Five charges struck at the heart, every word ruthless.
Shen Duan stood at the head of the ranks, his sidelong gaze passing over Qi Zhao to settle on Kou Yuan.
Though Kou Yuan had known of Qi Zhao's scheme beforehand, he had not expected his Impeachment Memorial to be so sharp.
[At the outset, he fawned upon the powerful, pouring wine and passing cups, knowing no shame.
As he advanced, his spine was supple as spring willow, his tongue sweet as candied fruit. Lord Feng judged him thus, and the judgment spread throughout the realm.]
Though Qi Zhao had stolen his name...
Still, every word was music to his ears, like listening to pure, clear notes.
Meanwhile, Shen Duan watched Kou Yuan lower his eyes as though reflecting on himself, yet struggle to suppress the curve of his lips.
For a moment, waves surged within his chest. First he frowned, then understanding dawned:
That Quail Kou!! I knew it! I knew it!!
He either never pecks, or pecks straight to the bone.
In an instant, as the ministers savored those words, wind swept through the hall. The heavens were about to change.
But it was not over yet, because our venom-tongued Qi had already unfolded his second Impeachment Memorial!!
"Your Majesty, titles and honors must not be entrusted lightly, nor power monopolized for long.
Wei Nisheng has yet to reach twenty, yet holds several offices at once...
He controls appointments in the Selection Bureau, serves as an adviser to the Heir Apparent in the Eastern Palace, and holds the grain and pay of the Nine Frontiers in his hands.
The imperial favor he enjoys surpasses that of all his contemporaries.
Yet, observing his conduct, I have three concerns:
First, he makes the authority over appointments his private instrument.
The