The name "Qin Hui," for those people deeply afflicted by the burdens of taxes, forced labor, and the chaos of war, has long been synonymous with "treacherous minister" and "misleading the nation."
Qin Hui stood in front of the crowd, feeling as if the gazes upon him were like red-hot needles of steel, piercing him thoroughly.
He wanted to remain silent, but the cold stares of the soldiers behind him and the faintly unsheathed blades at their waists reminded him of the consequences of defying Gu Hui.
He instinctively wanted to beg for mercy.
But seeing the sallow and emaciated faces of the people before him, their eyes burning with flames, he knew any plea would be in vain.
The instinct to survive overwhelmed the concern for his reputation.
He took a deep breath and began to speak in a trembling voice, initially trying to justify himself and the court, spouting typical phrases about "national difficulties" and "the great threat of invaders."
