However, the Emperor still harbored so hope that the Empress could save him. Who would have thought that yesterday, when the Empress went to the War Prince’s Mansion, the War Prince avoided eting with her. He knew things were not looking good. Indeed, early this morning, the dreadful news arrived that at 3 pm today, the Pri Minister would be executed at the city gate.
The Pri Minister of Moli Country held a very high status, being both the Pri Minister and the Emperor’s father-in-law. Normally, dealing with such an official would require the Emperor’s direct approval before anyone dared proceed.
However, this Lord Liu had a peculiar temperant. Anything involving the Imperial Kinsn, he wouldn’t report to the Emperor, and would execute first, report later. He’d only co to notify after the deed was done, adopting an attitude of not fearing scalding water even if he were a dead pig. This made the Emperor grit his teeth in anger. But due to the War Prince’s recomndation, he endured it repeatedly.
Eunuch Li was also anxious, "Oh dear, Your Majesty! What can be done now? This humble servant heard that the War Prince is also present to oversee the execution. If the Empress goes, won’t she suffer a loss? Wouldn’t it be a disgrace to Your Majesty?"
Upon hearing this, the Emperor thought Eunuch Li made sense, hurriedly stood up, and said, "Eunuch Li, get the carriage ready for the city gate."
"Yes! This humble servant obeys!"
At the city gate.
Today, the city gate was unlike before, crowded with throngs of people, bustling with excitent. On every street, one could vaguely see many figures moving in this direction.
On one side of the city gate, a simple platform was hastily set up. At this mont, several officials from the Court of Judicial Review were seated in a row according to their rank, Long Rui and Xuexue among them.
The Pri Minister was escorted up with disheveled hair by several guards.
Having not been seen for a few days, the Pri Minister seed like a different person, his clothes tattered, his face unshaven, appearing to have aged ten years overnight.
Due to being injured in the waist by Long Rui a few days ago, and because in the past few days in prison he lacked whatever he needed, his condition had not only failed to improve but had worsened.
"Kneel."
Upon reaching the center of the platform, the guards attempted to press the Pri Minister to kneel.
Yet, in front of so many commoners, the Pri Minister refused to kneel.
As the War Prince was watching from the side, the guards, angered, harshly kicked the Pri Minister in the knee...
"Ah!"
"Thud!"
The Pri Minister’s leg went weak, causing him to involuntarily kneel on the ground. He raised his head, glaring at the guard, "Don’t be too pleased with yourself; this debt will be settled with you sooner or later."
"Facing death, still stubborn," the guard ignored him and turned away.
Today, the sun was blazing, making the heads of the onlookers dizzy. Nevertheless, their enthusiasm remained undiminished. They all wanted to see if a high official like the Pri Minister and father-in-law would truly be beheaded.
Lord Liu glanced at the sun and said to the War Prince, "Prince, the ti has co."
Long Rui said expressionlessly, "Then let’s begin, don’t waste ti."
"Yes."
Just as Lord Liu was about to call for the execution,
the crowd below suddenly beca noisy. Everyone looked up to see that it was the Empress who had arrived.
"Lord Liu, wait a minute, wait a minute." Because there were too many people today, the Empress’s phoenix carriage couldn’t get through. At this critical mont, the Empress couldn’t care anymore and got out of the carriage, walking over on foot.
Seeing the Empress herself approaching, Long Rui and Xuexue exchanged a look.
Yesterday afternoon, the Empress had been at a standstill outside the War Prince’s Mansion for four hours without seeing the War Prince. Xuexue knew that the Empress would definitely appear today.
Xuexue was sowhat worried, saying, "Husband, with the Empress personally coming, I’m afraid they won’t be able to deal with the Pri Minister."
Long Rui said domineeringly, "Even if the Emperor’s Father himself ca, with our witnesses and evidence, we don’t have to fear her."
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