Killing evil slaves with 64 rods, the crown prince's night banquet

  On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month in the fourth year of Huangwu, Yang Jin, the Minister of Works of the State of Yan, came to the imperial court and reported that Sun Zhuo, the grandson of Sun Yu, had cruelly killed his son. He knelt down and begged Emperor Ling to uphold justice and punish the murderer according to law. This incident had actually occurred many days ago, but Yang Jin's report to Emperor Ling seemed a bit late, yet it still caused a great stir in the imperial court.

  According to the rumors among the lower-ranking officials in the Shangshu Fu, Yang Jin was originally afraid of Sun Yu's power and did not dare to speak out against him to the Emperor. However, after Yang Jin had settled his own son's affairs, there were often ghostly apparitions in the mansion. Yang Wei, who died young with a grievance, would often cry and scold his father in the middle of the night for not avenging him.

  What's more, for several nights in a row, unidentified people broke into the Prime Minister's mansion. If Yang Jin hadn't made preparations earlier, the Prime Minister's mansion might not only have to hold a funeral for Yang Wei, but also for himself.

  Yang Jin, already filled with sorrow in his heart, and further tormented by nightmares every night and the threat of assassins entering the mansion, finally decided to risk his life to file a complaint before the emperor!

  Yang Jin made his move, and Emperor Lie immediately ordered the recall of De Wang Gongsun Mo, who was on a mission outside, and handed over the matter to Gongsun Mo for investigation in front of the officials in the full court. For a while, some thoughtful people naturally saw the door, Guozhang is the top beam of the crown prince's side, and Dewang has been suppressing the crown prince since his return from the military, Emperor Lie's move was clearly not going to give any face.

  After the morning court, Gong Sun Mo followed Lie Emperor into the imperial study room. After handing over the matter of Luo Xiao, Lie Emperor did not scold him for this trip being fruitless. The fifty-year-old Gong Sun Lie was silent for a moment, and a sharp light flashed in his small eyes. "It seems that Luo Xiao had this intention early on. Since he can escape from your hands, apart from the people brought by Luo Ran, there must be his accomplices in the capital. Mo Er, you have to be careful."

  Gongsun Mo walked out of the imperial study and took Sun Zhe and Sun Lu directly to Yunlan Palace. As soon as they entered the palace gate, they saw Gu Yingxue wearing a lake-blue palace dress standing beside Xiang Bin. In the courtyard on this winter day, more than ten pots of brightly colored chrysanthemums were arranged, and in front of these two people was a desk, where they were actually painting!

  "Long live the king."

  Everyone below bowed in unison, naturally startling the two who were painting. Xiang Jun had not seen Gong Sun Mo for several days and immediately put down her brush to welcome him over. Gong Sun Mo bowed deeply, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

  "Hurry up, I heard that there is a public holiday and you won't be in the capital for the next few days?" Gong Sun Mo nodded, Xiang Jun pulled him towards Gu Yingxue, "Fortunately, Snow is here to accompany me, come take a look at her paintings."

  Gu Yingxue slightly bowed and stepped back to let others admire her work. She had painted two chrysanthemums, one tall and proud, the other nestled beside it. The two flowers complemented each other beautifully, and with Gu's delicate brushstrokes and excellent coloring, the painting was truly a feast for the eyes.

  Gongsun Mo slightly furrowed his brow, "Chrysanthemums are beautiful when bunched together, but with only two flowers, it's a bit too lonely."

  Gu Ying's eyebrows and eyes drooped slightly, with no particular expression. Xiang Jun looked at Gong Sun Mo and said, "You two are both afraid of being alone, but now that you're alone, why aren't you anxious at all?"

  There was something in these words that made Gong Sun's eyebrows furrow, but he didn't take the bait and went straight into the grand hall. Xianghua turned around and pulled Gu Yingxue's hand to follow him, since their slight unpleasantness last time, there had been very little conversation between this mother and son duo, now with Gu Yingxue here, they were even more at a loss for words.

  Gongsun Mo was sipping his tea lightly, and Xiang Jun saw that his gaze fell on the chrysanthemum outside, so she spoke up, "It was given by your father, the Emperor."

  "After all these years, he still doesn't know you never liked chrysanthemums."

  Xiang Jun didn't fear Gu Yingxue being present, and let out a cool sigh. "It doesn't matter if he remembers or not. In this palace, what one likes isn't important. What's important is what he sends over. This winter chrysanthemum was sent from Liang country, I haven't seen it in decades."

  Xiang Jun was a daughter of the Liang royal family, and had been married to Great Yan for nearly thirty years. In Gong Sun Mo's memory, such rewards were rare.

  Xiang Jun looked at Gong Sun Mo and Gu Ying Xue, "Mo Er, your mother has already set a wedding date for you."

