attendants sobbed and wept too。 But Cao Xiu and Cao Hong still urged the Emperor to go to the Hall of Audience; and at last he had to yield。 There Hua Xin took up the question again。
〃Your Majesty should act as was advised yesterday and so avoid any misfortune。〃
The Emperor sobbed; 〃All of you have eaten of the bounty of Han for years; and among you are many whose fathers and grandfathers were conspicuous for merit。 How can you bring yourselves to act thus improperly toward me?〃
〃If Your Majesty refuses to follow advice; I fear that there will soon be trouble in the family。 Really we are not disloyal。〃
〃Who would dare to murder me?〃 cried the Emperor。
〃Everyone knows that Your Majesty lacks the happy attributes of a successful ruler and that is why there is so much confusion in the country。 If it were not for the presence of the Prince of Wei in your court; many people would murder you。 Your Majesty has never yet learned how to treat people; is your sole desire to set people against you?〃
The Emperor; alarmed at the violence of his language; shook out his sleeves and rose to go away。 Then Wang Lang glanced at Hua Xin; who rushed forward and seized the Emperor by the sleeve。
〃Is it consent or not?〃 cried he angrily。 〃One word!〃
The Emperor was dumb with terror。
〃Where is the Keeper of the Seal?〃 shouted Cao Hong and Cao Xiu; drawing their swords。
〃The Keeper of the Seal is here;〃 said Zu Bi; stepping calmly to the front。
They tried to force the seal from him; but he cried; 〃The Seal belongs to the Emperor; and I will not yield it!〃
Cao Hong called up the executioners and told them to behead him; which they did。 Zu Bi abused the ruffians to the last breath。
Dethroned by wicked trait