Character Index
Sir Jing: An elderly eunuch who has served the Empress Dowager for many years. He persuaded the Empress Dowager to issue Kayla a warning against acting without the palace's permission and subsequently sent someone to give Kayla a rather violent warning.
Li Que: A Senior Imperial Investigator who is the superior and mentor of Chen Jian, the older brother of Kayla's trusted subordinate Chen Caichun. He has helped Kayla multiple times in the past and has helped to steer the investigation in Kayla's favor.
Qu Boyong/Xiang Daozong: The son of General Xiang and the Princess of Chu, the only other surviving maternal nephew of the Emperor. He was involved in Kayla's coup against the Grand Duke and has since been reinstated through Kayla's maneuvering, unwittingly helping Kayla get released sooner.
Zhou Xianchun: The Seventh Prince, he was involved in Kayla's coup against the Grand Duke.
Wei Guang: The Imperial Edict Bearer and Kayla's godfather, he had also been the teacher of the previous generation of princes, as well as the man who placed the Emperor on the throne. Disliked by the Empress Dowager as he had been crucial in limiting her ability to directly interfere with court politics.
Liu Hongyu: Former Secretariat Director, he was one of the Grand Duke's allies and had supported the Third Prince in hopes of gaining greater power. He was sentenced to house arrest and died after Kayla landed him with charges of lese-majeste.
Chuluo Khagan: The current Khagan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, Kayla's father-in-law to be.
Princess Ahisna: A young princess of the Turkish Khaganate who has been betrothed to Kayla/Wenyuan, she had secretly made her way into the capital in order to see her future husband after hearing unfavorable rumors about him and, to her chagrin, ended up meeting Kayla in a high-end brothel.
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The Empress Dowager listened with a calm expression as her most trusted eunuch finished his report.
“Your Highness, Minister Zhao has become much too arrogant, has he not?” Sir Jing said worriedly. “To make a fool of your messenger like this–”
“My messenger?” The Empress Dowager cut him off. Sir Jing glanced up in alarm, sensing something was wrong. The Empress Dowager’s silky voice was gentle–much too gentle for the situation. He immediately shrunk back in fear. There was a needle hidden in the cotton, and it was a poisonous one.
“Y-Your Highness,” Sir Jing began.
“You mean to push the blame onto me?” The Empress Dowager’s voice grew sharper as she spoke, the serenity slowly melting away to reveal the sharply honed blade of her anger. “Since when did you have so much face as to smear my reputation with your mistakes?”
“Your Highness, please forgive me, I only wished to carry out your orders–”
“When did I order you to go that far?” The Empress Dowager spoke in close to a snarl.
Sir Jing dropped to his knees. “I-I had only thought that I should deliver a proper warning…” he trailed off, horror dawning upon him as he realized his mistake. The usual methods were meant for nobles like the Archdukes in Dengzhou, for individuals who lacked both power and favor, people whose treatment the Empress Dowager would not ask about.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as the Empress Dowager’s glare bore into his head.
“You old fool! Have you gone senile? Who told you to do such a thing?!” The Empress Dowager shouted.
Sir Jing winced, lowering his head in shame. “I beg your forgiveness, Your Highness! I deserve ten thousand deaths for my error!”
“Is this just a simple error?! I told you to admonish Wenyuan–and I meant for you to admonish him! With your words, you dolt! Who on earth gave you permission to harm him?” The Empress Dowager raged. “Do you even realize what you’ve done?”
Sir Jing bowed his head to the floor repeatedly, his forehead thudding against the ground.
“I’m sorry! My deepest apologies, Your Highness! This was entirely due to my foolishness, I beg your forgiveness!”
“And where do you leave me with your stunt?” The Empress Dowager demanded. ‘What does Wenyuan think of me? He believes I ordered this! That I, the Empress Dowager of the Wu Dynasty, physically intimidated him like a thug!”
Sir Jing let out a whimper. He had been around long enough to know the Empress Dowager’s moods. Only rarely did the Empress Dowager lose her temper like this, and when she did, someone had to pay the price.
“I-I will explain to him that it was my own foolish mistake!” Sir Jing hastily said.
“And do you expect him to believe that? The deed has already been done, I only lose face by trying to salvage the pieces!” The Empress Dowager said. She was winding down from her fury now, but Sir Jing knew better than to be relieved–if anything, it only frightened him more.
“Your Highness, please have mercy! I beg of you, have mercy!” He pleaded. He knew that his pleas fell on deaf ears, but couldn’t stop himself from instinctively clinging to his last shred of hope.
