Free Web NovelChapter 1323: Chapter 15 Thunder and Raindrops
Jiang Rumo, as the State Minister, is the last buffer between the Son of Heaven and the hundred officials.
Because once the Son of Heaven speaks, his golden words become absolute, leaving no room for negotiation.
But Liu Yingqi did not offer Jiang Rumo any further explanation, simply insisting on the Emperor’s judgement with every word — this was a matter of a bayonet meeting flesh, desiring nothing but a verdict of life or death.
Jiang Rumo was also unable to say anything more.
At this moment, Tian Xili maintained his silence.
No accusations, no retorts, no pleas; nothing at all. It was a resigned silence.
That was a wise choice.
Liu Yingqi sought death by risking death, certainly a lethal move, yet it also implied coercion towards the Son of Heaven. Liu Yingqi had nothing left to lose, cared for nothing else, and simply wished for Tian Xili to die with him.
And yet he had to demonstrate a different kind of performance.
In comparison to the current Liu Yingqi, he indeed felt fear; with his splendid attire, great power at his fingertips, he virtually had everything, how could he not fear death?
So he let his fear be even more apparent.
Those who know fear, are more deferential, more obedient.
With his own "compliance," he further highlighted Liu Yingqi’s "defiance".
Therefore, under the pressure of imperial might, he silently abided, his actions interpreting the plea, "Humbly requesting Your Majesty’s discernment."
Both were kneeling there, awaiting the imperial judgement.
He was truly at the mercy of any punishment!
By acting rashly before, he truly underestimated Liu Yingqi, underestimated his intelligence, as well as his courage.
Now, the opponent had seized the opportunity and set the pieces in direct confrontation, seeking death by death. He could not break through this ruthless chess move.
But on the chessboard of Qi Country, the strife between Liu Yingqi and him was not just about themselves. There existed a will far above everything else.
Therefore, he simply let go of everything, leaving it to Emperor Qi to decide.
He did not believe that an unrivalled sovereign like Emperor Qi would let his decisions be swayed by others, even if it involved coercion by death, because after all, there is a nuance of ’coercion’!
To step back, even if Emperor Qi really sentenced him and Liu Yingqi to death together, his obedient acceptance of death and Liu Yingqi’s coercive approach to death, would bear completely different meanings.
This was the best choice for the Tian family!
Emperor Qi must remember Tian Xili’s loyalty and submission! Only then could he retain the hearts of the people.
Everyone was waiting for the decision of the Son of Heaven.
This was a matter involving a hereditary marquis and a hereditary grandfather from two renowned families of Qi Country; no one could make the decision for the Son of Heaven.
Not the State Minister, nor the Queen, the Crown Prince, other princes or imperial princesses.
And the Son of Heaven did not remain silent for long.
His voice seemed to descend from the Nine Heavens, with extreme authority: "Son of Qingyang!"
Jiang Wang, who had been silently observing the struggle between prestigious houses, was momentarily stunned.
Who am I? What am I doing? What am I being asked to do?
But though perplexed, he quickly regained composure, bowing with hands folded and replied: "Your servant is here!"
"I order you to depart immediately to Daze County, to arrest Liu Xiao and bring him back," Emperor Qi said, his voice betraying no emotion, "Do you dare to go?"
With Inner Mansion cultivation, arresting a person of Godly Cultivation, especially one who has made up his mind and, in effect, disregarded Qi’s Law, certainly requires some courage.
For the current Liu Xiao, might not care at all whether you are the Son of Qingyang or any other third-ranked gilded samurai!
Yet Jiang Wang showed no fear, not even a slight hesitation.
"With the Emperor’s awe-inspiring authority, to arrest a criminal, what reason would your servant have to fear?"
He simply bowed once, without another word, rose from before The Imperial Ancestral Temple, Stepping on the Shattered Green Clouds and headed straight for Daze County!
"Well done!" Zhongxuan Sheng silently cheered in his heart.
In his view, there was absolutely no risk in this journey. Whether Liu Xiao killed Tian Anping or not, his loyalty to the Liu of Fufeng Family was beyond doubt. If the Son of Heaven sends someone to arrest him and he dares to resist, he would be risking the safety of his entire Fufeng Liu Family.
In the face of potential life-and-death crises, it’s hard not to hesitate. As the leading figure of today’s ceremony, Jiang Wang’s performance at this moment truly showcased his bravery and loyalty, remarkably notable.
