Emperor An eyed the situation with a predatory gaze, while Xiao Yan harbored ulterior motives. Lu Chongyuan was so furious he could hardly breathe, but he didn’t dare respond to the curses predicting the fall of the empire. In the end, the unfortunate Censor He still faced the deceptively light yet extremely cruel punishment.
Lu Chongyuan's face turned livid with rage, but he remained silent. Seeing this, Emperor An felt his earlier fatigue vanish, his mood visibly improving. He spoke with a facade of generosity, "Take him away. Administer the punishment after he regains consciousness."
“His Majesty is merciful,” Xiao Yan commented, earning a look of approval from the emperor. As He Zongran was dragged away, Xiao Yan lowered his eyes towards Song Hong in the hall.
Song Hong’s face turned pale instantly, and before Xiao Yan could speak, he dropped to his knees. "Your humble servant is guilty. I should not have sent my elderly mother to Jiyun Alley to avoid distress over family disputes, nor should I have lost my temper and accidentally injured Tang Ning, bringing household matters to disturb the court."
“Your servant is at fault. I beg Your Majesty for punishment.”
Xiao Yan scoffed, watching Song Hong. Although he admitted guilt quickly, he completely deflected responsibility. Turning to Emperor An, Xiao Yan said:
“Your Majesty, Song family matters have little to do with Minister Song himself. He did not intrude into Jiyun Alley, nor did he nearly cause Lady Song’s death. At most, his crime is negligence. However, Lady Song's elderly mother and *Clerk Song are another story. One, abusing her title, another scheming against his own sister—if such people are allowed to remain in the court, it will surely cast doubt on Your Majesty’s wise governance.”
The emperor’s expression grew colder. He was already displeased with the Song family, unhappy with their alliance with the Lu family. Today’s morning court session, where the Lu family colluded with members of the Censorate to attack Xiao Yan, even attempting to pressure him as emperor, only fueled his disdain, all because of the Song family's disgraceful matters.
“If she misuses her seniority, then strip her of her title.”
“Your Majesty!” Song Hong’s eyes were wide with shock.
Emperor An continued coldly, “Your father, Duke Song, has been dead for many years. Your mother’s title was a special favor, but instead of gratitude, she created a commotion in Jiyun Alley, causing an uproar in court and across the capital. I hereby revoke her title of Madam of the Nation. In consideration of her old age, she may retain the lesser title of Lady and reflect on her mistakes at home. If she errs again, I will not show mercy.”
“As for the younger Song, at such a young age he has proven to be ruthless, incapable of discerning good from evil, and has failed to maintain peace within his household. He will be removed from his position as Clerk and sent back to the Hanlin Academy to cultivate his character before returning to office. As for Song Hong, for failing to manage his household, his salary will be docked for three months as a warning to others.”
Song Hong, kneeling with a deathly pale face and on the verge of fainting, was unable to stand.
Xiao Yan then spoke, “Minister Song, aren’t you going to thank His Majesty for his grace?”
Song Hong, choking on his own bitterness, looked up at the emperor’s cold gaze, feeling a chill run through his body as he kowtowed to the ground.
“Your servant, Song Hong, thanks Your Majesty for his great mercy.”
With the morning court session over, what had begun as a political game between two factions ended with Xiao Yan emerging unscathed. On the other hand, Lu Chongyuan not only lost a trusted Censorate ally but also suffered a humiliating defeat in his confrontation with the emperor. The Song family fared even worse: losing the Madam of the Nation title for the old matriarch and sacrificing the promising future of Song Jinxiu.
As they left the main hall, Song Hong, pale and despondent, watched Xiao Yan exit with leisurely strides. "Director Xiao, you play a ruthless game," Song Hong said through clenched teeth.
"You flatter me," Xiao Yan replied coolly, his eyes indifferent. "If you hadn’t set your sights on a mere girl, I wouldn’t have had any means to act."
Song Hong’s throat filled with the taste of blood in his rage. "You may protect her, but don’t forget that Song Tangning is still a Song. Even with your protection, she remains part of the Song family..."
“So what? If she wishes, she can take the surname Xiao.”
