Chapter 495: Chapter 139: The Ultimate Self-Destruct Troupe!

Qin Country, Luodu.

In the desolate palace, only palace lanterns flickered, dispelling the night’s chill.

In the vast palace hall, no palace maids or eunuchs were attending. The night wind swept through the walls, lifting the floor-length gauze curtains, adding a touch of melancholy to the palace.

In the hall, where the palace lanterns were most gathered, the overlapping orange-yellow candlelight created a warm atmosphere, enveloping the man in a yellow robe seated on a cushion in the center of the hall.

The man’s features were handsome, his skin pale and translucent, giving one the impression that he might shatter at any moment.

His long hair was casually tied with a hairband, cascading down his back. His closed eyes, with long and curled eyelashes, cast a shadow on his eyelids.

He sat silently, like a statue.

If not for his breathing, one might think he had already ascended to immortality.

The night wind passed through the curtains, lifting his hair and stirring his robes, giving him a sense of ’I wish to ride the wind back’.

As if he naturally belonged to loneliness and not to the bustling mortal world.

Suddenly, the wind intensified, blowing the hem of his robe laid on the ground. A black-clad figure descended from the sky, landing beside him, kneeling on one knee.

This sudden wind seemed to stir the man’s fragile breath, causing him to clutch his fist to his lips and cough violently.

The black-clad figure was startled, quickly looked up at him, and said with self-reproach, “I deserve to die!”

Calming the turbulence within, Qin Jinchen waved his hand, speaking in a calm voice, “It’s not your fault.”

Even so, the black-clad figure’s eyes were still filled with self-reproach and worry.

“Master, let me take you away!” the black-clad figure pleaded again. He had lost count of how many times he had urged his master to leave this place of trouble, but each time was met with a firm refusal.

This cold palace continually eroded his master’s frail body; how could he endure this?

To his subordinate’s plea, Qin Jinchen only shook his head in refusal.

“Master!” the black-clad figure exclaimed anxiously.

“I cannot leave,” Qin Jinchen refused. A hint of pain flickered in his eyes, which appeared frozen, as he sighed, “I have failed him. If I leave now, it would only worsen the situation.” He could not risk his family’s safety nor let his disappearance further exacerbate the turmoil.

The current Qin Jinyang was no longer the Qin Jinyang he once knew. He had become arrogant, conceited, and insane. No one could guarantee what he would do in a fit of rage.

Qin Jinchen slowly closed his eyes, holding back the painful emotions from spilling out.

“But your health…” the black-clad figure asked worriedly.

Qin Jinchen remained as calm as ever, merely asking, “Did you bring the elixir?”

The black-clad figure immediately took out a bottle of elixir from his bosom, offering it with both hands.

Qin Jinchen’s pale and translucent fingers took the bottle from his hands, clenching it firmly in his palm, with a resolute tone, “With these elixirs, I can wait for him to return and personally atone to him.”

After a moment of silence, Qin Jinchen asked, “How much time is left?”

The black-clad figure looked up, replying, “Tomorrow is the deadline. A high platform has been erected at the royal city’s gate, heavily guarded. And a team has gone from the palace to search for Princess Yong Huan’s tomb.”

“Is he really daring enough to do this?! Cough, cough…” Qin Jinchen’s eyes flashed with an intense light, causing his inner energy and blood to surge.

“Master, please calm down! We’ve already sent people to protect Princess Yong Huan’s tomb. No one will disturb Princess Yong Huan,” the black-clad figure quickly supported Qin Jinchen’s shaky body and explained.

Qin Jinchen took several deep breaths to stabilize his discomfort.

The black-clad figure quickly took out a pill from the bottle, feeding it to him. Using inner strength, he helped catalyze it, and only after seeing a hint of color return to Qin Jinchen’s pale face did he relax.

Qin Jinchen, having caught his breath, said to the black-clad figure, “Tell Master Gu to protect Consort Yun and Lianlian well, and leave me be.”

The black-clad figure nodded vigorously, suppressing his inner worries.

Qin Jinchen clutched his chest, turning to the black-clad figure, and asked, “How is the situation in the Heavenly Prison?”

