Mu Yunhe closed his sore eyes, trying to open them again, but it was so difficult, as if they weighed a ton. His voice, devoid of emotion, came through, low and hoarse: "Why did you kill your own child?"
"Because that child couldn't live either; he was stillborn. Because I used too much perfume and incense, this child couldn't be kept. I was too cowardly to admit that I killed him, nor did I want to let him slip away with my own hands. I know how much your father longed for this child, so I wanted his departure to take you with him. Only when you are gone can my son become the prince's most valued child." All the secrets were finally revealed under the blazing sun and in front of everyone, yet it was so tragic.
The sun was setting, its rays fading. Everyone was speechless, watching helplessly as the beautiful woman knelt on the execution platform. Compared to her previous hysteria, she was now so cold-blooded that they wanted to tear her to pieces! Everyone's blood boiled; Consort Li had to die, without a doubt! Their hatred would not be appeased until she was dead. They were waiting for Mu Yunhe's words, for a definitive answer.
Mu Yunhe's hand, which was stroking the table, suddenly stopped. A voice, devoid of any anger, slowly flowed from his slightly parted thin lips: "Consort Li, your crime is unforgivable. This is the Emperor's decree, and we cannot change it. Let us obey the Emperor's decree."
In short, Consort Li is sentenced to death!
Mu Yunjin's face was ashen, his chest filled with rage and hatred. He couldn't tell who he resented—Mu Yunhe, his mother, or himself? Or perhaps the ugly truths of years past? He didn't know, but at this moment, he felt utterly powerless, unable even to save his own mother. His mother had once been his only source of warmth; it was because of her that he received his father's repeated praise and affection. Mu Yunjin knew very well that everything he had was earned by his mother, and therefore, he loved her.
But at this moment, when his mother revealed just the tip of the iceberg of his past, he discovered that it was all heavy repression that he could not bear.
In the end, his mother still disappointed him. Was it because his mother loved herself more, and he was nothing more than a pawn in her power struggle? But why did his mother suddenly turn the tables and so frankly confess her past in the end? He couldn't even bring himself to plead for her.
Mu Qingya died. Before her death, Mu Qingya was a walking corpse. Her son died, but it was his mother who killed him. For her own selfish desires, his mother caused unrest to all the members of Mu Yunhe's family, young and old, and in the end, they were separated by death.
This is retribution, retribution for his mother. He couldn't control it, and he found it difficult to speak up again.
Luo Zhiheng gripped Mu Yunhe's hand tightly, the cold sweat and trembling clearly visible. Her heart ached, and her anger surged. Finally, she raised the token in her other hand high once more.
The sky was dark, obscured by clouds. The sharp edges of the fiery red token seemed magnified in Luo Zhiheng's hand. Would she uphold justice or lay down her weapons? Hesitation was fleeting. Love and hate intertwined, grudges clear and vivid. If repentance before death truly mattered, and everything could be disregarded, what would be the point of justice? Everyone must be responsible for their actions. Apologies can never truly resolve the issues of the heart and morality!
Her hesitant gaze hardened, and her usually cold face turned chilling. The next moment, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Luo Zhiheng threw the token away heavily.
The token flew fiercely toward the guillotine amidst the bright gazes of the crowd, drawing a deadly arc in the air. Accompanied by Luo Zhiheng's cold and solemn voice, it fell, bounced, flipped, and settled into dust!
"Execute! Immediately!!!"
Chapter 1 is here, there will be more updates later. Hua Sha will continue to work hard. I'm still asking for recommendation votes, comments, and monthly tickets. Group kisses, ahhh! Today, Consort Li is really determined to come back. My darlings, guess who's coming back?
367. Leaving behind a complete corpse! Returning on horseback! (Bonus chapter for 57,000 recommendation votes)
Updated: 2013-10-03 16:14:10 Word Count: 4491
Once the token landed, there was no turning back.
Consort Li was lucid in her final moments. She finally felt a pang of guilt towards her son, and instead of causing him further distress, she placed her own head on the guillotine. Her bound body remained stiff; she was still afraid, but her heart was numb. Life is full of people, so many that one can no longer distinguish between good and bad. She had missed and wronged those who deserved her, and in the end, she met such a fate. She had nothing to say.
If there's anything she can choose before she dies, it's the direction she'll take. She can look in the direction where Prince Mu went to war. There, that man who fought so passionately on the battlefield may never know that, on her deathbed, all she could think of was the romantic love they shared.
