The Empress glared furiously, while Zhao Fugui collapsed to the ground, trembling all over. At this moment, Captain Li, who had been standing to the side all along, stepped forward and looked down at Zhao Fugui with a face full of mockery. "Zhao Fugui, oh Zhao Fugui," he sneered, "usually you throw your weight around in the Capital City, relying on a bit of wealth to act as though you're above everyone else. Who would have thought you'd end up like this today? To think you dared to tamper with the imperial military equipment—bringing this disaster of family ruin and execution upon yourself is entirely your own doing."
Hearing the phrase "family ruin and execution," Zhao Fugui was scared out of his wits. He kowtowed repeatedly to the Empress, his forehead instantly turning red and swollen. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, show mercy! This humble commoner has an eighty-year-old mother above and infants waiting to be fed below. I beg Your Majesty to spare my life! This humble commoner is willing to give away all his wealth to make amends for this mistake."
The Empress let out a cold snort. Before she could speak, Captain Li chimed in first, cutting her off. "Hmph, do you really think giving away all your wealth will settle this? Your actions nearly derailed the court's major plans, and the lives of the soldiers at the frontier are hanging by a thread. How could mere money ever make up for that?"
Chapter 58