Chapter 261: Graciousness and Severity

The next afternoon, Helianhou came to the Hall of Reason to express his gratitude for the reward.

Fu Man stopped him and advised, "Lord, wait for a moment. His Majesty is currently resting and will summon you later." He turned sideways and continued, "If it's not urgent, you can wait here for now."

Helianhou had come specifically to demonstrate his loyalty. The rumors in Yongcheng had kept him up at night, fearing that Emperor Li Jianting might punish his Fei family. He nodded in agreement and waited under the blazing sun.

The scorching midday sun was relentless, and after half an hour, Helianhou was drenched in sweat. He dared not inquire and felt his heart sink as he sensed the new emperor's punishment amidst the silent gaze of the eunuchs around him.

"Lord," Fu Man called softly, "Why don't you wait in the side chamber? It's so hot today."

Helianhou forced a smile, wiped his sweat with his sleeve, and replied, "It's no trouble."

He had organized the famine relief in Yongcheng, and the mishap could not be disconnected from him. If Li Jianting suspected him of colluding with the rebels, his head would surely roll. At this point, he would do anything, even kneel, if it meant preserving his life. After what seemed like an eternity, Helianhou felt as if his back were pressed against a scorching iron plate. His face was pale, and his sweat turned cold, causing his vision to blur. He relied solely on willpower to remain standing.

The beaded curtains swayed slightly, and Feng Quan revealed half his body, saying in a soft yet firm voice, "His Majesty has awoken. Everyone, be quick and don't waste His time for state affairs."

The eunuchs and palace maids waiting under the eaves carried their basins inside. Before long, Helianhou heard his name called. He lifted his robe and climbed the steps, reaching the hall entrance. His old eyes were too weak, forcing him to lean on Fu Man for support.

"Oh dear," Fu Man's face was filled with concern. "Lord, what has happened to you?"

Helianhou felt a heavy weight in his chest, making him nauseous – he had apparently suffered from heatstroke. Li Jianting waited inside the hall, while Helianhou regained his composure, his legs trembling slightly. He could only whisper to Fu Man, "It's... It's not serious..."

"There's an ice basin inside," Fu Man whispered discreetly. "You should go in and cool off."

Helianhou stepped through the door, bowed his head, and knelt before the imperial desk, his voice weak. "Your subject, your subject pays respects to the Emperor, wishing you boundless blessings."

Li Jianting held the scroll in his hand, not lifting his gaze.

Helianhou remained prostrate, daring not to move a muscle, his breaths deliberately softened as beads of perspiration quickly dampened the fabric of both sleeves at his temples.

"I've been reading Liang Dishi's report, stating that Fei Shi has been encroaching upon civilian farmlands in Chuancheng," Li Jianting sipped his iced tea, his voice gentle. "Are you aware of this matter?"

Helianhou's sweat turned icy cold. He said, "This subject is aware. The Board of Censors impeached me, and the Cabinet issued an order for the Ministry of Justice to cooperate with the officials from the Ministry of Revenue to investigate land taxes in Chuancheng. They even appointed Judge Xue Xiuzhuo from the Supreme Court as the supervising inspector."

"According to the Ministry of Revenue, your Fei family in Chuancheng has colluded with the Pan family in Dancheng and the Han family in Wucheng. Together, you have deceived the imperial court, embezzled land taxes, and imposed harsh punishments on the local citizens, leading to a hundred people fleeing from Chuancheng last year," Li Jianting stated. "Is there any truth to these allegations?"

Helianhou felt a fiery turmoil within his being, barely able to catch his breath as he hastily replied, "This subject, this subject dares not..."

Li Jianting abruptly flung the scroll onto Helianhou's person, his voice frigid as he declared, "Not daring? Has there not been a single person starved to death in Chuancheng during winter? Not only have you conspired with the Pan Clan, but also joined forces with merchants from Jueshi, using the grain of Chuancheng's commoners to curry favor with rebels! Do you think I am unaware? That Yuan Fu is unaware? The court has long had its eyes on you parasites clinging to the bone!"