He may have become numb from being used too much, but she wasn't.
Her eyes were filled with sorrow, so desperately hoping he would return, even if only to see him one last time. Sadly, in this life, they could only part ways.
Mu Yunjin stiffened and turned to Consort Li. Seeing this irreversible scene, his mind went blank. He took deep breaths, but even that was too heavy for him to bear. Suddenly, he knelt before Consort Li. His mother was on the execution platform, and he was below. His mother was on her way, and he was seeing her off. He wasn't a filial son; he could only watch helplessly as his mother was beheaded. All he could do was collect her body after her death!
Consort Li didn't look at Mu Yunjin one last time before she died. The heavy, sharp guillotine was pulled from its ropes by the executioner; with a clanging sound, the severed head fell swiftly and unstoppably amidst gasps of the crowd—a fatal blow! 17130099
Click!
Blood and sweat fly!
That arrogant woman who had dominated the Mu Prince's mansion for half her life finally ended her short but sinful life at this moment.
It turns out that life and death can be separated by the blink of an eye.
Consort Li's head rolled a long way, and blood mixed with tears fell from her open eyes. Her body and head were separated, and her death was tragic.
In the quiet and oppressive atmosphere, Mu Yunjin straightened his back and kowtowed to Consort Li in a steady and slow manner, once, twice, three times. With each kowtow, he seemed to have no strength left to get up, but the next moment he could still stiffly straighten his back.
No one dared to speak at this moment. Consort Li's blood was still hot. What would the Li family's state be like?
Mr. Li's face was deathly pale. He slowly turned away without looking. It was unclear whether he was genuinely saddened or trying to salvage his appallingly false affection.
The Li family patriarch didn't even bother to show any expression, as if the person who was beheaded was just an unrelated person. He might really be senile, and he had even forgotten that Consort Li had amassed a lot of ill-gotten wealth for the Li family so that they could live a better life and that she was very generous.
Li Xian'er's face was deathly pale, but how much of that was sadness and grief? It was probably more fear than sadness.
And what about the rest of the Li family? Many members of the Li family held official positions in the court, and the men were all accomplished scholars. Now that they were all here, their expressions weren't those of bidding farewell to a once important relative, but rather of seeing off a plague. When Consort Li truly died, the Li family members all seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, to varying degrees.
They were ultimately afraid that Consort Li would say something she shouldn't.
The world has become so cold and indifferent, and human relationships have become so callous that it's outrageous. In this feudal era where fame and fortune reign supreme, how much kinship is left? Have humanity, conscience, morality, and loyalty completely disappeared, or are they just rare glimpses?
Just as Mu Yunjin was about to stand up, an official waiting nearby immediately stepped forward and loudly proclaimed, "Your Highness and Your Highness, by imperial decree, since that vile woman Li has already been beheaded, she shall be torn apart by four horses. Execute immediately."
This intersection is a major crossroads, a bustling hub with roads leading in all directions. Here, dismemberment by four horses wouldn't be difficult at all.
But should this extreme form of torture really continue?
Mu Yunhe and Luo Zhiheng looked at Mu Yunjin, who nearly stumbled and fell, only managing to steady himself by grabbing the scaffold stained with his mother's blood. He had his head slightly lowered, obscuring his face, but his hands were clenched into fists, and he appeared extremely repressed.
With just a word, Mu Yunhe could put an end to this matter. Everyone knows this, but would Mu Yunhe really give up the opportunity to vent his anger just to comfort Mu Yunjin?
Muyunhe Gathering!
Luo Zhiheng understood Mu Yunhe's heart all too well; he was the kind of person who would disregard gains and losses as long as he wanted to. Although Mu Yunjin had spoken harshly before, his words were full of an elder brother's protection for his younger brother. However, Mu Yunjin was deceived by Consort Li and had many misunderstandings about Mu Yunhe, which led to the strained relationship between the brothers later on.
But Mu Yunjin feared that Mu Yunhe would be deceived by Luo Zhiheng, so he repeatedly opposed Luo Zhiheng, knowing full well that Mu Yunhe would despise him. Mu Yunhe wasn't stupid; he knew Mu Yunjin wasn't a bad person. After all, they were brothers. Luo Zhiheng might not know this about others, but Mu Yunhe had a heart of flesh and blood.
