Sensing the tension between the Royal Court and General Han Ruozhi, the other generals grew uneasy. They had to intervene before the situation worsened.
General Jin stepped forward. "Bixia, our army has prepared a special sword dance for you for this Spring Festival."
The officials began whispering among themselves. "The legendary sword dance is a form of art traditionally performed to motivate the army and celebrate victory."
"Finally, we will get to witness that legendary dance."
Emperor Zhao Yan was also interested in seeing such a performance by his army, so he granted permission.
In the next moment, the lieutenant commanders of the four major cities stepped forward.
A fiery performance began. Everyone could immediately feel the spirit of the army. Every sword move was precise and calculated. Their strikes cut through the air with sharp force.
The sound of war drums echoed through the hall. The clash of swords rang loudly. The atmosphere grew heated with intensity.
Everyone could feel the overwhelming power of the armies of the five major cities.
The officials began praising how well the five generals had trained their soldiers. Because of them, the Qin Dynasty remained protected.
The dance reached its peak. Soldiers gathered together, forming a beautiful yet equally dangerous formation. Some stood on the shoulders of others while continuing the performance.
Then suddenly, something went wrong—something that should never have happened in such a sacred setting.
A soldier slipped. He lost his balance on the shoulders beneath him. The flaming staff he was holding fell from his grasp and flew straight toward the Emperor.
Gasps filled the hall. The situation turned tense in an instant.
Everyone moved at once. General Han Ruozhi leapt toward the burning staff.
But suddenly, another figure appeared moving even faster.
Han Ruozhi was just about to grab the flaming staff when a man dressed in white and golden silk robes, carrying a jade-steeled sword, caught the staff midair and spun gracefully before landing.
The entire hall fell silent in shock at this fiery and heroic entrance.
The man had sharp features, strikingly handsome, with a wide, confident smile on his face.
Everyone was stunned to see such a dashing entry.
Suddenly, a voice broke through the silence. "Cr… Crown… Crown Prince… It's our Crown Prince!"
Immediately, all the officials bowed and greeted the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince smiled playfully, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Fu Huang and Mu Hou (Royal Father and Royal Mother)."
"I, Crown Prince Qin Yuyan, congratulate you both on the New Year," he continued. "I wish you long life, good health, and prosperity for Qin."
The one who had told Yuehuang that he was from a merchant's family had turned out to be the Crown Prince of the Great Qin Dynasty now standing right in front of the man who had attacked Yuehua that same night, General Han Ruozhi.
The two men looked at each other for a moment. Then they exchanged formal greetings, and Ruozhi returned to his seat.
Emperor Zhao Yan said, "Since when did our foolish son become so skilled at sugarcoating?" He glanced at the Empress.
Empress Ruoxi frowned slightly. "You foolish boy, where were you? Why are you so late to such an important banquet?"
Yuyan replied with a grin, "Royal Mother, I was here the whole time. I just did not want to join this boring political banquet, so I was sitting on the rooftop." He smiled playfully.
Emperor Zhao Yan scolded him, "How insolent and indecent! Have you forgotten that you are the Crown Prince? You have many responsibilities. You cannot remain a burden to your mother and father. We will not be able to protect you forever. You must become more mature."
But to Yuyan, this was just another usual lecture from his father. He immediately looked toward his grandfather, Prime Minister Lian, signaling for help.
Prime Minister Lian quickly intervened. "Bixia, we should continue the banquet."
However, some officials spoke up. "But what about this incompetent performance by the Imperial Army? Because of them, our Emperor was nearly harmed. We cannot simply ignore that."
Prime Minister Lian and Minister Luo seized the opportunity to drag down the army of the Five Great Generals.
Minister Luo said, "Your Majesty, they should be punished for such reckless behavior."
Prime Minister Lian continued, "The Imperial Army is an important part of our Great Qin. They are the foundation of our strength. However, we cannot neglect the law. They endangered His majesty and the royal family. The law demands justice."
The Four Great Generals immediately knelt and begged forgiveness on behalf of their lieutenant commanders who had performed for the Emperor.
But Minister Luo said, "Great Generals, I understand your concern for your lieutenant commanders. They are valuable, yes but they made a grave mistake and must be punished."
Emperor Zhao Yan turned to Prime Minister Lian. "What do you suggest?"
Prime Minister Lian replied, "Bixia, the mistake has already been made, though fortunately no harm was done. Still, we cannot ignore the laws of Great Qin. I suggest we punish them with twenty lashes each."
Minister Luo interrupted, "Isn't that too lenient? We should chop off their fingers."
General Jin immediately bowed lower and begged for mercy. The other generals followed.
Only General Han Ruozhi remained seated, silent and unmoving.
The Crown Prince suddenly stepped forward.
"Why so harsh? Today is such an auspicious day. I agree that a few rules were broken, but on a special occasion like this, we should celebrate not dwell on mistakes."
He immediately bowed to the Emperor. "Royal Father, I request that you forgive them. Nothing truly harmful happened, did it?"
Prime Minister Lian interrupted coldly, "Tai Zi Dianxia, this is a serious matter of the Royal Court. Endangering the royal family is a matter of state. We cannot simply let it pass."
Crown Prince Yuyan straightened. "Then I suggest a lighter punishment. Chopping off their hands would be too unjust. They have served our country and protected our nation countless times. Their loyalty should be considered."
Prime Minister Lian remained firm, and several officials knelt, urging Emperor Zhao Yan to enforce strict punishment.
Meanwhile, the Crown Prince and the Four Great Generals knelt to plead for mercy.
At last, Emperor Zhao Yan delivered his final decree.
"The lieutenant commanders of the Five Major Cities have rendered great service to Qin. However, endangering the royal family is a grave sin. Taking both into account, I decree that each of the five shall receive twenty lashes."
A wave of murmurs spread quietly among the officials in the back.
"Twenty lashes? Is he planning to kill them?"
"No one has ever survived more than ten…"
"This is tyranny disguised as fairness."
"He wishes to appear merciful, yet he is sentencing his own soldiers to death over a minor mistake."
But none dared to speak aloud against the Emperor or the Prime Minister.
The Four Great Generals knew very well if this punishment were carried out, their lieutenant commanders would not survive. They knelt lower, begging for mercy again and again.
But the imperial edict had already been written. Once declared, it could not be withdrawn so easily.
The Crown Prince clenched his fists. He was about to argue again, prepared to openly oppose his father's decision,
When suddenly, a calm yet firm voice cut through the hall.
"Your Majesty, I request that you withdraw this imperial edict."
The entire court froze.
Every official even the Emperor himself was stunned. Who possessed such courage to defy an imperial decree?
Whispers erupted.
"Who is that?"
"Does he have a death wish?"
All eyes turned toward the speaker.
The man who dared challenge the Imperial Edict was none other than the Fifth Great General, the last descendant of Yan Family,
The Protector of Yancheng City.
Han Ruozhi. (Yan Ruozhi)
TO BE CONTINUED...