And for Jiang Wang himself, in fact he only asked himself one question—
If Emperor Qi personally gives an order, do I have any possibility of refusal?
The answer was clear. Without any hesitation, he accepted the command and left.
As for weighing the pros and cons, there was plenty of time to ponder on the way.
As Jiang Wang soared through the shattered Qingyun and departed, Emperor Qi, sitting on the Dragon Throne, finally spoke in a measured tone: "Marquis of Huai and Marquis of Gaochang, rise."
Liu Yingqi sought death from the Son of Heaven, but the Son of Heaven avoided the subject and only ordered the arrest of Liu Xiao, which in itself was a statement.
First and foremost, the punishment for Liu Xiao would depend on the final outcome, on whether Tian Anping was dead or not.
Secondly, sending Jiang Wang was precisely to make it clear to Liu Yingqi and Tian Xili.
Speaking of the favored ones, Qi Country had many. Right there was the number one in the world, who returned victorious from the battles with the top talents of various countries at Guanhe Platform.
So, don’t think it’s something incredible to lose one with Divine Skills, nor think that having a Tian Anping in the family really adds much weight.
Weigh it carefully yourself!
"Your subject, thanks Heaven’s grace!" Having escaped a disaster, Tian Xili hurriedly knelt and rose to his feet.
And although Liu Yingqi’s face was still streaked with tears, his intentionally unprotected forehead had been bruised and bloodied, he could not remain kneeling.
He choked up and said: "Your subject, thanks for your grace!"
The punishment of the Son of Heaven cannot be refused.
The grace of the Son of Heaven cannot be refused!
Both nobles stood one after the other on the high platform, while the rest of the ministers and nobles kept their distance as if avoiding a plague.
The voice of Emperor Qi resounded again: "Ritual officer, what should be the punishment for the disgraceful behavior before the court?"
The officer in charge of the hall bowed respectfully and said: "To report to Your Majesty, there are several possible punishments: if the Son of Heaven does not forgive, the guilty could be flogged, demoted and stripped of their titles, or even put to death!"
Emperor Qi said: "Marquis of Gaochang, Marquis of Huai, your ancestors have made meritorious deeds for the country, and I often think of it. Although there was a breach of decorum today, I shall forgive your death. But the crime must be punished; you are to receive fifty lashes as a warning to others!"
The Son of Heaven looked at Cao Jie: "General Cao, if you please."
Cao Jie proceeded with proper etiquette and said: "As commanded by Your Majesty!" fгeewebnovёl.com
He then directly motioned to Tian Xili and Liu Yingqi: "Please."
The Son of Heaven’s questions followed protocol.
He mentioned "disgraceful behavior before the court," not the "improper conduct at a grand ceremony and in front of The Imperial Ancestral Temple" as Liu Yingqi had begged for death over.
Because a disgrace in The Imperial Ancestral Temple means offending the preceding emperors.
And legally speaking, the Son of Heaven cannot forgive offences on behalf of the preceding emperors!
The Son of Heaven intended to punish Liu Yingqi and Tian Xili, but not to the extent of killing them, hence the question was phrased so.
Clearly, the ritual officer understood the Emperor’s will.
Without a word, Tian Xili walked down from the high platform, to the center of the square. He removed his outer garments and inner shirt, and stripped his upper body bare in front of all the officials and onlooking populace, before kneeling down.
This was undoubtedly a profound humiliation.
Considering his status, yet he had to undress and receive punishment in front of so many whose rank was far below his own.
But perhaps this was already the best possible outcome, so he silently accepted it, as precedent had established.
Liu Yingqi followed suit, though he wore an even grimmer expression.
Cao Jie walked briskly down from the platform, extending his hand.
Someone naturally presented him with a wetted whip.
This whip was for punishment, soaked with sting water.
When wielded according to the law, and when touched, the water felt as sharp as needle pricks.
He raised his hand and the whip cracked three times in the air, signifying that both heaven and earth bore witness, and the divine beasts too.
Then the first lash fell—
Crack!
Tian Xili, with his Godly Cultivation, and Liu Yingqi, at the summit of the Outer Building’s cultivation, both were struck to the ground by this lash; their faces twisted in extreme pain, yet they did not cry out.
Clenching their teeth, they supported themselves on the ground to raise their bodies.
In front of the solemn Imperial Ancestral Temple, on the vast square, only the sound of successive lashes echoed.
And the two exalted noblemen kept falling, continuously struggling to rise again.
This pair of sworn enemies, in such a situation, finally reached a sad agreement.
