"Your Majesty, though I am not particularly close to the ministers in the capital, I have never deliberately spoken ill of them."
"As for the accusations that I consider myself above others and abuse Your Majesty's trust to commit unlawful acts, they are fabrications conjured from thin air."
Yang Qing knelt on the floor, his back straight. "Your Majesty may order a thorough investigation!"
Chu Jinghui's gaze remained fixed on Yang Qing.
"Minister Yang, I believe wind does not blow from an empty cave without reason. Do you truly insist on maintaining this position?"
Yang Qing's expression did not change. "Your Majesty, a straight body need not fear a crooked shadow. I believe I have done no wrong. I have a clear conscience before heaven and earth, and I have not betrayed Your Majesty's favor. Naturally, I do not fear Your Majesty's investigation."
Chu Jinghui waved a hand. "Since that is so, I shall believe you this once. Yet though you may escape death, you cannot escape punishment. Guards, take Yang Chengming away and administer a beating."
A beating?
Eunuch Zhang's brow twitched. He stepped forward, about to put in a good word for Yang Qing, but Yang Qing stopped him.
Two of the Imperial Guards waiting outside quickly entered and escorted Yang Qing out. Eunuch Zhang hurried after them.
"Your Majesty, this servant volunteers to oversee the punishment."
Chu Jinghui nodded, indicating that Eunuch Zhang should accompany them.
Once they were outside the hall, one of the Imperial Guards turned to Eunuch Zhang. "Eunuch Zhang, His Majesty ordered a beating but did not specify the number of strokes. How should we administer the punishment?"
Eunuch Zhang gave him a sidelong glance. "Can't you see His Majesty intends a small punishment as a stern warning to Lord Yang? What is