Chapter 17: 17

The Second Day of Mourning (3)

He kept screaming for help. Weimo opened its large mouth, revealing its sharp teeth and bit into the exposed throat above the collar.

“Help, help…”

Blood sprayed everywhere. His mouth moved as if to scream but his bitten throat could no longer make a sound.

This was how an upper fourth rank Assistant Director of the Ministry of Works was killed at the late Emperor’s funeral.

Everyone stared at the pool of warm blood on the floor in shock. No one dared to make a sound. Xiao Yu could not hide his appalled expression in public. Even Qimu’s expression was terrible.

Xiao Kezhi’s action was so cruel that it made their previous arguments seem like child’s play.

At this moment, they finally knew that Prince of Qin who came from the borders was fearless. Their previous argument on benevolence, morality, and ethical rules of an Emperor were completely useless against him.

He had the mighty Ganzhou army in his hand.

No one could oppose him.

“Sir Qimu, what were you saying just now?” Xiao Kezhi gestured to the guards to take Weimo away. However, the mutilated body remained.　

Qimu pushed back the anger in his heart and said, “Your Majesty, please ascend the throne soon to ensure political stability.”

“What does the Crown Prince think?” Xiao Kezhi turned his gaze onto Xiao Yu.

In full view of the crowd, Xiao Yu looked through the corner of his eyes at the Assistant Director’s dead body and gripped his sleeves tightly. His face was pale and he was trembling.

He had finally understood something today. All these courtiers that he had gathered were no match against the Prince of Qin. For the sake of his survival, he had no choice but to submit temporarily.

He slowly released his grip and took a deep breath to push down the fury in his heart. He said deferentially, “Please ascend the throne soon, uncle.”　　

Even the Crown Prince agreed, so no one else dared to oppose.

Xu Rong and Wei Fujing made eye contact and could see each other’s disappointment. Both of them made an obeisance to ask the Prince of Qin to succeed to the throne.

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As no one objected, Xiao Kezhi said, “Tomorrow, we shall have a coronation in the east wing of Taiji Palace before the funeral.”

After that, he left with the guards.

The crowd remained stunned for a while longer before recovering enough to scatter and leave.

“Madam?” Cui He placed a hand on her chest to calm her frightened heart. She held Chu Ning’s arm with her other hand and reminded, “It’s time to leave.”

Chu Ning awakened from her complicated thoughts and tried her best not to look at the dead body as she walked towards Zhuming gate.

Xiao Yu had already left with a group of courtiers. As she was not required to follow them, she walked slowly.

The killing terrified her, so she only walked a short distance before her legs gave way. She had no choice but to sit by the corridor to rest.

“Madam, the Prince of Qin’s methods were impudent, and… and also cruel…” Cui He’s eyes were red as she whispered and supported her.

Since the founding of the Great Liang, no past emperor had killed someone on an impulse. Furthermore, none had set a beast to kill someone in front of a crowd.

Chu Ning pushed down the persistent waves of fear and forced herself to think back on what happened just now.

That Assistant Director seemed familiar to her.

He was originally a ninth rank secretary at the Bureau of Waterways and Irrigation. But once he allied himself with Xiao Yu, he rose in ranks. Last year, he was in charge of the construction of a river levee. He colluded with other officials for personal gain and caused the constructed river levee to have numerous defects. When the summer high tide came, tens of thousands of people living along the coast were affected and numerous had died.

The Crown Prince pushed the blame of the disaster on a few local magistrates to save the Assistant Director from blame and punishment.

It seems that he deserves to die.

Xiao Kezhi seemed to be pretending to not know him when he called him out, but he must have known about the river levee incident.

Chu Ning suddenly remembered yesterday when Zhao Yanzhou told her stories concerning Xiao Kezhi in his army. She felt that she was starting to understand his motive. 

He may seem like a tyrant, but in actuality, he is someone who sticks to his own principles.

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