Chapter 45 Daji (XII) Rescue

Time passed quietly in the tranquility of Zhaixing Pavilion and the sounds of the training of Kuiji Female Guards.

The aftermath of the Zoo's opening parade had not yet completely subsided, but Kui Ji and her female guards had already won a lot of awe-inspiring glances.

However, beneath the tranquility of Chaoge City, a more gloomy, violent and bloody storm suddenly descended.

Emperor Xin's tyranny did not abate with the completion of the Garden of Beasts and Lin Jiaojiao's "comfort". Instead, driven by some twisted psychology, it became worse. Perhaps it was the absolute arrogance bred by the peak of power, or perhaps it was the unfillable emptiness deep in his heart. He began to seek more extreme and outrageous stimulation to demonstrate his "majesty".

One day, an official reported in the court that a small group of refugees were found in a certain place causing chaos and looting merchants.

This was normal in troubled times, and all that was needed was to send troops to suppress and pacify the rebellion. However, when Emperor Xin heard the news, a cruel and excited light flashed in his eyes.

"Refugees? Rebellion?" Emperor Xin's lips curled up in a frightening arc. "Hmph! A bunch of ignorant ants! Just... let the world see what happens when you disobey me!"

He stood up abruptly, his voice as cold as ice, laced with undeniable cruelty: "Propagate my decree! In the square in front of the palace, erect a bronze pillar, grease it with oil, and place charcoal fire underneath! Tie the captured riot leader to the pillar, and I will... use the punishment of burning him with fire to serve as a warning to others!"

The moment the word "burned with fire" was uttered, the entire court was shocked. Veteran ministers like Bigan and Jizi turned pale and fell to their knees, saying, "Your Majesty! This punishment is too harsh, it violates the will of Heaven and Earth! I'm afraid it will lose the support of the people!"

"Cruel?" Emperor Xin laughed wildly, his eyes gleaming with morbid excitement. "I want everyone in the world to know that my authority cannot be challenged. This is the fate of anyone who dares to cause chaos! Anyone who speaks nonsense again will be punished with the same crime!"

The decree was as heavy as a mountain, and no one dared to advise against it.

Soon, a huge, grease-coated bronze pillar was erected in the square in front of the palace, with blazing charcoal piled underneath. The scorching heat distorted the air, making crackling sounds, billowing smoke, and a disgusting burnt smell.

A ragged, wounded refugee leader was dragged to the center of the square by ferocious soldiers. Despair and fear filled his eyes as he struggled in vain, uttering shrill cries: "Your Majesty, spare me! Spare me! I... I am simply starving... Please have mercy, Your Majesty..."

Emperor Xin sat upright on the high platform, with the pale-faced Lin Jiaojiao beside him. He looked down with great interest, as if he were enjoying a wonderful performance. With a cruel smile on his face, he waved his hand and said, "Execute!"

The soldiers roughly stripped the refugee leader of his shirt and tied him tightly to the hot copper pillar with wet cowhide ropes.

“Sizzle——!!!”

The moment the flesh touched the hot copper pillar, a creepy sound was heard, and a cloud of white smoke accompanied by a burnt stench rose into the sky.

"Ah--!!!" A heart-wrenching, inhuman howl resounded through the sky. The refugee leader's body twitched and twisted violently, his skin instantly turned black and carbonized. The severe pain made his eyeballs bulge, and blood foam spurted out of his mouth. His shrill screams were like the wails of evil spirits in hell, continuing, each one more shrill and desperate than the last.

Around the square, the common people and court officials who were forcibly driven here to "watch the ceremony" were all pale and trembling. Some were so scared that they collapsed on the ground, some could not help vomiting, and more people covered their ears tightly and closed their eyes, unable to bear to watch any longer. The air was filled with a strong smell of blood, burnt smell and... fear that penetrated deep into the bone marrow.

Lin Jiaojiao sat next to Emperor Xin, and felt a chill running from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. Her stomach was churning. She clenched her sleeves tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, and she barely suppressed the urge to vomit. She forced herself to look away, not daring to look at the hellish scene, but the continuous, heart-wrenching howls in her ears were like the most vicious curse, piercing her heart.

[Zero...Zero...] She screamed wildly in her heart, the huge fear and nausea almost overwhelmed her!

