Mu Yunhe, holding Luo Zhiheng's hand, walked gracefully towards them amidst the excited, astonished, apprehensive, and thrilled gazes of the crowd. They stopped before the Pharaohs, and even the Chess Saint, Elder Tong, and General Murong couldn't help but smile. Kind smiles spread across their usually serious faces, turning their wrinkled features into smiles like orange blossoms.
Luo Zhiheng's usually serious face broke down instantly. She blinked, and a smile spread across her lips. She felt a gaze on her and looked up slightly. It was the emperor, dressed in a dragon robe, sitting on a high throne.
Luo Zhiheng and Mu Yunhe bowed to each other without haste. Their etiquette was that of juniors to the emperor. Because of Mu Yunhe's status, they did not kneel down, and the emperor did not blame them. He even stood up and said repeatedly, somewhat hesitantly, "No need for formalities. We are all family. You are just recovering. Please sit down."
The emperor's attitude was so amiable that it was somewhat humble, but he still maintained his kingly authority.
Luo Zhiheng smiled, glancing sideways at Mu Yunhe. Seeing his calm and composed demeanor, she felt a warm and sweet feeling in her heart. Every woman would feel happy and content to have a husband whom even the emperor had to respect and flatter. 19.
Two chairs were already prepared nearby. After the two sat down, Mu Yunhe said in a deep voice, "I have come today because I have returned and have come to see the Emperor. I am grateful to the Emperor for arranging so many capable people to protect Aheng. I will remember this kindness."
Luo Zhiheng is so fortunate. The first thing the diviner said was that he was willing to owe the Emperor a great favor because of her. This shows how much Mu Yunhe cares about Luo Zhiheng.
The emperor narrowed his cloudy eyes, a sharp glint in them. For the first time, he was impressed that the pharaohs had actually done the right thing this time. He waved his hand and laughed, "It's nothing serious. The pharaohs were worried about the staff being in this girl's hands, so they had it secretly protected. It was a twist of fate, but I'm relieved that the girl is alright."
The emperor's frankness made Mu Yunhe think more highly of him. If the emperor had taken credit for the victory today, he would have thought the emperor was hypocritical. But he didn't show it at all, and said indifferently, "No matter what, their protection of Aheng is real, and I will remember that favor. Today, I've come to ask the emperor for another decree."
"Tell me your story. If it's not too difficult, I'll grant it to you." The emperor didn't immediately agree, but his gaze swept over Mr. Li, who was now almost curled up in a ball.
“My nephew’s father has a concubine who has been in charge of the internal affairs of the royal palace for many years. Although she is very capable, I have found out that she has been using the royal palace’s assets to enrich herself and has been placing her people in important positions in many of the royal palace’s assets. I have reason to suspect that she has ulterior motives and ulterior motives.”
"Oh? Is that so? Who is this person Yunhe is talking about?" the emperor asked coldly.
"Li Fangfei, the daughter of the Li family and a concubine!" Mu Yunhe's voice was calm, yet it carried an indescribable air of authority, causing the Li family members' faces to turn deathly pale.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me, Consort Li has been married to Prince Mu for many years and is no longer a member of the Li family. Your Highness's words are truly putting the Li family in an awkward position. What Consort Li has done, how could the Li family not know?" Master Li began to play the subservient card again, and without hesitation, he wanted to kick Consort Li out of the family.
This reason coincides with what the Li family patriarch said last night, confirming Luo Zhiheng's guess.
The courtiers were in uproar!
It wasn't because of Mu Yunhe's absurd impeachment, but because of the Li family's shameful act of buying a daughter for personal gain!
Mu Yunhe hadn't even mentioned anything more serious, yet the Li family was already willing to abandon Consort Li without a second thought. Is there any kinship left in such a family? For their own interests and lives, even family ties have become so indifferent; what about anything else? If they ever need to protect themselves, the Li family will likely abandon everyone who is subordinate to them without hesitation, just as they are today.
The Li family's move chilled everyone's hearts, especially those advisors who relied on them.