  As soon as the words fell, Gong Sun Mo suddenly looked at Xiang Jun, who had a plain face and calm eyes. He turned his head to glance at Gu Yingxue, who slightly closed her eyes, everything was normal.

  "The ninth of March is a good day, your father the Emperor also thinks so, the Ministry of Rites has already begun making preparations."

  Gongsun Mo's mouth curled up with a sarcastic smile, he lightly got up and put down the tea cup in his hand, "It's a good day, since the Empress Dowager has decided, her son naturally won't oppose it. Her son has something to attend to, so I'll take my leave!"

  As she watched Gong Sun Mo turn and walk away, Zhao Xianglan felt that her son's back had become so tall and majestic at some point, and she almost didn't recognize him. Looking at the dazed and distracted Xiang Bao, Gu Yingxue also bowed to her and chased after him.

  Gongsun Mo walked ahead, with Sun Lu and Sun Zhe following behind. The two exchanged a glance, listening to the footsteps gradually getting closer from behind, and finally turned around to pay their respects, "Miss Gu."

  Such a title is quite awkward, but what can be done? There's also another Miss Gu who gets along very well with them. If I had to choose between the two, it should be the latter.

  Gu Yingxue nodded towards the two of them and said, "Your Highness, may I have a word with you in private?"

  Gongsun Mo turned around, his eyes fixed intently on the woman in front of him. She was a talented lady from the capital and also the daughter of the powerful Prime Minister. When he returned triumphantly at Chapter 065, the words had slipped out of Jin Xin's mouth. Gu Yun Xi gave Jin Xin a cold stare, "You said I'm a wild breed, what evidence do you have?"

  Han Li's words had just left her mouth when Jin Xin's eyes suddenly changed, and she was about to say something when Gu Yun Xi coldly asked again, "You said I seduced the Duke of De and even climbed onto the king's bed, what evidence do you have?"

  Jin Xin was about to speak, but Gu Yun Xie didn't give her the chance, "You also said that De Wang Gongzi is arrogant and used to collecting women, Jin Xin, do you have any evidence?!"

  "I..."

  Jin Xin collapsed completely to the ground, muttering something that no one else could hear, her eyes were filled with fear and despair, her gaze was fixed on something outside, as if waiting for someone's arrival.

  "No evidence is the greatest blasphemy!"

  A harsh word fell, mixed with thunderous anger, striking Jin Xin's heart. She shook her head in fear, "I didn't mean to, I didn't mean to, I'm not..."

  Her tone was harsh and unyielding, exuding an aura of intimidation all around her. She scanned the surroundings in a circle, but no one dared to meet her gaze. With a loud voice, she declared, "You have all seen and heard, within our manor, etiquette is strict, yet today such a heinous and treacherous person has emerged! Not only do they not know how to speak with respect, slandering their own master, but they also dare to defame the current prince! Such words are enough to be punished by law, it's just that this one punishment will tarnish our manor's reputation. Today, we shall execute the imperial law right here!"

  Everyone around was shocked. Gu Yunxi looked at Liu Shi and said, "Madam, according to the Great Yan law, offending an official appointed by the imperial court is punishable by 50 lashes. Is this really possible?"

  As soon as this was said, everyone's eyes widened in shock. Jin Xin let out a low, despairing sob. Liu Shi toyed with her Buddhist rosary, her eyes closed, and nodded slightly, "Yes."

  Gu Yunxi turned his head, "Very well, I am the Feather Forest Army Commander appointed by the Emperor himself. Although I have not taken office yet, the imperial edict is being kept in my father's study. De Wang is the Emperor's own son and a prince of the current dynasty. According to the law, speaking profanely and disrespectfully to the royal family requires one hundred strokes of the rod as punishment. Come on!"

  As soon as the words fell, several young men with frightened faces walked in, Gu Yunxi's eyes coldly staring at them, "Drag him away, flog one hundred and fifty, stop when I say so!"

  Normally, a robust young man can only withstand forty lashes, but today Jin Xin is to be given one hundred and fifty heavy blows. Gu Yun Xi's face is cold and indifferent, today she wants to make an example out of him, today she wants to take Jin Xin's life. She wants the people in the mansion to know that not only can't they touch her, Gu Yun Xi, but also no one is allowed to touch anything that belongs to her or anyone related to her!

  The little servant obeyed his orders and directly pulled the old embroidered case from the corner of the courtyard, pressed Jin Xin onto it, and started beating him on the spot!

  Liu closed her eyes and recited Buddhist scriptures, Zhen Niang covered her face and didn't dare to look at Jin Xin being beaten. Gu Zi Xuan's deep gaze fell on Gu Yun Xi instead. The muffled sounds landed in everyone's ears one after another. Gu Yun Xi's voice suddenly rose, "Not a single bit of strength can be spared!"

