Summon the Imperial Physicians

Flinging aside the memorial, the Emperor paced several times through the Imperial Study with his hands clasped behind his back, seething with rage. Only after calming down did he return and draw a circle on the secret report.

After some thought, he wrote another edict, ordering that the disobedient and unfilial prefect be arrested and brought to the capital, to intimidate such disobedient and unfilial scoundrels.

As for the governor-general who had played deaf and dumb, considering that he had been fairly diligent in his duties and that this matter was not truly his responsibility, the Emperor dipped his brush and wrote several words: "Dock his salary for half a year and demote him one rank!"

After finishing this memorial, he saw the eunuchs all holding their breath, bent respectfully as they stood by with utmost care. One stooped eunuch silently approached, saying nothing as he presented a bowl of ginseng soup.

"You old servant, you're back?" The Emperor withdrew his gaze from the decree of demotion, accepted the ginseng soup, and took a sip. Thoughtfully, he asked, "Very well. How is Chen Xihan now? Does he harbor any resentment?"

Eunuch Zhao immediately understood that he meant Vice Minister Chen from the Ministry of Personnel, who had recently been demoted due to Prince Qi's implication. He respectfully replied, "Chen Xihan has been reassigned as Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. His attitude remains respectful, and he has shown neither slackness nor grievance."

"However, he was careless with his diet some time ago and came down with dysentery. He only took up his post after half a month of sick leave."

Listening, the Emperor nodded. "Since he remains respectful and can devote himself to his duties, he can still be saved... What else do you have to report?"

Upon