"Relax, breathe, Jiaojiao, breathe, close your eyes, and leave everything to me." Ling's voice was filled with unprecedented urgency and solemnity.

At this moment, Lin Jiaojiao caught a glimpse of Xibo Chang standing in the front row of ministers out of the corner of her eye.

This elder, who had always been calm and wise, now had a sullen face and was trembling slightly. He looked at the tragic scene in the center of the square and listened to the heartbreaking wails. His eyes were filled with extreme compassion and...suppressible anger. He pursed his lips tightly, his jawline tense. Finally, as if he could no longer bear it, he let out an extremely slight sigh, but one filled with endless grief and indignation.

"well……"

This sigh was so faint that it was almost inaudible in the dead silent square and amid the continuous howling of the refugee leader. However, it was like a drop of water thrown into boiling oil, which instantly ignited Emperor Xin's anger.

Emperor Xin suddenly turned his head, his red eyes fixed on Xibo Chang like burning irons, the cruel smile on his face instantly turned into a violent and hideous look!

"Xibo Chang!" Emperor Xin's voice was like thunder, filled with murderous intent. "Why are you sighing?! Could it be... that you sympathize with this traitor?! Or... that you are dissatisfied with my will?!"

Xibo Chang's entire body trembled. He raised his head, meeting Di Xin's murderous gaze. A flicker of determination flashed in his eyes, but he ultimately suppressed his grief and anger, bowing and saying, "I... dare not, but... seeing this tragic scene, I cannot bear it..."

"Can't bear it?!" Emperor Xin stood up suddenly, pointing at the still twitching and wailing body in the center of the square, and roared, "I think you have ulterior motives. Sympathizing with the traitor is an act of contempt for me! Come! Capture Xibo Chang! Throw him into Youli Prison! Keep him under strict guard!"

"Your Majesty!" Bigan, Jizi, and other veteran ministers were horrified and hurriedly knelt to plead, "The Duke of Xibo is loyal and has no ulterior motives! Please, Your Majesty, please be clear-headed!"

"Shut up!" Emperor Xin kicked over the table in front of him. "Anyone who dares to plead for mercy will be punished with the same crime!"

The guards rushed forward like wolves and tigers and took Xibo Chang away, who had a calm expression and no longer tried to defend himself.

In the square, the only sound left was the gradually fading wails of the refugee leader, like a dying beast, announcing the tyrant's absolute authority and... the darkest moment in the world amidst the thick smoke and burnt stench.

The torture lasted for a full hour. The refugee leader burned alive in endless agony, reduced to charcoal. The square was dead silent, with only the crackling of the burning charcoal and the sound of billowing smoke. Fear, like a tangible plague, enveloped the entire city of Chaoge.

Lin Jiaojiao didn't know how she got back to Zhaixing Pavilion. Her face was as pale as paper and her body was shaking uncontrollably.

The shrill howls, the stench of burnt flesh, and Xibo Chang's calm yet desperate look when he was taken away... haunted her like a nightmare. She rushed into the inner room, leaned over the copper basin and retched violently, but could not vomit anything out.

[Zero…he…he’s crazy…he’s really crazy…] She whispered desperately in her heart.

"Relax, Jiaojiao, this isn't your fault. This is the course of history. You need some quiet time and rest, okay?" Ling's voice was cold and heavy, carrying an unprecedented sense of crisis. "Jiaojiao, Jiaojiao, listen to me. Why don't you think about how to save Xibochang?"

Lin Jiaojiao collapsed to the ground, a sense of powerlessness and fear nearly swallowing her. She knew that Xibo Chang was a rare and virtuous minister, a key force that might one day check Emperor Xin's tyranny. If he died in Youli, the consequences would be disastrous. But...how could she save him? Emperor Xin's rage was like a volcano about to erupt; who dared to touch it? Especially since lately, for some unknown reason, Emperor Xin had rarely even come to Zhaixing Pavilion.

Just when Lin Jiaojiao was at a loss, a few days later, an unexpected person quietly came to Zhaixing Pavilion.

The visitor was Xibo Chang's trusted minister, Hong Yao. He disguised himself to avoid being seen and heard, and asked to see Lin Jiaojiao late at night.

"Lady Su! I, Hongyao, risk my life to beg for an audience!" Hongyao knelt on the ground, his voice filled with anxiety and pleading, "Please, lady... please save my master!"