“Sir Jing, on account of your loyal service over the last few decades, I will give you a light punishment. You are to leave the palace immediately. Go back to your hometown and do not ever appear before me again,” the Empress Dowager said.
“Your Highness!” Panic spike in his chest. Sir Jing knew what the dismissal really meant–he would die, but not within the palace. He would be quietly disposed of in some backwater road, and it would be as though he had never existed at all.
“What are you making such a fuss for when I’ve already been merciful?” The Empress Dowager said.
Sir Jing slowly slumped to the ground, tears of despair dripping down his face.
“This lowly one is deeply grateful for your benevolence,” Sir Jing sobbed.
“Escort him out,” the Empress Dowager raised her voice. Two eunuchs came forward from the side room and dragged Sir Jing to his feet, removing him from the building. The Empress Dowager watched him leave, heaving a sigh.
“Good heavens,” she muttered, leaning her head on her hand.
If it were before, Wenyuan would quietly accept it even if he were treated like this. But now…that child definitely will not let this go. Damn it, it's my fault for relying on Sir Jing. He had served me loyally, but age has clouded his judgement.
Letting out another sigh, the Empress Dowager closed her eyes wearily.
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Kayla straightened the collar of her robes, once again back in the purple brocade uniform of a third-rank official. The robes had been delivered to her by an Investigator who had politely informed her that she was to be released shortly, having been found innocent of all charges. Once the final stamp had been put on the paperwork, she would be free to go.
Just in case, Kayla had changed right after she was left alone. The last thing she wanted was to be caught off guard by an unusually fast releasing process.
Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao shall come, Kayla noted as Li Que approached with several other Investigators in tow.
“Your Grace, I apologize for all the trouble and offer my sincere congratulations for your release,” Li Que said, opening the door to the cell and letting Kayla step outside. “Our investigation has found you innocent of all accusations and have cleared you to return for duty. As of now, you are free to go.”
“Thank you for your efforts, Investigator Li,” Kayla said. “I’m truly impressed by the efficiency of the Imperial Investigators no matter how many times I see it in action.”
“You’re much too kind, Minister. His Majesty has asked to see you, are you able to go right now?” Li Que asked.
So it’s not an official summons. Kayla couldn’t tell whether the Emperor was avoiding an official meeting with her or demonstrating their close bond.
“Of course, I am always available if His Majesty calls for me,” Kayla replied. “Then, shall we?”
Li Que bowed his head slightly.
“As you wish,” he said. Kayla took a deep breath, a sense of relief flowing through her body as she followed Li Que out of the Bureau. It was nice to see the sky again–spending almost two weeks inside a prison cell had been mind-numbing.
Li Que escorted her to a carriage outside the Bureau’s main gates. To Kayla’s surprise, both the carriage and her escort were from the palace. She glanced at Li Que, who gave her a subtle nod.
The Emperor must wish to make a show out of it to demonstrate my innocence, Kayla thought.
“Thank you for clearing my name, Investigator Li. I am grateful beyond words,” Kayla said, repeating the words of gratitude again for the audience of Imperial Investigators and Imperial Guards.
“You’re much too kind, Minister. I was only doing my duty,” Li Que replied.
“Nonetheless, I am grateful. Then I’ll be taking my leave,” Kayla said.
She got onto the carriage, nodding at the Imperial Guards in the escort. The carriage continued into the Inner Palace, only stopping when they were a short distance from the Emperor’s study. A eunuch was already waiting to bring Kayla inside. Once she entered, the eunuch took his leave. The study was bereft of any outsiders, leaving Kayla alone with the Emperor.
“Wenyuan, you’re finally here!” The Emperor greeted her jovially.
Kayla knelt and bowed her head to the floor. “This lowly criminal humbly greets the Emperor!”
“What are you doing? There is no need for such formalities–and what criminal? You’ve already been cleared of all charges, were you not made aware?” The Emperor said, gesturing to a seat next to him. “Get up and come sit.”
Kayla remained kneeling where she was, raising her head to look at him with an earnest expression.
“I may have been cleared of the charges, but I am nonetheless guilty for having caused you so much trouble and giving small-hearted men a chance to doubt your wisdom! I am truly ashamed, Your Majesty.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, it was not your fault. Those who seek to cast doubt upon me will do so at any given opportunity–even those within General Xiang’s camp were no exception,” the Emperor said reassuringly. “I’m glad to hear that you have been worried for my sake despite your own predicament, but it would trouble me if you insist on holding yourself responsible for that which you are not.”