The black-clad figure replied, “We’ve already placed people in the Heavenly Prison. If anything happens, they will first rescue the Old Lord and Miss Mu. We’ve also positioned people outside the royal city gates. If the Young Lord can’t make it back in time, our people will risk their lives to rescue the Old Lord and Miss Mu. Rest assured, Master!”

Qin Jinchen closed his eyes, nodding, “I’ve wronged him once; I can’t let his family be harmed again. Remember, if things become irreparable, after rescuing the Old Lord and the others, take Consort Yun away from Qin Country. This action aims to save people; you’re no match for those three, don’t confront them directly, ensure a swift operation.”

“Master, what about you?” the black-clad figure asked worriedly.

In Qin Jinchen’s plan, there was no mention of himself.

“Me?” Qin Jinchen’s lips held a faint, unreadable smile, which quickly vanished. “Don’t worry about me; just do as I say.”

The black-clad figure wanted to say more, but Qin Jinchen interrupted, “Alright, it’s not safe for you to stay here long. Go back quickly.”

The black-clad figure had no choice but to leave.

The palace returned to silence.

Qin Jinchen remained seated, watching the flickering flames in the palace lantern, murmuring, “I raised you to the throne, causing this catastrophe, then let me end it all and pull you down from that supreme position!”

He had already decided that after tomorrow’s events, he would perish alongside Qin Jinyang!

Qin Jinchen sat on the cushion, his body already exhausted, yet he did not move to the nearby bed to rest.

Outside, the sound of the night watch could be heard; less than three hours remained until dawn.

Suddenly, from outside the palace, a eunuch’s loud announcement resounded: “His Majesty arrives—!”

Qin Jinchen’s eyes flickered, slowly closing. His body remained still, with no intention of rising to greet.

Shedding some of his youthful immaturity, Qin Jinyang, donned in an imposing dragon robe, stepped in.

Behind him stood the imposing Imperial Army.

However, upon reaching the hall’s entrance, Qin Jinyang raised his hand, stopping the Imperial Army from following, lifting the curtain alone and entering.

Upon entering, the glow of the palace lantern enveloped him, highlighting the imperial yellow on his robe, making it shine with a golden light. The golden dragon embroidered on his robe looked even more majestic and fierce, lifelike.

Back then, the young emperor who was ever respectful to Mu Qingge, humble and disciplined, once promised that as long as Qin Country existed, so would the Mu Family, now wore an expression tinged with inevitable arrogance.

It seemed as though the world was entirely within his grasp!

As Qin Jinyang entered, he saw his imperial brother’s slender and thin back, cloaked in a wide robe, appearing ever more frail.

He walked slowly, approaching.

Circumventing Qin Jinchen, he sat down opposite him.

The light from the palace lantern fell on his face, adding a touch of ruggedness.

Qin Jinchen slowly opened his eyes, looking at him calmly. For some reason, on that refined face, he saw a trace of their father’s shadow.

The same ambition, the same… betrayal!

The most unforgivable fact was that this person was someone he personally elevated. Mu Qingge’s words still echoed in his ears. She said, anyone could be emperor, but if something went wrong, she would only hold him accountable!

Because she trusted him, not the emperor!

But how could he? He ultimately betrayed this trust.

Qin Jinchen slowly closed his eyes, seemingly unwilling to see the stranger before him anymore.

“Imperial Brother, why must you go through so much suffering?” Qin Jinyang suddenly spoke. His eyes were downcast, his eyelashes veiling the emotions within, and he spoke slowly: “After all, we are family, and the Mu Family… boastful of their accomplishments, they not only act tyrannically within the country but also meddle in royal affairs, inciting palace coups and harming Imperial Family descendants. Our Imperial Family has waned and has no choice but to submit to their oppressive power. Now that Lord Le and others are standing up for us, if we do not eliminate the Mu traitors now, when will we? Why do you remain stubbornly blind? Yang’er is still young, and he needs the guidance of his Imperial Brother. Your obstinacy only makes things difficult for Yang’er?”

Qin Jinyang’s words made Qin Jinchen reopen his eyes.

