He was utterly unwilling to accept this and roared at the top of his lungs.
"Crown Prince, Crown Prince, save your servant! Please beg His Majesty for mercy!"
Crown Prince Zhao Yan stood where he was, his expression so dark it could have dripped water.
He pinched the hem of his robe but chose not to speak.
Emperor Xuan was in a rage, and Su Fei had just rendered a great service. If he pleaded for mercy, he would only draw the flames onto himself.
Besides, he had only recently been released from confinement.
So, for now, he could only abandon this trusted subordinate.
Crown Prince Zhao Yan could only watch as the Palace Guard stripped Tang Baolun of his official robes, exposing his white undergarments, and dragged him away like a dead dog.
Tang Baolun wailed.
Su Fei stood to one side, watching the scene with immense satisfaction.
Earlier, Tang Baolun had been aggressive and overbearing at court, advocating sacrificing him to secure peace. Now he was finally tasting the bitter fruit of his own actions.
The sight of Crown Prince Zhao Yan at his wits' end made Su Fei feel even better.
Emperor Xuan seemed to notice Su Fei's expression. He patted his shoulder, his tone softening.
"My dear minister Su, pay no heed to these petty scoundrels. In the days ahead, I will still rely on you to protect the territory of our Great Xuan."
"Guards, put these two Japanese pirate leaders in the Heavenly Prison. Choose a day for their public execution."
Hojo Ogi and Takeda Nobuo looked ashen, the last shred of hope in their hearts gone.
"Your servant will not fail the trust Your Majesty has placed in him."
Su Fei bowed as he answered. When he raised his head, he met the cold,