Luo Zhiheng sneered disdainfully, not even sparing a glance at the Li family.
"Did I ask you to speak? Yunhe, continue." The emperor's cold voice seemed to carry a hint of disdain, yet it was as if it didn't.
"Regardless of the relationship between the Li family and Consort Li, what I am saying is simply a fact. The Emperor will naturally investigate. If your Li family is involved, then the Li family will naturally not be exempt from this." Bo Leng's voice was filled with disdain.
"Consort Li is utterly disrespectful and ruthless, wielding absolute power in the Prince's residence. Ambitious and relying on Father's favor, she acts with impunity, repeatedly plotting against me, but I have always managed to evade her. This time, however, she dared to hold a banquet at the Li family home, openly scheming against me. The charge of murder is confirmed, and she has been caught red-handed. I implore Your Majesty to investigate whether the Li family was also involved. Previously, I could not speak out against her injustices or grievances because she was Father's favored concubine, but today, I can no longer tolerate her. Father is not in the capital, so I have come to request Your Majesty's decree: Li Fangfei must be executed immediately!"
Mu Yunhe stood up, his tall figure appearing like an insurmountable mountain range before the crowd. His voice, devoid of any warmth or gentleness, was calm and authoritative, inspiring awe and disrespect. His single word, "immediate execution," instantly unleashed an unseen storm of bloodshed in the imperial court.
Mu Yunhe was finally settling scores. Does this mean that from today onwards, everyone who has done anything detrimental to Mu Yunhe and Luo Zhiheng will be living in constant fear? Mu Yunhe's first move, however, is immediate execution!
Many court officials had changed their expressions.
The emperor remained silent for a long time. Only after the murmurs of the crowd gradually subsided did he say in a deep voice, "This matter is of great importance, and it was my oversight. I was indeed at fault first. Yunhe's health was already poor when he was young. Over the years, he should have been protected. Otherwise, we would not have been hiding such a viper by our side without knowing it, and instead, Yunhe would have been forced to survive in such a dangerous environment."
The emperor also stood up, a hint of anger creeping into his usually steady voice. That anger, rising louder and louder, seemed to echo through the heavens like a dragon's roar, carrying a thunderous fury that shook the very heavens: "Where is this vile woman! How dare you, so audacious and unrestrained, plot to murder a prince's heir! Your insubordination is unforgivable! Issue my decree: at noon today, at the entrance of the market, she shall be beheaded and her body displayed to the public! Her body shall then be torn apart by four horses, and her head shall be hung above the city gate. No matter the season, it shall not be removed until it has decomposed! All officials, scholars with official titles, and retired ministers—all those in the capital—must personally witness this execution!"
"This is the consequence of daring to plot against the royal family. Today, I also want to tell everyone here that I know you have many branches and intricate kinship ties, but I will remember this: no matter what you do, if anyone dares to plot against the royal family or the eldest son, this will be the same! Go back and discipline your children, and they'd better behave themselves!"
The court officials looked grim and prostrated themselves on the ground, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"
At this moment, all they could do was tremble with fear and proceed with extreme caution. What other thoughts could they possibly have? They only felt that the Emperor was truly enraged this time, which was enough to show how important Mu Yunhe was in the Emperor's heart.
Without investigating the truth, without consulting the Imperial Clan Court and the Ministry of Justice, they simply listened to Mu Yunhe's side of the story and convicted Consort Li of a crime. Who would dare to challenge such favor?
People were filled with fear. Given Mu Yunhe's momentum, who would be his next target for revenge? There was no hope of escaping; death was inevitable.
"Your Majesty, your niece-in-law also has a request, and I humbly request Your Majesty's permission." Luo Zhiheng stepped forward, clasped her hands in a fist and spoke. Unlike ordinary women who would bow and bend their knees, she stood tall and straight, more spirited than any man.
The emperor's gloomy gaze softened, and his voice also became gentle: "You little devil, you have too many demands. Tell me about them."
