Chapter 2, Red Platform

Tang Fengbin chuckled with a hint of sarcasm and said, "Are these people the world? If it is only these people..." However, he did not finish his sentence, merely waved his hand and fell silent once more

Unexpectedly, the person straightened up and became silent instead. The people around him were momentarily at a loss, standing still in the surroundings. One could see that his long hair was dirty, tangled into messy clumps hanging in front of him, and his face was also filthy beyond measure. However, within his eyes, there was an indescribable resentment, akin to the ghostly flames of a grave, a chilling green that was truly frightening. He opened his mouth, and his dry, cracked lips moved slowly. Liu Ming leaned in to listen and heard him softly utter: "Injustice..." He opened his mouth again, and his dry, cracked lips moved slowly. Liu Ming leaned in to listen and heard him softly utter: "Injustice..."

Liu Ming observed the death row inmate's dazed expression, appearing as if lost in thought, and knew that the crime committed by this person must have deeper implications. He approached the desk and opened the case file. After just a glance, he immediately closed the file. Returning to stand before the man, he whispered, "The matter involves treason; what grievance could there be?"

The official Tang Daitang smiled gently at his somewhat childlike junior brother, yet he did not rush to respond, instead lost in thought. After a while, he said softly: "When that young man in black came this morning, did you notice his left hand?"

He held the highest official position on the execution platform, and his subordinates, though surprised to see their superior leisurely admiring the scenery on the red platform, dared not urge him. Fortunately, the sun was high in the sky at that moment, with a clear blue sky stretching for miles without a cloud. After a while, Liu Ming began to feel that the bright light was somewhat blinding, so he adjusted his relatively neat blue official robe and turned his head to whisper, "Why are there so many people down at the platform today"

The onlookers, witnessing such a scene, could not help but erupt in cheers upon seeing the traitors meet their end, and it took a while for the commotion to settle down. At this moment, Liu Ming stood at the foot of the platform alongside the swordsman who had executed the traitors, watching as some constables carried water buckets to clean the stage. After a while, he turned and asked, "Where is your leader?"

Ke Yi Zhongxin found herself in the Inspection Court, naturally well aware that the events were far beyond what these words could encompass. At this moment, upon hearing her senior brother recount this matter in detail for the first time in ten years, her expression changed involuntarily, and she stammered, "The Inspection Court mobilized the full strength of the entire court, gathered the elite from fourteen prefectures across the land, and with the assistance of three divine officials, was able to kill this person. This imperial teacher... this Zhuo Siming truly deserves to be called a one-man resistance against the world."

Back then, I took you to Hongshi. Although we endured two slaps, in retrospect, it was indeed a great advantage. According to my second senior brother, who died of coughing up blood three years later, that battle was earth-shattering, filled with ghostly wails and divine howls, and the stone-paved roads of Yingxiu Town were stained black with blood, only fading years later. Not only did four out of the seven members of our courtyard die, but two were also injured. The masters from the fourteen counties and the inner hall of the temple suffered casualties that were hard to count. It is said that the great priest Kong has lived in a thatched hut for the past ten years, never stepping down the mountain, mourning the tragedy of that night. Just think about it, with all the elites of the world gathered, it was still so brutal. If this truly is the descendant of that person, how could we possibly provoke them?

Over the years, Yi Zhongxin, while serving in his position, managed to acquire some gold and silver, and secretly purchased several dozen acres of land in the southeastern Ningzhou region, where he built a residence. A few years ago, he even took the opportunity to visit it, waiting for the day when he would grow weary of court life and return to the countryside to live as a simple farmer, enjoying a life of ease. Unexpectedly, this small retreat was casually mentioned by a senior brother whom he had always respected, leaving him feeling quite embarrassed.

The man trembled as he spoke: "My lord, it is not that this humble general lacks the ability to resist the enemy, but rather that it is that mad Third Young Master..." Seeing a glimmer of hope, he dared not delay, completely shedding the earlier desperate demeanor.

"Child?" Tang Fengbin displayed a peculiar expression. "Then I must ask, my dear second junior brother, what is that child, as white as a blank sheet of paper, doing at this moment under your orders?"

