Chapter Fifty-eight Only the beauty of youth has changed (III)

　　He said:　　At dawn the pearl-dew weeps without strength,　　On brocade the robe of gauze lies idle.　　If once adorned upon Princess Shouyang’s brow,　　All the palace maids would vie to learn the plum-blossom style.　　From the reign of Tianshou (690) onward, Wu Yizong had several times overseen inquisitions, delighting in framing others to curry favor with the Empress. At the time, people said his cruelty was surpassed only by Zhou Xing and Lai Junchen.　　Now, entrusted with the Empress’s command to investigate, Wu Yizong sought not truth but merit. To make Liu Sili confess swiftly, he applied the harshest tortures.　　Liu Sili was no petty villain, yet unable to endure the torment. Wu Yizong feigned sympathy, saying:　　“I hold the command of the Sovereign. Your crime is beyond pardon and by law you should die. Yet the Sovereign remembers your past service. If you confess who stands behind you, you may be spared, and your family unharmed.”　　Liu Sili, not knowing Wu Yizong’s intent, replied:　　“I erred in momentary folly; there was no supporter behind me!”　　Wu Yizong’s eyes flashed as he said:　　“Lord Liu, do not pretend confusion. Here is the list of names the Sovereign herself entrusted to me—how can you claim you had no backers?”　　Realizing his meaning and desperate to survi