His eyes, seemingly capable of seeing through everything, stared at Qin Jinyang, reflecting the image of Qin Jinyang, whose mind was clouded by power. “Don’t forget, without the traitors you speak of, you wouldn’t have become this Emperor.”

However, this remark infuriated Qin Jinyang, who stood up abruptly and swept his sleeve towards Qin Jinchen: “I am a descendant of the Imperial Family and a son of the Emperor. Even if the Emperor were still alive, I would still have a share of this throne.”

Qin Jinchen slowly raised his eyes to look at him.

The unfamiliar look in his eyes was as if he did not recognize this person at all.

“The Mu Family deserves to die, Mu Xiong deserves to die, Mu Lianrong deserves to die, and Mu Qingge deserves to die even more!” Qin Jinyang spoke with a ferocious expression. “He’s only a few years older than me, why must I humble myself before him and wait upon his commands? I am the Emperor of Qin Country, and he is the servant! Qin Country belongs to the Qin Family! Not the Mu Family! He’s just relying on his high cultivation level to do as he pleases! Now, I have people around me with cultivation levels higher than his, why should I continue to fear him? Now, he should be the one kneeling to beg for mercy! I will reclaim the dignity he once trampled on!”

“You are jealous of him.” Qin Jinchen calmly said.

Qin Jinyang seemed to be touched on a sore spot, retorted furiously: “Nonsense! I am a Monarch, the true son of Heaven, how could I be jealous of a traitor!”

“Wrong.” Qin Jinchen slowly shook his head, lowering his gaze: “You are jealous of him and afraid of him. You’re jealous that he is merely a bit older yet enjoys such popularity, achieving great feats. The world knows of the title of the young lord of the Mu Family, even Tu Country, historically an enemy, respects and fears him. You’re jealous that he can manipulate the realm effortlessly despite his youth, dismissing power coveted by countless others. You also fear him, fear that one day your unchecked jealousy will reveal itself, resulting in the same fate as your other Imperial Brothers. You are even more afraid that one day he will be dissatisfied with you as an Emperor, pulling you down to replace you.”

Qin Jinchen’s words slowly turned Qin Jinyang’s face pale.

His most hidden, feared thoughts seemed exposed before Qin Jinchen without reservation.

His Imperial Brother was still as formidable as ever.

The ferocious gleam in Qin Jinyang’s eyes was tinged with panic.

Yet Qin Jinchen continued: “Actually, the biggest mistake I ever made was recommending you to inherit the throne. I thought I understood your nature, believed you could govern Qin Country well. But I didn’t expect that human hearts change with their position. Your heart has been corrupted by power, your eyes blinded by jealousy.”

Qin Jinyang sneered, his facial features still twisted: “Imperial Brother, how could you be wrong? I believe the best decision you ever made was precisely this. It is indeed only I who can govern Qin Country and even unify the entire third-class country region!” He spread his arms, as if beneath his sleeves lay the vast landscapes of the third-class countries.

“You are delusional.” Qin Jinchen shattered his dream without hesitation.

“You’re wrong!” Qin Jinyang withdrew his hands, lowered his head towards him, his eyes flashing with madness: “As long as I have Lord Le and others supporting me, I can achieve it!”

Flames burned in Qin Jinyang’s eyes. Ever since he saw with his own eyes the Purple Realm Strong Person, a royal tributor, being defeated by Lord Le within just a few moves, his ambition was ignited, uncontrollable thereafter!

The Purple Realm Strong Person, the reputedly unbeatable existence, was effortlessly subdued by Lord Le. What in this world could still challenge him?

He just needed to remove the thorn in his eye, the Mu Family! Discard Mu Qingge, the stumbling block!

Qin Jinyang’s eyes flashed with a cruel, icy cold look.

In Qin Jinchen’s eyes, which were clear and distinct, appeared a hint of sympathy, reminding him: “Such strength is certainly not something you can control. In the end, you might just be making a wedding dress for someone else. A Monarch of an era, reduced to becoming a pawn in others’ hands, what a pity and shame.”