Jiang Yicao sat with two others around an exquisite carved pear wood table, where an array of dishes was laid out, the colors fresh and undeniably enticing. Yet, he merely extended his chopsticks occasionally, and when he withdrew them, they remained empty at the tips. He was contemplating the arrangements made over the past two days, and after much thought, he found no apparent flaws. However, in order to facilitate a connection between Fu Yan and the deputy official from the inspection department, he had spent a considerable sum. If Chunfeng were to pack his belongings again later, he feared he could not keep it from her.

A series of whys, like a tempest, left Yi Zhongxin at a loss for words

Tang Fengbin sighed: "What a pity... what a pity, he intentionally let me catch a glimpse." After a pause, he continued: "On his little finger, he wore a black stone ring"

At this moment, a middle-aged man came up from the audience. Liu Ming noticed his arrival and secretly thought to himself that he was ultimately still concerned about his own safety. When he saw that the man was holding a thick iron rod, he couldn't help but smile, thinking to himself that there was no need for such a grand display. He waved his hand to signal everyone to remain calm.

Jiang Yicao smiled as he took it and said, "When pouring wine, it must be filled to the brim; your intention is indeed quite generous." He appeared quite pleased, but unexpectedly, a girl of about fifteen or sixteen at the table reached out, took it, and drank it all in one go

The two elderly men stood together in silence for a long time. After a while, the official in the second hall hesitantly said, "Such a significant matter, should it not be reported to Master Mo?"

Mo Ji, upon hearing this, downed his cup of wine in one go and replied: "Oh, recently, the competition between Changshengyi Family and Baofu Building has been quite fierce, and even Tianxiang Building and the Shuiyun Residence across the street have started to clash. A few days ago, Shuiyun Residence invited several singing girls from the Hundred Beauties Society, which brought them great glory and instantly made our business suffer. Therefore, Tianxiang Building quickly came up with a plan and hired a storyteller, who starts narrating stories every day from noon."

"Are you referring to... is it Yingxiu Town?" The tone unexpectedly carried a hint of fear. He seemed to want to rid himself of this inexplicable dread, walking to the edge of the hall, allowing the sunlight to pour over him. Yet, he felt not a trace of warmth.

"To escape unscathed? How easy it is to say," Yi Ertang said with a bitter smile. "In this court, there are more than a thousand people who hate us to the bone. We have ruined their fortunes, exterminated their clans, stirred up resentment below, and provoked the heavens above. Have we not committed enough heinous acts?" His eyes grew increasingly doubtful as he softly asked, "Will heaven grant us a way out?"

He remained silent for a moment, then walked outside and said: "I heard that you have acquired some land in Ningzhou. After your retirement, it can be considered a place to go."

Unexpectedly, after the prisoner in the center of the platform had the cloth ball removed from his mouth, he did not, as in the past with condemned criminals, eagerly drink it all in a rush to savor the last bit of life. Instead, he struggled fiercely, attempting to stand up. The constable beside him wielded a knife and struck the man's back with a wooden stick, yet the man, like a mad tiger, refused to bend his knees even slightly. The crowd surrounding the red platform, seeing the commotion, became even more boisterous.

He steadied himself and said: "After drifting in and out of the court for so many years, I have come to understand everything. Clouds gather and disperse, waters rise and fall, all is governed by fate. What can we do? We can only hope to extricate ourselves from these affairs and seek a complete withdrawal."

In the eighth year of the You Tian era, Si Zong ascended to the throne. That year, a scandal involving witchcraft erupted in the palace, implicating many individuals. In a fit of rage, His Majesty the Emperor enacted severe reprisals. Those involved, in a desperate bid to absolve themselves, resorted to viciously incriminating one another. However, no one could have anticipated the ferocity with which individuals in the officialdom would turn against each other. Within a few months, five out of the six chief officials had fallen into the trap, and officials from various departments, as well as governors from different prefectures and states, were like birds caught in a net, countless and beyond reckoning, leading to a temporary paralysis of the government.

As if recalling many things, the old man sighed deeply, reminiscing about the past: "That town is a cursed place; once you enter, it is difficult to leave alive. Back in the day, among our seven members, four perished in that seemingly ordinary little town. The remaining two comrades, after returning to the capital, barely survived for a few more years before passing away. Before we set out, we all thought that although our adversary was formidable, he was nearing fifty. Moreover, with the strength of the world against one person, how could it not be an easy task? Who would have thought that he could not be judged by common sense?"