Lin Jiaojiao looked at him and understood.

"Youli is cold and damp, and heavily guarded. My lord is old, and I'm afraid... I'm afraid he won't be able to survive for much longer. I beg you, my lady, to lend a helping hand, considering your loyalty! I... I'm very grateful!" He kowtowed repeatedly.

Lin Jiaojiao was silent for a moment, then said softly, "The king is furious. I haven't seen him for a long time. This matter... is difficult to handle."

Hong Yao raised his head, with a gleam of determination in his eyes: "I know! We dare not let the beauty take risks in vain! We... have spent all we have to collect rare treasures and fine horses from all over the world! And we also have... a stunning beauty! We are willing to present her to the king! We only hope that the beauty... can say a few good words for the lord... in front of the king!" He presented a brocade box with both hands, which contained a gift list and pictures of treasures.

Lin Jiaojiao looked at the priceless treasures and the description of the "stunning beauty" on the gift list, feeling a mixture of emotions. Bribery? Honey trap? To save their worthy minister, this was the only possible solution.

She took a deep breath and looked at Hongyao: "Leave the things here. I will... do my best."

Hong Yao was overjoyed and thanked her repeatedly: "Thank you, my lady! Thank you, my lady! I will never forget your kindness!"

After seeing Hong Yao off, Lin Jiaojiao looked at the gift list with a heavy heart. She knew that this would be another difficult game.

A few days later, Emperor Xin's mood seemed to have improved slightly due to the "deterrent" effect of the punishment of burning people with fire. Lin Jiaojiao seized the opportunity, dressed up carefully, and came to the side hall where Emperor Xin handled government affairs, bringing with her some of the most exquisite treasures presented by Hong Yao.

"My lord..." Lin Jiaojiao's voice was gentle and filled with a hint of joy. "Look! I got two new and interesting things today. Can you guess what they are?"

Emperor Xin looked up and saw Lin Jiaojiao's bright smile. The haze in his heart dissipated a lot. He smiled and said, "Oh? What treasure did my beloved concubine get again?"

Lin Jiaojiao presented the jade disk and dagger like treasures, and described their exquisiteness in vivid detail, successfully attracting Emperor Xin's attention. Emperor Xin played with the dagger and was in a good mood.

Seeing the time was right, Lin Jiaojiao changed the subject, her voice carrying just the right amount of worry and confusion: "Your Majesty... I heard... that the Marquis of Xibo is still in Youli?"

Emperor Xin's face darkened instantly. "Hmph! Old Xibo Chang, how dare you sympathize with the traitors and look down on me? Imprisonment is the least of your worries!"

"Oh! Your Majesty, calm down!" Lin Jiaojiao quickly grabbed Emperor Xin's arm and gently shook it, her voice carrying a soothing charm. "I know that Your Majesty is a most wise and valiant person. It is only natural to punish traitors and rebels. However... I feel... that the Duke of Xibo has repented."

"Do you know how to repent?" Emperor Xin frowned.

"Yes!" Lin Jiaojiao blinked her clear eyes, with a hint of "naive" analysis, "Yes, these two treasures were obtained by him asking someone to intercede for them. Besides, Xibo Chang is so old and timid, how could he dare to disrespect you, Your Majesty? I think... he might just be... just old and afraid, and couldn't bear to see those... those scenes, so he... just sighed carelessly. Your Majesty, please be magnanimous and don't bother with an old man like him~~~"

As Emperor Xin listened to her soft words and looked at her dependent eyes, the anger in his heart gradually subsided. He really needed Xibo Chang's prestige in Xiqi to stabilize the west, and...what his beloved concubine said made sense. It would be enough to scare an old man.

Emperor Xin looked at Lin Jiaojiao's expectant eyes and pondered for a moment. The treasures and pictures of beauties presented by Hong Yao and others were delivered to him at the right time. Looking at those priceless treasures and the portraits of the stunning beauties on the pictures, Emperor Xin's vanity and greed were greatly satisfied.

"Okay! Okay! All is as my beloved concubine!" Emperor Xin finally relented and waved his hand. "Issue the order! Release Xibo Chang! Have him...come to see me immediately!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! You are truly the most benevolent and generous king in the world!" Lin Jiaojiao immediately offered sweet words, which made Emperor Xin very happy.

