Xu Qian An returned to the capital with the delegation sent to Beizhou to investigate the case, along with the coffin of the Northern Zhen Prince. When the palace attendants reported the situation to Emperor Jing, he was still leisurely fishing, appearing relaxed and carefree. Seeing this, the palace attendants had no choice but to cautiously guide the ministers into the room. Zheng Xinghuai, the Civil Affairs Commissioner of Chuzhou, meticulously recounted the tragic events behind the “Blood Stained Three Thousand Li.” However, Emperor Jing simply did not believe him. Several ministers jointly impeached the Northern Zhen Prince, presenting evidence that the Northern Zhen Prince of Chuzhou acted solely for personal advancement.
Upon hearing that 380,000 citizens of Chuzhou were slaughtered, the emperor remained indifferent. However, when informed of the Northern Zhen Prince’s death, he dashed out of the room barefoot to see the corpse. Emperor Jing opened the coffin and repeatedly called out to his imperial brother. The ministers exchanged puzzled glances, realizing that Emperor Jing had no intention of passing judgment. Xu Qian An loudly stated the crimes of the Northern Zhen Prince, urging the emperor to provide justice for the innocent people of Chuzhou. Emperor Jing, pointing at Xu Qian An, berated him harshly, warning him not to think he could get away with it. He brandished a sharp blade at Zheng Xinghuai’s neck. Zheng Xinghuai remained unfazed, calmly responding that since his entire family was already dead and he was the only one left, his survival was meaningless. The emperor’s knife fell to the ground as he dismissed everyone.
Xu Qian An went to see Wei Yuan, first apologizing for not reporting to his master sooner. Wei Yuan admitted that he had already suspected the Northern Zhen Prince of causing trouble even before Xu Qian An went to Chuzhou. Emperor Jing had sent him to investigate the case as a routine matter, and the outcome was not important. However, he did not expect Xu Qian An to take the initiative and kill the Northern Zhen Prince. Wei Yuan explained that the Northern Zhen Prince’s divine power was approaching the second rank. His massacre of the townspeople was aimed at gaining more spiritual power to eventually attack the Kui clan. In reality, Xu Qian An could have waited until the Northern Zhen Prince attacked the Kui clan and then reaped the benefits. After hearing Wei Yuan’s analysis, Xu Qian An couldn’t help but question how justice would be served when the Northern Zhen Prince sacrifices himself in the battle against the Kui clan.
Previously, Wei Yuan had warned Xu Qian An not to show his talents too openly. Now, Xu Qian An was openly defying Emperor Jing. Wei Yuan patted Xu Qian An on the shoulder, earnestly advising him to learn patience and restraint, or he would lose more. There’s no denying that Wei Yuan’s every decision and strategy were far-sighted. He reminded Xu Qian An that he didn’t need to worry about the remaining matters. Xu Qian An nodded in agreement and left under orders.
That day was originally scheduled for the Prime Minister to attend a poetry competition at Yunlu Academy. Xu Xinnian actively composed poems, hoping to win the top prize. Instead, Wang Simu arrived, having heard about the changes in the court. He quickly reported the situation to Xu Xinnian. Upon hearing that Emperor Jing was acting emotionally, Xu Xinnian, who had been timid in the past, dramatically changed his demeanor. He rode a carriage to the palace gates and loudly recited moral and ethical teachings, greatly impressing the Prime Minister.
As soon as Xu Xinnian began speaking, he continued for two to three hours without stopping. The eunuchs wanted to punish him, but the Prime Minister strongly protected him, requesting an audience with the emperor. However, the emperor did not see him and instead ordered the Prime Minister to send back the accompanying officials. After the Prime Minister left, Emperor Jing instructed the eunuchs to record the names of the officials who did not come to petition that day.
The officials’ admonitions went unheard by the emperor. When Princess Lin An learned of this, she rushed to kneel in the emperor’s private quarters, hoping to solicit more advice and listen to the people’s voices. Hearing this, the noble consort panicked and immediately persuaded Lin An to return.
Upon returning home, Xu Qian An was warmly welcomed by his family. After the meal, Xu Xinnian and Xu Qian An analyzed the emperor’s recent actions. Emperor Jing was usually stern and rarely smiled—how could he lose his composure so publicly? It was obvious that it was intentional. Reflecting on this, Xu Qian An recalled the moment he saw Emperor Jing, making the situation seem even more suspicious.