Tang Fengbin began to feel cheerful today, laughing heartily as he said: "What is wrong with that? A few years ago when you went, did you not see a mansion three miles away from your estate that is even larger than yours?" He then pointed seriously at his own nose, feigning solemnity as he said: "It was indeed built by me alone."

Jiang Yicao slowly sat down, feeling a myriad of emotions swirling within. At that moment, the opening tune of the storyteller from downstairs seemed to come from a distant horizon, with an underlying hint of wind and thunder.

Tang Fengbin said lightly: "There is no such place. Remember... there has never been such a person in the world!" Yet, he could not hide the anxiety and unease in his heart, and for some reason, he thought of a certain individual who had secluded himself for ten years on Xiling Mountain. He sighed, knowing that this matter was of great importance, and it was best to inform him after all

The girl, affectionately called Spring Breeze, sniffed and said with irritation, "Brother is about to leave for a long journey, what good is it to drink so much? Don't put on airs of an adult in front of me; I cannot be easily governed, let alone by a gentleman from the Inspection Department."

The incident in Yingxiu Town is recorded in the historical texts with just a few lines: "In the tenth year of Shaoming, the imperial teacher Zhuo Siming assassinated His Majesty the Emperor in Yingxiu Town. That year, he was defeated, died, and the rebellion was quelled."

Although Si Zong was a tyrant, he was not a fool. In his time, he established the Inspection Court, which oversaw the affairs of the six ministries and held the position of inspector. However, there were indeed too few capable individuals available in the court, so he borrowed the system of disciples from the criminal department's prison. This way, he could eliminate part of the cumbersome procedures associated with officialdom and reduce the establishment of some auxiliary official positions.

The general awaiting death was momentarily taken aback by Liu Ming's words. After a while, he suddenly burst into a fit of wild laughter. The onlookers were astonished, but then they heard a soft "pop" as the leather straps tightly binding his arms were forcefully torn apart by his internal energy. Liu Ming, caught off guard, did not have time to retreat and was instead seized in the crook of the general's arm, rendered immobile and turned into a hostage. The crowd below erupted in an uproar, yet some sharp-eyed individuals noticed that the executioner still wore a smile on his face, showing no signs of panic. However, no one paid attention to the hand that was exposed outside his sleeve, which quietly raised its pinky finger.

The Grand Official Tang slowly walked to his side, then closed his eyes, and his face involuntarily showed some fluctuations: "I have been in the Supervisory Office for thirty years, and you have been here for over twenty years. Do you know why we have been able to remain in this tumultuous court for so long? Why are we ruthless and spare no effort yet have been able to live in peace until today? Why does Lord Mo, who holds great power in the world, treat people with caution, yet shows great trust in you and me, his brothers? Why is it that among the seven scribes who entered the Supervisory Office with me back then, I am the only one left alive now? Why does Lord Mo, who holds great power in the world, treat people with caution, yet shows great trust in you and me, his brothers? Why is it that among the seven scribes who entered the Supervisory Office with me back then, I am the only one left alive now? Why, ten years ago, when the mad Third Young Master of Hongshi caused chaos in the North, no one could stop him, yet I had to drag you along with me to face death?"

The red platform became bustling with activity. After a series of rituals that had been followed for hundreds of years, the executioner poured a bowl of strong liquor from the edge of the platform, walked to the center where the bound prisoner lay, and removed the rag stuffed in the prisoner's mouth. The crowd below erupted with a loud roar.

Amidst the clamor, everyone could only hear the general laughing maniacally, saying: "Even if I die, I will drag down one of you from the Inspection Court..."

Who is on that list

Yi Zhongxin expressed her confusion: "That kid Liu Ming is only in his early twenties this year, how can he bear this? This courtyard is filled with a heavy atmosphere, and there are too many filthy things inside. I fear he will be so dazed that he won't even know what's going on."

