied without even turning his head.

Xiao Xiangzi kept looking back repeatedly but did not disobey Chu Jiubian's wishes. After all, his master had said that in the past, they had to listen to Qin Xiao and the Emperor, but now both Qin Xiao and the Emperor listened to the Young Master.

Today was a day off, and tomorrow would be the morning court.

Early in the morning, Chu Jiubian changed into the familiar burgundy official robes.

It was raining again today, and heavier than yesterday. By the time he reached the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin Dian), the hem of his robe was already a bit damp.

Baili Hong was waiting for him to have breakfast, and Qin Xiao was also there.

Chu Jiubian glanced toward him but happened to see him look away.

During breakfast, the young emperor was absolutely delighted. Even when it was time to go to court, he didn’t look as sullen as in previous days. Instead, he walked with swagger and confidence, as if he had strong backing.

Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian walked behind the imperial procession, each holding an umbrella.

They maintained a small gap between them and did not speak again until they reached the Hall of Heavenly Purity (Fengtian Dian).

Inside the inner hall, Eunuch Hong poured some warm water for Baili Hong to drink, then led him on a slow walk to aid digestion and took him to use the bathroom.

The court session would last quite a while, and if the young emperor needed to use the restroom during that time, he would feel too shy to ask others to wait.

Chu Jiubian did not linger in the inner hall. He went straight to the outer hall and took his usual position.

Qin Xiao watched him leave, paused for a moment, and then followed him out.

Seeing him follow, Chu Jiubian gave him a look.

Their eyes met, and Qin Xiao instinctively glanced at the young man's soft, slightly cool lips, then downward past his noticeable Adam's apple, before finally looking away completely.

He walked to the bottom of the steps and watched Chu Jiubian from a distance.

Chu Jiubian, however, did not look at him. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the outside of the hall.

Led by the Minister, six columns of officials slowly ascended the steps. Upon reaching the outside of the hall, they one by one folded their umbrellas, straightened their attire, and then entered the hall.

They hadn't seen each other for ten days. Chu Jiubian’s eyes swept over these people. Whoever made eye contact with him would offer a polite smile and a nod as a form of greeting.

Even Vice Minister of Works Xiao Wendao showed no unusual expression on his face.

At the same time, everyone was observing Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao.

They had all received news of the events in Hexi Prefecture and had once again witnessed the capabilities and methods of these two.

Not to mention Qin Xiao’s boldness in executing so many officials at once, even the use of "lingchi" (death by a thousand cuts) had left everyone shaken with fear.

As for the grain shortage in Hexi Prefecture, many had waited to see if Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian would yield to Prince Anhuai over it.

But the news that came back was about "Senior Tutor Chu, the reincarnation of a divine being," who not only provided grain but also cold-weather garments.

Those in the capital were unaware of the inside story and could only attribute it to another miracle by Chu Jiubian.

From beginning to end, the flood incident had been a massive conspiracy, with everyone acting as pawns for a mysterious "third party."

Yet, up to now, aside from slightly weakening the Xiao family, none of the third party’s goals had been achieved.

On the contrary, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had not only gained control of Hexi Prefecture but had also gained popular support.

Even the citizens in the capital had changed their perception of Qin Xiao.

The Qiu family with their connections had even heard that nearly the entire Northern Directly-Governed Region and several provinces connected to Hexi Prefecture were praising the court’s benevolence. Many also defended Qin Xiao’s use of "lingchi," arguing that he was not cruel but that Zhou Boshan deserved such a fate—that even "lingchi" was too light a punishment.

In the end, after all these maneuvers, almost all the benefits had been taken by Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian.

Hong Fu walked to the side of the dragon throne and, seeing that everyone had arrived, announced loudly, "All present for court!"

All officials bowed in unison. Baili Hong walked to the dragon throne, sat down, and said, "Rise." The morning court session had officially begun.

"Your Majesty, I have a report," said Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi, stepping out of the ranks and bowing respectfully.

Everyone knew that the criticism of Prince Jiannan and the Xiao family was about to begin.

"The breach of the dam in Hexi Prefecture destroyed land and flooded fields, claiming over ten thousand lives!" Wang Pengyi frowned deeply. The reports detailing the situation in Hexi Prefecture troubled him deeply.

He stared directly at Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan and said solemnly, "This tragedy was not a natural disaster but entirely due to Prince Jiannan’s failure in repairing the dam! I request Your Majesty to severely punish Prince Jiannan to appease the people!"