Sure enough, Mu Yunhe looked at Luo Zhiheng with a complex and unreadable expression. But Luo Zhiheng knew that Mu Yunhe wanted to give her the opportunity to do a good deed.
Mu Yunhe was, after all, Mu Yunjin's brother, and also the victim; he had gained both face and face. Even if Prince Mu and Mu Yunjin were angry that Mu Yunhe had acted ruthlessly, they wouldn't really do anything to him.
But she was different; she was merely a daughter-in-law, an outsider. Her personal overseeing of the execution today was a thankless and resentful task, one that would only breed hatred. Mu Yunjin would hate her, even though she was quite innocent. Prince Mu would certainly not favor this junior who had interfered in the affairs of his wives and concubines. It would all lead to trouble. Therefore, Mu Yunhe gave her this opportunity. If she simply pleaded for the body of Consort Li, both Prince Mu and Mu Yunjin would owe her a favor, and it would also demonstrate her virtue and benevolence.
But is she truly kind? Perhaps. As long as her bottom line isn't crossed, she can be gentle and lovely. But once that line is crossed—a line she cannot accept—she will fight to the death with her enemies, using her reason and abilities within the bounds of justice.
She didn't want this favor; her pride made her indifferent to this opportunity to please Prince Mu and Mu Yunjin. However, she couldn't refuse because she loved Mu Yunhe and didn't want to put him in a difficult position.
Slowly releasing Mu Yunhe's hand, the moment their tightly clasped hands parted, Mu Yunhe looked at her. He knew that he had once again made Luo Zhiheng compromise. She was such a proud person at heart, disdaining such methods, but he was helpless.
His gaze suddenly drifted into the distance, his smile desolate. Just moments ago, he had a powerful feeling that someone connected to him by blood was drawing ever closer. The feeling was so intense, so tangible, that there could only be one person. And that person's return stirred up a torrent of resentment within Mu Yunhe.
So many grudges, love and hate, conspiracies and tragedies, all started because of that person. If it weren't for his indulgence and foolishness, how could all of this have happened today?
But this person is someone he can't let go of. Life is full of helplessness and absurdity. There's no escaping fate, so we can only try to change it and face it bravely.
In order to prevent Ah Heng from facing an even more embarrassing situation in the future, he could only let Ah Heng suffer temporarily.
"Let's leave it at that. Consort Li had already realized the truth before she died. Death is the greatest virtue, and all the bad things she did should be forgotten with her death. Let's skip the dismemberment." Luo Zhiheng said, and everyone was convinced, even feeling that this approach was benevolent.
Upon hearing this, Mu Yunjin also looked up abruptly. Her gaze was so complex, filled with resentment, confusion, overwhelming sorrow, and an indescribable, suppressed emotion. Ultimately, it was a complex and enigmatic situation that no one could understand.
The official said with difficulty, "This is not appropriate. This is the Emperor's decree. Disobeying it is tantamount to defying the imperial edict."
"Luo Zhiheng is defying the imperial decree! She should be beheaded and her head displayed to the public. She doesn't even listen to the Emperor's orders; she's utterly rebellious!" A clear, arrogant voice suddenly rang out.
What should have been a joyous scene was turned into an uproar once again by these voices and words.
Who is this person who can't even tell right from wrong?
Mu Yunhe's gaze was cold and gloomy, while Luo Zhiheng's smile was eerie and mocking. Both eyes shot towards the person who had spoken, who was hiding behind the Li family patriarch—Li Xian'er!
The Li family is truly exceptional in every way!
They couldn't wait to slaughter their own family members, yet they indiscriminately slander those who helped preserve their loved ones' bodies intact. Are all the members of the Li family idiots? Or are they insane? Otherwise, how could they be so utterly depraved?
In an instant, the Li family was almost overwhelmed by people's scorn and accusations. Li Xian'er blushed because of everyone's accusations, and looked hesitantly at Mu Yunhe on the high place, with a look of longing and admiration.
Luo Zhiheng said coldly, "Whether it's disobeying the imperial decree or not, I don't know, but I do know the principles of heaven and the laws of humanity! Consort Li is my enemy, and she tried every means to kill me and my husband, but I was willing to leave her with a complete corpse after her death, to spare her from further punishment, and to let her rest in peace. I'm not being overly kind; I just think it's always good to leave a way out so that we can meet again in the future. After all, the dead are gone, and the living must continue to live. It's better than so many people who are two-faced beasts, disregarding morality and ethics, ignoring conscience and humanity, and selfishly seeking only to please others, utterly devoid of conscience!"
