“Your Majesty, please hear me out: Fu Shen is in the southwest and coordinates with the northern garrison. If this were to be prosecuted by the Censorate and the Three Judicial Offices, it would inevitably provoke discussion and face numerous obstacles. If he is pushed to desperation, Fu Shen might join forces with Duan Guihong to rebel on the spot, leaving the court with no recourse,” Xue Sheng said. “This subject believes that the only solution is to act secretly, first eliminating the ringleader, then clearing out the remaining accomplices. This way, we can prevent future troubles and avoid stirring up unrest in the northern garrison.”
The Changzhi Emperor’s heart suddenly sank. Though he was angry, he knew that dealing with a high-ranking official like Fu Shen should at least provide an opportunity for self-defense. He hadn’t expected Xue Sheng to immediately propose execution, and said: “He… Fu Shen has made contributions to the state. How can we use such methods?”
“Your Majesty has a broad mind, but the treacherous rebels cannot appreciate your good intentions,” Xue Sheng said softly. “Your Majesty, have you forgotten how Fu Shen pressured you when the city was surrounded?”
“
“Fu Shen has high prestige in the court and many followers, otherwise he would not have the audacity to deceive and disrespect the emperor,” he prostrated himself, saying: “If this villain is not eliminated, the state and society are in danger. Please reconsider, Your Majesty!”
The Changzhi Emperor fell silent.
Xue Sheng waited calmly, confident because he knew the thorn planted in the emperor’s heart would take root in the face of irrefutable evidence, growing into a poisonous vine that would grip his mind and reason.
Fu Shen was doomed to die.
No matter how loyal he had been, even if he had reclaimed the northern territories for the Changzhi Emperor, such trust was unreliable. People may not remember all the good someone has done, but they will certainly remember every offense and injury.
Indeed, after a long silence, the Changzhi Emperor spoke with a hoarse, trembling voice: “Beloved official… what strategy do you propose?”
Xue Sheng counted his breaths, waiting for his thundering heartbeat to subside before bowing again without changing expression: “This incompetent subject is willing to share Your Majesty’s burden and serve like a loyal hound.”
