"I have a memorial to present. The north is suffering a great drought, crops have yielded nothing, and the people are displaced. This is a divine punishment. I implore Her Majesty the Dowager Empress to issue a self-criticism edict and pray for heaven's forgiveness." Imperial Censor Zhang immediately stepped forward, his face a picture of unwavering righteousness.
"We implore Her Majesty the Dowager Empress to issue a self-criticism edict."
"We implore Her Majesty the Dowager Empress to issue a self-criticism edict."
Over half of the civil officials in the court stepped forward, urging the Dowager Empress to issue a self-criticism edict.
The Dowager Empress's expression was naturally very grim. She remained silent, her face cold.
At that moment, a military general stepped forward and sneered, "Ridiculous. When the north suffers a great drought, you come to pressure Her Majesty into issuing a self-criticism edict. What crime has Her Majesty committed?"
"The Dowager Empress is a hen crowing at dawn, overturning the natural order of heaven. Thus, we suffer divine punishment," Imperial Censor Zhang said, his neck stiff.
"Ha, you say it's so? Let me ask you this: if Her Majesty truly issues the self-criticism edict and the drought still doesn't ease, how will you explain that?" the general mocked.
"Sincerity will move heaven."
"You're full of shit. So you just flap your lips, and you bear no responsibility at all? If the drought eases, it's because Her Majesty offended heaven and suffered divine punishment. If it doesn't ease, it's because Her Majesty wasn't sincere enough? You've covered all the bases, neatly shirking all your own blame."
"General, your words are mistaken. With the late emperor's passing and the new emperor still young, it is proper for regent ministers to handle state affairs. The Dowager Empress meddling in governance is indeed overturning the natural order, reversing heaven and earth..."
"Shut your mouth, will you? When Her Majesty fought alongside the late emperor to establish the realm, charging through battlefields and shedding blood, risking life and limb to protect the people of Great Li, where were you then?"
"Crude and boorish." Imperial Censor Zhang, unwilling to waste more words with the general, stubbornly kowtowed to the Dowager Empress. "I implore Her Majesty to issue a self-criticism edict."
"Ha, Imperial Censor Zhang steps on Her Majesty to win himself a reputation for integrity. Enjoying that blood-soaked bread, are we?" Grand Marshal remarked with a light sneer at this point.
Shen Yunyun curiously turned to look at the speaker. This person spoke sharply—a talent indeed.
Unfortunately, there was an obstruction, and she couldn't see who it was.
Imperial Censor Zhang's face flushed red at the Grand Marshal's words. He flicked his sleeve. "I have a clear conscience."
The Dowager Empress let out a light scoff. "Could it be that Grand Secretary Zhang has forgotten the days when Great Li was first established, with two sages ruling the court? Back then, you didn't speak of a hen crowing at dawn. Has age dulled your memory, Grand Secretary? If so, it might be better to retire early to your hometown and enjoy your remaining years, lest you lose your integrity in old age."
At the words "lose your integrity in old age," Imperial Censor Zhang suddenly felt a pang of guilt.
Could it be that the Dowager Empress knew about his factional scheming?
If she intended to punish him, he truly would lose his integrity in old age.
But backing down now would also damage his dignity, and he couldn't abandon the moral integrity of a scholar.
Yet, after a long pause, he couldn't think of a retort. So he simply banged his head against the floor with a thud. "Loyal words grate on the ears. I am willing to die to prove my sincerity."
With that, he scrambled up and charged toward a pillar in the hall.
Everyone was shocked.
Shen Yunyun heard gasps and, before she could grasp what had happened, a loud thud rang out.
"Grand Secretary Zhang!" someone cried out in alarm.
"Physician, summon a physician quickly!" another voice called.
But the Dowager Empress sat steady, waving her hand. Someone immediately went down, and soon imperial guards arrived, dragging the bloodied, unconscious Imperial Censor away.
Everyone in the hall was still reeling from the shock, unable to collect themselves.