He kept asking if they were well, if they were satisfied. Ah’man didn’t quite understand, but she thought carefully and said, “I now have my shop and don’t worry about food or clothing. Because of my brother, I’ve earned everyone’s respect. No one in Chang’an bullies me anymore. So yes, I’m very satisfied. Not just me—He Shisan and the other families are all satisfied.”
A trace of bitterness flashed in Cui Xun’s eyes. He nodded: “And are you all grateful for the resolution of the Tianwei Army case?”
Ah’man affirmed confidently: “Yes, we’re all very grateful to the Empress Dowager and His Majesty. Without their clear judgment, people like Lu Yumin wouldn’t have been punished so quickly, and my brother wouldn’t have been exonerated so soon.”
After saying this, she hesitated, her gaze falling on the heavy shackles around Cui Xun’s wrists. She finally couldn’t help but ask: “Brother Wangshu, what about you? Why… have you ended up like this?”
Hearing her question, Lu Huai also turned to look at Cui Xun, but Cui Xun merely appeared disoriented, murmuring: “I… I’ve always been… out of step with the times.”
Ah’man didn’t understand, but she still felt an inexplicable sadness. She bit her lip and said, “Brother Wangshu, that you’ve kept your life is the greatest fortune in misfortune. In the future, you should change. You only have one life.”
Cui Xun lowered his eyelashes, dark as raven feathers, and laughed bitterly: “Ah’man, you don’t need to see me off. You and He Shisan used to hate me. I hope you all continue to hate me in the future.”
Ah’man didn’t understand and asked: “Why?”
Cui Xun’s eyes were misty, making it difficult to discern his emotions. After a moment of silence, he said: “Because my conscience won’t allow it. So even if you all hate me, there’s something I must do.”
He turned to Lu Huai: “Brother Huaixin.”
His sudden form of address startled Lu Huai.
Cui Xun cupped his hands and bowed solemnly to Lu Huai: “Thank you for your care these past days. Cui Xun is deeply grateful.”
Lu Huai was speechless: “I… this…”
Cui Xun straightened up and said: “Brother Huaixin has been asking about Wang Xuan’s whereabouts, and I haven’t answered. But today, I’m willing to tell Brother Huaixin. However, I need Brother Huaixin to help me with something.”
“What is it?”
“I need Brother Huaixin to take me to Daming Palace.”
Outside Xuanwu Gate, before the red lung stone, the massive grievance drum stood silently.
Gusts of cold wind swept by. Though it was clear autumn weather with a bright sun overhead, dark clouds suddenly obscured it. A clap of thunder startled passersby, who looked at the dense clouds and remarked: “It’s going to rain.”
Yet autumn rain did not fall. Instead, snowflakes began to drift from the sky.
At first, the snowflakes were tiny, just small flecks that melted instantly upon touching the ground, almost imperceptible. Gradually, the snow fell more heavily, like goose feathers, drifting down in abundance.
In the heavy snow, a man in shackles dragged his injured leg, limping toward the red lung stone.
Onlookers began to gather: “Who is that?”
“Isn’t that Cui Xun?”
“Wasn’t he exiled to Xi Xi? Why is he here?”
“Does he still want to see the Empress Dowager? To beg for mercy?”
“The Empress Dowager won’t be bewitched by him again.”
Amid the rumors and gossip, Cui Xun continued his halting steps, dragging his leg that had been beaten with clubs. Accompanied by the sound of heavy chains scraping the ground, he moved with difficulty but determination toward the red lung stone. He climbed onto the stone, grasped the drum mallet, and with all his strength, struck the grievance drum again and again.
Ah’man stood behind him, stunned.
Lu Huai was also dumbfounded.
Cui Xun had just told him that Wang Xuan was dead, his body buried in the wilderness outside Changchun Temple. Filled with grief and anger, Lu Huai had been ready to rush to the wilderness, but his steps had halted.
He watched in shock as the figure in prison clothes, wearing shackles, resolutely struck the grievance drum. What exactly was Cui Xun trying to do?
The left and right gate guards rushed over at the sound. When they saw Cui Xun, they were first startled, then shouted: “Cui Xun, why have you struck the grievance drum?”
Cui Xun put down the drum mallet. His face, beautiful as a lotus, was now extraordinarily calm. In the wind and snow, he said each word clearly: “I wish to file a complaint.”
The left and right gate guards exchanged glances: “Whom do you wish to accuse?”
“First, I accuse His Majesty of colluding with the Turks, harming loyal officials, and betraying his people! Second, I accuse the Empress Dowager of shielding her son, harboring criminals, and perverting justice for personal gain!”