Chapter 269 Threatening Suicide
Sun Taichang and Meng Xingyuan were close in age, and fifty strokes of the cane could very well have killed him.
Grand Master Sun showed no fear. As he was dragged away by the eunuchs, he continued to shout, "You tyrant! You coward! You speak so grandly, but you're just afraid of losing your throne! You don't even have the guts to suppress bandits, yet you dare to dream of fighting the King of the Northern Frontier. Just wait to die..."
Since we're going to die anyway, we might as well speak our minds freely.
Speak your mind frankly, that's the only way to avoid losing out.
Other ministers wanted to plead for him, but upon hearing his treasonous words, they immediately knelt down again.
The Emperor swept his cold gaze across the room and said sternly, "My dear ministers, why are you not leaving now? Are you going to follow the example of Grand Master Sun?"
The sounds of Grand Master Sun being beaten and his screams could be heard clearly from outside, making the ministers pale and deeply sympathetic.
Grand Secretary Zhang said, “Grand Master Sun and Prime Minister Meng have been colleagues for many years. He was so heartbroken by Prime Minister Meng’s tragic death that he spoke recklessly. Now that we are facing a formidable enemy, the court must unite as one to resist the powerful foe. I humbly request Your Majesty to consider his years of hard work and temporarily quell the Emperor’s wrath, allowing him to atone for his crimes through meritorious service.”
The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face grim, and did not respond.
Outside, Grand Master Sun's voice had weakened.
Grand Secretary Zhang said anxiously, "Grand Master Sun was invited here by me, and I failed to advise him in time, so I am also guilty of oversight. If Your Majesty insists on punishing him severely, I am willing to share the punishment with Grand Master Sun as a warning to others!"
Seeing Grand Secretary Zhang's loyalty and compassion, the other ministers were not to be outdone. They all said in unison, "We are willing to share the punishment with Grand Master Sun as a warning to others!"
The court is in dire need of capable people. As long as they are united, the emperor will not punish all of them, the chief ministers.
Eunuch Chu had long suspected that if the bandit suppression was not handled properly, the court would be in chaos, but he did not expect it to escalate to such an unbearable state so quickly.
Seeing the emperor's face growing increasingly grim, while several ministers continued to kowtow and offer their advice, he quickly advised, "Grand Master Sun has almost finished his fifty strokes of the cane. Why do you gentlemen still invite further suffering? You should withdraw now..."
Before he could finish speaking, the screams outside suddenly stopped, and the young eunuch from before quickly ran in.
"Your Majesty, after receiving thirty-seven strokes, Grand Master Sun has vomited blood and fainted. Shall we continue with the remaining thirteen strokes?"
Upon hearing this, several ministers immediately kowtowed and pleaded, "Your Majesty, please have mercy!"
The emperor frowned and pondered for a long while before waving his hand.
"Since he has fainted, write it down first. When Grand Master Sun wakes up, if he admits his guilt, he will be pardoned; if he remains stubborn, he will still be beaten."
"Your Majesty is wise."
The ministers were filled with apprehension, wondering if Grand Master Sun was still alive. Just as they were about to leave to check on the situation, another young eunuch entered.
"Your Majesty, Lieutenant Chen, the Imperial Physician, and General I request an audience."
Just when the emperor had almost gotten rid of the civil officials, several military officers arrived. The emperor really didn't want to deal with them anymore, so he gave Eunuch Chu a wink.
Eunuch Chu said, "His Majesty is unwell; please have them come another day."
The young eunuch bowed his head and said, "The officials said that this matter concerns the safety of the court. If the emperor does not summon them, they will kneel outside and wait until the emperor is willing to see them."
"How dare you!" The Emperor rubbed his forehead.
"Are they all going to rebel? Since they like kneeling, let them kneel to their heart's content. Why don't you step down? Or do you want to keep them company? Fine, I'll grant your wish. Let's see how long you can keep kneeling!"
Several ministers looked troubled. The emperor was determined not to listen to their advice, and if they continued to speak, they would probably suffer the same fate as Grand Master Sun. However, they were now being held back by several military officers, and they were caught in a dilemma, not knowing what to do.
Just as Eunuch Chu was about to smooth things over, a scream suddenly erupted outside, followed by screams and the sound of running.
Everyone was startled. Before they could react, they saw General Gu carrying the blood-covered Grand Master Sun step by step into the hall.
General Gu stared directly at the Emperor, his steps steady, leaving behind drops of bright red blood wherever he went.
He walked straight past several ministers, stopping a few steps in front of the emperor. He gently placed Grand Master Sun aside and then knelt down straight.
"Your Majesty, Grand Master Sun has died after striking his head against a pillar. I share the same thoughts as Grand Master Sun. These bandits have murdered a high-ranking official and are displaying his head to provoke the court. Suppressing them is of utmost urgency. If Grand Master Sun's death is not enough to persuade Your Majesty to send troops, I am willing to become the second Grand Master Sun!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was in an uproar.
Sun Taichang was so fierce; it seems that being knocked unconscious was an act, so that he could take advantage of the guards' inattention and die by running into a pillar.
General Gu's words were powerful and resounding, each word carrying immense weight. Those who heard them were filled with fervor, sharing in the joy and sorrow of the moment.
The Emperor was furious. If anyone else had defied him like this, he would have killed them on the spot. But General Gu Yan's situation was somewhat special.
This man's father, grandfather, and two elder brothers all died on the battlefield, making him a family of loyal martyrs. Gu Yan was raised by his grandmother from a young age and is the last remaining bloodline of the Gu family.
Moreover, he had practiced martial arts since childhood and was quite agile. Although he might not be a match for the King of the Northern Frontier, he was currently the Emperor's most promising young military general.
The loss of their strongest general forced the descendants of a military family to their deaths.
Both of these consequences are very serious.
The Emperor looked at Gu Yan with a livid face. He never expected that the death of Meng Xingyuan would not only fail to bring him any benefit, but would instead bring him such great trouble.
It seems that the only way to quell this matter is to agree to send troops to suppress the bandits. Otherwise, before the King of the Northern Frontier even arrives, his court officials will already be thrown into disarray.
Although the emperor thought so, agreeing at this moment would seem like he was forced by his ministers to make this choice, which would damage his reputation.
Fortunately, Eunuch Chu was perceptive and, seeing the Emperor glaring at Gu Yan but not reprimanding him, guessed his thoughts.
He strode forward and said gently to Gu Yan, "His Majesty has not said that he is unwilling to send troops. It is just that Grand Master Sun has been pressing him step by step, which has angered His Majesty. Sending troops to suppress bandits is no small matter. His Majesty will issue an order after careful consideration. General Gu, please go back and wait for news."
Seeing that the Emperor did not object, Gu Yan respectfully said, "Your subject awaits good news."
Everyone knew that Eunuch Chu was the Emperor's confidant. The Emperor's silence on what he said in front of him was tantamount to acquiescence. Having achieved his goal, staying here would only be an eyesore to the Emperor. After Gu Yan finished speaking, he got up and left.
Upon seeing this, the other ministers all took their leave.
Eunuch Chu arranged for people to carry away Grand Master Sun's body, leaving only the Emperor, Eunuch Chu, and a pool of blood in the corner of the hall.
"Eunuch Chu, grind the ink. I need to draft an imperial edict." The Emperor spoke with great emphasis, his eyes flashing with disgust, and his lips curling into a murderous intent.
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