Luo Zhiheng wasn't surprised by the emperor's somewhat intimate attitude; the old emperor seemed to have always been particularly fond of her. The cane, after all, was something the old emperor had insisted on leaving in her hand, despite the objections of the other pharaohs.
"May I personally oversee the execution?"
The emperor was stunned, the ministers were stunned, and even the pharaohs were stunned. A little girl, so young, yet so bloodthirsty, so fearless, and she wanted to be an executioner?
But the emperor suddenly waved his hand, making the final decision: "Granted!"
First update! I'll be writing 10,000 words today in three updates. Second update will be here soon. I'll keep working hard! Still asking for recommendations, comments, and monthly tickets. Hugs to all my lovely readers! Remember to vote for our fierce woman in the final poll, it's the 21st! One more thing: if you're not a true reader, please leave!
364. Execute immediately!
Updated: 2013-10-02 20:42:23 Word Count: 3292
The old emperor made a statement today: regardless of whether Mu Yunhe's words were true or false, the old emperor was telling everyone that he believed them! He was absolutely on Mu Yunhe's side.
The political climate in the court was rapidly shifting, and in the blink of an eye, the tide had turned, leaving everyone bewildered. The emperor was old and frail, and his days were numbered. Although the crown prince had been appointed, he remained outside the court, personally leading troops on the battlefield. While he had also achieved numerous military exploits, his absence from the court meant he could not reassure the people. How could anyone know that he would return safely from the perilous battlefield and ascend the throne?
The other princes were eyeing the court covetously, and the court had long been divided into several factions. But in the ever-changing court, who could be sure that their gamble was the right one?
However, Mu Yunhe's appearance made those who were still hesitant realize their intentions. Putting everything else aside, just looking at Mu Yunhe's top-tier status today, it was a sure-fire deal. To be loyal to him and stand on his side was absolutely the right thing to do! So those who had their own agendas all rushed to curry favor with Mu Yunhe, and naturally, they would also hate what Mu Yunhe hated.
As a result, many ministers mobilized their family members, and some even went so far as to send people to the market with rotten cabbage and eggs. They could not contribute to Mu Yunhe's elimination of dissidents, but in the end, they could share Mu Yunhe's hatred and throw some rotten eggs and cabbage.
The entrance to the vegetable market is a very meaningful place, as it is usually a gathering place for the souls of the dead.
At this moment, a ceremonial platform has been erected at the entrance of the vegetable market. A wide and large wind-powered cleaver hangs on a tall, columnar blade. The gleaming blade is dazzling in the sunlight, giving people a sense of deadly danger.
Soldiers, armed with swords, had cordoned off both sides of the street, keeping the common people on either side. One after another, official carriages entered the market. Each carriage was more magnificent than the last, symbolizing the status of the people in charge; with the Emperor's decree, naturally many would come. The entire capital was abuzz. Nobles, celebrities, officials, and scholars—enough to fill three long streets—were all gathered here, not allowed to ride in carriages, but standing solemnly on both sides, as if meeting the Emperor.
Such whirlwind speed to kill someone—silent until the moment of truth, then astonishing! Yet, it was all for Mu Yunhe's purpose in killing someone.
The name Li Fangfei, the concubine, spread like wildfire, making her a household name. She was born unremarkable, but her death was unexpectedly sensational.
Their presence, and the unusual demeanor and atmosphere they exuded, instantly silenced the once bustling market, making it so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
In this quiet environment, there was the sound of a carriage slowly approaching. The carriage came from the end of the city gate, surrounded by wooden railings. Inside was a woman with disheveled hair, but her clothes were neat and she had no injuries. She was obviously a prisoner, but it was quite strange that she was unharmed.
The woman slumped listlessly in the prison van, her eyes vacant. All along the way, everyone's eyes were on her, but she seemed oblivious until a rotten egg was thrown at her face and shattered. Only then did she seem to snap out of her daze, her sharp gaze instantly turning into undisguised malice as she coldly stared at the spot where the egg had been thrown. But upon looking, she froze.