“I don’t care! If I can unify the world, what does being a pawn matter?” Qin Jinyang’s eyes burned more fiercely.

He looked at Qin Jinchen, his tone icy: “Imperial Brother, out of consideration for your past assistance in helping me ascend to the throne, I came to advise you kindly. Do you think I’m really unwilling to kill you?”

Qin Jinchen’s lips curved faintly, fearless, making Qin Jinyang grit his teeth in hatred: “I’ll give you this one last chance, if you remain stubborn, tomorrow I’ll bind you and the Mu traitors together on the execution platform!”

Having said that, he angrily swept his sleeves and left.

The palace door that had been opened was shut tight again.

Outside the hall, the torches were dense, footsteps echoed, and the shadows of the Imperial Army were reflected on the doors and windows. In a moment, the palace imprisoning Qin Jinchen was heavily guarded by the Imperial Army, so strict that not even a bird could fly in.

Qin Jinchen glanced at the reflection on the window lattice, lowered his gaze without speaking.

Mocking himself inwardly, perhaps one more thing he did wrong was handing too much power over to Qin Jinyang too early. This power might also be a capital bolstering his ambition.

He sighed heavily, Qin Jinchen clutched his chest and coughed violently a few times.

After coughing, his complexion became even paler, appearing almost transparent. He silently took out a medicine bottle, poured out an elixir, and swallowed it, his spirit slightly revived.

…

Qin Jinyang angrily returned to his bedchamber; upon entering, he furiously scolded the palace maids and eunuchs inside, driving them all out.

When there was no one else around, he finally dropped his disguise.

His handsome face was clouded and sinister, his eyes filled with a mix of hatred and jealousy, and the raging anger in his chest made him have a desire to kill!

“They all look down on me! They all think I need you to secure this throne!” Qin Jinyang’s hand slammed hard on the table, the numbness in his hand was nothing compared to the hatred in his heart at that moment.

The night wind roared, blowing out the palace lamps in the hall, plunging the entire hall into darkness.

The shadow behind Qin Jinyang was like an ugly and ferocious devil, roaring with teeth and claws.

“Why is it so dark?” Suddenly, a haughty voice came from behind.

Qin Jinyang was startled, his sinister aura vanished, and his features returned to calmness, revealing a humble and polite smile. He turned around and respectfully greeted the person entering the hall: “Lord Le.”

The visitor nodded arrogantly.

Behind him, those palace maids whom Qin Jinyang had previously driven out came in without being prompted, carrying fire to reignite the palace lamps extinguished by the night wind.

The brightness of the lamps dispelled the darkness and illuminated the visitor’s appearance.

His appearance was that of a middle-aged man in his thirties, with ordinary features and no outstanding traits. He could even be described as mediocre and ugly. However, there was an unparalleled arrogance in his demeanor, and the arrogance in his eyes made everyone else seem like mere ants. He was the leader among the three who had unexpectedly descended upon the Qin Country Palace this time!

“Hmm.” Le Tian didn’t even glance at Qin Jinyang’s respectful demeanor, swaggering directly to sit beneath the Dragon Chair in the palace hall. Ignoring the unnatural expression on Qin Jinyang’s face, he directly asked, “Any news on that little brat from the Mu Family?”

Qin Jinyang cautiously replied, “Not yet. But rest assured, Lord Le, Mu Qingge cares deeply for his family. Now that we have his grandfather and aunt, he will show up sooner or later.”

“Would he be too afraid to come?” Le Tian hesitantly frowned.

“No way!” Qin Jinyang said resolutely, “Mu Qingge is arrogant and reckless, indifferent to others. He will definitely not hide out of fear.”

Le Tian nodded, his eyes suddenly narrowing, and an obscene gleam flashing in his gaze, “That Mu family girl…”

Qin Jinyang immediately understood, saying, “Mu Lianrong is strong-willed. If we were to present her to Lord Le now, she would probably resist unto death. Once we capture Mu Qingge tomorrow, I will then send her to Lord Le’s room for your command.”

Le Tian discontentedly frowned.

He didn’t seem to believe that a woman could impact the bigger picture. But recalling his and Mu Lianrong’s fierce resistance when he tried to subdue her in the Heavenly Prison a few days ago, he thought another night’s wait wouldn’t hurt.

