No Survivors

"All bow for the Son of Heaven."

Decorative hats with jade and silk bowed to the on coming figure. His steps were steady, sending trembles in the hearts of the people below. The sunny and brightly lit room became dimmer and more somber. This was the overpowering image of a descending monarch appearing before his subjects.

His tone ice cold, "Raise."

"Thanking, Your Majesty!"

The two rows of people stood up once again in unison. Some of the men were lean and fit with beards that were neatly kept, while others showed the rounds of their bellies that showed off their wealth. His eyes scanned the men below with apathy. The Right Prime Minister, Mu Chen, stepped forward and started reporting the current issues of the nation. One by one, the ministers gave their reports. Hu Feng did not show any signs of displeasure and the meeting flowed smoothly. Lowering his head and keeping to himself, MInister Yan sighed in relief. It looked like the Yan family will avoid this disaster after all.

At the end, all the minister waited patiently for the cold Emperor to excuse them. Everyone stood in silence, and an awkward pause hung deep in the air. Even Minister Mu looked at this Mt. Tai of a son-in law with confusion. However, Hu Feng did not move at all for a very long time. As time crawled inch by inch, big beads of sweat rolled down MInister Yan's head. He wanted nothing more than to go home and secure his life.

In the thick and dense atmosphere, the door suddenly opened and bought along a breeze of fresh air. A handsome and sly young man strolled slowly between the rows of officials. His figure was carefree and had a shadow of mischief. Upon seeing him, the ministers bowed in respect. This was none other then the right hand man of the Emperor, the Imperial Tutor, Tang Fang.

Tang Fang bowed to the Emperor and stood by side. His tone was light and lively as he spoke, "Looking at everyone, I feel that the nation is in great hands. As officials of high ranking, no one should use their power for evil. All of you are indeed saints among saints."

Tang Fang's smile did not look like a smile, and his words sent daggers into people's heart. Who among them has not committed a crime? Only the criminals themselves would know. All the ministers kept silent, feeling the brewing of a storm. The Imperial Tutor looked at the chickens bobbing their heads and laughed on the inside. Hu Feng just tapped his fingers in boredom.

"Ah, but even among such great men there are bound to be some criminals. Isn't that right, Minister Yan?"

His trembling knees collapsed unceremoniously under him. He quickly banged his head against the floor as his snot made little splatters against the shining jade marble. Tang Fang smiled leisurely as he looked at the pathetic man. Confusion swirled in the eyes of the ministers, and some even held disgust and fear.

"Yo-Your Majesty, please spare my lowly life! I-I really did not commit any wrongs! It-yes, it was my worthless wife that is wrong," his voice trembled in a high pitched manner.

Tang Fang snapped his fan to its original position, "Minister Yan, a man is not a man if he was to shift the blame onto a woman. You were given one day to report and show repentance for your crimes, however you did nothing but beat your wife."

"I-I did not! I didn't do it!"

The Imperial Tutor glared at the ministers who held their heads down, "Minister Yan is officially sentenced to death on the crimes of bribery and corruption. Using and abusing his power, he had his brother-in-law, Xian Bo, and the bandit leader, Long Yi, terrorize, embezzled, and blackmailed innocent citizens to further his own gains. His family will be stripped of their surname and is to be exiled to north border, never to return."

Minster Yan slammed his head against the floor to the point of drawing blood. His eyes widely looked at his allies, wishing that they would speak out for him. Yet, their hands were also tied. The Empress Dowager specifically gave order to remove this pawn, so how could they interject? The most they would do is give Minister Yan's some money to live up in the north. Their heads were stubbornly glued downwards, and their silence gave Minister's Yan their answer. The palace guards quickly took the raging former Minister Yan away.

Tang Fang once again waved his fan leisurely, but his words shot through many. "Do not assume that your actions are hidden by transparent covers. Minister Yan is a lesson."