Regardless of current court politics or historical rules, they viewed him, this condemned man, equally, paying their respects.
He wanted to live, though he knew it was too late, yet facing death, he didn’t feel particularly sad.
It seemed that after reconciling with his identity, he could finally face himself. Since his punishment until now, this was the first time he truly felt at peace with his conscience.
Thinking this, Deng Ying gently closed his eyes, allowing the guards to lead him through the misty trees behind the temple, toward Pichangmiao.
Behind the curtain at the foot of the execution platform, Deng Ying was brought in.
With each lift and fall of the curtain, the smell of rain and earth surged in.
Qi Huaiyang gestured for all officials to be silent and asked the escort, “Where is the body inspection record?”
The escort presented the document, “This was written by the Northern Patrol Commander himself, verified in the imperial prison. Commander Zhang instructed me to tell the Minister that no further inspection is needed here.”
Qi Huaiyang looked at the document and replied, “Understood.”
Then he turned to Deng Ying, “As the execution supervisor, I cannot speak privately with you, but before I give you the instructions, there is something I want to say.”
“Please speak, Minister.”
“Though I never associated with you and don’t fully know your character, after reading Yang Wan’s text, I remain troubled. I feel great sympathy for you, sir.”
Deng Ying said, “Please be careful with your words, Minister.”
Qi Huaiyang replied, “Whether I need to be careful or not, you can go out and hear for yourself.”
He then called out formally: “Deng Ying.”
“Present.”
“According to law, while awaiting execution before the crowd, you must not speak, or your tongue will be cut out immediately.”
“I understand.”
A court official asked, “Why can’t he speak?”
Qi Huaiyang glanced at him and said, “Don’t ask.”
Then he told the escort, “Take him up.”
Though the execution platform was only ten steps high, Deng Ying walked very slowly.
The clamoring crowd fell silent when they saw him brought up. The escort made him kneel before the execution frame, then withdrew behind him. Deng Ying had his eyes closed but then heard an elderly voice calling his courtesy name from below the platform.
“Fu Ling.”
Deng Ying’s shoulders trembled, and he looked down at the platform’s base.
The one calling him was none other than Bai Huan.
Ill and weak, standing for too long had covered his forehead in sweat, and even leaning against the railing, his body swayed unsteadily.
Deng Ying opened his mouth silently, only managing to bow with difficulty to Bai Huan.
Bai Huan looked up at him and spoke weakly, “Fu Ling, your teacher has come to see you off. Don’t worry, while I live, your body will have a burial place, and your spirit a place to rest.”
Deng Ying straightened up, shaking his head through tears.
Bai Huan reached out a hand, making a gesture as if stroking his head.
“Fu Ling, you need not speak, need not say anything.”
“Yes, Commander, you need not speak.”
Song Yunqing knelt at the foot of the execution platform as she spoke, and Chen Hua knelt with her.
Song Yunqing looked up at him and raised her voice, “Yang Wan isn’t here, so I’ll speak for her. At the end of the fourteenth year of Zhenning, my brother was brutally killed by He Yixian. I was implicated and nearly lost my life, but thanks to the Commander and Yang Wan’s rescue, I survived. My brother’s body was recovered by the Commander and now rests in Zhongguan. When I burn incense, I always remember the Commander’s kindness. Commander, Song Yunqing was once a palace official who studied vainly for ten years, thinking only of self-preservation, but I speak directly today because I believe in you and Yang Wan. Yang Wan said that in this world, injustice can be buried and truth can be revealed, justice still exists, and we will surely have our day to speak.”
“Yes!”
Zhou Muyi called out loudly from the crowd, “I too studied vainly for ten years, not recognizing your good heart. Of the thousand mu of fields at Chushan Lake, you took not a penny, instead spending your entire salary to support our southern academy. We were reckless, not showing you proper respect. Xian was about to lose his life before the autumn examination, but thanks to you and Miss Yang Wan’s rescue, we are here today. Commander Deng, we don’t know when we can repay this life-saving debt. That day on the road when you lifted your chains and asked if I wanted to be like you – today I, Zhou Muyi, answer you: no matter how the world changes, we all wish to be like you, serving in office with an upright heart, unafraid of filth, keeping our principles while moving through the dusty world.”
After speaking, he raised his hands in respect, bowing three times.
Then he knelt and called out loudly, “Zhou Muyi, Hanlin Academy Scholar and student of Chushan Academy, kneels to bid farewell to the Commander!”
After these words, Song Yunqing also prostrated herself and called out, “Commander, Yunqing kneels to bid you farewell!”
Chen Hua joined in, “Supervisor, I too kneel to bid you farewell!”
Deng Ying wept silently, shaking his head repeatedly.
The guard, fearing he might move, stepped forward to hold him down.
Bai Huan shouted breathlessly, “He won’t resist at all, don’t humiliate him! Don’t humiliate him!”
At this cry, supporting voices rose from the crowd.
The Inspector, watching the scene below the execution platform, couldn’t help but approach Qi Huaiyang, “Minister Qi, given the current situation, I must report to His Majesty.”
Qi Huaiyang raised his hand to stop him, “Wait another moment, I’ll write a memorial for you to take to the palace personally.”