The Emperor finished composing the imperial edicts. These pronouncements exiled the bigger culprits to the remote southwest, while lesser offenders were demoted by three ranks and forced to disgorge their embezzled funds.
Left with no choice, those demoted officials resigned themselves to their fate and returned to their homes.
General Liu remained in a precarious position. He felt uneasy about his future, but the Emperor needed someone to maintain order in Qianzhou. With this in mind, the Emperor summoned King Xian's son after dinner.
"I'm ready to receive your Majesty's orders," King Xian's son, known as Prince Xian, replied.
The Emperor smiled and presented him with the two memorials—Gu Chengrui's and Gu Chengsi's. "I'd like you to take over General Liu's position in Qianzhou," he explained. "Of course, if you find it overwhelming, we'll find a suitable replacement to relieve you."