"Xian'er?!" Consort Li exclaimed in disbelief, absurdity, uncontrollable rage, and utter collapse. Perhaps only she herself could understand her feelings at this moment, for the person who had thrown the rotten egg at her was none other than her beloved niece, Li Xian'er! 19.
She had always groomed this girl as her future successor and doted on her as a daughter-in-law for Mu Yunjin. She had done many things for Li Xian'er that a selfish person like her would never do easily. But she never expected that in the end, the child she had treated so kindly would be the first to throw rotten eggs at her!
How can I not be heartbroken? 17129591
In that instant, Consort Li knew what it felt like to be heartbroken, and in that instant, her heart sank to the bottom.
Li Xian'er is very naive and would never dare to treat her like this unless her family makes some move or abandons her.
This idea nearly drove Consort Li to madness. She had sacrificed so much for her family over the years; even if she hadn't achieved great things, she had certainly worked hard. She had amassed countless sums of money and treasures in the Prince's residence, all of which she had given to the Li family. She had her own treasury within the Li family; otherwise, how could she have had the pretext to give things to Luo Zhiheng?
But if she spoke, everything she owned would become part of the Li family. She had never considered the possibility of death before; she was favored by the prince, protected by her family, and had a promising son. She was almost perfect. She believed she had made a huge contribution to the family and that they would never abandon her. But now? Could she still have that confidence?
The Li family watched helplessly as she was taken away by Mu Yunhe's men, remaining silent and indifferent all night. Now, she was being forced into a prison cart, yet the family still made no move. All she received in return was a rotten egg for her beloved niece? What was the Li family's attitude now? Consort Li desperately wanted to know.
She suddenly knelt up, gripping the wooden railing and stretching her arms outwards with all her might, glaring angrily as she screamed, "Xian'er! Li Xian'er, how could you do this to me? I'm your aunt! Are you looking for death?!"
Li Xian'er's face turned pale, and a hint of guilt flickered in her eyes. But when she thought about how Consort Li had tried to kill Mu Yunhe last night, and how, according to the elders, Li Fang Village was even going to arrange for that ugly girl, Hua Kai, to marry Mu Yunhe, so that Hua Kai would ruin Mu Yunhe, Li Xian'er could no longer remain calm.
How could the man she loved be ruined by an ugly woman? Besides, given Consort Li's current state, she was certain to die. She had to set an example and let Mu Yunhe know that her resolve and will were on his side. What Luo Zhiheng could do for him, Li Xian'er could do just as much for him.
"Even now, how can you still be so arrogant? Are you courting death? Who's courting death? You even dared to plot against the Prince's only legitimate son! The young Prince is lucky to have survived your death. What face do you have left to live? You're waiting to be publicly beheaded today, bringing shame upon your family. How dare you continue to be so arrogant here? You are a disgrace to the Li family." Li Xian'er deliberately squeezed through the crowd, pushed aside the soldiers, and spoke with righteous indignation, looking like a patriotic youth hating a traitor.
Such a clear conversation, standing out starkly against the quiet street, revealed the whole story and left people astonished.
What kind of people are the Li family? They haven't even done anything to others, and they've already turned on each other like dogs fighting over scraps. It's not only laughable, but it also makes one realize how inhuman the Li family is.
Mr. Li and the Li family patriarch have both arrived. They are in front of the execution ground and have just learned of the commotion behind them, but they are powerless to do anything about it. They can only hate that there is one idiot in their family, and the other two are also idiots.
Enraged by Li Xian'er's attitude and words, Consort Li disregarded her image and roared, "You little beast! You ungrateful wretch! Don't you know how I've treated you? How dare you kick me when I'm down! I must have been blind to have loved such a scoundrel!"
"Li Fangfei, you'd better save your energy. What you've done is obvious. Even if you die a thousand times, it won't make up for your crimes to the young prince. You are a disgrace to the family. Fortunately, the family abandoned you a long time ago, otherwise the Li family wouldn't be able to escape responsibility this time. Just die already, you're disgusting." Li Xian'er said with a look of disgust, then snatched the rotten cabbage from the stunned person next to her and threw it at Consort Li.
