The Emperor paced back and forth in the Imperial Study, contemplating how to punish the negligent Jinyi Guards.
After a few moments, he looked at Mao Xiang and said, "Then, have them report to the Inspectorate to receive one hundred strikes of the imperial punishment each."
"His Majesty the Emperor," Jinyiwei Commander Mao Xiang called out, seemingly about to plead for his subordinates.
The imperial punishment wasn't as simple as a spanking that wounded one's pride. If it went badly, it could be fatal.
"Hmm?" The Emperor heard Mao Xiang begin to speak and let out a long, questioning hum. "See to it."
"His Majesty the Emperor, your humble servant takes his leave." Mao Xiang was just about to depart.
"Wait!" Emperor Gu Yuanzhang called out to Jinyiwei Commander Mao Xiang again.
Mao Xiang, who had been about to retreat, froze in his tracks. 'Please don't give me another task,' he thought.