He had such a penchant, finding fiery women akin to untamed wild horses the more they resisted, the more he liked them!

Thinking of Mu Lianrong’s fierce demeanor made Le Tian’s heart itch again. He stood up and said to Qin Jinyang, “Go prepare quickly. Tomorrow morning, whether that Mu’s little brat shows up or not, I want that Mu family girl serving in my room after it’s over.”

“Yes.” Qin Jinyang hurriedly bowed his head and replied.

After seeing Le Tian off, Qin Jinyang retracted his obsequious expression, taking his current subservience as an endurance for the sake of tomorrow’s rise.

…

The sky gradually brightened.

On this day, the gates separating Luodu’s inner city from the outer city were lifted, allowing everyone to enter and exit freely.

Thus, just at dawn, countless citizens flooded into the inner city, entering the Imperial City’s domain, surrounding the high execution platform outside its gates until it was impenetrable.

Tens of thousands of Imperial Army soldiers circled the execution platform in several tiers, preventing the people from breaking in.

On the high city walls, tens of thousands of City Defense Army soldiers guarded strictly, securing the gate of the Imperial City so thoroughly that even a needle could not be inserted.

Outside the tower of the city gate, the Golden Dragon Umbrella stood tall against the wind, and beneath it, a Dragon Chair was placed.

To the left and right of the Dragon Chair, two chairs were placed.

Royal experts guarded the tower inside and out, ensuring its security.

Such a grand spectacle made the early-arriving commoners whisper fearfully. In their hearts, they still didn’t want to believe that the War God of their Qin Country was about to be tied to the execution platform.

Their pride, their young hero of the Mu Mansion, the little Lord, was he truly a traitor plotting against national treasures? They didn’t want to believe it!

As time passed, more and more commoners gathered.

In Luodu, the streets were deserted, as if all the citizens and dignitaries had gathered beneath the Imperial City, awaiting an unprecedented trial!

On the tower, a Eunuch approached and declared loudly: “His Majesty arrives, kneel—!”

Upon his words, both the Imperial Army and commoners kneeled, bowed their heads, and shouted in unison: “Long live Our Emperor forever!”

The voices of the military and civilians of Luodu echoed throughout the skies and the earth.

Qin Jinyang, immersed in this atmosphere, felt like he was the sole ruler of all the heavens and earth!

He stepped onto the tower, gazing down at the countless subjects prostrating below, his ambition once more ignited.

He walked to his Dragon Chair and loudly proclaimed: “Rise—!”

“Thank Your Majesty for the grace!” Those kneeling all stood up.

At this moment, the Eunuch shouted sharply: “Invite the three Lord Le—!”

Just having sat down, Qin Jinyang stood up again. With his movement, the commoners below the city wall spontaneously fell silent, curious to see who the so-called Lord Le were.

Soon, three men appeared inside the city wall with an arrogant demeanor.

From the expression on their emperor’s face, they surmised that these three were indeed the Lord Le.

But who were these Lords Le?

The commoners were puzzled and began to discuss among themselves.

At this moment, the three men had already arrived beside Qin Jinyang. Qin Jinyang greeted them with folded fists, and the three arrogantly sat in the seats to his left and right.

After the three sat down, Qin Jinyang then returned to his Dragon Chair and sat back down.

Beside Qin Jinyang, there still remained one empty chair.

Le Tian glanced at it disdainfully, let out a mocking laugh, and then looked away.

“Summon Regent King Qin Jinchen—!” The Eunuch shouted once again.

This time, the whispers resumed among the commoners. In their hearts, Regent King Qin Jinchen held much more weight than Emperor Qin Jinyang.

Wearing a pale yellow robe, the slender and thin Qin Jinchen, with a complexion as pale as porcelain, possessing a fragile appearance, was ’escorted’ up the city wall by a team of the Imperial Army.

As he appeared in the view of the commoners, many hidden among them secretly gripped the handles of their concealed weapons within their sleeves.

