Xie Zhongren was taken to the Taiji Hall. He was wearing prison clothes, his gray and white hair was messy, his cheeks were deeply sunken, his back was hunched, and his steps were very slow. He looked very old and frail. I guess his life in prison was not easy.

Yan Sikong stared at Xie Zhongren intently, but the image that flashed through his mind was him wearing gorgeous clothes and being surrounded by people wherever he went. This scoundrel used to be so glorious, so arrogant, so powerful, and could do whatever he wanted. But now he looked like a wolf, just like a local dog that everyone wanted to beat.

You have come to this day too.

When Xie Zhongren saw Yan Sikong kneeling on the ground in a red robe and with shackles on, he was stunned. His pair of gray eyes rolled around under his loose eyelids, and he immediately guessed what was going on. His body couldn't help but tremble.

The sound of the officials whispering was like countless mosquitoes flying in the sky above the Taiji Palace, giving people a headache.

Meng Duo said loudly: "Your Majesty, the guilty minister Xie Zhongren has been brought here. You should order Yan Sikong to present the memorial to you, or read it directly."

Cai Zhongfan also stood up and said, "I think that Prince Consort Yan should read it out."

Zhu Lanting also said, "I second the proposal."

Emperor Zhaowu nodded, now somewhat at a loss.

Yan Sikong's hands were stuck in the shackles, which was very inconvenient, but he still took great pains to unfold the memorial. Before he opened his mouth, he glanced at Xie Zhongren.

The two of them looked at each other from a distance. The cold hatred and murderous aura in Yan Sikong's eyes made Xie Zhongren feel cold all over.

Yan Sikong turned his gaze back and read aloud with a solemn aura: "I, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Yan Sikong, hereby report that I am deeply grateful for the grace of heaven, but I am always ashamed to share the blame with the treacherous officials. I cannot deny my guilt. Now I am taking the blame and making remonstrances, sacrificing my life to repay the emperor. I beg for the emperor's wise judgment to eliminate the evil thieves and purify the country. Now there are foreign barbarians Zhuoletai approaching the border, and there are treacherous officials Xie Zhongren who are misleading the country, leading to a crisis of national destiny. Only the internal thieves cannot be removed, and the external thieves can be removed, so I list Xie Zhongren's 18 major crimes! The first crime is that he abuses his power and governs the country..."

Xie Zhongren huddled aside, looking at Yan Sikong tremblingly, not knowing whether he was angry or afraid.

Yan Sikong read out Xie Zhongren's crimes in a dignified manner, each of which was well-reasoned and well-reasoned. The civil and military officials in the court could match several of them just based on what he had heard, seen, and experienced personally. It could be said that all the people and events were included, and it was outrageous to hear.

The more Emperor Zhaowu listened, the uglier his face became. Sweat broke out on his forehead. Yu Ji took out a piece of silk to wipe it for him, but he snatched it away, lifted up the jade tassel, and wiped it tremblingly.

The memorial was read out for nearly an hour. When he read about the accusation against Guangning garrison commander Yuan Mao, his voice trembled unconsciously. He felt an indescribable pain that almost burst out of his chest, but he suppressed it. He knew that the incident happened a long time ago and was difficult to verify, so it could not be a fatal blow. After impeaching Xie Zhongren, he picked out his main cronies one by one and "punished" them, including several shameful things that Yan Sikong himself had participated in, which were also mercilessly listed on paper. Because he was the one who revealed it himself, he had a lot of evidence in his hands, which made it more convincing.

When Yan Sikong finished the last sentence "I beg for your holy judgment", his back was already wet, his mind was in a trance, and his legs were shaking violently from kneeling for a long time. Although his lips were pale and his face was ashen, as if he was about to faint, his eyes did not fade, but instead glared at Xie Zhongren even more fiercely.

He still risked everything. If this still couldn't get rid of Xie Zhongren, he would be completely defeated.