Helianhou almost collapsed on the ground, tears streaming down his face as he cried, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty! During the Xiande era, the Huashan and Pan factions colluded to control the government, with the Empress Dowager supporting them from within. To protect my family's lives, I had no choice but to comply!" He bowed his head and knocked on the floor, weeping loudly, "The people of Chuancheng are like my own sons. Since the Ancestor established our rule, they have been under the governance of the Fei family. If I hadn't been pushed into a desperate situation, how could I have done such despicable things? As for the grain, Your Majesty, seeing your concern for the food supply in Yongcheng, I became anxious and thus easily fell into that treacherous Chen's trap!"

Helianhou, facing the imminence of death, grew suddenly wise, meticulously disentangling himself from all associations and refraining from even uttering a syllable about Yan Heru.

"Prime Minister Han behaves arrogantly, constantly coercing this subject into aiding him in overthrowing the sovereign and seizing the throne," Helianhou said, tears streaming down his face as he looked up at Li Jianting. "But I am a servant of the Li dynasty, and I cannot betray my loyalty! On that fateful night at the banquet, I risked my life to protect the Emperor... I accept my punishment, but I can only hope that His Majesty will remember the great kindness of our ancestors and spare my children..."

Li Jianting appeared to be moved, saying, "The Great Ancestor bestowed upon you the governance of eight cities, yet you have, for your own selfish gains, committed an unforgivable atrocity."

"I am well aware that I deserve death," Helianhou sobbed uncontrollably, "I... owe tens of thousands in land taxes... Even if the Fei family has but one person left, we will strive to repay this debt."

If Li Jianting spared Helianhou's life, not only was he willing to return the fertile fields, but he also pledged to settle the overdue taxes. Chu City held a unique position compared to Dan City, nestled close to Di City and connected by waterways with Juexi, so there was a real possibility for him to raise the funds. However, like the other cunning elders of the aristocratic families, Helianhou didn't specify how long it would take to pay off the entire debt.

Li Jianting turned around, seemingly deep in thought. After a moment, she said, "Your crimes are unforgivable, but considering your willingness to resolve the crisis in Yongcheng and your remaining conscience, I shall spare your life."

Relief flooded through Helianhou, and he quickly prostrated himself, "Your Majesty's benevolence is divine..."

"However, you have formed factions for personal gain, betraying the grace of our founding ancestor," Li Jianting didn't allow Helianhou any respite, "The title of 'Helianhou' cannot be tolerated. And there is also the matter of seizing civilian lands."

Helianhou's heart was fraught with anxiety once more.

"Fu Man," Li Jianting addressed the doorway, "drag those rascals out."

Fu Man promptly acknowledged the order, and before long, the guards brought several individuals to kneel before the hall on the open ground. Helianhou leaned back to look through the beaded curtain and realized that these people were all the officials he had strategically placed within the Chuancheng Prefecture Office.

"Although the Founding Emperor entrusted you with eight cities, bear in mind that these cities still bear the surname 'Li'. Your evasion of capital punishment is an act of imperial grace from Us," Li Jianting stepped beside Helianhou, extending his slender palm to gently pat Helianhou's shoulder. "These individuals who deceive superiors and oppress inferiors, trample upon the law, and commit acts of brutality have caused our subjects within the realm to be displaced and suffering. They deserve death. Fu Man."

Fu Man declared with unwavering poise, "Lay down the sticks — beat!"

As Fu Man's voice faded, the iron-tipped rod suddenly struck a body, causing Helianhou to shudder in terror from the sound.

Muzzled and unable to scream, none of them had been dragged to the Duan Cheng Gate according to the official caning protocol, nor were they padded with cotton clothing. Stripped of their official robes, they wore only undergarments. The eunuchs wielding the rods were former members of the Eastern Factory, striking relentlessly; after just a few blows, the victims were left unrecognizable, their bodies mangled and bloody.

Helianhou's ears rang, and the Mingli Hall felt cold, sending chills down his spine. The continuous strikes echoed, and one of the victims, struggling to lift his head, wept silently, blood seeping through the white cloth stuffed in his mouth. The entire hall was eerily quiet, the eunuchs standing at attention with their hands lowered, the only sound being the rhythmic thuds of the rods.

Half an hour later, the pungent smell of blood filled the air.