Kayla bowed her head to the ground again, going along with the Emperor’s mood to transition from subject to kin. “Your Majesty’s benevolence is immeasurable! This nephew is eternally grateful for your boundless kindness!”
The Emperor smiled in satisfaction. “Alright now, that’s enough etiquette. Sit down,” he said fondly.
Kayla got up and went to sit next to the Emperor.
“You’ve lost weight. As expected, it must have been difficult for you to endure the imprisonment. Did they not treat you well?”
“Not at all, I was treated properly in line with both regulations and etiquette–the conditions were perfectly acceptable. I merely did not have much of an appetite,” Kayla hastily replied.
“It pained me to put you through such an ordeal, but I had little choice but to do so,” the Emperor lamented. “The anonymous tip off I received was too alarming to ignore, your grandmother was certainly infuriated by the matter. But that’s all over now. Your name’s been cleared and we’ll eventually figure out who tried to frame you and see them properly punished for it.”
Kayla bowed her head respectfully. “I understand, Uncle. But there’s no need to pursue the matter further. It was my fault for being inconsiderate and givings others cause to misunderstand. I ought to have reported that my grandfather was in critical condition to you and grandmother before rushing off, but I allowed myself to be overwhelmed and lost my footing instead.”
“That’s understandable, it’s only human nature to be thrown into confusion at such news,” the Emperor said. “But you should have told me that the Grand Duke made further attempts on your life after you returned to the capital. How is it that I only learned of this afterwards through the testimony of your guards? Even if he were ill, I would have found a way to bring him in line, and more importantly, I would have understood right away why you took so many security measures before returning to the Zhao household. Had you told me ahead of time, I could have dismissed the accusations the moment they came in.”
Kayla lowered her head. “I apologize, Uncle. It was my mistake.”
The Emperor let out a sigh. “I understand that you had many factors to take into consideration, but this whole ordeal could have been avoided. Rather, things escalated because of the tip-off, and even Xianchun got dragged in…speaking of, just why was he present?”
“That was…also my fault. Xiang Daozong had sought shelter with Seventh Cousin and revealed his true identity–I only learned of the matter after Xianchun told me of it. Out of concern for Xiang Daozong, Seventh Cousin also kept an eye on my investigation even after handing the matter to me, so when he learned I was returning to the Zhao household, he surmised I could obtain key evidence from the Grand Duke and also rushed over. I would have sent him away immediately, but he came upon me just as my men were securing the household. I had no choice but to explain my circumstances to him, and he refused to leave until ensuring my safety–it was not his fault. He only meant to help his cousins,” Kayla said apologetically.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
The Emperor let out a sigh. “Xianchun has a good heart, but he can rush into things too quickly at times.”
“Uncle, it’s my fault that all of this happened. And now the Grand Duke has been found guilty of framing the Xiang clan and causing their extermination…I cannot avoid implication as his grandson. Please dismiss me from my position and demote me to commoner status,” Kayla said.
“Don’t be ridiculous! You will remain where you are and keep the seat well! The Grand Duke’s actions have nothing to do with you. Moreover, it was you who uncovered his crime. Though the investigation has caused some trouble, the blame lies with the Grand Duke, whose actions caused this misunderstanding in the first place,” the Emperor said forcefully.
Kayla looked at him with a grateful expression, secretly impressed at the lengths of his favoritism for Wenyuan. No wonder Wei Guang didn’t hesitate to report me–he surely knows better than anyone that the Emperor’s affection couldn’t be easily swayed.
“Uncle, I’m eternally grateful for your magnanimity!”
“No need, we’ll just see it as you making up for a minor mistake with a major contribution. Moreover, you’ve already suffered through an investigation and was even landed with false charges, how can I possibly chastise you further?” The Emperor said. “But the Grand Duke really died at an inopportune time–many in the court believe it was your doing, and it’s difficult to stop them from waggling their tongues.”
He also thinks it’s possible that I killed the Grand Duke, but it seems that he just doesn’t care. For now. If I leave it be, this will definitely come back to bite me.
“I…I am truly unfilial. I would not lie to you, Uncle. There have been many times when my hands have itched to kill the Grand Duke,” Kayla said quietly. The Emperor looked at her in surprise.
“What?”
“When he insulted my parents, when he treated me like I was less than a dog, when he made me endure Liu Hongyu’s abuse…countless times I wished to strike back at him, or even kill him. But I could not. It would have been a transgression against filial virtue, and more importantly…” Kayla trailed off.
