Many people in the court got promoted for impeaching Xu Xiao. At the last hall meeting of this year, Grand Secretary Wen Shouxin advised ridding the monarch of "evil" ministers, carrying a coffin to show his resolution.

In Northern Liang, a flag that read "Xu" fluttered in the wind. Xu Xiao cantered, holding a secret letter from the capital. He chuckled, "Ridding of 'evil' ministers? Why can't these old scholars save their strength to deal with the beautiful concubines back home?"

Beside him, Chen Zhibao, who had a flawless and radiant face, smiled without speaking.