News that Liu Daxia had hanged himself in prison reached the palace during court, sending the assembled civil and military officials into an uproar...
Emperor Chen's face was so dark it seemed ready to drip water. He swept a cold gaze over those below, and the clamor gradually subsided...
Chancellor Cui Yizhong had been secretly watching Emperor Chen's expression all along. Seeing the emperor glance at him, he drew a deep breath and stepped out from the ranks. "Your Majesty, Liu Daxia killed himself out of fear of punishment, betraying your gracious favor. Please issue a decree... confiscate his estate, conscript the men of his household, and send the women to the Music and Dance Bureau. Without this... the people's anger cannot be appeased!"
"I... second the motion!"
Grand Commandant Tong Huan also sprang forward, sporting a black eye. He said bitterly, "Your Majesty, Liu Daxia assaulted your humble servant and flouted the laws of the realm. Relying on his status as an old minister of the Former Emperor, he grew arrogant and conceited, holding his sovereign in contempt. Your Majesty must punish him severely!"
"I second the motion... I implore Your Majesty to punish him severely!"
"I second the motion!"
Several more ministers stepped forward in support, stirring a commotion among the civil and military officials in the hall.
Under the Ministry of Justice's frenzied crackdown, most officials who had served under Liu Daxia had been implicated and imprisoned. Those who remained could not help feeling the fox's sorrow at the rabbit's death, yet not one dared speak up.
"I... object!"
A ringing voice suddenly sounded, and the court fell utterly silent.
Emperor Chen looked up and found it was Censor-in-Chief Qin Lie, much to his surprise.
This fellow had always been at odds with Liu Daxia. Why was