The Imperial Palace was destined for a sleepless night. Ever since the palace gates were locked, chest after chest of account books had been carried into the side hall. The entire Ministry of Internal Affairs—from the Internal Affairs Chief down to the eunuchs and palace maids—had been rounded up by General Wei, Liu Chang. They were driven into a single courtyard and detained for interrogation.
Hua Shunming did not mobilize the Six Ministries this time. Instead, he had his trusted aides conduct overnight interrogations and confiscations. By the break of dawn, carts fully loaded with confiscated goods were already lining up at the palace gates.
The ministers arriving for the morning court had no choice but to dismount from afar and walk into the palace. Even as they gathered in the great hall, none of them had figured out what was going on.