The person slowly turned their head, seemingly unintentionally glancing upstairs. When their gaze met Jiang Yicao's, a hint of mockery appeared on their face. Then, they slowly turned away, tapping a wooden block, and hoarsely recited: "This splendid head, who will chop it? Among the heroes of ancient and modern times, who claims the title of the first? Let me, the number one in the world, recount the ancients for you, as the old bear from the east of the city presents it to you all. As the saying goes: 'The dragon and tiger write the spring and autumn, the rise and fall of the wind lamp is like a postal transmission...'" Hoarsely reciting: "This splendid head, who will chop it? Among the heroes of ancient and modern times, who claims the title of the first? Let me, the number one in the world, recount the ancients for you, as the old bear from the east of the city presents it to you all. As the saying goes: 'The dragon and tiger write the spring and autumn, the rise and fall of the wind lamp is like a postal transmission...'"

The Jingyang Gate in the capital stands over ten zhang high, with a wide base. The carvings on the gateposts are not the commonly seen cloud and dragon motifs, but rather the fearsome visages of night demons and spirits, which are somewhat terrifying even in broad daylight. By night, under the serene moonlight, they render onlookers utterly spellbound. This gate is the only imperial divine gate constructed in the eastern direction of the city, and its sole purpose for the past several hundred years has remained unchanged—killing.

At the moment when Jiang Yicao felt that something was amiss, a thunderous cheer erupted from downstairs, instantly capturing Chunfeng's attention. The little girl, being naturally curious, quickly turned her head to look down from the railing. Jiang Yicao, finding a moment of respite, hurriedly pulled the package back to his side, asking, "What is causing such a commotion downstairs?"

Mo Ji observed the situation and could not help but exclaim: "Spring breeze... it has been a while since we last met, hasn't it? Why is it that your elder brother is so strict with you? At such a young age, you have already taken to drinking."

Jiang Yicao chuckled in disbelief and said: "If this matter did not come from the mouth of the usually upright Xuanjie Xiaowei Mo Ji, how could anyone believe it? A mere storyteller, in a street corner tavern, is hardly uncommon. If this action could win over the songstress cultivated by the Hundred Rao Society for nearly ten years, it would surely provoke laughter and scorn." He laughed heartily, nearly toppling over from his seat.

Liu Ming waved his hand to stop and said coldly: "Even so, how can you borrow troops from the Caobu Lake outside the Eastern Capital? Do you not know that it is a nail placed by the Beidan people outside our dynasty?" The onlookers below, upon hearing this, realized that the person awaiting execution on the stage was actually a general, and their curiosity increased threefold. When they heard that he was connected to the infamous rebel Hongshi Feng San Shao, they crowded even closer. Finally, when the execution officer mentioned that this general had an unclear relationship with the mortal enemy of the Central Plains, the Beidan Kingdom, they could not help but shout and curse loudly, with several elderly women displaying fierce expressions, as if they were ready to pounce on someone.

Hearing this, Yi Zhongxin was also taken aback, yet still forced a smile and said: "There are so many people in the world who wear rings; although the black stone ring is rare, it does not necessarily mean that it is... from someone from the mountains."

Yi Zhongxin hesitated for a moment, and after a while, he said slowly: "Liu Ming... he is currently being executed at the Jingyang Gate in the East City"

This leather bag is one of the shackles of the Inspection Institute, made of tough layered cowhide on the outside and fine iron wire on the inside, making it incredibly sturdy. Liu Ming noticed the fracture was a light gray, clearly indicating that no one had tampered with it, and he couldn't help but feel a bit astonished at the formidable inner strength of this general. After the astonishment, he smiled again and murmured to the bloodstains: "What kind of person could force you to this extent... the mad Third Young Master of Hongshi Beiyang City, who exactly is he?"

However, the temporary system of the Board of Censors was not long-lasting. After the new emperor Mingzong ascended the throne, he followed the edicts of the imperial tutor and returned the affairs to the six ministries, only performing the duties of supervision. In recent years, with the Empress Dowager in power, there has been a focus on maintaining a clear and just administration, leading to an increasing number of affairs handled by the Board of Censors, and naturally, its authority has grown accordingly. However, over the years, the structure of the Board of Censors has undergone various changes and upheavals, yet the framework of its personnel has remained largely unchanged.

With a turn of her figure, she approached the death row inmate and spoke softly, "What grievance do you have?"

