The sixteenth day of the first lunar month is the first court meeting of the new year.
At the grand court meeting that day, the emperor issued two extremely important imperial edicts.
The first imperial decree was to execute the three clans of the Chen family, and Chen Fu Ma, as the main culprit, was beheaded and thrown into the market.
The second imperial edict demoted Princess Huyang from princess to princess and fined her for three years.
As soon as the two imperial edicts were issued, all officials fell silent.
Prince Consort Chen minted coins and robbed tombs. The entire Chen clan was guilty. Exterminating only three of his clans was too harsh.
Moreover, Prince Consort Chen was the emperor's son-in-law. If the emperor treated his son-in-law by beheading him, would he treat other people like being torn into pieces by five horses?
All officials were shocked.
What shocked everyone even more was that Princess Huyang, despite being the emperor's own daughter, could not escape punishment.
She was demoted and her salary was fined. As the emperor was stingy in bestowing titles on his relatives, unless a new emperor ascended the throne, Princess Huyang's title would never return to that of a princess while the emperor was alive.
The two edicts frightened all the officials.
The emperor was becoming more and more harsh and violent.
Moreover, the emperor could not wait until the autumn to execute him.
On the third day after the decree was issued, the East Suburb Vegetable Market was packed with people.
On this day, all the hundreds of people in the Chen family will be executed here.
Many people disguised themselves and came to the East Suburb Vegetable Market to watch the execution.
Gu Jiu didn't go anywhere.
The weather was unusually warm and the sun was out.
She sat at her desk and wrote an essay about her mood.
A slight chill wind blew in from the window, blowing up the pages of the book and also blowing away the sadness between Gu Jiu's brows.
Xiao Cui came back from outside with a pale face.
Huangmen Bai Zhong said, "I told you not to look, but you still did."
Xiao Cui waved her hand and spoke to Bai Zhong impatiently.
Gu Jiu stopped writing and asked, "What's the matter? You and Bai Zhong went out together. Are you done watching the fun?"
Xiao Cui's face turned ugly, "Madam, the Chen family is in such a pity."
Xiao Cui went out with Bai Zhong to watch the execution early this morning. Unexpectedly, she was so shocked that she felt extremely uncomfortable all over, inside and out.
"The first person to be executed was Prince Consort Chen. His Majesty sentenced him to be beheaded and thrown into the streets. It should have been a quick death, but the executioner had a dull hand and a blunt knife, so it took three strikes before he was finally cut through.
Prince Consort Chen did not die immediately. He dragged half of his body and crawled forward three steps.
He looked west, towards the direction of the Princess's Mansion, and finally breathed his last unwillingly.
"The rest of the Chen family died quickly. The men were beheaded, and the women were poisoned. It was just a pity for the children. The youngest was less than two years old, and was also..."
Xiao Cui couldn't continue speaking. Witnessing the scene of Prince Consort Chen being beheaded today would leave a shadow on her for the rest of her life.
So scary!
Too bloody and cruel.
"This was even the case of a son-in-law, and he still suffered the same fate. If it were an ordinary official, I really can't imagine what the consequences would be."
After hearing this, Gu Jiu's face didn't look very good either.
She told Xiao Cui to rest for a few days, to adjust herself, and to try not to think about the bloody scene.
Afterwards, she called Bai Zhong to her side and asked, "What did you see?"
Bai Zhong bowed and said, "The supervising officers are the Vice Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Imperial Household. The other consorts are all in disguise and present at the execution ground. The head of the household of the Princess Huyang is also there, claiming to be collecting the bodies of the Chen family. There are also several other officials observing the execution."
Gu Jiu nodded and asked, "Did His Majesty send eunuchs to observe the execution?"
Bai Zhong shook his head, "No one from the palace has ever appeared in the East Suburbs Vegetable Market."
Gu Jiu sighed and stood up, "Follow me to see Princess Huyang."
The former Princess Huyang's Residence had become the Princess Huyang's Residence, and the Jinwu Guards had also withdrawn.