  Gradually, apart from the sound of the stick, no other sounds could be heard. The crowd silently gazed at the embroidery case not far away, where blood was dripping down, and then looked at Gu Yunxi's eyes, which had changed a bit. It wasn't until this moment that they deeply realized, today's Gu Yunxi was no longer the same Gu Yunxi who used to live in Mei Garden.

  Her rapid rise to prominence wasn't overnight, she's ruthless and resolute, with absolute strength, whoever dares to be her enemy will end up like a fallen flower!

  "Second Miss, she seems to be dead..."

  The little servant stopped his stick and asked her in a weak voice. Gu Yunxi raised an eyebrow, "How many more sticks?"

  "The young servant replied, 'One hundred and two strokes.'"

  "Continue," Gu Yunxi said coldly, "until we're done!"

  Everyone felt a chill, but Gu Yunxi walked towards Liu Shi and Zhen Niang, "Today is really sorry, trouble the two ladies to run this trip, now that things have been handled, I believe everyone will not make mistakes again, what does Madam Ce think?"

  Liu stood up and nodded towards Gu Yunxi, "Second Miss is as fierce as thunder, worthy of leading the Imperial Guard."

  Gu Yunxi nodded and bowed slightly, "You're overpraising me, madam."

  Gu Yunxi looked at Zhen Niang again, but Zhen Niang's expression changed, as if she was a little afraid of her. She nodded towards Gu Yunxi and then left with the support of her own servants. Seeing Liu Shi also leaving, Gu Yunxi glanced around at the surrounding servants, "Everyone can disperse now, remember today's events!"

  The crowd dispersed quickly, and Gu Yunxi called two servants to support Zilan back home. Turning around, she looked at Gu Zixuan, "What else do you have to say?"

  Gu Zi Xuan shook his head, unsure whether he had nothing to say or was speechless. He looked deeply into Gu Yun Xue's eyes and then walked away on his own. Gu Yun Xue sighed as she watched him leave, just as a group of people arrived late. Gu Yun Xue bowed to Gu Ying Xue, "Sister, why are you late? Jin Xin didn't listen to sister's words properly and actually falsely accused the Duke of De in public. As a government official and as the Duke of De's strategist, I was so angry that I had her punished on the spot."

  Pausing for a moment, Gu Yunxi smiled brightly, "Believe that sister is about to become the De Wangfei, she must be very approving of my actions, right?"

  Gu Yingxue's gaze was cold and stern as she glared at Gu Yunxi, then walked straight up to dismiss the few junior servants who were still executing their duties. The smile on Gu Yunxi's face dissipated, and he took a deep breath before heading towards the western wing of the inner courtyard. Along the way, everyone they met bowed respectfully to Gu Yunxi, with some eyes still showing fear that had not yet dissipated. Gu Yunxi clenched his fists tightly, quickening his pace.

  When she reached the door of the west wing, Mrs. Xu was already waiting there, slightly inclining her body, "Greetings, Second Miss."

  Gu Yunxi lifted her hand to help her up, "No need for courtesy, madam. Today, I should be thanking you instead. But I'm afraid Fozhen Jinxin won't let things go just like that."

  Mrs. Xu shook her head, "When the plum leaf came to report to the concubine, I knew it, so I went to guard the Snow Pavilion gate, and arranged for anyone who wanted to imagine the return of the eldest young lady to be busy elsewhere, if they could help the second young lady with one arm, that would be good."

  Gu Yunxi covered her mouth and smiled, "Ginger is still spicy when it's old, I knew it was you helping me as soon as I saw that the madam hadn't followed Concubine Ce here."

  Madam Xu seemed to have a sigh of emotion, "Two months ago, it was the second young lady who came to find me. However, in just two months, the second young lady has truly made me look at her with new eyes. From now on, this mansion will no longer be enough for the second young lady to display her talents."

  Gu Yunxi shook her head, "Mother thinks too much, as long as Mother is here, I won't be at ease. Today I came to ask for your help, if I'm not around, you must pay attention to my mother. Lately, she's been saying that her mind is unsettled, and I'm afraid that today's encounter with Jin Xin will bring retribution."

  Madam Xu frowned and nodded, "Please don't worry, Second Miss."

  Gu Yunxi didn't know if she was influenced by Luo Qingyi or affected by the scene of Jin Xin's punishment earlier, but she felt a slight sense of unease in her heart. After finishing her statement to Xu Dama, she prepared to return to Su Yue Xuan, and just as she reached the door, she saw a familiar figure - it was Sun Lu.

