A Commoner Facing The Emperor Alone (2)

Absurd people speak absurd words and do absurd things. On Jan. 7 in the 11th year of the Qing calendar, Fan Xian ordered his subordinates to kill officials in the street and openly killed a scholar of the Hall of Governmental Affairs at the feet of the Royal Palace. He had truly done some absurd things that had never happened in the Qing Kingdom before. Now, he was speaking with assurance and composure about acting on orders and purging for the Emperor. It was as if these words could explain his actions. It was truly extremely absurd.

Even though it was so absurd, a glimmer of a thoughtful cynicism unexpectedly pulled up at the corners of the Emperor's lips. He did not grow angry. "When did I give you this order?"

"Being considerate of the Emperor's heart is something I should do as an official," Fan Xian calmly replied.