Consort Li was so angry that her eyes almost bled. Her hands lashed out like claws as she cursed incessantly. When she saw her father and ancestor in the distance, Consort Li screamed, "Father, Ancestor, save me! I've been wronged! Mu Yunhe and Luo Zhiheng have framed me! You must believe me! I really haven't harmed them! Please save me!"
It would have been better if Consort Li hadn't called out; her shout only made the Li family more eager to distance themselves. Master Li, his face contorted with rage, roared, "Don't spout nonsense! How dare a criminal like you address the young prince by his name? You've already made a mistake; take responsibility for it and confess your sins. Stop talking nonsense!" Master Li offered no comfort, but instead issued a veiled warning. He feared that Consort Li's dying frenzy might cause her to utter other things she shouldn't.
Consort Li froze, staring blankly at her father and ancestor approaching. These two were completely different from the kind and caring people she remembered. Their faces displayed such obvious disgust and rejection, as if she were a piece of rotten flesh, an eyesore who had humiliated them. She had only seen such expressions on their faces when they had completely abandoned their family pawns. Had she, then, looked at that abandoned, useless person with the same expression on her face?
Ten years have passed, and at this moment, Consort Li understood this truth with both sorrow and profound realization.
But she was unwilling to accept it. She was destined for a life of wealth and good fortune. From her early years of wandering, to meeting the prince, to being found and accepted by her family, marrying the prince, and having an outstanding son, everything about her had been smooth and perfect. She should be a princess; she hadn't even ascended to the throne yet! How could she die?!
What a long time! It's the second update, and I've written 7,000 words so far. There's one more bonus chapter today, so please wait a bit. My darlings, please give me motivation! I need to take good care of myself, and then I'll be full of energy and spirit to keep writing! Haha, love you all! Still asking for recommendation votes, comments, and monthly tickets!
365 Executions, Immediate Removal! (Part 2) Bonus Chapter for 25,500 Comments
Updated: 2013-10-02 22:53:24 Word Count: 3464
"Father! Save me! I'm here! Have you forgotten your promise? You said you'd never let me be homeless again, you said you'd be a good father, you said you'd love your daughter dearly! Why won't you save me? Please save me!" Consort Li cried out hoarsely. She couldn't believe it. The tragic memories of her childhood were vivid, as clear as yesterday. Her kind father, with tears in his eyes, holding her as a young girl, his warm words still echoed in her ears. How could she have fallen to such a state today?
Mr. Li stood stiffly in place, his head slightly lowered. The distance was too great for Consort Li to see clearly the expression on her father's face. Was it pain, despair, or grief and anxiety?
But when the prison cart finally approached Mr. Li, Consort Li finally saw her father's expression through her tear-filled eyes.
Was that... disdain? Or perhaps... a sneer?
In short, it was definitely not the difficult and heartbreaking situation she had imagined. This was her father; had all that kindness and gentleness been a facade?
Consort Li was dumbfounded, her heart filled with indescribable emotions. The family she had always trusted had abandoned her when her life was at stake. But who else did she have besides her family? Who could she rely on? The taste of despair was more unbearable than being slowly sliced to death, because it was filled with fear, and her heart was filled with trepidation.
Suddenly, people on the street went crazy, throwing eggs and cabbages at her. Accusations and insults filled the streets. Consort Li, soaked to the bone and looking like a beggar, went from being high and mighty to being hated by everyone overnight.
Consort Li began screaming wildly, pleading for help, crying out, and cursing. She exerted all her strength, yet lacked even the power to draw the bow. She desperately tried to escape the cage that imprisoned her. Her confidence and patience crumbled. As she watched herself draw ever closer to the execution ground, where blades gleamed, she knew no one could save her. Fear and madness gripped her, her panic intensifying. The closer she got, the sooner death seemed imminent.