At this time, half of the officials in the hall had already knelt down on the ground, trembling.

It took Xie Zhongren a long time to recover. He knelt and crawled to the middle of the hall, crying, "Your Majesty, I am innocent. Yan Sikong is spitting blood on me. This person is a ruthless person who betrays his teacher and ancestors. He cannot be trusted!"

Emperor Zhaowu was stunned for a long time before he said weakly, "Gentlemen, do you have anything to say?"

It was Meng Duo who stood up first and asked loudly, "Xie Zhongren, do you know what a deadly bullet is? This Xiezhi crown and red robe originated in the Han and Tang dynasties and have been passed down to our dynasty. They are of great significance. Who dares to take them lightly? Lord Yan's deadly bullet must have solid evidence. Would he risk his life just to slander you?"

"Nonsense!" Xie Zhongren shuddered, "Yan Sikong is a man who changes his mind according to the situation. When Master Yan was alive, he was more filial to me than his son. After Master Yan died, he fawned on me. Now that I'm in jail, he's trying to add insult to injury. He's sinister and vicious, cunning and deceitful, he...he's the treacherous one!"

Meng Duo said, "Yan Sikong has confessed his crimes, and he cannot escape the blame. The people he impeached should also be tried by the three judicial departments." He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I earnestly request that the evidence presented by Yan Sikong be taken back to the Dali Temple!"

"Your Majesty!" Yang Yuqing, the Minister of War, shouted, "How can you hastily convict Yan Sikong based on his one-sided story? I feel wronged!"

All the eunuchs shouted in unison: "I am innocent."

Yan Sikong's ears were filled with chaotic arguments. The two factions were spitting and accusing each other, and they were almost ready to jump up and fight. His legs were so painful and numb that he could hardly kneel. In order to sort out the evidence and write memorials these days, he couldn't sleep at night and couldn't think of eating. He had never been so weak before.

After reading the impeachment memorial, it was as if a force that had been accumulated for seventeen years was suddenly released. At this moment, he could no longer support himself, his eyes went dark, and he fell to the ground...

——

When Yan Sikong woke up, he found himself in jail as expected.

He confessed all the crimes, and of course he would be imprisoned pending trial. As for Xie Zhongren and the others, he knew that Meng Duo and others would not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that a monarch like Emperor Zhaowu who lacked his own opinions could not defeat those outstanding ministers.

However, he still did not dare to let his guard down. He had thought that the cabinet, in conjunction with the prince who had a large number of troops at his disposal, would be able to completely wipe out the eunuchs' party, but he did not expect the outcome to be so tragic.

He lay on the hard couch that smelled of mold and rot, his mind in a mess. He really wanted to know what the bloody storm he had instigated was like now, but he was already behind bars, and the rest of the matter could only be left to Meng Duo, Zhao Fuyi and others. As for whether he could leave here, the key probably depended on Wan Yang.

He looked at the gray overhead and suddenly laughed at himself.

Finally, he came in. He had done his best. If God had eyes, let evil prevail over good, let the seas be peaceful and the rivers be clear, let him avenge this blood feud!

——

He stayed in prison for two days, and no one paid any attention to him except the person who delivered his meals. On the third day, he met Meng Duo, who wanted to interrogate him.

According to Dasheng law, no matter whether one is innocent or not, one must be caned ten times before being brought to trial.

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly and said, "Master Tingwei, I confess everything. Can I be spared these ten lashes?"

Meng Duo looked at him with a stern face: "As the Minister of Dali Temple, how can I know that the law is illegal? Lord Yan, please bear with it for a while."

Yan Sikong was placed on the torture device. The jailer took out the whip and threw it heavily on the ground. There was a loud bang that made people shudder.

Yan Sikong smiled faintly and said nothing more.

The jailer swung his whip and hit Yan Sikong on the back.

A long dragon of fire suddenly ignited on his back, and the pain penetrated his forehead. He gritted his teeth hard.