  Gu Yunxi stepped forward, and Sun Lu bowed to her, "Miss Gu, the Crown Prince is hosting a banquet for all officials at the East Palace tonight. The Duke of De has asked you to accompany him to the banquet, and he's waiting for you at the main gate right now."

  Gu Yunxi furrowed her brow, "Why the banquet?"

  Sun Lu's face slightly sank, "The Crown Prince's consort is pregnant."

  Gu Yunxi was taken aback, silently cursing to herself "this is bad", the sky was already dark, Gu Yunxi only managed to change into a new set of clothes before following Sun Lu out the door, at the entrance of the De Wang Fu's mansion, the horse carriage was indeed waiting, Gu Yunxi's slender figure swiftly lifted the curtain and got in.

  "Your Highness."

  Gongsun Mo looked her up and down for a moment, "How is it? Has your cold recovered?"

  Gu Yunxi nodded, knowing he was asking about the previous night at Guanyin Temple. "I'll be fine once I get home, please don't worry, Your Highness."

  Gongsun Mo nodded, "The matter on Luoxiao's side has already been handed over to the Shentu Fu by Father Emperor. Their intelligence network is vast and they are best at tracking down people. The outcome will not be our concern later."

  Gu Yunxi nodded, and Gong Sunmo asked again, "Who was the assassin who took you hostage that night?"

  Gu Yunxi was taken aback, "Why is the king asking this way? Isn't he from Nan Yue? That night, I originally wanted to sneak into the inn to investigate whether Luo Xiao and Luo Ran were together. Who knew that I fell into Luo Ran's trap, and in the end, I could only take Luo Xiao out with me. Halfway through, I suddenly felt poisoned, and after waking up, I saw a man in black clothes. Before we had a chance to talk, he pulled me out."

  Gongsun Mo looked at Gu Yunxi and said such a long passage, nodding his head, "I thought that when you saw her appearance, Luo Xiao's desire to return home was likely already there. This time, it is likely that there are accomplices in the capital, and the one who finally held you hostage is very likely to be."

  Gu Yunxi furrowed her brow, "That night he jumped off the cliff and wasn't found - a body?"

  Gongsun Mo shook his head, "No, that person's martial arts should be very powerful, the cliff below is a sloping mountain wall, which shouldn't be a problem for him."

  "Ah."

  Gu Yunxi nodded, "How's Yang Wei's case going for the past two days?"

  "The Ministry of Justice has already concluded that Sun Zhuo was the killer, he has been wrongly imprisoned all along. I have smoothed things over with the Ministry of Justice and now it's basically our people in charge. Sun Yu won't get a chance to see Sun Zhuo."

  "Hmm, as long as Sun Yu can't see Sun Zhuo, there's no way to know what the situation was like that night, is Princess Jingci okay?"

  Gongsun Mo nodded, "She almost didn't know that the events of that night had anything to do with her, and Sun Zhuo didn't dare mention Ah Ci in the palace that day. This will forever be a secret!"

  Gu Yun Xie suddenly realized and remembered the purpose of tonight, "Is the Crown Prince's consort pregnant?"

  Gongsun Mo nodded, "Yes."

  Gu Yunxi furrowed her brow, "If that's the case, even if the Crown Prince and Wang Ye were in the same position, the Emperor would still choose the Crown Prince over Wang Ye!"

  Gongsun Mo nodded, the imperial pulse is indeed the most important content of the imperial family. Two princes with the same qualifications, having an heir would give one more layer of competitiveness than not having one. Gongsun Changqing was already going to be the crown prince anyway. Gu Yunxi raised her eyes and looked at Gongsun Mo, "Your Highness, what do you plan to do?"

  Gongsun's eyes gleamed with a faint chill, and after a moment, he said indifferently, "This child cannot be born."

  Gu Yunxi felt a chill, and at this moment the carriage had already stopped in front of the East Palace gate. She lifted the curtain and got out, her eyes met with a sea of lanterns and colored glazes. The Crown Prince Gongsun Changqing had just married the Crown Princess two months ago, and she was already pregnant. This was naturally a huge joyous event for the Great Yan imperial family.

  Looking at the radiant smiles of the dignitaries coming and going in the capital, Gu Yunxi couldn't smile back, because within her line of sight, there was a person wearing a black fox fur coat walking towards them.

  Digression

  Although I have a grand ambition to update 20,000 words every day, writing this article is not easy. The cause and effect of the plot often gives me a headache. Although not many people read it, I still dare not be careless. I want to do my best to make it better, so I can only try my best in updating...

  There are more words now, if I make any big mistakes, everyone must remind me...

  Thank you...

  The system reminded me that there were unmatched double quotes, but I've been searching for half a day and couldn't find them. I'll look again after the page is updated.