When Emperor Jing of Zhou said, "I know,"
at those few short words, Prince Ning's expression changed abruptly.
He raised his eyes and stared at the emperor on the throne,
then turned to look at the youth beside him who had killed his son. His cheek began to twitch.
Not from anger, but because he understood.
He understood what the emperor's "I know" meant.
He was certain now.
"Wei Nisheng," Emperor Jing of Zhou continued.
"Do you regret killing Jiang Yu?"
Wei Nisheng raised his head and looked at the emperor, his gaze open and steady as a whetstone.
"I have no regrets."
"No regrets?" Emperor Jing of Zhou paused slightly. "Do you know that a killer must die?"
"I do."
"And yet you killed him?"
"Because I understand propriety. And understanding propriety, I cannot submit to humiliation."
"By killing him, I violated the laws of the realm."
"But if I were given another chance..."
Wei Nisheng raised his head and looked the emperor straight in the eye.
"I would still draw my sword."
An uproar swept through the hall.
But Emperor Jing of Zhou raised his hand, and the hall fell silent.
He watched Wei Nisheng for a long time, then gave a laugh.
"You are honest, at least."
"I would not dare deceive Your Majesty."
Emperor Jing of Zhou nodded and asked no more. His gaze shifted to Prince Ning.
"Prince Ning."
Prince Ning lay prostrate on the floor without moving.
"I will ask you once more. Have you anything to say about the loss of the Gansu Three Prefectures?"
Prince Ning slowly raised his head and looked at the emperor on the throne.
"I..." His mouth opened. "My son... is dead."
The Hall of Supreme Harmony fell silent for a moment.
"My Yu was only sixteen