The whip hit his back again and again, and the snow-white prison uniform was immediately soaked with blood. After ten lashes, Yan Sikong was sweating coldly and his teeth were chattering. He knew that the jailer had shown mercy, otherwise he would be torn to pieces and might not even be able to stand.

The jailer let Yan Sikong down and made him sit on a chair. His back was in severe pain, so he naturally didn't dare to lean back and could only lean forward awkwardly.

Meng Duo said: "Yan Sikong, you must answer my questions truthfully."

"How is Xie Zhongren?" Yan Sikong asked first.

Meng Duo was stunned for a moment, and the jailer shouted, "How dare you! It is the Lord Tingwei who is interrogating you now, it is not your turn to speak!"

Yan Sikong turned a deaf ear and just stared at Meng Duo.

Meng Duo was silent for a moment, then waved his hand: "All of you go down, I want to interrogate him alone."

"Yes!" Several prison guards left.

Yan Sikong asked, "Master Meng, what happened to the kennel?"

"Your Majesty has ordered the three judicial departments to thoroughly investigate every person and event you mentioned in the impeachment. Xie Zhongren was sentenced today. He should..." Meng Duo took a deep breath, "There is no way he can turn over."

Yan Sikong's eyes became hot and tears rolled down without any defense. If it weren't for the pain in his back that made him extremely awake, he would have almost thought he was dreaming.

Xie Zhongren was tortured and would be severely interrogated. Regardless of whether he could survive in the end, Emperor Zhaowu had completely abandoned him. As Meng Duo said, it was impossible for him to turn things around.

After seventeen years, he finally arrived at this day. Everything he had given was for this day!

Meng Duo looked at Yan Sikong's tears and frowned deeply: "Lord Yan, before General Zhao left, he told us to trust you and help you complete the impeachment. Now we have all got what we wanted and eliminated the traitor for the world and the people. But what you have done over the years really makes Meng confused."

Yan Sikong said calmly, "I have an irreconcilable hatred with that bastard. After the teacher passed away, I lived a life of seclusion and stayed by his side in order to collect evidence of his crimes and wait for an opportunity to take revenge."

"So that's how it is." Meng Duo sighed and cupped his hands. "Lord Yan worked hard and bravely, endured humiliation and borne heavy burdens, and was not afraid of being cursed for this. It is truly admirable."

"I don't deserve it." Yan Sikong laughed mockingly, "I am also a member of the eunuch party. Although I didn't do it out of my own will, I also helped the tyrant to commit atrocities. My crime is unforgivable. I only ask the Lord of the Court to plead for me in front of His Majesty for the sake of my redemption of sins and meritorious service."

"Lord Yan, you are worrying too much. If the crime Lord Yan has accused is true, then it is not punishable by death. Lord Yan is also the son-in-law of the emperor, and General Zhao and Commander Zhu have pleaded for you. His Majesty will certainly give you a lighter sentence." Meng Duo added, "We will also speak well of Lord Yan."

"Thank you, Lord Tingwei."

"Meng is interrogating Lord Yan today mainly to verify the crimes of the eunuch party. Lord Yan should answer truthfully."

"I know everything."

Meng Duo raised his eyebrows slightly: "Since you know everything, why not start with how Lord Yan and Xie Zhongren became enemies."

Yan Sikong was stunned and fell silent.

"Why, Lord Yan, you don't want to say it? Your enmity with him must be one of the charges against him."

Yan Sikong took a deep breath and said, "To be honest, I am originally from Taining."

Meng Duo was shocked: "You are from Liaoning? But you..."

Yan Sikong nodded, "Twenty-one years ago, Han Zhaoxing lost Qingzhou, and His Majesty issued an order to abandon the seven states of Liaobei. My family died of illness and hunger on the way to the south, and my family was broken up." He closed his eyes. He was still young at that time. Now when he recalled it, his heart was as calm as water, but the pain was destined to accompany his nightmares. "I concealed my background, changed my accent, and entered the court as an official because I was afraid of being discovered by the eunuchs."

