The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The trial for the Ning Clan Leader proceeded smoothly, no torture was needed, and he spilled everything he knew like beans from a bamboo tube. As a result, children under six and women from the clan were exiled to the Northwest, the rest were executed.

No one dared to call it tragic. Besides this family, the Zhao Family and the wealthy Liu were also subjected to extermination, weren’t they?

It’s not just their clan; relatives were also implicated. Daughters who were married off were either directly divorced or suddenly died. Linking up with the remnants of Crown Prince Xia’s old faction leads inevitably to death, doesn’t it?

The Xia Clan was also trembling, not daring to show themselves, fearing being assaulted or sent to the Heavenly Prison. Marriage within the Xia Clan became difficult; some engagements were broken off with various excuses. The Xia Clan was filled with curses and women’s cries, lamenting the injustice of the world.

It is said that Prince Xin turned white-haired overnight and donated two hundred thousand taels to the National Treasury the next day, to show his loyalty.

It’s also said that on the day of execution, the wooden floor of the Meridian Gate was soaked with blood, unable to be washed away by water.

Aside from those already convicted, as Emperor Chu dispatched people to investigate the businesses named by Xia Houzhe and Ning Clan Leader, many merchants and officials were implicated. Resisters were killed on the spot or imprisoned, and confiscated wealth was all absorbed into the National Treasury, making Minister of Revenue Qian Lord smile broadly.

He loved confiscating family assets, especially if it’s from the wealthy, it’s like finding treasure.

The new year began with bloodshed, and several muddle-headed Saints accused the current emperor of tyranny. Before the news spread, they were locked up to clear their minds.

Such swift and severe actions, who dares to gossip? That was the rebellion of Crown Prince Xia’s old faction, who is foolish enough to speak out?

...

In the manor, Shang Pu, no, since even Xia Houzhe has been exposed, he—the true Prince Min, Chu Ze—should return to his rightful place.

”Gentleman, come with us,” Dong Da knelt in front of Shang Pu.

Shang Pu shook his head and said, ”It’s been many years now, I’m tired. You go, remember my orders—leave no Ning, except for Ning Xiaohong.”

Dong Da furrowed his brow, ”Gentleman, why is that...”

Shang Pu smiled without explanation. Dong Da thought for a moment and understood somewhat.

The gentleman hated Cabinet Minister Ning deeply. Even if he died, it wouldn’t be enough to quench the anger. The whole family must suffer; first, as revenge against Cabinet Minister Ning, second, to challenge that person in the capital.

As for Ning Xiaohong, the gentleman wants to plant the seed of hatred in his heart, and one day he could retaliate against Emperor Chu tit for tat.

Dong Da sighed inwardly, the gentleman harbors resentment.

The ground suddenly vibrated, and Dong Da lay down to listen, hearing numerous horses approaching.

His face changed several times, looking towards Shang Pu.

”Leave.”

At the same time, Lady Shang walked in, her face pale, ”Gentleman, troops have surrounded the manor.”

”You and Dong Da should leave together.”

Lady Shang walked to his side and said, ”I will only follow the gentleman; your health needs someone by your side.”

Shang Pu looked deeply at her and walked out.

Lady Shang was about to follow but paused, looked at Dong Da kneeling on the ground, nodded, then followed without hesitation.

Dong Da wiped his blurred eyes, leapt from the ground and quickly left the main building, disappearing into the wilderness.

And Shang Pu stood in front of the main building, gazing at the one-armed man on a tall horse and the carriage behind him, his eyes calm and indifferent.

From today, he is once again Prince Min, Chu Ze.