De Shun accepted the order.
The palace guards moved swiftly, dragging away the two eunuchs who had been gossiping. The young eunuchs pleaded for mercy in terror, but they were given no chance to defend themselves—their mouths were covered as they were hauled off.
The night wind was cold and biting. Li Yuanjing spoke again, his voice icy: "Investigate this. I want to know who dared spread such reckless rumors."
De Shun bowed. "This servant will look into it at once."
The imperial palanquin proceeded toward Yongning Palace.
De Shun did not follow the emperor's procession but remained behind to handle the aftermath.
The sound of beating sticks fell, and soon, the two loose-tongued eunuchs fell silent. Their bodies were wrapped hastily in reed mats.