“Go on,” the Emperor said after a moment of silence.
“More importantly, doing so would have meant going against the Imperial law–against that which is upheld by the Emperor’s rule! How could I possibly do such a thing after all that you’ve done for me? When he continuously made attempts on my life, I seriously considered killing him to protect myself, but I felt ashamed for having such thoughts when you had appointed me the head of the Court of Judicial Review despite all objections,” Kayla said.
The Emperor's expression softened at her words. “Wenyuan, you really have turned out well,” the Emperor said. “My sister would surely be pleased to see how excellent a nephew she has given me.”
“It is all thanks to your kindness, Uncle,” Kayla replied.
The Emperor reached over, camping a hand on her shoulder.
“Wenyuan, worry not. I won’t allow anyone to besmirch you with the Grand Duke’s death,” the Emperor promised. “I’ll take care of it one way or another, so just focus on returning to your work. Do not trouble yourself with these matters, you have plenty of things that demand your attention.”
“Thank you, Uncle!”
The Emperor nodded, a proud smile on his face. “Wenyuan, I hereby name you the next Lord of the Zhao clan. From now on, continue to uphold the loyalty that the Zhao clan has adhered to before your grandfather and lead your clansmen onto the right path.”
Yes! Finally!
Kayla hastily got out of her seat to kneel before him.
“Zhao Wenyuan gratefully receives Your Majesty’s edict!”
The Emperor waved for her to get up. “I had long hoped for the day when I would see you at the head of the clan,” he said warmly. “And rumors or not, I’m glad to see those hopes finally fulfilled.”
Kayla bowed her head. “Uncle, I will be sure not to let you down! With your permission, I would continue investigating the Grand Duke’s crimes as the new head of clan. I don’t believe that his actions against the Xiang clan was the only atrocity he covered up–there must be countless crimes that led up to it and that came after. Please allow me to continue looking into this so that we may see justice enacted and show the nation that no evil goes unpunished under Your Majesty’s rule!”
“Excellent! Go ahead, I look forward to your achievements,” the Emperor said. “Daozong would benefit to learn from you as how a nephew of the Emperor ought to conduct himself, why not have him assist you in the investigation?”
Keep him in the neutral faction was the unspoken command.
“Gladly,” Kayla replied. “I would be happy to have his help.”
“Then he will be in excellent hands,” the Emperor said. “Wenyuan, I only have the highest hopes for you, more so than I do for even my own sons. Do not worry about the consequences and go forward fearlessly. No matter what you uncover, I will not allow others to attack you with it.”
“Uncle, I will work unto an inch of my life to fulfill your expectations; not even death can stop me from doing so!” Kayla said, bowing her head once again.
The Emperor smiled in satisfaction, praising Kayla’s loyalty before sending her off to the Empress Dowager’s palace.
Ugh, this is going to be such a pain, Kayla lamented, her mood souring as she entered the Empress Dowager’s palace. Between the accusations, the Xiang Daozong fiasco, and the warning, the meeting was sure to be tense. She could already feel a headache encroaching.
Kayla entered the Empress Dowager’s sitting room, kneeling to offer her greetings.
“Wenyuan humbly greets Her Highness the Empress Dowager,” Kayla said.
“Wenyuan, it’s wonderful to see you again,” the Empress Dowager said kindly, waving for Kayla to get up. “You look to be in good health, that is truly a relief.”
“Thanks to Grandmother’s blessings,” Kayla replied. Despite the smiling and friendly words, the air between them only grew tenser with every moment.
Kayla forcefully clamped down on her irritation. For some reason, the Empress Dowager’s placid smile irked her even more than the Grand Duke’s temper tantrums.
Well, what do you want to do then? Kayla asked herself. Have a melodramatic shouting match with telenova background music for emphasis?
“Grandmother, I am truly sorry for causing you trouble like this, it was all due to my foolishness. I have learned my lesson now, please allow me to ask your forgiveness,” Kayla said humbly.
The Empress Dowager let out a soft hum. “No need for such a thing, Wenyuan. I am glad beyond words to hear you were cleared of all charges, though I would admit to being displeased that such accusations had emerged in the first place. Caution should be the creed of any official, much less someone who has been entrusted such important duties,” she said.
Unlike the Emperor, who seemed to believe in Wenyuan in a way that could overlook any actual or imagined wrongdoings, the Emperor Dowager’s silk-wrapped blade had sharpened edges.