Qin Jinchen was brought to a stop in front of Qin Jinyang, the latter proudly said: “Brother, today’s spectacle is of utmost importance to me. How could such a crucial moment not allow my brother to witness with his own eyes?”

Qin Jinchen’s eyes, seemingly able to see through one’s soul, stared at Qin Jinyang’s face, causing his feigned smile to become slightly awkward.

As Qin Jinyang’s expression transitioned from awkward to sinister, Qin Jinchen suddenly shifted his gaze away from his face, calmly surveying the three men of Le Tian.

Finally, he looked at the empty chair and said weakly, “That chair was prepared for me, wasn’t it?”

Subconsciously, Qin Jinyang nodded.

Qin Jinchen stepped towards the chair, and under the icy gaze of the three men, he calmly sat down.

His demeanor made him resemble a noble family member with imperial pride, more so than Qin Jinyang sitting on the Dragon Chair.

A flash of resentment passed across Qin Jinyang’s eyes, he glared at him twice before retracting his gaze.

“Isn’t it about time?” Le Tian said impatiently.

Qin Jinyang was stunned for a moment, then displayed a humble smile and replied, “It seems so.”

“Then why haven’t they been brought up?” The rough-looking man next to Le Tian shouted directly.

Another man with a feminine appearance and a slender stature, also showed a gaze of disdain and arrogance.

Clearly, these three held no regard for Qin Jinyang, the monarch of a nation, and saw him as no different from the ants below the city wall.

Seeing all this clearly, Qin Jinchen chuckled coldly inside. He laughed at Qin Jinyang, merely a pawn in their hands, still smugly dreaming of world domination.

“Yes, I’ll have them brought up at once.” Qin Jinyang said with a forced smile.

He lifted his gaze, his face changed, revealing a touch of imperial majesty, as he instructed the Imperial Army leader next to him: “Bring Mu Xiong, Mu Lianrong, and all the Shao Family here.”

Qin Jinchen’s eyes flickered, and he slowly lowered his gaze.

The Shao Family, Fatty Shao… that young man who always followed behind Mu Qingge, calling him ’Boss.’ Unexpectedly, in such circumstances, when everyone feared for themselves, he resolutely stood by the Mu Family, implicating his entire clan.

Qin Jinchen’s smile was somewhat desolate, unsure of who it was directed at.

’Does Mu Qingge know that his friend’s entire family was dragged into this?’ Qin Jinchen thought to himself.

The rugged man then said, “Weren’t they going to dig up that brat’s wife’s grave and bring the corpse here? Why haven’t we seen it?”

This remark caused Qin Jinchen’s hand in his sleeve to suddenly tighten, his lips press into a line.

His entire being exuded coldness, an unparalleled chill, though unable to harm the three depraved people beside him.

Qin Jinyang explained: “I’ve already sent people to look for it. He hid his wife very discreetly, so it might take some time to find.”

“Hmph, useless waste.” The rough man snorted in dissatisfaction. It was unclear if the ’waste’ he referred to were those dispatched to find Qin Yilian’s tomb, or Qin Jinyang, the emperor.

Qin Jinyang’s face changed, yet he dared not retort.

The slender man with a feminine appearance suddenly spoke: “Third Brother, in such a wilderness, can you really expect how well they can conduct their affairs? Just bear with it.” His tone clearly held disdain.

“I knew the people here wouldn’t be very skilled, or I wouldn’t have bothered coming.” The rough man snorted coldly.

Le Tian spoke: “Alright, both of you, speak less. While this place is backward, it’s not entirely dull.” He squinted his eyes, savoring the treatment he’d received over these days.

Among the vast Le Family, the three of them were not important figures, living their lives under others’ influence. Yet here, they could become distinguished figures, enjoying luxury, served by beauties, respected by all. This delight made him reluctant to return.

“Understood, Second Brother.” The slender man replied coyly.

The rough man responded in a muted tone, refraining from speaking further.

The sound of chains echoed below the tower, and hundreds of people appeared, dressed in white prison garb, their hands and feet bound by chains. Leading them were Mu Xiong and Mu Lianrong.

Behind them, there was a chubby man, rotund like a ball.