Li Jianting no longer looked at Helianhou, simply saying, "You may leave now."

Helianhou stumbled as he rose, collapsing back onto the cold, hard floor. Fu Man signaled to the junior eunuchs, who promptly lifted Helianhou and carried him out. The prince's boots tread through the pool of blood, his eyes wide as he stared at what lay beneath him.

The blood reflected the image of Helianhou's official robes.

He staggered a few steps, feeling the world spin around him until he was overcome with fear and fainted.

Li Jianting leaned casually in his chair, able to discern through the dim window shadows how Fu Man was ordering the guards to clean up the corpses on the ground.

Feng Quan picked up the discarded scrolls from the floor and whispered, "This scene is truly horrifying."

"You haven't seen an actual battlefield," Li Jianting's eyes were hidden in the shadows. "When the plague ravaged Dan City, refugees swarmed to the gates of Qu'du, trying to crawl through the drainage channels. They filled them up, and the stench of death permeated... That was a sight to behold."

Feng Quan avoided touching the imperial desk, gently placing the scrolls back where they belonged.

"In times of chaos, harsh measures are necessary," Li Jianting paused for a long moment. "Let Helianhou live a bit longer. Has Xue Yanqing approached you recently?"

Feng Quan bowed and replied, "He came to inquire about the Emperor's daily routines."

"Cen Xunyi is a seasoned courtier, and Zhongbo's caution is commendable," Li Jianting continued. "I did not acquiesce to Xue Yanqing's wishes this time. Compensation is due."

"Vice Minister Xue is known for his incorruptibility and frugality even in his own residence, hence he enjoys great prestige in the Imperial Academy. If the Emperor were to reward him with gold and silver...," Feng Quan lowered his gaze, trailing off.

Li Jianting pondered for a moment before saying, "Jiang Qingshan has rendered meritorious service in securing provisions. He treats the people like his own children. Let Yuan Fu draft a proposal for his reward. I've heard that his wife, Lady Liu, is also well-regarded. Let's honor her as well."

Jiang Qingshan was a trusted aide of Xue Xiuzhuo in Juexi. Rewarding him would appease Xue Xiuzhuo. Besides, Li Jianting had other plans for Jiang Qingshan. Currently, East Raging King Qi Zhuyin was unchecked, but the Eastern Provinces Garrison needed military provisions. The key to the granary was in Jiang Qingshan's hands.

Feng Quan acknowledged the order carefully and withdrew with extra caution.

"Xue Xiuzhuo's ascension to the throne was too effortless. She must be on guard. As an important regional official, Jiang Qingshan wasn't favored during the Xiande or Tianchen eras. Now, he's set for a meteoric rise," Shen Zechuan put aside Yu Xiaozai's letter. "I find it surprising how she deals with Helianhou."

"That's right," Xiao Chiye looked across at him. "She's quite daring."

Shen Zechuan hadn't anticipated Li Jianting's strategy of executing corrupt officials to intimidate Helianhou. He held the pen, dipping it into the inkwell, and said, "I thought she'd find an excuse to eliminate Helianhou, but she's shown remarkable restraint."

"Helianhou initially refused due to lack of funds, but now, out of fear, he's willing to fill the deficit, even giving up his residence." Xiao Chiye leaned back lazily in his chair. "The Empress combines grace and might, leaving more room for negotiation than the relentless Xue Xiuzhuo. Seeing how she handles Helianhou, the aristocratic families, in their weakened state, will likely voluntarily fill the deficit to atone and seek a chance at survival."

"Remarkable," Shen Zechuan held his pen, lightly sketching Xiao Chiye's eyes. "She's a true emperor."

"I used to believe no one could be born to rule, but she possesses extraordinary talent. She's been secluded in the palace for only five years," Xiao Chiye reached across the table, taking hold of Shen Zechuan's wrist. "—Want a reward?"

"I've spent no more than five years at the Chaozui Temple," Shen Zechuan said, nudging Xiao Chiye's leg with his foot under the table. He loosened his grip slightly, and the brush fell from his fingers, leaving diagonal shadows on the paper. Lan Zhou pressed the tip of his finger against Xiao Chiye's nose bridge and demanded, "Hand it over quickly."