chapter 14
Both witness and material evidence were present.
Gu Yan could not defend himself, yet he still tried his best to shield the Second Prince.
Concern clouds judgment. He was utterly confused.
He failed to realize that doing so would only further enrage the Emperor.
The Emperor was furious.
Gu Yan was treated as a traitor, stripped of his position, and thrown into the Heavenly Prison to await execution in autumn.
On the night before the sentence, I went to the Heavenly Prison to see him.
These days, he had already figured out what had happened.
Hearing footsteps, he looked up coldly.
“Two birds with one stone. Quite the tactic.”
I sneered.
“It is still no match for the Grand Tutor’s cunning.”
Gu Yan wished he could leap up and tear me apart.
“You target me at every turn, pressing closer and closer-why?”
The chains binding him clanged.
I looked down at him from above.
“I warned you: you’d better have a clear conscience and not do evil.”
The Heavenly Prison reeked of blood. I inhaled almost obsessively, then suddenly laughed.
“Otherwise… beware the Vengeful Ghost that hunts, pursues, and claims your life!”
Gu Yan was stunned by my crazed demeanor.
“Who are you really? What is your purpose?!”
At this point, there was no need to hide anything.
I might as well tell him, let him die knowing.
“I came for one person.”
“For him, I slay monsters and demons, clearing the path ahead.”
My little Bodhisattva, only concerned with compassion for all beings.
Behind him, there is always a wrathful Vajra, subduing the Four Demons.
Gu Yan sneered.
“Winner takes all, loser gets nothing. There’s nothing more to say.”
I raised my hand and poured all the wine the jailer had brought onto the ground.
“But when it comes to a thousand cuts, not a single one will be spared.”