Before anyone else could speak, Xiao Wendao stepped forward and bowed. "I believe this matter has nothing to do with Prince Jiannan."

Chu Jiubian glanced sideways, his expression indifferent.

The Xiao family would undoubtedly protect Prince Jiannan—he was their most valuable asset in reaching the highest positions. This incident required a scapegoat, and given its scale, it couldn’t just be pinned on the officials in Hexi Prefecture. The Xiao family had to make a sacrifice.

The one to be sacrificed now could only be Xiao Wendao.

"Your Majesty, the dam breach in Hexi Prefecture was entirely due to Prefect Lv Yuan and Prefecture Deputy Zhou Boshan embezzling funds. They took advantage of Prince Jiannan’s youth and ignorance of water conservancy, leading to this disaster. Prince Jiannan is truly an unwitting casualty."

His intention was to completely exonerate Prince Jiannan.

"Vice Minister Xiao’s words are quite amusing," Wang Pengyi said with a dismissive laugh. "When you previously insisted Prince Jiannan take on this task, you claimed he was mature enough to learn some skills. How is it that now, when something goes wrong, he becomes an ignorant child?"

"Even so, Prince Jiannan is only guilty of negligence," Xiao Wendao continued. "Moreover, considering it was his first time handling such a major task, some oversights are understandable."

Wang Pengyi retorted, "So Vice Minister Xiao means Prince Jiannan bears no blame? Then were the people Zhou Boshan threw into the dam breach sacrificed for nothing? How should we account for the destroyed fertile land and the court’s expended silver and grain?"

"Certainly not," Xiao Wendao bowed again toward the dragon throne. "Your Majesty, this disaster was caused by the Prefect and Prefecture Deputy of Hexi Prefecture. Now, one has committed suicide to avoid punishment, and the other has been executed by 'lingchi' by Lord Prince Ning. This should suffice as accountability to the people."

He intended to settle the matter here—since the two main culprits were dead, the rest could only be blamed on poor supervision or negligence.

As for the court’s overspending, what did that have to do with the Xiao family?

"Vice Minister Xiao speaks too lightly," said Zhongcheng Qi Zhili, stepping forward with a cold expression. He first bowed to the emperor, then turned to Xiao Wendao. "With a few words, you’ve made two local officials the only ones responsible."

"I would like to ask you: as Vice Minister of Works, you were in charge of the dam repairs. Your subordinates followed your orders. They depended on your favor—how dare they embezzle funds and defy their superiors? Unless you gave them the order?"

"Zhongcheng Qi should back accusations with evidence," Xiao Wendao immediately retorted. "Those below have their own motives. If I failed to detect it in time, it was merely poor supervision and poor judgment in personnel decisions. How does that become my orders?"

Qi Zhili scoffed coldly. "Zhou Boshan was a member of your Xiao family."

"He was married into the Xiao family!" Xiao Wendao raised his voice. "The Xiao family is upstanding and honorable. It was merely a case of a woman in our family misjudging a man and marrying a villain. Zhongcheng Qi should not implicate our family in this."

Qi Zhili was about to argue further when Qin Xiao spoke up, "That's enough."

A hush fell over the court.

The Xiao family were determined to be shameless until the end, and their current outcry was due to the fact that they truly felt they had suffered an unjust misfortune.

Everyone knew the matter involved the Vassal Prince. For the time being, they could not drag the Vassal Prince into it, so the Xiao family had to be the scapegoat. The Xiao family also knew they had to make sacrifices, but deep down, they were unwilling and still hoped to save Xiao Wendao if possible.

But Qin Xiao would not pass up this opportunity.

He took a piece of paper from his sleeve, unfolded it, and handed it forward. "Vice Minister Xiao, take a look. It's the confession of your Xiao family's son-in-law."

Xiao Wendao's face changed color, and even Xiao Huaiguan, who had remained silent all along, lifted his troubled eyes to look at Qin Xiao.

Xiao Wendao stepped forward to take the confession. The more he read, the paler his face became.

The dried bloodstains on the paper, in particular, made his stomach turn.

Indeed, if Qin Xiao could resort to the punishment of lingchi (death by a thousand cuts), what difficulty would there be in forcing Zhou Boshan to forge a confession?

Seeing the confession, everyone could guess its contents without reading it—Zhou Boshan must have implicated Xiao Wendao, pinning all his own crimes on him.

"Does Vice Minister Xiao admit guilt?" Qin Xiao said calmly.

Xiao Wendao's face was ashen-faced, and he no longer had the strength to argue as he had before.

