Chapter 100 The konghou resounds (II)

　　Said the poem:　　Far-off blooms creep over the ancient road,　　Sunlit green meets the ruined walls.　　Again I send the prince away —　　Tall grass sways, full of parting sorrow.　　Li Linfu escorted the captured leader of the assassins back to Chang’an to stand before Emperor Xuanzong. Entering the Daming Palace, within the Zichen Hall the gold and lapis shimmered; Xuanzong sat on the dragon throne, his brows stern and imposing. Li Linfu approached and reported formally: “Your Majesty, this rebel leader has been brought in; I have recorded his crimes in full.” Xuanzong nodded, his gaze sharp as lightning sweeping toward the assassin chief, and slowly said, “Your crimes — Minister Li has already fully reported them to me. If I were to act strictly according to the law, do you know what your fate would be?” The assassin chief raised his head; his voice was hoarse but stubborn as he answered, “Is it not already decided that we shall be executed in autumn?” A faint smile curved Xuanzong’s lips — not anger but amusement. He said, “That would indeed be the law. Yet have you ever thought that by coming to Miao Territory you acted on behalf of Miao Territory, and your crimes are in part the crimes of that land?” The assassin chief felt a coldness run down his spine; his face drained of color and he stammered, “Heavenly Khan — what does Your Majesty mean by this?”　　Xuanzong, seeing that he had the man’s ear, went on: “Miao Territory is your native place. If you are implicated, it is not by your choice. I know that what you have done has been instigated by a nine-tailed spirit fox. I long cherish talent; if you are willing to reform and serve the court, I can appoint you to a military post — entrust you with your brothers to serve the state — and in doing so honor Miao Territory as well.” The assassin chief pondered for a moment, and Xuanzong’s words struck him as truthful: loyalty to his comrades and love of his homeland swayed him. He said, “I will respectfully follow Your