At this moment, Tang Fengbin did not resemble a frail old man at all. He said coldly: "In the realm of officialdom, power struggles are fierce, and wrongful imprisonment is naturally unavoidable. If one wishes to be an official, one must possess the awareness of what it means to be an official. Yet, among those in power, how many can remain detached and impartial? If you and I are guilty, how many officials in this world are innocent? If you and I deserve to die, why do so many who are more deserving of death than us still enjoy the blessings of the nation and the people's offerings? ... If the divine truly has the power to determine human guilt, the temple would likely be the first to be struck by lightning." If you and I deserve to die, why do so many who are more deserving of death than us still enjoy the blessings of the nation and the people's offerings? ... If the divine truly has the power to determine human guilt, the temple would likely be the first to be struck by lightning.

He smiled with self-satisfaction, yet from the corner of his eye, he noticed an unexpected anger rising on Chunfeng's face. A jolt ran through his heart as he secretly scolded himself for being foolish; after all, his sister came from Changsheng City, so how could he speak ill of the Yi family in her presence? He hurriedly laughed it off, leaned over the railing, and looked to see what kind of person this storyteller, who was entrusted with great expectations by Tianxiang Tower, truly was.

At this moment, the middle-aged man holding an iron rod also approached, chuckling, "We have been working in this line for several months now, and today is the first opportunity to stretch our muscles." Liu Ming shook his head, merely smiled without saying a word, and turned to the corpse lying in the pool of blood, picking up the torn leather bag and examining it carefully.

Since the esteemed Mo Yan took charge of the Inspection Court for six years, it has been the two officials, Tang and Yi, one senior and one junior, who have been managing the specific affairs within the court. Each of their disciples holds a substantive position, ensuring that all critical points of access are under control. The senior official, Tang Fengbin, has been a member of the Inspection Court since the incident of witchcraft and has now become a figure of seniority. Although he holds a fifth-rank position, he wields significant power over life and death, making him an important figure in the court. It is indeed unexpected that during this splendid spring season, he would leisurely express his intention to resign in the side hall of the Inspection Court.

The role of the judicial examination in the supervisory court has always emphasized the importance of observing facial expressions and paying attention to subtle details. Upon this mention, Yi Zhongxin recalled: "That child's left sleeve was unusually wide, and the arm was completely enveloped within the sleeve, making it difficult to see clearly"

It seems that the battle in Yingxiu Town was too brutal; even a decade later, Tang Datang still recalls it with trepidation.

Hearing this, Yi Zhongxin could not help but burst into laughter, thinking to herself that it turns out one can still be neighbors with her senior brother even in old age

Last month, Liu Ming was promoted from the position of assistant in the Inspection Department to the chief clerk of the Procuratorate. At this moment, he stood beneath the deadlock at Jingyang Gate, gazing in the direction of the National History Museum. He was unaware that within the Procuratorate in the northern part of the city, his immediate superiors, two officials known for their cunning and treachery, were preparing to thrust him into the unseen side of the court. He merely felt that in early spring, in March, the peach blossoms in countless residences of the capital were secretly blooming, while he was amidst the bustling market overseeing executions, which was rather out of tune.

***

The Inspection Institute oversees the Inspection Department, and in recent years, it has also entrusted us with the criminal cases from the Ministry of Justice. Although the affairs are numerous, the structure is quite clear. Above us is the Censorate, below us are countless assistants, and in the middle are us two old bones. Therefore, the key still lies in the selection of the two officials. I have been observing the people below for several years. Ji Xiaoye is gloomy and sharp-minded; although his temperament is unlikable, he is indeed skilled in criminal law. Hmm... Actually, the one I admire the most is Liu Ming, whom you have trained. I have been observing the people below for several years. Ji Xiaoye is gloomy and sharp-minded; although his temperament is unlikable, he is indeed skilled in criminal law. Hmm... Actually, the one I admire the most is Liu Ming, whom you have trained. He has not inherited your frivolous nature at all; instead, he is steady and composed, with no flaws to point out.

Liu Mingren has held the position of executioner for several months. From an initial sense of fear, or perhaps a subtle excitement, he has now become numb to it all, having witnessed the various states of those facing death. Seeing the condemned prisoner in such a state at this moment, he couldn't help but smile and shake his head, secretly sighing that in such a condition, it is likely that there will be no sense of relief when the time comes for the blade to fall.

The Day Fragrance Pavilion is located in the western part of the capital city, adjacent to Zhuque Avenue. Moreover, it is quite renowned among diners, so even though it is only noon, it is already bustling with voices and filled with the aroma of dishes.