As soon as he appeared, he shouted loudly, “Qin Jinyang, you foolish monarch! Distorting the truth, slaying loyal officials! You just wait, my boss won’t let you off!”

“Shut up!” The guard beside him lashed his back with a whip.

The whip was filled with barbs, and with one lash, it tore into the flesh, bringing up bloody strips of flesh.

The pain on his back made Shao Fatty suck in a cold breath. But he still raised his eyebrows arrogantly: “What, getting guilty? Afraid to let this little master keep talking?”

“Yuezhe, say one less sentence.” Shao’s father, following behind Shao Fatty, said, lowering his eyes.

Shao Fatty turned to look at his father. The way his father seemed to have aged overnight made him choke up, suppressing the unwillingness in his heart. This time, he had implicated the entire Shao Family, implicated his father.

He could jump into fire and boiling water for Mu Qingge, but implicating his family left him feeling guilty.

“Little Fatty, are you alright?” Mu Lianrong asked softly.

Shao Fatty turned his head and saw the concerned eyes of Mu Xiong and Mu Lianrong.

Looking at their haggard appearances, Shao Fatty gritted his teeth and shook his head.

“Grandpa Mu, Aunt Lian, don’t worry, the boss will come to save us,” Shao Fatty comforted.

However, Mu Xiong sighed and said, “I’d rather she not come.” When his spiritual power was sealed by that person called Le Tian, he knew that the other party was difficult to deal with.

Mu Lianrong lightly bit her lip and said to Mu Xiong, “Father, Qingge is blessed and will be fine. As long as Qingge is safe, the roots of our Mu Family are not broken.”

Mu Xiong nodded with emotion and looked at Shao Fatty’s father with guilt, saying, “Brother Shao, I’ve implicated you. It’s our Mu Family that owes your Shao Family.”

Shao’s father, however, shook his head and laughed: “Old General, life and death are weightless compared to a feather, or as heavy as Mount Tai. Our Shao Family can clear our name for the wronged Mu Family, and even if we die, it will be a death with value!”

Mu Xiong showed a bitter smile, feeling endless emotion for Shao father’s words.

Shao father gradually restrained his smile and said solemnly, “Old General, compared to those who died mysteriously at home standing up for the Mu Family, our Shao Family is already extremely fortunate to be able to follow you whole and intact on this path today.”

Mu Xiong’s heart felt a pang of pain, and he looked up and sighed deeply.

Hundreds of people slowly ascended the execution platform. First, they stood facing the city wall; as for the monarch they once pledged allegiance to, they refused to kneel again at this moment.

Among these people were the blood of the Mu and Shao families and their servants. Regardless of the charges, anyone from these two mansions was captured and led to the execution platform.

Those who couldn’t fit on the platform stood around it.

A silence fell over the city wall.

The personal guard of the Mu Mansion, dispersed in advance by Mu Xiong, was now hidden among the crowd, waiting for an opportunity to act. However, the current arrangement far exceeded their expectations, not to mention the three people that even the old grand duke couldn’t handle were overseeing things here.

At this moment, seeing Mu Xiong and Mu Lianrong being humiliated, they were all filled with indignation.

Among the people, those who came here already knew in their hearts that the charges against the Mu Family, the public execution, were all methods to provoke the appearance of Mu Qingge.

The reason the Shao Family didn’t have anyone mysteriously dying at home was also due to the friendship between Shao Fatty and Mu Qingge, which made Qin Jinyang believe that including the Shao Family would increase the chances of Mu Qingge showing up.

At this moment, his heart was filled with excitement. He desperately wished for Mu Qingge to appear immediately and be killed by the three Lords. In this way, there would be no more Mu Family in Qin Country, and the Qin Imperial Family could completely emerge from the shadow of the Mu Family!

Everything he did was for Qin Country, for the Qin Royal Family. Why couldn’t his Imperial Brother understand?

Qin Jinhao turned his head to look at Qin Jinchen, only to see that he still remained calm, without any ripple of emotion.

Qin Jinyang gave a silent signal to the Imperial Forest Army General beside him.

