Chapter Twenty-Eight: Knowing People and Employing Them Wisely

Di Ying spoke, spreading his hands in resignation. Wiping his face, he continued, “In the end, I finally understood. The stability of a house depends on its beams; the prosperity of a nation depends on its laws. Only when the laws are clear and well-publicized can the people rely on them and conduct themselves accordingly. It’s like a person walking through a vast wilderness—only with a clear marker can one avoid getting lost, only then does one know which way to go. Likewise, only when laws are clear and strictly enforced can officials follow the rules and truly benefit the people. Only then will taxes actually be reduced, and the people have land to cultivate.

The way the upper echelons are constructed determines how those below survive. To ensure that the upper structure is straight and true, the laws must be upright and transparent. Only then can the people fill their bellies and find happiness and joy, and only then will the dynasty flourish.”

The emperor listened to this earnest, weighty speech, watching the figure before her speak so confidently, yet seeming burdened by many cares. She fell silent for a long time. She had intended to ask how the other saw her, but her lips parted and closed again. Intuition told her that if she truly heard the answer, she might not be able to bear it.

“Di Ying, you are bold. But surely you’ve heard about me—when it comes to those who are unwaveringly upright, I will employ them, and I dare to do so! Since you have such devotion to the country, go and take office at the Supreme Court. Begin as the Junior Right Supervisor, rank four, lower grade. I never hesitate to use talent. If you are truly capable of what you claim, go forth.”

Di Ying heard the imperial appointment, his expression unchanged, and bowed to accept the honor. In his heart, he gave this emperor a silent thumbs-up. But after thanking the emperor, he did not depart. Instead, he glanced repeatedly at Zhang Jiafu.

Now that Di Ying was a fourth-rank official, Zhang Jiafu was still not under his jurisdiction, and the emperor had yet to declare his fate. Di Ying refused to leave—a matter brought to such prominence must have a resolution.

The old emperor noticed Di Ying’s intent and turned his gaze to Zhang Jiafu, who stood trembling, unable to utter a word. With just a glance, he looked to his side at the chief eunuch, Su Hong.

“Draft the decree. Officially appoint Di Ying. Also grant him a residence, permit him to bring his family and settle his household before assuming office at the Supreme Court. As for Zhang Jiafu, hand him over to the joint investigation of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice. I want only the result. If anyone dares to show partiality, they will be punished equally.”

He then looked toward Peng Liang, who had somehow moved to the corner of the hall, and spoke gently to him. “Peng Liang, before Zhang Jiafu’s case is thoroughly investigated, I cannot judge your words. I trust you understand this. However, I can spare you further wandering—do you wish to return to the Left Martial Guard, or shall I arrange another post for you?”

At that moment, Peng Liang’s emotions churned within him. He had witnessed Lord Di’s brilliance, courage, and audacity, and in this imperial study, he had seen Di Ying’s boldness, generosity, and grandeur. Admiration for him had already surged in his chest, along with a renewed sense of duty to the country.

Upon hearing the emperor’s question, Peng Liang knelt on one knee, clasped his fists, and replied, “Your Majesty, I… I wish to serve as a bodyguard and pledge my life to follow Lord Di!”

The emperor smiled, leaning back into her chair and nodding. “Very well. You are promoted to full fifth-rank, armed bodyguard, subordinate to the Left Golden Guard. Your sole duty is to protect Di Ying.”

Turning to Di Ying, her smile faded to seriousness. “Di Ying, with only Peng Liang by your side, it may not be enough to ensure your safety. Once you take office, go to the Left Golden Guard and select a few men to accompany you.”

“I thank Your Majesty for your graciousness,” Di Ying replied, accepting the decree. After expressing his gratitude, he shook his head, “Your Majesty’s favor is generous, but I am not in danger, and Peng Liang’s martial skills are exceptional. Having him alone is sufficient.”

“Not in danger?” The emperor’s eyes arched in amusement, teasing, “Have you forgotten the incident in Bingzhou when you were struck with a Mongol club?”

Di Ying: “…That was an exceedingly rare accident.”

Emperor: “Very well, do as you wish. If you need more, select them and submit the roster to me.”

Di Ying clasped his fists and bowed, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”

The emperor hesitated, then spoke with a half-bemused tone, “In the future, if you have any concerns, come see me directly. Don’t… don’t just resort to hitting people.”

Di Ying glanced at the emperor seated above, then tilted his neck, his gaze slanting briefly before withdrawing. He gave a respectful salute and took his leave.

The old emperor: “…”

Watching Di Ying exit the hall, the emperor leaned to one side, his gaze lingering on that upright, rounded back, and asked Su Hong, “What did that last look mean? Was he mocking me? Showing disdain? Reminding me? Or perhaps he didn’t even agree?”

Su Hong’s plump, fair face trembled slightly. He set a tea cup before the emperor, then replied, “Lord Di will need about ten days to take office. As far as this servant knows, the Supreme Court has nearly twenty thousand unresolved cases and involved parties accumulated over the years.”

The old emperor: “…A bunch of useless eaters! Enough, go inform Xue Huaiyi that for the next ten days—no, half a month—he is to remain at White Horse Temple and not come out.”

“Your Majesty, almighty sovereign, I am innocent!” Zhang Jiafu, dragged away, finally summoned the courage to cry out.

The emperor’s face instantly turned cold and stern, his imperial presence radiating, as he thundered, “Did I permit you to speak? Take him away! Administer twenty strokes and then send him to the Ministry of Justice for a thorough interrogation!”

Zhang Jiafu: “…”

Meanwhile, after leaving the palace, Di Ying was unconcerned. He knew the emperor favored Xue, Wu, and the others, and even as a fourth-rank official, he could do nothing about them. That was why he gave a “preemptive beating.” Now that the clouds had parted and the path was clear, he needed to arrange his residence.

…

Ten days later.

Accompanied by Peng Liang, Di Ying went to the market to witness Zhang Jiafu’s fate before leisurely proceeding to the Supreme Court for his first day. Owing to the emperor’s fury, Zhang Jiafu’s case was resolved swiftly. In the end, it was the emperor herself who decreed that Zhang Jiafu be executed by a thousand cuts and his entire household wiped out.

Watching as Zhang Jiafu was sliced, piece by piece, while Peng Liang’s despairing cries echoed, and amidst the cheers of the people, Di Ying finally felt the breath that had been trapped in his chest escape.

For those ten days, Lord Di had been busy moving house