However, Princess Huyang did not move back, she still lived in the palace.
Gu Jiu brought his people to the guest house.
Princess Huyang was wearing court robes and sitting in the main seat.
Her two children had tear marks on their faces and fear in their eyes.
When Gu Jiu walked in, Princess Huyang's stiff face finally reacted.
She opened her mouth and asked softly, "Is the execution over?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "It's over."
"He, he was really beheaded and thrown into the streets?"
"Yes, Prince Consort Chen was beheaded and thrown into the city. His body can only be collected after three days."
"Will it be painful when you die?"
Princess Huyang looked at Gu Jiu eagerly. Her eyes were filled with too many emotions at this moment. Was it regret or hatred?
Gu Jiu hesitated for a moment, then said in a slightly heavy tone, "He died with his eyes open."
Princess Huyang cried out and burst into tears.
"I was the one who killed him. It's all my fault. Why wasn't I the one who died?"
Princess Huyang cried so hard that she was out of breath.
Chen Min and Chen Lu, brother and sister, also started crying.
The brother and sister were young, having lived a life of luxury since childhood. After experiencing this series of misfortunes, they had grown up rapidly in a short period of time and were much more sensible than before.
Even though they were crying bitterly, they did not utter a word of resentment.
According to the law, the brother and sister are also included in the three clans that will be exterminated and deserve to be put to death.
Just like that little cousin who was not even two years old, he died at the hands of an axe before he had a chance to see the world clearly.
However, they were able to save their lives because their mother was a princess and their grandfather was the emperor.
Gu Jiu sighed, "Aunt, please accept my condolences."
Princess Huyang cried uncontrollably, "I never thought this would happen. I never thought my father would be so cruel."
Gu Jiu listened to Princess Huyang's crying with an expressionless face.
She was complaining and also seeking comfort.
She was also afraid in her heart.
The first time she experienced the cruelty of imperial power, she trembled all over.
These days, she lived in fear, she was so afraid that one day she would also be given a cup of poisoned wine.
Gu Jiu instructed the servants to take good care of the three of them, mother and son, and then left the guest house.
The sky is clear blue, but my mood is gloomy.
Qingmei said, "Don't worry too much, Madam. Everything will be fine."
Gu Jiu shook his head.
She didn't know where the prince and Liu Zhao were now.
The case of the prince's poisoning is confusing.
While investigating the case, the Shaofu Prison Secretary did not forget to make the water more and more turbid.
I really don’t know how many people will be implicated in the case of the prince’s poisoning.
But there is good news.
The Jinwu Guards at the gate of the palace withdrew early in the morning.
People in the palace are no longer restricted from entering and leaving.
Walking in the palace, the atmosphere was very strange.
On the one hand, everyone was cautious and panic-stricken. On the other hand, they were excited because Prince Consort Chen was beheaded and thrown into the streets, and they gathered together to whisper.
Seeing Gu Jiu coming, they all scattered like birds and beasts.
Qingmei said, "These people are too outrageous. They dare to say anything."
Gu Jiu said, "Ignore those people. Come with me to Chunhe Hall."
The Pei family is still the head of the palace.
It’s just that Pei hasn’t been paying attention lately.
During the entire New Year period, I felt miserable and depressed, and took medicine for a long time.
When Gu Jiu arrived at Chunhe Hall, Xiao Qin'er and Ouyang Fu were showing filial piety to Pei.
Pei was lying on the soft couch, looking listless.
"Your daughter-in-law pays respects to your mother. Is your mother feeling better today?"
Pei hummed first, "You are so thoughtful, sit down and talk."
Gu Jiu nodded and sat down on the floor in front of the desk.
Pei asked directly, "Have you sent anyone to check?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "Yes. The execution is over, and the Princess Mansion's steward is leading people to collect the bodies of the Chen family."
Pei sighed, "Prince Consort Chen died tragically."
Being beheaded and thrown into the streets, and having the body exposed for three days, this is probably the most severe punishment in this dynasty.
