CWTGD Chapter 461 - Song Jinxiu is collaborating with the enemy in Beiling. Capture him on sight, regardless of life or death.
The news of Lu Chongyuan’s death in the imperial prison only spread during the morning court session the following day.
Cao Dejiang and Qian Baokun, clutching their ceremonial tablets, felt a sense of “as expected.” Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Liang and others who had once advanced and retreated alongside the Lu family remained unexpectedly silent regarding Emperor An’s unusual decision to execute Lu Chongyuan without trial, without even involving the Court of Judicial Review or the Ministry of Justice.
No one cried injustice on Lu Chongyuan’s behalf, nor did anyone question the abruptness of Emperor An’s decree of death.
The once-prominent head of the Lu family, a powerful figure in the upper echelons of the Three Departments, died without a sound. Even those from the Lu family who were sent to the death row awaiting punishment were ignored by all.
Compared to Lu Chongyuan’s death, the news that Song Jinshu, the legitimate son of the former Duke of Song’s household, had robbed and freed exiled criminals, colluded with the deposed Empress Lu, incited disputes among the princes, and then fled the capital after the Lu family’s collapse, only to be rescued by Northern Ling spies during the Privy Council’s pursuit, was far more shocking.
Upon hearing of Song Jinshu’s collusion with Northern Ling, Emperor An was furious during the court session and ordered the Ministry of Justice to issue a nationwide warrant for the arrest of Song Jinshu and Song Hong, among other rebels, to be captured on sight, dead or alive.
After the morning court session, as Xiao Yan headed to the imperial study to meet Emperor An, he passed by Feng Lai.
“Governor Xiao.”
“Eunuch Feng.”
After exchanging greetings, Xiao Yan casually asked, “I noticed His Majesty didn’t look well during the morning court. Is the dragon’s health unwell?”
Eunuch Feng, holding his whisk, replied, “The imperial physician came to check His Majesty’s pulse earlier and mentioned nothing of concern. It’s likely because His Majesty slept late last night and is feeling fatigued.”
Xiao Yan’s lips curved slightly. “I heard that since last night, the people from the Twelve Eunuchs have been so busy they haven’t had a moment’s rest. This morning, as I entered the palace, someone even stopped me to ask for help, saying they needed musicians and extra hands. I’m swamped with the Lu family’s matters, where would I find the time for that?”
Eunuch Feng’s heart suddenly eased, and a smile appeared on his face.
“They’re at their wits’ end. With only a couple of days left, Consort Yu and Noble Consort Zhao are pressing them hard.”
“When you were in the palace, Governor Xiao, you oversaw the Twelve Eunuchs. No one knows the palace affairs better than you. They’re just overwhelmed and desperate, so naturally, they come to you for help. If they mess up, they’ll face the consequences when their superiors hold them accountable.”
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. “Even so, they shouldn’t be bothering me. The palace staff exists to ease their masters’ burdens. If I have to do everything, what are they even here for?”
His expression turned cold with a hint of impatience. Seeing the door to the imperial study open and the imperial physician who had been checking the Emperor’s pulse emerge, Xiao Yan waved his hand. “Enough. I have matters to report to His Majesty. I’ll head in now.”
The physician who came out was Doctor Wang. Upon seeing Xiao Yan, he stepped aside and bowed.
Xiao Yan merely nodded and entered the imperial study without delay. The two showed no trace of urgency. Meanwhile, Eunuch Feng exchanged a few casual words with Doctor Wang before seeing him off. When he returned to the tea room set up in the side hall nearby, his face was full of smiles as he instructed the staff inside.
“Little Anzi, His Majesty hasn’t eaten since leaving court. Prepare some tea and snacks. I’ll bring them in.”
The young eunuch inside responded with a smile, “What’s got you in such a good mood, Eunuch? You seem delighted.”
This imperial attendant was known for his reserved nature and rarely showed such cheer.
