Sweet Dew Hall.
Emperor Jingde was bent over his desk reviewing memorials. Seeing the men from the Southern Office enter for an audience, he looked up and asked:
"What is it?"
Associate Commissioner Xie composed himself and replied respectfully:
"It concerns Jia Huan of the Northern Commandant Office."
Emperor Jingde fell silent for a moment, then sighed:
"When his coffin reaches the Capital, the court will give him a grand burial and extend its favor to his family."
Associate Commissioner Xie reported truthfully:
"Your Majesty, Thousand-Household Commander Jia feigned death and defied your orders."
Snap!
Emperor Jingde set down his vermilion brush and slowly rose from the Imperial Throne. He stared at the two men for a long time before declaring sternly:
"Such outrageous audacity must be severely punished, or there will be no silencing the wagging tongues!"
"But his survival is, after all, a blessing for the State and Altars. We shall discuss his punishment when he returns to the Capital."
Associate Commissioner Xie said quietly:
"Your Majesty, Thousand-Household Commander Jia spread the false news of his death because he had another vital matter on his mind."
Emperor Jingde scrutinized him:
"What matter?"
Associate Commissioner Xie cleared his throat and said excitedly:
"Thousand-Household Commander Jia stormed the Tatar Invaders' camp alone. Facing over ten thousand elite troops, he captured Northern Mang's Third Prince, Ashina Silu, alive!"
As his words fell, the hall became utterly silent.
Emperor Jingde's face tightened, astonishment flooding the depths of his eyes.
The emperor said nothing, suddenly fixing Xie Ye with an unblinking stare.
After a long while, he said solemnly:
"Bring me the secret letter!"
Xie Ye presented it for his inspection.
Emperor Jingde read it carefully, pacing back and forth through the hall as he murmured:
"This is so earth-shattering that I can