"Fortunately, it's all over."
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly changed, and you could hear a pin drop.
Xiao Qin'er looked innocent and bewildered. She asked anxiously, "Did I say something wrong?"
Gu Jiu said indifferently: "Have you forgotten the safety of the prince and the young master?"
Xiao Qin'er looked at Pei, "Mother, I'm talking about the Chen family's case. I have absolutely no other thoughts."
Pei waved her hand, "Alright, you don't have to tell me, I know everything."
After saying that, Pei sighed again.
From the initial anxiety and uneasiness to the current calmness, Pei has also gone through a lot of mental journey.
Gu Jiu thought that perhaps she should do something to prevent Liu Zhao from being involved in the case of the prince's poisoning.
However, it is difficult to know how to do it and how to do it properly.
The emperor was suspicious and had a bad temper, and he would kill people at will.
If she stood up, it was very likely that she would not be able to save the person but would get herself into trouble instead.
"My Lady, the Prince is back."
Just at this moment, the servant reported that Prince Ning had returned.
Pei suddenly sat up, "What did you say? The prince is really back?"
The servant said with certainty: "The prince has really returned and has already entered the gate."
Pei quickly got up and walked outside.
Gu Jiu fell behind and called out to the servant who had brought the news, "Is the eldest master back?"
The servant shook his head, "I haven't seen the eldest master."
Gu Jiu frowned and hurriedly followed Pei to meet King Ning.
Prince Ning really came back.
He looks fine and hasn't lost weight. It's obvious that Prince Ning hasn't suffered much during this period.
"Your Majesty!"
As soon as Pei saw Prince Ning, she burst into tears.
The prince personally helped Pei up, "Why are you crying? I'm back, haven't I?"
Pei's tears fell like rain, and she looked at Prince Ning with deep affection, "Your Highness has suffered."
Prince Ning said nonchalantly, "I didn't suffer much, just the lack of freedom. Fortunately, I'm finally back, and the palace is comfortable again."
Prince Ning took Pei and sat down in the main seat.
When Concubine Shen and others heard that Prince Ning had returned, they all rushed to Bixi Pavilion.
For a moment, the whole hall was filled with the conversations between Prince Ning and his wives and concubines, including how they cried and how they were comforted.
Gu Jiu coughed lightly, attracting everyone's attention.
Gu Jiu got straight to the point and asked, "Father, where is the young master? Why didn't he come back with you?"
“He…”
Prince Ning's expression was somewhat gloomy. "He suffered for me and is now imprisoned in the Zongzheng Temple."
Pei suddenly became nervous. "What's going on? The prince has returned, so why is Zhao'er still locked up? The Crown Prince's incident can't possibly be related to Zhao'er. How could Your Majesty be so confused?"
"Be careful with your words!"
Prince Ning rarely reminded Pei to be careful with her words.
Pei's face turned pale, and the muscles on her face trembled. "Your Highness, are you still hiding something? Tell me, why was Zhao'er locked up?"
Prince Ning frowned, "He was locked up for a reason, don't ask too many questions."
Pei was embarrassed, but she really didn't ask any more questions.
Gu Jiu refused to accept such an ambiguous answer.
"Father, was it His Majesty's will to imprison the eldest son?"
Prince Ning nodded, "Of course that's what the old man meant."
Gu Jiu asked again: "Is it because of the case of Prince Consort Chen, or because of the case of the Crown Prince being poisoned?"
Prince Ning stared at Gu Jiu and said, "You are well-informed."
Gu Jiu's face was expressionless. "Please tell me the truth, father."
Prince Ning replied perfunctorily, "All of them."
Gu Jiu frowned, "So, the eldest son is taking the blame for his father?"
"How dare you! How dare you talk like that?" King Ning was displeased and scolded Gu Jiu in a rare incident.
Gu Jiu said with a straight face, "My daughter-in-law is still a new bride. She doesn't want to be a widow, so please tell me the truth, father."