“I will diligently observe your teachings going forward,” Kayla replied.
The tenseness did not dissipate, but the Empress Dowager made a show of familiarity.
“To err but correct oneself is the greatest deed,” the Empress Dowager said warmly. “Come and sit here, let me take a better look at you.”
Kayla obediently went along with the pretense, sitting where the Empress Dowager gestured. Kayla offered the same excuse that she had given the Emperor, dodging the Empress Dowager’s subtly pointed questions with subdued demureness.
All things considered, the Empress Dowager backed off pretty quickly, and had actually gone rather easy on Kayla.
She must also be uneasy about the warning–I doubt she actually intended for her subordinates to act so boldly, or for me to react that way.
“But you certainly didn’t seem to have had an easy time of it, look how much weight you’ve lost,” the Empress Dowager said. “As expected, a prison cell must have been too much for you to endure.”
“Not at all, grandmother. If anything, it was reassuring because I knew all the corresponding regulations by heart and did not have to constantly worry about what would happen in the next moments,” Kayla said.
“It seems that your years in the justice system have served you well then,” the Empress Dowager remarked.
“Thanks to your kindness and support,” Kayla replied.
“Then you must also know that violating the regulations for the treatment of prisoners is a crime–I know the hearts of men well enough to understand that it is human nature to curry favor with the powerful and stomp on those who have fallen from grace. If anyone had dared to treat you rudely or cause you harm simply because they thought they could get away with it, I won’t let it slide. You only need to say the word and I will intervene on your behalf, do not hold back on accusing anyone out of unnecessary concerns,” the Empress Dowager said.
Is she testing my reaction or is she trying to make amends? Damn it, I can’t tell which it is. If it’s a test, then openly accusing one of her men is a disastrous move. If this she’s trying to make amends but I fail to grasp the chance, the rift between us would widen further.
But Kayla had no doubt that before familial affection or bonds of trust, what the Empress Dowager wanted was what every powerful person wanted–unfaltering obedience.
There’s really only one option for me.
Even if Kayla gambled correctly by treating it as an attempt to make amends, there was no telling what the Empress Dowager would think after the fact.
So after all that I’ve done for you, you can’t even tolerate the smallest offense? Must I coddle you in order to receive the obedience I rightfully deserve? Kayla could already picture the Empress Dowager's inner reaction. It was all too familiar for Kayla–the more she got to understand the Empress Dowager, the more similarities she saw with her own mother.
Kayla took a deep breath and met the Empress Dowager’s gaze with earnest eyes.
“Thank you, grandmother! To receive your concern is a blessing for which I am eternally grateful. But please be assured, there was no such thing. No one treated me rudely or violated any regulations. Everyone was very professional throughout the entire process–it was very comforting to see that things are working well from on-the-ground,” Kayla said.,
The Empress Dowager gave a relieved smile that couldn’t quite hide the unsettled look in her eyes.
“That is wonderful to hear,” the Empress Dowager said. “You mentioned that you would be investigating the Grand Duke posthumously, did you not? If you have no disagreements with them, then perhaps the Bureau can be of help.”
“I would be grateful for it,” Kayla replied.
“The Grand Duke will probably be posthumously stripped of his title soon, but that shouldn’t affect you. The Grand Duke title was awarded to him as a non-inheritable honor, but the Marquis title held by the previous heads of the Zhao clan is a separate matter. You’ll be inheriting the latter,” the Empress Dowager said.
Kayla inclined her head slightly in acknowledgement.
“If it comes to it, the Grand Duke’s assets may also be subject to search and seizure–you would do well to get the accounts organized beforehand so as not to be adversely impacted,” the Empress Dowager went on. “There’s even a chance we may open the coffin to behead his corpse, depending on what you find. You’ll have to be mentally prepared for it.”
“I will be sure to do so,” Kayla said.
So the Zhao clan and I are pretty much off the hook. A nice, clean separation between us and the Grand Duke as a lone criminal–it’s exactly what I’ve been working for all along, Kayla thought in satisfaction. Finally…finally!
“Wenyuan, this might discomfit you,” the Empress Dowager began. Kayla’s heart skipped a beat in apprehension.
“But I believe you should not observe the mourning period for the Grand Duke. He is already being condemned–and that will only increase with time as people rush to use his coffin as a stepping board. Cutting ties with him for good would be your best option,” the Empress Dowager said. “I, for one, can attest on your behalf that your father was his adopted son–moreover, if you are investigating him, you need not mourn him as well.”
