Interrogating through the night

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Quchi Lane was a newly established, high-end marketplace that had risen to prominence in recent years. Its proximity to Qujiang Pool made it the prime location for many distinguished families to build their villas. At this moment, inside a grand residence within Quchi Lane, several people were engaged in a tense discussion.

Among those present were the heads of the Cui and Zheng families, both prominent branches in the city of Chang’an. Also there was Zhangsun Shunde, who had once opposed Li Zhi at court. The remaining three were representatives of smaller families closely allied with them.

Cui Yan had just dismissed a steward who had come to report the latest situation. He now spoke to the assembled group: “It has been confirmed our plan has failed. Does anyone have a remedy?”

Zheng De replied, “It is not feasible to attempt another assassination at this time. We should reflect on whether there was any flaw in our previous actions.”

Zhangsun Shunde said, “None of my people showed themselves. I do not believe we have been discovered.”

A representative interjected, “Our most pressing problem is that two of our men were captured alive. I fear they may expose our connection!”

At these words, all eyes turned to a burly man seated at the lowest position. Though he wore the attire of a wealthy gentleman, it was impossible to associate his imposing presence with such an identity.

Sensing everyone’s gaze, the man spoke: “Rest assured, gentlemen. The assassins recruited by the Hidden Dragon Society care only for silver and nothing else.”

This response seemed to ease the group’s tension somewhat. Still, someone pressed further: “Master Xing, are you certain none suspect your society’s involvement?”

The man answered, “When have I, Xing Tao, ever spoken idly? I guarantee this matter was handled cleanly.”

With that assurance, no one pursued the matter further.

Cui Yan spoke again, “Our operation has failed, but if we can successfully place the blame on the Buddhist Order, we may at least sit back and watch our enemies tear each other apart.”

Xing Tao replied, “Do not worry, gentlemen. Those assassins are all sworn to die and have been prepared in advance. Should the opportunity arise, they will end themselves rather than suffer needless torment.”

Zheng De said, “That is best. Since the Buddhist Order refuses to cooperate with us, let them taste our pain as well.”

Someone chimed in, “Patriarch Zheng is right. Since we have suffered such heavy losses, the Buddhist Order should not expect an easy time.”

Cui Yan concluded, “The capital is now under strict martial law. We should disperse quickly!”

He then addressed Zhangsun Shunde, “Lord Zhangsun, please keep a close eye on news within the court so we may prepare in advance.”

Zhangsun Shunde replied, “Rest assured, gentlemen. Leave this matter to me.”

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The group all nodded in agreement, then rose one after another to take their leave. Their status was considerable, and as each possessed a villa in Quchi Lane, they had little reason to fear being stopped or questioned.

Meanwhile, in the Hall of Justice, Emperor Taizong sat sternly in the chief judge’s seat. Kneeling before him were the two captured monks, who had just endured a round of brutal torture and now groaned softly in pain.

Never had they imagined that not only would they be denied a chance to bite the poison capsule hidden in their mouths, even the joints in their arms had been dislocated. Yet, they continued to insist that they were monks from Pure Karma Monastery, acting under direct orders from their abbot to carry out the assassination—just as they had been instructed should they be captured alive.

Their aim was to frame the Buddhist Order for the assassination attempt, thus provoking the court to strike mercilessly against the monks. But they had gravely underestimated Emperor Taizong’s cunning.

From the outset, Emperor Taizong found it highly unlikely the Buddhist Order would openly oppose the court in such a brazen manner.

He did not intend to give them much respite from their pain. “Though I do not yet know where you come from,” he declared, his voice cold, “you are deluded if you think you can deceive me.”

Leaning forward slightly, he continued, “Do not believe that your resolve to die will enable you to withstand the torments of punishment. There are sufferings in this world worse than death.”

He added, “For your sake, I advise you: since you know death is certain, confess now and spare yourselves further agony.”

The two exchanged glances and replied in unison, “What we have said is the truth. We beg Your Majesty to investigate.”

Emperor Taizong’s expression did not change. He raised his arm, and four constables immediately stepped forward, each carrying a set of finger and toe clamps. With swift precision, they affixed the devices to the monks’ digits.

First, two constables tightened the clamps on their toes. At once, the hall echoed with the monks’ shrill screams. The constables were skilled in their craft; they did not inflict the maximum pain immediately, but increased the pressure slowly and steadily, letting the agony build.

The monks’ teeth had already been broken, so they could no longer grit them against the pain.

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The excruciating torment soon drenched both men in sweat, soaking their clothes through. Yet this was only the beginning.

Just as the pain in their toes reached its peak, the constables abruptly ceased tightening them, only to inflict fresh agony on their fingers. Throughout, no one questioned the prisoners further; the four constables did nothing but alternately apply the clamps, the men’s desperate screams growing hoarse before long.

Only after a long while did Emperor Taizong wave for the torture to cease. He asked again, “Tell me, who sent you to carry out this assassination?”

The two men still gave the same answer as before. Emperor Taizong raised his hand once more, signaling for a different instrument of torture to be brought forward, subjecting them to yet another form of suffering.

Patiently, he continued his interrogation, changing the punishment whenever their answers displeased him. The two prisoners lost consciousness several times, but were each time revived with cold water.

In truth, Emperor Taizong could easily have separated them to interrogate alone, which might have yielded a confession more quickly. Yet his heart was filled with wrath; he was determined to take vengeance for Li Zhi in the cruelest manner possible.

The interrogation dragged on until deep into the night. Only when one prisoner finally collapsed into a coma did the other, left isolated, at last begin to confess. Lacking his companion’s presence, he no longer had the courage to endure further torture. All he desired now was a swift death at the emperor’s hand.

With this confession, the investigation finally made a breakthrough. From that moment, Emperor Taizong transferred the remainder of the case to be handled in secret.