Chapter 22: Dawn of Judgment

The night’s stillness shattered at the first light of dawn. Torches flickered along the palace corridors as Li Xiao hurried toward the Hall of Reflections. Her heart pounded like a war drum. The council vote to determine Grand Advisor Jin Tao’s fate would convene at first light, and the ministers’ whispers had grown into a roar of dissent.

Clutching her silver lotus handkerchief, she slipped into the corridor outside Jin Tao’s chambers. He stood by the carved doors, his silhouette calm and resolute against the pale sky.

“Li Xiao,” he greeted, voice low. “The hour has come.”

She bowed, pressing her hand to her heart. “I’m ready.”

He offered a rare, gentle smile. “Then let us walk together.”

They crossed the marble courtyard beneath the pale glow of lanterns still burning from the night’s vigil. Cherry blossoms, their petals damp with dew, carpeted the ground like snow. The air smelled of damp stone and jasmine—a heady reminder of their shared trials.

At the Hall of Reflections, two massive bronze doors swung open. Inside, the black marble floor gleamed, and three thrones awaited: Lord Wu, High Chancellor of Wisdom; Lord Gao, Minister of War; and Lady Shen, Minister of Rites. The emperor’s throne stood beyond them, empty until the vote’s conclusion.

Courtiers lined the walls, their robes a swirl of color. At the dais, the three ministers sat in silent judgment, their expressions unreadable.

Li Xiao knelt beside Jin Tao at the foot of the dais, her gaze steady. He bowed deeply, then looked to her.

“Speak for me,” he whispered. “Tell them why mercy is strength.”

She met his crimson eyes and nodded.

High Chancellor Wu rose, his sable robes rustling. “The realm stands at a crossroads. Counselor Jin Tao’s elevation to Grand Advisor of Harmony must be affirmed or revoked. We begin with arguments for revocation. Minister Gao.”

Lord Gao stood, his scarred cheek drawn tight. “Esteemed council, the Grand Advisor’s treaty with rebels, though successful, set a dangerous precedent. Mercy without oversight invites further insurrection. How can we trust such unilateral power?”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the chamber. Li Xiao pressed her palms together, steadying her breath.

High Chancellor Wu nodded. “Minister of War’s concerns are noted. Minister of Rites, your perspective.”

Lady Shen rose gracefully, her embroidered fan folded in her hand. “Stability and tradition guide our realm. Yet the emperor’s diary speaks of a new era—one of compassion and unity. We must balance ancient precedent with the emperor’s vision.” She inclined her head toward Jin Tao. “I vote to uphold his title.”

A hush fell as the first vote was cast. Li Xiao’s heart raced. One for revocation, one for affirmation. The deciding vote lay with the High Chancellor.

High Chancellor Wu regarded Jin Tao, then addressed the assembly. “Archivist Li Xiao, you have served the Grand Advisor in translating the emperor’s will. Speak now.”

Li Xiao rose, her legs steady. She stepped before the thrones, her voice clear and unwavering. “Esteemed council, I have witnessed the Grand Advisor’s mercy transform rebellion into loyalty. In Hanford, trade resumed, families reunited, and the emperor’s coffers filled anew. His actions honored the emperor’s words: ‘Let my reign be remembered not for blood spilled, but for hands joined in peace.’ To revoke his title is to deny our emperor’s vision.”

Silence gripped the hall. Li Xiao bowed deeply and knelt once more beside Jin Tao.

High Chancellor Wu closed his eyes, weighing her words. After a breath that felt like eternity, he opened them and spoke: “The emperor’s vision guides us. I cast my vote to uphold the title of Grand Advisor of Harmony.”

A single toll of the great bell echoed through the hall, signaling the verdict. Li Xiao felt relief flood her chest as Lady Shen and the Chancellor’s votes combined to affirm Jin Tao’s position.

Lord Gao bowed stiffly. “As you will.” He retreated, leaving the chamber in respectful silence.

Jin Tao rose, his posture regal. He extended a hand to Li Xiao, lifting her to her feet. The chamber’s tension dissolved into a ripple of applause from the courtiers.

High Chancellor Wu addressed Jin Tao: “Grand Advisor, your title stands. May your counsel continue to guide the realm toward both strength and compassion.”

Jin Tao bowed deeply. “I am honored. I pledge to uphold the emperor’s will and serve the realm faithfully.”

Li Xiao’s eyes shone with pride. She knelt and placed her hand upon his, offering silent support.

After the council, the palace corridors buzzed with renewed respect. Li Xiao and Jin Tao walked side by side through the eastern wing, the morning sun breaking through mist to illuminate their path.

At the koi pond outside her office, Jin Tao paused. He turned to Li Xiao, his crimson eyes soft. “Thank you, Li Xiao. You gave voice to the emperor’s will—and to my heart.”

She smiled, bowing her head. “I only spoke the truth.”

He reached out and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “Together, we will build the future the emperor envisioned.”

She nodded, her heart full. “Together.”

Under the palace’s silent watch, Archivist and Grand Advisor stood united—champions of mercy and duty—as the dawn heralded a new era for the empire.