Clenching his teeth tightly, he looked toward the steps below the throne.

In the front row, Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan stood there, his expression unchanged. He merely glanced at Xiao Wendao indifferently before lowering his eyes again.

Xiao Wendao gripped the confession tightly in his hands.

After a few moments, he descended the steps, turned around, and kowtowed toward the throne.

His head touched the ground, and his voice was strained. "I did indeed instruct Lv Yuan to embezzle funds and use substandard materials. But using the common people to fill the breach in the dam was Zhou Boshan's doing—it has nothing to do with me!"

Xiao Huaiguan finally began coughing convulsively again, then slowly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Vice Minister Xiao was momentarily confused and succumbed to greed, but he would never dare to commit such an act of reckless disregard for human life. Moreover, during the reign of the late emperor, he made many contributions and performed numerous deeds that benefited the nation and its people."

"Take, for example, the river channel in Pingkang County. Since he oversaw its repair five or six years ago, river transport has flowed smoothly, and it has also met the irrigation needs of the farmland along the river. This is truly a great achievement. Given his merits and hard work, could we not give him another chance to atone for his mistakes?"

Embezzling funds would, at most, lead to removal from office. With Xiao Huaiguan's plea, dismissal would likely be reduced to a demotion and salary reduction.

But if the charge of disregarding human life were added, even the death penalty would not be excessive.

Xiao Wendao was highly capable, and the Xiao family would not let him die. If cornered, they might drag the Vassal Prince into the matter, which would benefit no one.

Thus, demoting him was the best outcome.

This was exactly what Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao had previously agreed upon—the key was to restore full control of the Ministry of Works to Jian Hongzhuo.

Everyone in the court understood that the matter had to end here, so no one spoke further.

"Vice Minister of Works Xiao Wendao embezzled funds intended for dam repairs, leading to the breach of the dam in Hexi County, the destruction of farmland, and heavy casualties," Qin Xiao said calmly. "However, in light of his contributions to the court, we shall show leniency. He is demoted to a sixth-rank official in the Ministry of Works, with a three-year salary suspension, to serve as a warning."

Xiao Wendao had started his official career as a fourth-rank official and had worked hard to reach the second rank. Now, to be reduced to this...

He closed his eyes and said solemnly, "I thank Your Majesty for your mercy!"

As a sixth-rank official, he no longer had the right to attend court.

Xiao Wendao rose from the ground, lowered his head, and retreated step by step.

In his peripheral vision, the dark purple, crimson, and navy blue robes of high-ranking officials retreated one after another until he reached the palace door.

He turned around, took a deep breath, and then stepped out of the hall.

Without looking back, he strode down the steps of the Fengtian Hall, his back still straight.

The court fell into a temporary silence.

Xiao Huaiguan returned to his position, lowered his eyes, and sighed silently.

He was already old, and the most capable younger member of his family had been implicated and demoted, removed from the center of power. From now on, the Xiao family would face difficult times ahead.

Qin Xiao spoke again, "Prince Jiannan failed in his supervisory duties. Given his youth, he is ordered to reflect on his mistakes under house arrest. He may emerge only when he has matured."

The words were undeniably sarcastic, and many in the court stifled their laughter.

Without setting a time limit for reflection, it was equivalent to house arrest. However, Xiao Huaiguan had no intention of pleading for leniency now. The Xiao family had indeed been enjoying excessive influence, and it was better for them to adopt a lower profile now.

He had come to realize that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian intended to suppress all the influential nobles one by one.

Now it was the Xiao family's turn to suffer, made an example out of. Others would follow.

"Your Majesty," Wang Yu, Director of the Ministry of Personnel, stepped forward from the ranks. "I have a report."

Chu Jiubian turned his head. This Director Wang was his subordinate—the one who had previously introduced him to the various departments of the Ministry of Personnel. They were fairly well acquainted.

Until now, Wang Yu had remained silent. This was the first time Chu Jiubian had seen him speak in the imperial court.

"What is your report, my dear subject?" Baili Hong asked in a childlike voice.

Wang Yu replied respectfully, "The position of Vice Minister of Works is now vacant, and Jian Hongzhuo is not in the court. The Ministry of Works cannot be left without leadership. I request Your Majesty to appoint a new Vice Minister of Works."

Qin Xiao had prepared for this question with the young emperor earlier that morning, so Baili Hong asked, "Do you have anyone to recommend, my dear subject?"

"I believe Liu Junqi, Director of the Ministry of Works, is qualified for the position. However, he is currently away from the capital."