But the henpecked were not limited to just Fang Xuanling. In Chang'an City, there were so many fierce wives that if they were pulled out, they could probably fill the entire Zhuque Street. Half of the twenty-four meritorious officials of Lingyan Pavilion were afraid of their wives, and their ladies gave even the emperor a headache, although the matter with Fang Xuanling was more notorious.
One day, after the morning court was dismissed and everyone had left, only Fang Xuanling remained standing still. Emperor Taizong was curious and asked, "Old Fang, what's the matter with you?" Fang Xuanling suddenly fell to his knees: "Your Majesty, you must vindicate your servant. My lady has beaten me, and she won't allow me to return home. Please issue an imperial edict to let my lady allow me to come home, otherwise I can't go on living. I'll die right here in front of you."
