When Your Majesty learned that Prince An had been captured, he was overjoyed and immediately ordered that Prince An's crimes be publicly tried in court the next day. At the same time, Lin Taichu, Wang Qinian, and the others would be rewarded according to their merits.
Early the next morning, Lin Taichu arrived at the palace on time. All the civil and military officials were already in place in the court, while Your Majesty sat upon the dragon throne with a solemn expression.
The trial proceeded smoothly. Prince An's crimes were irrefutable, and the evidence was conclusive. Even he had no way to defend himself. In the end, Your Majesty issued an edict sentencing Prince An to death, to be executed on a later date. All his remaining followers were purged, and his family property was confiscated.
After dealing with Prince An's matter, Your Majesty changed the subject and began rewarding those who had rendered merit. "In capturing Prince An and putting down the rebellion, Lin Taichu and Wang Qinian have made the greatest contributions."
Looking at the two of them, Your Majesty slowly said, "Wang Qinian, you protected me and assisted in the capture of Prince An. I hereby appoint you Grand Tutor and reward you with five hundred taels of gold and five hundred mu of fertile land."
Upon hearing the reward, Wang Qinian's heart stirred, but he did not immediately offer thanks. Instead, he stepped forward and knelt before Your Majesty. "Your Majesty, this subject has a request and humbly asks for your approval."
Your Majesty paused in surprise and asked, "What is your request? Speak freely."
"Your Majesty, the true hero behind Prince An's capture was Mr. Lin," Wang Qinian said. "If not for Mr. Lin's careful planning and thorough scheme, we could never have captured