Mo Ji was puzzled upon hearing this, thinking to himself that you, young man, handled all the documents for the front this time by yourself. If there were any matters, there would naturally be a way to send a letter to you, so why should a young girl be running around with it? Just as he was about to ask, he noticed Jiang Yicao nervously staring at the long bench beside the table, while Chunfeng was opening a package and mumbling to himself, "When out and about, there are many matters to attend to, so don't forget anything."

Liu Ming shook his head and self-deprecatingly said, "This is the downside of not practicing martial arts." However, the quiet young man did not laugh upon hearing this; instead, he replied calmly, "With the three of us brothers here, it makes no difference whether the adult practices or not."

Master, what do you mean by that

Many people wear rings, but few wear black stone rings. In the profession of assassins, since the old thief from the mountains established the trade, who else would dare to wear that black stone ring

Only the tables and chairs downstairs had been rearranged, leaving a space in the middle where a small table was placed. On the table sat a pot of tea, beside which was a chopping block, and next to it stood a person. In this early spring weather, the person was still wearing a tattered coat that was full of holes. Upon seeing this person's attire, Jiang Yicao couldn't help but feel a shock in his heart

Mo Ji felt a bit embarrassed upon hearing this. Jiang Yicao quickly laughed and said, "Chunfeng is right to take charge; I am just someone born with a lowly fate. Regardless of age, it is quite good to have someone looking after me." He then turned and said, "I won't be back for a while. If you have anything to ask me, just send a message to Chunfeng, and she will naturally find a way to inform me."

"Last night, the second hall official said he had matters to attend to and sent him to handle them. At this hour, he may not have finished yet." The young man replied coldly, without a trace of emotion. Just then, a faint sound of applause came from a distance. Liu Ming furrowed his brow, about to ask a question, when the young man tilted his head to listen for a moment and preemptively answered: "It is Tianxiang Tower."

Senior Brother, it is truly surprising that Jiang Yicao and that young man in black are actually master and servant. But why...?

The adult is meticulous in thought, and in due time, there will be scores to settle, so there is no need for us to say much. Moreover, if the adult were to understand the reasons behind this, it is likely that chaos would ensue in the world. Tang Fengbin lightly diverted the conversation, then took a scroll from the desk and remarked: "Looking at Jiang Yicao's activities over the years, it seems he has no other intentions, so it is better not to provoke him. Just like that prince from Wangjiang County, he remains still, and it is best not to stir him... However, how long can such figures remain hidden in this tumultuous world?" His words were laden with concern.

Mo Ji noticed that the person about to embark on a journey seemed somewhat distracted, thinking he was still troubled by the muddled official case from the previous year. He advised, "Once you leave, spending three years in the west, the matter will naturally fade away. When you return to the capital, who will still remember those trivial matters? So relax a bit and have a drink." He then filled a cup for Jiang Yicao and brought it to him.

The person had been bent over on the ground, and at this moment, saw a young man in front of him gently asking questions. Upon recognizing the color of the young man's attire, he realized that this was indeed the executioner for today. For a moment, he was at a loss for words; although he knew his grievances were immense, how could he possibly articulate the myriad of thoughts and feelings at this guillotine in such a short time?

Liu Ming stood by, watching with a slight frown. It is a well-established rule that a bowl of wine should be given to the prisoner a quarter of an hour before the execution. At this moment, just as the blade was about to fall, the wine was offered to the one about to be executed. The effects of the wine had not yet taken hold, and the head had already fallen; how could the pain be alleviated even by a fraction? ... He could not help but ponder to himself that the officials of the Ministry of Justice had become increasingly lax in their duties over the past few years ...

Tang Fengbin patted his shoulder and said: "In fact, resigning from office is merely a matter of going with the flow. I know this big boss very well; he has often mentioned to me these days that if the water in a pond remains stagnant for too long, it will naturally breed all sorts of filth. Changing the water is also in line with his wishes. As for the daily management of the Inspection Yuan, it is naturally arranged by the higher-ups, following the usual practices. For old-timers like us, a list written before departure suffices."