Eunuch Feng smiled. “What good news could there be? Doctor Wang came to check His Majesty’s pulse earlier and said the dragon’s health is robust. As servants, we’re naturally delighted when our master is well.”
After Emperor An grew suspicious of him last night, Eunuch Feng had been on edge, worried that Xiao Yan hadn’t received the message he sent or, if he had, hadn’t understood its meaning. But hearing Xiao Yan bring up the Twelve Eunuchs and mention the Lu family just now, Feng knew that Xiao Yan had everything arranged.
That man was far too cunning to let himself fall. If Xiao Yan wanted to protect himself, he would first ensure Feng and Jiang Ji’s safety. With his worries eased, Eunuch Feng’s face naturally showed his relief.
“Stop chattering and prepare the items. His Majesty must be hungry.”
…
When Xiao Yan met Emperor An, he performed the usual courtesies. After rising, he addressed the Emperor, “As per Your Majesty’s decree, I had Lu Chongyuan executed last night. However, I am unsure how to handle the rest of the Lu family.”
Emperor An, reclining on the dragon throne, said, “Traitors, naturally, should have their nine clans exterminated.”
Xiao Yan replied, “Killing the Lu family is simple, they deserve their punishment. However, Lu Jiu’an has not yet been apprehended.”
“The Lu family’s treason has already been proclaimed to the world, and the matters involving the deposed Empress and Prince Cheng are enough to make the Lu family despised by all. But the evidence of Lu Jiu’an’s collusion with Prince Pingshan is not yet solid, and their stockpiling of grain and horses could be explained away with other excuses. Moreover, after the Lu family’s downfall, Lu Jiu’an is unlikely to remain quietly at Prince Pingshan’s mansion.”
His brows furrowed slightly, his expression showing hesitation.
“Lu Chongyuan was always cunning. Sending Lu Jiu’an south must mean he placed great hopes in him. Over the years, Lu Jiu’an has kept a low profile, likely the Lu family’s most deeply hidden card. He may even control some of the Lu family’s covert forces.”
“If the entire Lu clan is executed, Lu Jiu’an could go into hiding and plot a comeback, potentially leaving future troubles.”
Emperor An looked up at him. “Are you suggesting we keep the Lu family alive as bait?”
Xiao Yan shook his head. “The Lu family’s treason is known to all. Lu Jiu’an isn’t foolish enough to return to the capital and walk into a trap. Moreover, the Lu family deceived Your Majesty and tampered with the imperial bloodline. If they aren’t severely punished, it could undermine Your Majesty’s authority and embolden others to act recklessly.”
“My suggestion is to exterminate three generations of Lu Chongyuan’s direct line to eradicate the root of the treason. However, the distant relatives and collateral branches could be shown leniency, confiscate their property and exile them to barren lands. Additionally, for the women of the Lu clan who married into other families, their husbands and descendants should not be held accountable.”
Emperor An’s brows instantly knitted together. He harbored a deep hatred for the Lu family and had no intention of leaving any chance for their resurgence. To him, since Lu Chongyuan had already been dealt with, the entire Lu family should be eradicated without mercy.
Xiao Yan, noting the Emperor’s expression, spoke calmly, “I understand the Lu family’s crimes are heinous, but they did once serve Your Majesty loyally. Before Your Majesty ascended the throne, you had frequent dealings with them. If you exterminate them entirely, it might earn you a reputation for being cold and ungrateful.”
“Moreover, the Lu clan is a prestigious family with marriage ties across the court. Many officials across the land are connected to them through marriage, some even tracing back three generations with great-grandchildren by now. If you execute all nine clans, it could destabilize the court and push those connected to the Lu family toward Lu Jiu’an’s side.”
“Conversely, if you spare those distant relatives and collateral branches, allowing them to be exiled to barren lands and granting their descendants freedom from punishment after three generations, it would give them hope.”
“This way, the world will praise Your Majesty’s benevolence and regard for past loyalties, while those spared will become a shackle around Lu Jiu’an’s neck. If he tries to rebel, the world will condemn him as a disloyal traitor.”
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