Looking into Duke Who Pacifies the Nation's icy eyes, Chen Changsheng spoke calmly.
"The killing of officials and the clash with the local army—no matter how many explanations there are, they cannot change the fact that mistakes were made."
"Since mistakes were made, they must accept the beating and the punishment."
Upon hearing this answer, Duke Who Pacifies the Nation said, "The National Teacher is indeed impartial."
"According to Great Song law, those who kill officials shall be executed!"
"Execute them!"
"They must be executed!"
"Everyone involved has already been escorted to the capital on my orders. How they are dealt with will be entirely up to His Majesty's sacred judgment!"
Chen Changsheng's utter indifference made Duke Who Pacifies the Nation's mouth twitch.
"For such treason, three clans may be exterminated!"
"I completely agree!"
"Unfortunately, the culprits are all lone men with no families. Those connected to them have also been escorted to the capital."
"Unless you intend to exterminate nine clans, everyone who should be arrested has already been arrested."
"According to Great Song law..."
"According to Great Song law, as the commander of the army, Jiang Shan committed such a grave error and should be demoted by three ranks."
"According to military law, Jiang Shan should receive eight hundred thunder whips."
"The recording of Jiang Shan receiving his punishment will be delivered to His Majesty shortly. At the same time, as the person directly responsible for this incident, I too should be punished. Thus, I ask Your Majesty to lower a punishment upon me!"
Chen Changsheng cupped his hands and pleaded guilty, making Duke Who Pacifies the Nation's face turn even darker.
The position of National Teacher was originally an honorary post. No matter how he was punished, it would merely mean a reduction in salary and the