The conversation was abruptly interrupted in the middle of a sentence

Tang Fengbin was taken aback for a moment and murmured: "It is not fear, but rather... that foolish person from Xicheng just said that the young man in black is Jiang Yicao's servant. One must understand... the quality of a servant reflects the quality of their master. If you have not forgotten the documents you read over a decade ago, you should still remember that servant who was by that person's side when he stepped into the Central Plains forty years ago. A mere servant was able to establish a sect and boldly declare the intent to eliminate all those with a price on their heads; how much more so the master."

"It is only because, although we have offended quite a few people, our foundation is solid enough and our backing is strong enough," said Tang Datang with a cold demeanor. "We have dealt with the Minister of Personnel, and we have a major boss supporting us; we have dealt with the royal relatives, and we have the palace backing us. In fact, the people we have offended are all those we can afford to offend, and they are also the ones that those above want us to offend. What is particularly crucial is that some influential figures do not want us to know certain matters, and we must learn to find an excuse to withdraw before things happen. In fact, the people we have offended are all those we can afford to offend, and they are also the ones that those above want us to offend. What is particularly crucial is that some influential figures do not want us to know certain matters, and we must learn to find an excuse to withdraw before things happen. Now you should understand why, ten years ago, I gritted my teeth and insisted on bringing you before the mad Third Young Master, allowing him to strike each of us a palm, causing us to spit blood and leaving us with this chronic cough, right?"

An official leaned down and smiled, saying: "My lord need not worry too much. It is just that for several months now, executions have been carried out in secluded places to avoid causing a stir. However, today’s individual holds some status, and the palace has instructed that a public execution be conducted to demonstrate justice to the people, which is why it has come to Jingyang Gate. The common folk have not witnessed such an event in a long time, so naturally, they have gathered to see it."

As soon as these words were spoken, Yi Zhongxin felt as if the sunlight in the courtyard had suddenly dimmed, and a gust of wind swept through the hall, bringing a gradual chill.

After a brief pause, Tang Fengbin said, "Between you and me, there is no need for any pretentiousness..." His voice dropped even lower, "If we do not go to Hongshi, we will only have to follow the big boss to Yingxiu Town. But the people there are not someone we can afford to provoke... Even if... even if his name is now inscribed on the pillars of Zhuque Avenue and cursed by the masses, we still cannot afford to provoke him. Aside from the temple, the inner palace, and our indifferent big boss, who else can stand up to him?" Even if his name is now inscribed on the pillars of Zhuque Avenue and cursed by the masses, we still cannot afford to provoke him. Aside from the temple, the inner palace, and our indifferent big boss, who else can stand up to him?

From Jingyang Gate heading west, after less than one hundred meters past Zhuque Avenue, one arrives at the renowned National History Museum of the capital. For hundreds of years, if the ministers of the Central Kingdom made any mistakes or if their responses in the court did not align with the emperor's wishes, they would be taken down the several hundred meters of imperial steps, exiting the inner city, and heading south along Zhuque Avenue to a junction where they would be divided. If the emperor's favor still existed, they would be sent to the National History Museum to spend the rest of their lives as an editor not listed on the roster; if the emperor's will was irrevocable, they would only be sent back to Jingyang Gate, to be sent to the next life. Thus, there is a saying in the capital: "Under Zhuque, the right path is for life, the left path is for death." If the emperor's favor still existed, they would be sent to the National History Museum to spend the rest of their lives as an editor not listed on the roster; if the emperor's will was irrevocable, they would only be sent back to Jingyang Gate, to be sent to the next life. Thus, there is a saying in the capital: "Under Zhuque, the right path is for life, the left path is for death."

A gentle and refined young man quietly emerged from behind him, sheathing the sword that was still stained with blood. He bowed to Liu Ming, who was still smiling beside the corpse of the general, and said, "My lord, please do not be alarmed"

Even if that young man is indeed as the senior brother predicted, a disciple of the old man in the mountains, why should we fear him if we do not provoke him

Amidst the laughter of the two elders, it seemed that the unexpected shock of today had been somewhat alleviated. However, Yi Zhongxin suddenly recalled something and asked: "Once the two of us leave, although it is indeed carefree, how will we explain this to the big boss? There must be some handover regarding the trivial matters in this courtyard, right? Like the case of Peng Yutao, the Governor of Yongzhou, who occupied the temple's property to build a tomb for his grandmother; and the case of the censor Liang Cheng, who has been slandered, which the Empress Dowager has yet to address... With so many chaotic accounts, can those below manage to clarify them?"