The jade ruyi was an inescapable trap Shen Xihe had set for Female Historian Sun.
The shattered object was not the genuine imperial gift. Knowing Female Historian Sun’s cautious nature, Shen Xihe deliberately made her kneel all night to exhaust her, leaving her with little energy to scheme.
The marking she saw was intentionally revealed by Shen Xihe, who broke it in front of her. If she did nothing, she would be charged with damaging an imperial gift and disrespecting the emperor’s authority—punishable by flogging or execution, depending on the Youning Emperor’s discretion.
If she reacted, no matter how, she would be accused of evading punishment and disrespecting Shen Xihe by flaunting her status as a Female Historian appointed by His Majesty.
In truth, the wisest course for Female Historian Sun would have been to endure the false accusation. Though the evidence seemed compelling, everyone knew Shen Xihe would never entrust an imperial gift to those recently sent by the emperor. Considering their unjust treatment, the Youning Emperor would have shown leniency.
But in her exhaustion, she made the worst possible move and was charged with disrespecting Shen Xihe under the emperor’s authority.
This was a direct slap to the Youning Emperor’s face—precisely the outcome Shen Xihe desired.
"Your Majesty, in the northwest, Zhaoning was cherished like a treasure by Father. He is loyal to Your Majesty and told me not to fear upon arriving in the capital. Even with no kin around, Your Majesty would treat me as your own daughter. I took those words to heart."
Shen Xihe spoke with barely concealed humiliation in her eyes: "But I cannot believe that the palace maids serving the princesses would treat me this way."
The ministers bowed their heads, sensing they were being used. This noble lady had likely timed her appeal to the emperor to make them witnesses to His Majesty’s embarrassment.
"It is my oversight," the Youning Emperor could only reply. Though he was the one wronged, he had to humble himself and soothe the girl, dissolving the awkwardness with an indulgent tone. "I misjudged these individuals and allowed Zhaoning to suffer."
"How will Your Majesty make it up to Zhaoning?" Shen Xihe asked, widening her eyes expectantly.
Very well. Since you adopt a paternal tone to show your magnanimity, I will play along as the ignorant junior.
Having started this charade, the emperor had to maintain it. He could not suddenly turn hostile. The Youning Emperor laughed heartily, "What does Zhaoning desire?"
"May I ask for anything?" Shen Xihe feigned slyness.
"Anything within reason and not harming the state, I grant you," the emperor declared generously.
Shen Xihe’s gaze shifted sharply toward Female Historian Sun: "I want every off-duty palace maid and eunuch to witness her public execution by flogging!"
The quiet ministers gasped in unison.
Female Historian Sun turned deathly pale, while Female Historian Qian kneeling beside her trembled violently.
"This..." The Youning Emperor had not anticipated such a request.
This move would undoubtedly intimidate the entire palace with lasting effect.
"Your Majesty promised Zhaoning earlier," Shen Xihe retorted sulkily. "You sent these two Female Historians to serve me because others repeatedly disrespected me. Yet they, the servants, bullied their mistress! Without severe punishment, who will ever respect me?"
"A heavy punishment is warranted, but to make the entire palace watch...""Your Majesty." Shen Xihe directly cut off the Youning Emperor with visible irritation. Since she was now playing the role of a spoiled junior, and His Majesty wished to act the part of a benevolent and indulgent elder, she would gladly oblige him. "Zhaoning has faced multiple life-threatening situations, all of which are connected to individuals within the palace. Previously, Bian Dajia nearly cost Zhaoning her life.
Zhaoning has been frail since childhood, yet she managed to grow up safely in the desolate, wind-swept lands of the Northwest. Now that she has come to the capital—said to be under the divine protection of the Son of Heaven, a place blessed with spiritual energy and most conducive to nurturing life—she has nearly failed to survive even a single season here..."
Her expression turning cold, Shen Xihe continued, "If no severe example is made, Zhaoning dare not remain long in the capital. Father is growing older, and Zhaoning wishes to care for him in his old age and accompany him through his twilight years."
All these words boiled down to two choices: either comply with her demands, or she would immediately return to the Northwest.
This wasn't a case of Shen Yueshan being unwilling to send her to the capital—it was that the capital proved too perilous and unjust, making it impossible for her to stay! Cornered by his own negligence, the Youning Emperor had no choice but to concede step by step, gaining firsthand experience of Shen Xihe's shrewdness.
"Your Majesty, the Female Historian Sun, relying on Your Majesty's authority, dared to bully the princess." Such a wicked servant must be executed by caning to uphold court discipline." At this moment, Grand Secretary Xue Heng stepped forward. "I have long heard that many senior servants in the palace are fond of flaunting their seniority and abusing borrowed authority, lacking proper respect for etiquette. The princess's method would indeed help rectify this misconduct."
With Wang Zheng still removed from office and the Chancellery temporarily overseen by a Vice Minister, the acting Vice Minister Yang remained silent as a mouse, not daring to challenge Xue Heng.
Following Xue Heng's lead, several other ministers voiced their support.
The Youning Emperor then declared, "So be it. Sanzhi, you shall personally oversee this matter."
Liu Sanzhi was the Youning Emperor's personal Eunuch, the Director of the Palace Service Department, holding a rank of 3b. He was the emperor's most trusted aide, feared by all eunuchs and palace maids. His name "Sanzhi" (Three Fingers) was personally bestowed by the Youning Emperor after his accession, commemorating the two fingers he had lost defending the emperor, leaving him with only three on one hand.
The name "Sanzhi" served not as a reminder of his disability, but to ensure everyone knew of Liu Sanzhi's life-saving loyalty to the Youning Emperor.
"Acknowledged." Liu Sanzhi accepted the order and withdrew. With a single command, he summoned all palace maids to the spacious courtyard before the hall. Excluding those on duty, their numbers still reached several thousand.
In moments, the plaza capable of holding ten thousand people was filled, with rows upon rows standing stiffly at attention, creating an imposing spectacle.
Shen Xihe, accompanied by Hongyu and Moyu, went to observe. The Female Historian Sun, gagged, wept continuously.
Holding a horsetail whisk and standing ramrod straight, Liu Sanzhi paced slowly from one end to the other, speaking in measured tones: "We are all servants. As servants, we must be loyal and know our masters. Throughout this palace, masters are everywhere. Do not delude yourselves into thinking you can rely on borrowed power and disregard other masters. Servants who fail to respect their masters have no place here. By His Majesty's decree, you shall open your eyes wide and witness the fate of those who bully their masters!"
With Liu Sanzhi's command, heavy thuds resounded as each blow landed squarely. Soon, the Female Historian Sun's back was soaked with seeping blood, causing many palace staff to avert their eyes.
"Every one of you shall keep your eyes wide open and watch closely! Anyone who fails to look properly will share the same fate," Liu Sanzhi barked loudly.
The palace staff shuddered in unison, some of the more timid trembling and weeping as they forced themselves to watch.
Under the gaze of thousands of pairs of eyes, the Female Historian Sun was caned to death.Shen Xihe stood to the side, not even blinking from start to finish.
After the execution by beating was completed, all the palace maids and eunuchs passed by Shen Xihe, not daring to even breathe heavily.
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