Luo Zhiheng's words were harsh, ruthless, and merciless. Even a fool like Li Xian'er's face changed, let alone the rest of the Li family. The Li family patriarch's face was ashen.
“His Majesty is a benevolent and wise ruler. He will surely understand our feelings and grant my request. Even if he doesn’t agree, I will still plead with him to do so. Even if he doesn’t, I will find a way to gain his understanding and approval. Because I mean what I say, and I always keep my word!” If there was any hesitation before, Luo Zhiheng had no way out at this moment. She was a person of her word.
“Li Xian’er, you and I are the same. Today we both stabbed your aunt Li Fangfei, but the pain of those two stabs was completely different! You stabbed her in the dark, when your aunt needed comfort and help from her family the most, you stabbed her in the heart without hesitation! Before I stabbed her again, your aunt was already on the verge of death, bleeding profusely. The stab I gave her was righteous and aboveboard, and the reason was unshakable. On the contrary, because of that last stab, she was saved, so that after all hope was shattered by the lack of human kindness, she didn't have to torture herself any further. The sooner she died, the sooner she was free. She still has your Li family, so she should thank me!”
Luo Zhiheng's words were forceful and resounding, logical and well-founded, and her tone was assertive. Because what she said was absolutely true, it would be strange if the Li family didn't feel guilty. In fact, some people couldn't help but applaud and cheer for her analysis and frankness.
Words can sometimes be very gratifying. However, words can also be a sharp knife, capable of killing an enemy silently and without leaving a trace!
The Li family's fierce momentum was extinguished by Luo Zhiheng's words. Mu Yunjin's gaze made the Li family feel like they were standing on pins and needles, unable to even stand steadily.
Mu Yunjin bowed to Luo Zhiheng, then, in a daze, went up to the guillotine. He laid his mother's body flat, and then, to the horrified gazes of the crowd, he picked up the head that had rolled far away into the pool of blood and placed it on top of the corpse. His trembling hands closed his mother's lifeless eyes.
Perhaps at that moment, Mu Yunjin's blood was cold.
Da da da—
The rapid, fast-paced sound of horses' hooves approached from afar, so clear and distinct on the eerily quiet street, as if echoing, each clattering as it galloped on. The next moment, the sound of a thousand horses' hooves surged forth, startling those immersed in Mu Yunjin's grief.
Looking out, at the end of the street, a figure riding a horse gradually became clearer and larger. Soon after, dust billowed up from the ground swept by the horse's hooves, and gasps of surprise filled the air. 19.
The man on horseback, clad in armor, was burly, tall, and imposing, with piercing eyes. He rode his horse like a whirlwind, sweeping across the battlefield and arriving at the execution platform in the blink of an eye. The horse neighed, its hooves raised high, man and horse becoming one, exuding a murderous aura!
The man deftly reined in his neighing horse, which spun around on the spot, its head pointing straight at Mu Yunhe. The man on horseback had a handsome yet composed face, his expression cold as he stared directly at Mu Yunhe. His sharp eyes seemed to scan through Mu Yunhe, and after a long while, he finally turned his gaze to Luo Zhiheng, who was standing to the side.
Mu Yunhe stood fearless, hands behind his back, meeting the gaze of the man on horseback directly. Their similar features shared the same arrogance and haughtiness; the only difference lay in the depth of experience etched by age and the passage of time.
The moment Luo Zhiheng saw the man returning on horseback, her heart sank!
Second update! That's all for today's update. I'll keep working hard tomorrow, haha. Love you all, my darlings! Please give Huasha motivation and support her! Still asking for recommendation votes, comments, and monthly tickets! Remember to support the romance novel competition finals too, my darlings! Vote and like! Our fierce woman is number 21! Love you all, group kisses!
368 Father and son at odds! A secret left unspoken! The princess falls into the water!
Updated: 2013-10-04 08:55:21 Word Count: 7738
The atmosphere on the entire street suddenly froze because of the man's unexpected appearance. Mu Yunhe's gaze met his, and their eyes were equally sharp and unyielding.
One is domineering, the other is cold and sharp.
The clattering of hooves came from behind, a thousand horses galloping, the ground trembling, dust flying, and armor gleaming.