「The next day, during morning court.」
Following the affair with Mr. Tao, more than twenty of his partisans were identified and rooted out.
The Emperor's expression remained unchanged as he parted his lips to speak. "Tao Changhai embezzled disaster relief funds, bled the people dry, and deceived all those above and below him, acting with utter lawlessness. As long as a treacherous minister like him remains, there can be no discipline in this court. If we do not eliminate this prime offender, we cannot hope to purge the administration and rectify the government."
The hall fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.
His voice devoid of emotion, he continued, "The evidence is irrefutable. He is to be executed immediately, and his family punished by clan association. Once confirmed, all remaining partisans will be purged."
The terrified pleas of the condemned ministers were drowned out by the rest of the court, who kowtowed and shouted in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!"