Kayla looked at the Empress Dowager in shock.
Of course she didn’t want to mourn the Grand Duke for a year, but it was a double-sided blade to refuse to do so. As convenient as it was, it gave others a chance to label her as unfilial–and sure, they already did that aplenty, but this was on another level of unfilial behavior. Though people often pretended not to see it when it suited them not to, opposing political positions was hardly uncommon. Plenty of families placed father and son or brother and brother on opposing sides as insurance against complete eradication, especially in heated succession battles. But the Grand Duke’s death and subsequent rites were already contentious enough with Kayla’s arrest–the symbolic weight of a white mourning cloth could either clear or condemn Kayla’s reputation and political influence.
If it were up to Kayla, she would have followed the mourning rites until “discovering” the murder of her parents, which would give her a legitimate reason to stop.
“I understand that this may be a difficult request on my part, but you must also consider the nation’s needs. The Khaganate wishes to proceed with the marriage as soon as possible–the princess’ maternal relatives in particular, and I also wish for you to marry quickly. One year is not long for a man occupied with his career, but it is a long time for a young woman in the flower of her youth. It is also a long time for soldiers who wait uneasily on either side of the border in tense apprehension,” the Empress Dowager said.
Well that changes things. Temporarily damaging my reputation to gain long-term political support from the Khaganate is a good deal for me. The terms are in my favor, so why not?
“If that is your wish, then I will humbly obey,” Kayla replied.
“Wonderful. Then I hope that you will rein in your household as well,” the Empress Dowager said. “The marriage will take place in two months’ time, one month later than the original date we had in mind. That should also be enough time for your investigation to show results.”
Kayla lowered her head in acquiescence.
"As you wish, grandmother."
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绵里藏针/Hide needles in cotton: An Ancient Chinese proverb meaning to hide malice/anger/ill-intent beneath a friendly countenance.
邓州/Dengzhou: A city south of Luoyang (the capital city), where several Archdukes reside.
逐出宫/To chase out from the palace: A punishment for crimes or mistakes that may serve as an alternative or as an addition to corporal punishment.
说曹操曹操到/Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives: A Chinese saying stemming from the depiction of the warlord Cao Cao in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, similar to the Western saying "Speak of the devil and he appears".
宫内行车/Ride a carriage within the palace: The right to ride a palanquin or carriage within the palace, especially the Inner Palace, was often faced with many restrictions, and thus it held political connotations to allow someone to do so.
乱了阵脚/To mess up one's formation footing: An Ancient Chinese proverb meaning to panic and mess up, it refers to the formations used by soldiers in battle, where one's stance and where soldiers are supposed to stand play an important effect. As such, to panic and mess up the footing could result in the formation falling apart.
将功补罪/Make up for crimes with merit: A practice in Ancient China where a criminal's sentence is lessened or nullified if they make sufficient contributions. Similar to the practice of reducing someone's punishment if they testify against other criminals.
王法/King's law: Another way of referring to the Imperial law, which often has an official name that corresponds to the dynasty. Kayla uses the term that directly connects the legal system to the Emperor's rule as a persuasive tactic, something that various politicians in Ancient China have successfully leveraged in their petitions.
鞠躬尽瘁死而后已/To bow to one's task and spare no effort until/beyond one's death: A quote from the Three Kingdoms era politician, tactician, and military commander Zhuge Kongming, one of the most popular figures in Ancient Chinese history. This line has become synonymous with loyalty.
袖里藏刀/Hiding knives in one's sleeves: An Ancient Chinese proverb meaning to act friendly while actually hiding knives in one's sleeve, i.e. to hide your ill intentions.
过而能改善莫大焉/To be able to change after your error is a great virtue: An Ancient Chinese quote from the Commentary of Zuo, which is a commentary on the historical record Spring and Autumn Annals that documents the history of pre-Qin China.
Beheading corpses: Not exactly common, but it's happened a few times. It's used as a punishment for severe crimes where the criminal is already dead, so their corpses are desecrated instead.
Mourning period: In Ancient China, Confucius and folk traditions demanded varying degrees and lengths of mourning for different relations. For parents, it was usually three years. Notably, prior to the reign of the first and only female Empress Wu Zetian in the Tang Dynasty, the mourning period for mothers was shorter than for fathers. Wu Zetian made it so that parents received equal mourning rites. For grandparents, it is generally a one-year mourning period, during which one is expected to refrain from indulging in pleasure, entertainment, and alcohol.