The general’s face showed a trace of struggle, but under Qin Jinyang’s gaze, he finally took a step forward and said to the people below the city tower: “The Mu Family flaunted their merits, disregarding the reigning emperor. They deludedly attempted to destabilize the court and use the emperor to dictate the realm—this crime deserves death! Now, Mu Xiong and Mu Liancheng have been apprehended, only Mu Qingge remains at large. Our emperor has decreed to strip Mu Qingge of her title and to have her captured nationwide!”

“How could Old Duke Mu do such a thing?”

“Yes, yes! Without Little Lord Mu, our Qin Country would have long been occupied by the Tu Country’s army. How could we have peace now?”

“We don’t believe it!”

“We don’t believe it!”

“We don’t believe it!”

“Bring out the evidence, do not wrongly accuse a good person! And do not insult the hero in our hearts!”

“Yes, bring out the evidence! Bring out the evidence!”

“Evidence! Evidence!”

“Evidence!”

“Evidence! Evidence!”

The people did not believe the royal assertion at all and instead stood unwaveringly on the Mu Family’s side in support.

Mu Lianrong, moved by all this, finally looked at her father, seeing tears streaming down his aged face, she consoled, “Father, even if we die today, there are these people who believe in our Mu Family’s innocence.”

Mu Xiong nodded repeatedly, looking at this land he loved so much, gazing at these people who believed in him, the grievance in his heart was relieved.

On the city wall, the reaction of the people made Qin Jinyang’s face turn blue with anger.

In contrast, Qin Jinchen remained expressionless, as if he had already anticipated this scene.

“Lord Le!” Qin Jinyang looked at Le Tian.

Le Tian unhurriedly glanced toward the rugged man and nodded at him. The man immediately stood up, leapt into the air, and grabbed casually toward the people below.

Instantaneously, seven or eight people were whisked into the air, exclaiming in shock and flailing their legs.

The rugged man was not yet done. He gave a fierce squeeze, and those seven or eight people exploded instantly, turning into a shower of blood that fell from the sky, frightening those on the ground into huddling together and wrapping their heads in their arms.

All of this happened in just an instant, too fast for anyone to react.

The rugged man landed back on the city wall, looked contemptuously at the pale-faced Imperial Forest Army, snorted coldly at the people, “Want evidence? This is your evidence.”

The ruthless methods left the people feeling angry but afraid to speak out.

Mu Xiong looked angrily at the blood-stained ground in the crowd, saying to the people, “Everyone, go home! Today’s events are due to traitors wishing to extinguish my Mu Family. If they wish to convict us, they will find no shortage of pretexts. Do not jeopardize your lives for my Mu Family.”

Among the people, heads bobbed up and down. Some women and children seemed to want to leave after hearing Mu Xiong’s words.

However, the Imperial Forest Army surrounding them blocked their path, preventing the people from leaving.

This sight made Mu Xiong, his daughter, and the members of the Shao Family on the execution platform feel unspeakable anger!

Mu Xiong turned to the city tower and shouted, “What you want is my Mu Family’s life, what does it have to do with these people? Let them leave!”

Many of the people did not want to leave, but now the situation made them angrily shout, “Let the Old Duke go, let us go!”

Le Tian looked at Qin Jinyang, the meaning in his eyes was very clear.

Qin Jinyang’s face was somewhat pale.

What Le Tian wanted him to say, he really didn’t dare to say out loud. If said, he would lose the people’s support in Luodu.

But he dared not defy Le Tian’s words either.

Hesitating for a long time, facing Le Tian’s glare, he finally stepped forward, and said to the people below the city tower, “Mu Qingge—, is not the Mu Family known for putting the country first? Isn’t it their duty to protect the people of Qin Country? Now, because of you, Mu Qingge, these people will die!”

Qin Jinyang’s words startled the chaotic crowd. They couldn’t believe it, they couldn’t believe that because of them, they would all die.

Qin Jinchen looked at Qin Jinyang, a flash of heartache crossing his clear eyes.

Finding no one daring to tell the truth and being pressured, he raised his voice even more, “The time has come, Mu Qingge, aren’t you coming out yet— “

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep