Cheng Tian Gate!
The southern gate of the imperial city!
The color drained from the gift-bearing eunuch's face. He stared at Gu Shen in terror, as if looking at a madman!
What kind of place was Cheng Tian Gate? It was where state ceremonies were held and proclamations announced to the world! Hang a bird there? How brazen! How audacious!
"You... you're insane!" The eunuch pointed at Gu Shen, his finger trembling.
"I'm not insane." Gu Shen's smile remained warm, but his eyes were as cold as ice. "The Third Prince is benevolent and cherishes all living creatures. Such virtue deserves to be known throughout the realm. We'll hang this bird at Cheng Tian Gate, so the people of the Capital City can hear its beautiful song and share in the Third Prince's benevolent heart. Wouldn't that be a fine story to tell?"
"Furthermore," he said, looking at the eunuch and enunciating every word, "this will let everyone see that even with His Majesty's health ailing, his princes remain filial and brotherly. Isn't this the best way to ease the burdens of the ruler and pray for the well-being of the state?"
His words were airtight, and he spoke with righteous conviction.
Every sentence was about "His Majesty" and "the state," and every sentence praised the Third Prince.
Yet every word was like a resounding slap across the Third Prince's face!
You sent me a caged bird to threaten me?
Fine.
Not only will I refuse to be threatened, I'll put your bird in the highest, most conspicuous place, so everyone can "admire" your "benevolence" and "filial piety"!
I've turned your private threat into an open, righteous scheme!
Let's see if you dare accept this "fine story"!
The gift-bearing eunuch was completely dumbfounded. He had never seen anything like this.