“You—!” Song Hong’s fury erupted, but Lu Chongyuan held him back. "Xiao Yan, must you be so aggressive? In the court, we see each other often. Meddling in the private affairs of others goes too far. I once thought too highly of you."
Xiao Yan chuckled lightly. "I’ve never thought highly of you, Lord Lu. Instead of engaging in this argument, perhaps you should consider how long He Zongran’s pride will last when he’s whipped in front of the court."
The sun shone brightly, its rays falling over Xiao Yan's shoulders as he turned to glance at He Zongran, who had just regained consciousness, his face twisted in hatred.
“Oh? Censor He is awake. Perfect timing. Let’s begin the punishment while Lord Lu is still here.”
A group of palace attendants dragged He Zongran to the base of the steps, pressing him onto a platform as they brought out the punishment rods. He Zongran, writhing in agony, screamed, "Xiao Yan, you castrated dog! You torment me today, but you will not die a good death, I swear—"
A sharp scream tore through the air as a rod struck his mouth, leaving He Zongran's mouth full of blood.
“Be careful not to damage Minister He’s mouth. He’ll need it to recite the Confucian classics tomorrow. Focus on his legs—kneeling won’t hinder his punishment,” Xiao Yan said, his expression impassive.
Lu’s faction watched in horror as the palace attendants followed orders, their faces contorting as they saw He Zongran being beaten viciously. The thick rods, each three feet long, struck with such force that the sound of breaking bones was unmistakable. He Zongran, who had boasted loudly moments earlier, now lay crumpled on the ground, coughing up blood, his screams chilling those gathered in the hall.
As Xiao Yan’s eyes swept across the crowd, no one, not even Song Hong, dared to meet his gaze.
“Minister He is truly loyal. Lord Lu, make sure you have someone carry him out of the palace and have your famed physician take a look at him. If he fails to appear in court tomorrow morning, that would be defying an imperial order—a crime worthy of house arrest. I wouldn’t want to lead a raid on Minister He’s residence.”
"It's hard to find someone these days who's both tough and foolish."
Xiao Yan's calm voice ignited a wave of anger. His robes billowed lightly as he turned and left, leaving Lu Chongyuan and the others standing before the hall, their faces alternating between pale and livid, clenching their teeth in rage.
After Xiao Yan left, the men began hurling insults at him, calling him a "eunuch dog" and a "sycophant," cursing him with every vile word they could muster. Yet, even in their fury, they lowered their voices, terrified that someone might overhear.
Cao Dejiang's face twisted in disgust, and the officials of humble origins following behind him shared the same disdain. They had witnessed how these people impeached Xiao Yan in the court earlier, only to shove He Zongran forward as a scapegoat once things got heated. It was clear that everyone was avoiding responsibility.
Though Cao Dejiang and the others found Xiao Yan's actions brash and overbearing, the members of Lu’s faction were truly disgraceful, making anyone watching want to spit in contempt.
"Cao Gong, Xiao Yan was relentless today, and His Majesty continues to indulge him. It seems His Majesty's patience with the aristocratic families has reached its limit," whispered Marquis Wenxin.
Cao Dejiang's expression darkened slightly. "What Xiao Yan is doing may not be a bad thing."
For years, their faction of morally upright scholars had been suppressed by the aristocratic families, leaving little opportunity for scholars of humble origins to rise. If the power of the aristocrats could truly be curbed, it would benefit the court and the entire country.
Marquis Wenxin hesitated, then asked, "What about the Song family?"
"The Song family has cozied up to the powerful and curries favor with the aristocrats, completely lacking the integrity that Song Guogong once had. Xiao Yan is someone who never lets a grudge go, and I suspect there’s more to this Song family situation."
After speaking quietly, Cao Dejiang turned to Marquis Wenxin. "I recall your wife is close with Princess Cheng. Why not have her visit the Cheng residence and inquire?"
Marquis Wenxin paused for a moment, then nodded. "I'll ask her when I return."
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T/N: I wouldnt want to be Xiao Yan’s enemy lol
*Song Jinxiu (Tangning’s older brother) holds a position of Clerk in the imperial court
You can read ahead to chapterr 100 here
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