Li Shengan dared not think any further. Every step he took felt incredibly heavy. Yet, time did not stop, and he eventually arrived at Zhaochen Palace.
The Emperor was furious and wanted to give Li Shengan a sound thrashing. Thus, he instructed Li Shengan, "After dinner, go to the Punishment Department and receive ten heavy strikes!"
The cold sweat on Li Shengan's brow finally dripped, and his heart settled back into his chest.
Ten heavy strikes! Not too bad, not too bad. I should be able to keep my life!
After expressing his gratitude for the mercy, Li Shengan withdrew.
Once outside the Imperial Study Room, Li Shengan slapped himself hard several times.
That's for not being careful! That's for causing the Emperor to be offended, for trying to be clever, for...!