"You entered the court as an official just for revenge?"

"That's right, but I advise the Minister of Justice not to include this in the case, otherwise the eunuchs will find a handle on me and accuse me of abusing my power for personal gain."

"Don't worry, I understand." Meng Duo looked at Yan Sikong with a bit more sympathy in his eyes.

The two talked for two full hours, and Yan Sikong revealed everything he knew in order to add weight to his impeachment. Together with the evidence that could hardly be pulled up by an ox cart, it would help send the eunuchs' party to the execution ground.

After the interrogation ended that day, Wan Yang also came to visit him in prison in due course - his belly was slightly bulging.

When Yan Sikong saw her, he felt more or less relieved and said with a smile, "Madam is here to see me."

Wan Yang looked at Yan Sikong with a very complicated look in her eyes. She whispered, "I am increasingly unable to understand you."

"Whether you can understand it or not, what does it matter?" Yan Sikong endured the whipping and slowly crawled to the iron railing, "Madam, did you bring medicine?"

Wan Yang took out a bottle of the best abscess medicine from the wooden basket she was carrying. She frowned and looked at Yan Sikong: "Are you... badly injured?"

"Just a minor injury, nothing serious."

Wan Yang pursed his lips, but in the end he said nothing: "This is the soup that Madam made, and some of the dishes you usually like to eat."

"Thank you, ma'am." Yan Sikong was not polite and started eating with the bowl in his hand.

Wan Yang watched Yan Sikong wolfing down his food. She wanted to ask him questions several times, but hesitated. Finally, she turned her head and looked at the jailer beside her: "You, get out."

"Your Highness, when visiting a prisoner, I have to..."

"I am here to visit my husband. Who allowed you, an outsider, to stand here?" Wan Yang glared at him. "Get out!"

"Your Highness..."

"Why, do you not take this princess seriously?" Wan Yang said loudly, "If Meng Duo has any objections, tell him to come to me himself."

"I dare not. I will go down now!" The jailer retreated in panic.

Yan Sikong also put down his bowl and chopsticks, and said solemnly: "Your Highness, the eunuch party is over. Now is the time to settle accounts. It is just right to push all the injustices of the Feng family to Xie Zhongren. If Your Majesty is willing to redress the Feng family, this will be my biggest bargaining chip in the negotiation with Feng Ye. I must get out of here as soon as possible."

Wan Yang whispered, "I know. I will go to the palace to ask my father tomorrow, but I have a question that you must answer truthfully."

"Please go ahead."

"Why are you helping my cousin?"

Yan Sikong said without hesitation: "I am a minister of Dasheng, I am here to quell the internal turmoil and share your worries. What other reasons do I need?"

"I don't believe it!" Wan Yang said sternly, "Don't fool me with these high-sounding words. I have been married to you for three years, and I still don't know who you are? You don't do anything without profit, so who knows what you are planning for yourself."

Yan Sikong smiled and said, "If I can persuade Feng Ye to surrender, it will be a great achievement. Not only can I be absolved of my guilt, but His Majesty will also appreciate me more. Besides..." He said sincerely, "Feng Ye is your cousin. How can I bear to see you suffer like this?"

Wan Yang's heart trembled. She looked at Yan Sikong steadily, her bright eyes flashing, and she was obviously very moved.

Yan Sikong bowed and said, "I'll leave everything to you, Your Highness. General Zhao Fuyi will also recommend me to lead the army to quell the rebellion. Your Majesty is busy with the eunuch party and has no time to care about me. As long as Your Majesty softens his heart, this matter can be accomplished."

Wan Yang nodded: "Leave it to me."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Wan Yang cleared the dishes and said hesitantly, "You... take good care of yourself." Then he lowered his head, picked up the wooden basket, stood up and left.