Xibo Chang was soon released and brought before Emperor Xin. His face was haggard, but his eyes remained calm and wise. He bowed deeply to Emperor Xin and said, "I, your humble servant Xibo Chang, thank you for sparing my life!"

Emperor Xin looked at him and snorted coldly, "Xibo Chang! I consider your age and your beloved concubine's plea for mercy, so I will spare your life. However, while the death penalty may be avoided, the punishment for living cannot be escaped. You must offer the land west of the Luo River to the court as a token of your repentance!"

Xibo Chang's eyes gleamed, and without the slightest hesitation, he bowed and said, "Your Majesty, your grace is so great! I, this humble servant, am deeply grateful! The land west of the Luo River should have been yours. I offer it to you, and... I beg Your Majesty, to consider the mercy of Heaven and abolish the punishment of burning with fire, so as to demonstrate your benevolence and benefit all living beings!"

Abolish the punishment of burning with fire?! Everyone in the palace was shocked by these words. Even Lin Jiaojiao couldn't help but look at Xibo Chang, secretly praising his courage and wisdom. Not only had he offered the land, but he had also seized the opportunity when Emperor Xin was in a good mood after being "coaxed" by Lin Jiaojiao to propose the abolition of torture. This was much more significant than a simple plea.

Emperor Xin was also taken aback. Abolish the torture of burning with fire? He had just used it to establish his authority, but seeing Xibo Chang's respectful attitude, then looking at Lin Jiaojiao's expectant eyes beside him, and thinking of the vast tract of land Xibo Chang had offered him and the beauty and treasures he was about to acquire, the balance in his heart began to tilt.

"Hmph!" Emperor Xin snorted in a pretentious manner. "You're quite good at taking advantage of others, but... considering your sincerity and your meritorious service in offering the land... let it go! I grant you my approval! From this very day, the punishment of burning with fire will be abolished!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Your Majesty is so benevolent! You have benefited all the people! All the people are grateful to you!" Xibo Chang bowed deeply again, his voice filled with a barely perceptible excitement.

Emperor Xin nodded with satisfaction. To demonstrate his magnanimity and favor, he added, "Xibo Chang! I grant you bow, arrows, and axe, and grant you the power to conquer. Guard the western frontier for me...well! Do not let me down!"

Granting bows, arrows, axes, and the exclusive right to conquer was tantamount to recognizing Xibo Chang's leadership among the western princes. Xibo Chang was deeply shocked, but his face remained respectful: "Your Majesty, I accept your order and thank you. I will do my utmost to defend the western frontier for you, Your Majesty, and protect the people!"

A turmoil ended with Xibo Chang's release, donation of land, abolition of the punishment of burning people with fire, and the acquisition of the exclusive right to wage war. Emperor Xin felt that he had demonstrated both his majesty and benevolence, and had also obtained a large amount of land and treasures, so he was very proud. Lin Jiaojiao successfully rescued the wise minister and promoted the abolition of torture, so she felt relieved.

Before leaving the palace, Xibo Chang went to the Zhaixing Pavilion and asked to see Lin Jiaojiao.

"Xi Bochang, I bow to thank you for saving my life and giving me a new life. I will never forget it!" Xi Bochang bowed deeply to Lin Jiaojiao with a respectful and sincere attitude.

Lin Jiaojiao looked at his aged yet still straight back and said softly, "Lord Xibo, please stand up. I only did what I had to do. I've also heard about your good governance in Xiqi and the benefits it has brought to the people. I hope that after you return, Lord Xibo will take good care of yourself and continue to... benefit the people of this area."

Her words were loaded with meaning. "Cultivate yourself well" was both a concern and a hint—accumulate strength and wait for the right moment.

Xibo Chang was a man of great character. He immediately understood Lin Jiaojiao's hidden meaning. A gleam of light flashed in his eyes, and then he regained his composure and bowed again: "I will remember your teachings, my beauty. I will definitely... cultivate myself well and live up to your expectations. Take care, my beauty!"

He gave Lin Jiaojiao a deep look, a look that contained gratitude, inquiry, and a hint of indescribable... respect? Then he turned around and, with Hong Yao's support, left Zhaixing Pavilion and the Chaoge City where he had narrowly escaped death.

Looking at Xibochang's receding back, Lin Jiaojiao breathed a sigh of relief.