That sneering remark struck like thunder from the ninth heaven.
The assembled ministers reeled as though struck by lightning, their heads swimming, horror filling the eyes of the High Ministers.
Emperor Jingde's face contorted violently. Pointing at the treacherous minister, he roared hoarsely:
"Without me, how could you have risen this far? I endured every humiliation to draft an edict condemning myself, admitting my own sins. What more do you want?!"
Jia Huan suddenly stepped forward.
Chief Grand Secretary Yang, Gao Xi, and the other senior ministers of the Central Court resolutely barred his way.
Jia Huan sprang into the air, leaped over the High Ministers, and rushed straight toward the Imperial Throne. As he swooped down, his five fingers seized the front of the dragon robe and hoisted the emperor into the air. His grave, resolute voice rang throughout the Divine Capital:
"An incompetent, lawless ruler, your crimes have filled the measure to overflowing! You have brought ruin upon the people and dragged the Great Qian Realm into endless purgatory!"
"At this moment, I, Jia Huan, pass judgment upon the sovereign on behalf of all the people of Great Qian!!"
"The verdict: immediate deposition!"
"From tomorrow onward, the Jingde era will be nothing but the dust of history!"
"If any army under heaven objects, send your declaration against me, Jia Huan! The moment it arrives, I will meet you in battle!!"
With those words, Jia Huan hurled him down.
Emperor Jingde slammed into the Imperial Throne. His neatly seated crown shattered into dust, and his dragon robe, once majestic beyond compare, tore apart, exposing his snow-white inner garment. He slumped upon the throne, his face full of terror.
Jia Huan spoke each word as though bearing heaven's own decree, every syllable a pearl:
"Guards, confine the former emperor in