***The Imperial Residence***
(Taihe Hall)
The grand Taihe Hall stood resplendent, dragon-carved pillars soaring skyward, upholding its majestic presence.
At its center, the Emperor sat enthroned, flanked steadfastly by imperial guards and eunuchs. Court officials stood in meticulously ranked rows: chancellors foremost, followed by other civil officials to the left. On the Emperor's right stood military courtiers—war generals and top brass.
The air was thick with tension as a complex case unfolded.
Right Chancellor Shu stepped forward, holding his Hu with both hands. After bowing respectfully, he began without delay:
"Your Majesty, General Weiyun of the Weiyun army stands accused of three capital crimes. First, cutting off imperial taxes from the people of Fanyue, Nan, and Luan. Secondly, abusing his military power by coveting these taxes for his personal gain, leaving the people to suffer. Thirdly, falsely accusing the Ministry of Revenue of embezzlement and cheating in revenue distribution.
"The consequences are grave: the people of Fanyue, Nan, and Luan are denied imperial monthly revenue as their taxes remain unpaid and unregistered. They suffer under military abuse by the General. And the Ministry of Revenue's reputation lies in ruins following false accusations."
With that, the Right Chancellor handed over the written report and evidence to the eunuch in waiting, who bowed low and shuffled forward to present it to the Emperor before returning to his place.
The Emperor scanned the report, sighing deeply in disappointment.
"General Weiyun," he called, "how do you plead?"
General Weiyun stepped forward, extending his Hu with both hands, then bowed deeply before speaking.
"Your Majesty… regarding the first accusation of cutting off imperial taxes from Fanyue, Nan, and Luan, I plead guilty."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the hall, but he paid them no mind. He was convinced of his righteousness and ready to prove it.
"For the second accusation—abusing military power and pocketing taxes—I plead not guilty. The people of Fanyue, Nan, and Luan barely have enough to survive. It makes no sense for me to covet their taxes. I halted their payments because, despite the large sums they sent monthly, they received paltry returns as allocated revenue.
"As for the third accusation—charging the Ministry of Revenue with embezzlement and cheating—I plead guilty." He bowed once more.
"Minister Zhang?" the Emperor called to the Minister overseeing Great Qan's revenue and income.
"Your Majesty," the minister stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"You stand accused of misappropriating imperial funds and shortchanging the people of Fanyue, Nan, and Luan. How do you respond?"
"Please, Your Majesty…" the minister immediately fell into a kowtow. "Do not heed the lies of General Weiyun. The Ministry of Revenue has always been upright. Our records—of tax receipt, management, allocation, and economic oversight—are immaculate. I have served over a decade. Please protect my reputation and serve justice Your Majesty."
From his sleeve, he produced a journal detailing every transaction involving Fanyue, Nan, and Luan over the past three years.
The eunuch again approached, took the book, and with bowed head, handed it to the Emperor before returning to position.
Minister Zhang had prepared thoroughly. He knew challenging General Weiyun would be arduous. The General was the only man in Great Qan bold enough to stand against Emperor Murong. Their feud dated back six years, to the Emperor's decision to strip him of the Crown Prince title in favor of his younger brother. Witnesses recalled the fury in his eyes that day—right here, in this very hall.
Since then, he devoted himself to the military, defending borders and leading the mighty Weiyun army.
Minister Zhang's confidence bordered on boldness, but he resolved to fight fiercely and hoped to prevail.
"Your Majesty," the Right Chancellor resumed, "the Minister of Revenue has always been upright. Please investigate thoroughly and serve justice."
"General Weiyun?" the Emperor turned back.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the General bowed.
"Do you have evidence supporting your accusations against the Ministry of Revenue?"
"Evidence?" he scoffed. "What purpose does evidence serve in this corrupt court? It's useless!"
"General Weiyun!" the Left Chancellor interjected sharply. "Watch your tongue!"
The General ignored him, continuing defiantly.
"I have witnesses, Your Majesty. That should suffice."
"Nonsense!" the Left Chancellor retorted. "Who knows how many lowly people you have bribed to testify against Minister Zhang?"
"A few lowlies?" General Weiyun fixed him with a cold stare. "You have not even heard my witnesses, yet you brand them lowly? If I didn't know better, Left Chancellor Ming, I would say you are courting personal hostility towards me and you just can't wait to taste my dread. Interrupt me again, and I'll make sure you never speak again!" His threat sent a chill down the Left Chancellor's spine.
Though he lacked acceptance and respect of the people of Great Qan as Prince Murong Tianlei, as General Weiyun he was feared. Not even the Emperor with his divine channels dared cross him. Born immune to the spiritual powers granted to other male members of imperial house Murong, he was a huge threat to his father's rule.
His father abhorred him, as did his brothers and all of Great Qan. Most kept clear of his path, though the Crown Prince occasionally tried to subdue him, he rarely spared an opportunity to put him firmly in his place.
He welcomed this fear, wielding it as protection. Stripping his title was never going to be enough for his enemies—they wanted his life too, he knew. And he would not give it to them.
"The Crown Prince has arrived!" a herald announced…