Prince Ning snorted, "Don't worry, Zhao'er is the emperor's grandson after all. He won't die, and I won't let you become a widow. Just stay in the mansion and wait patiently for Zhao'er to return."
"Excuse me, father, when will the eldest son return?"
Prince Ning bared his teeth. How should he answer this question?
He could only say, "I don't know."
Gu Jiu's face was filled with gloom. "Excuse me, father, besides you, who else is being held captive?"
Prince Ning said, "There are also the Thirteenth Prince and the Fifteenth Prince."
"So, the emperor's only grandson is you, my son?"
"Exactly."
Gu Jiu smiled coldly, "I've often heard from others that His Majesty is extremely kind to his grandchildren and rarely criticizes them too harshly. It's strange that the eldest son, a grandson of the emperor, is being imprisoned. If I think about it carefully, could it be that he is really taking the blame for my father's crime?"
Prince Ning stared at Gu Jiu intently, "Dalang's wife, please consider the consequences of your words."
Gu Jiu lowered his head and smiled.
She remembered her second uncle's reminder.
Her second uncle reminded her that while she was in the palace, she must not offend Prince Ning.
Prince Ning is cruel to himself and even crueler to others.
If you offend the princess, at most you'll feel bad for a while. But if you anger Prince Ning, you might lose your life.
The sudden death of Concubine Wu is a living example.
Gu Jiu had already gotten the answer he wanted, so he stopped nagging.
She bowed slightly and said, "Father, please rest well. I will take my leave now."
After saying that, Gu Jiu took his men and left.
No one stopped him.
Prince Ning didn't say anything either.
He just narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Gu Jiu's back with complicated eyes.
There was an eerie silence in the hall.
Pei looked at Prince Ning, "Your Highness, is Zhao'er okay?"
Prince Ning angrily said, "What could be the problem? Are you also doubting me?"
Pei admitted her mistake, "I don't doubt the prince."
Prince Ning snorted coldly, "Don't mention this matter again."
After saying that, he flicked his sleeves and left.
Gu Jiu returned to the East Courtyard with a gloomy face.
Qingmei and Nanny Fang persuaded her together.
"Ma'am, please don't be angry. Anger hurts your liver."
"Fortunately, Madam left in time. I see that if Madam continues to press her, the Prince will punish her on the spot."
Gu Jiu said with a cold face, "Of course the prince can punish me. He is a prince and also my father-in-law. No matter which status he holds, he can make me suffer. The rational approach is to avoid his sharp edge, so this lady left decisively. Go, call Shiqin, Shiqi and the others. This lady has something to ask them."
After a while, eight maids were called to the upper room.
Although Gu Jiu was angry with Prince Ning, she did not let her anger cloud her mind. Instead, she arranged various matters very rationally.
Her eyes swept across everyone's faces, and then she said, "I'm sure you've all heard that the prince has returned, but the young master hasn't.
The prince said that the young master is currently imprisoned in the Zongzheng Temple, and this was ordered by His Majesty himself.
No one could tell how long the young master would be imprisoned. He could be held for three to five months, three to five years, or even ten to eight years.
This lady asks you, who is willing to go to Zongzheng Temple to serve the young master?"
The eight maids looked at each other, their faces changed.
Shiqin asked cautiously, "Madam, is the young master really locked up?"
Gu Ji's face was serious. "How can this lady joke with you about such a big matter? If you want to go and serve the young master, tell me. Tomorrow morning, this lady will send someone to take you there."
The eight maids all lowered their heads and no one spoke.
Gu Jiu sneered, "It seems that none of you are willing to go to Zongzheng Temple to serve the young master."
"Please forgive me, Madam. Perhaps a servant or eunuch would be more suitable for the Zongzheng Temple."
No matter what excuses you make, if you don’t want to go, you just don’t want to go.
Although they are maids, they are all willing to do easy work and are more respectable than the daughters of ordinary officials.
Don't even think about who gave you this respect.
As expected, the luxurious life in the palace made the maids forget their duties.
Gu Jiu laughed sarcastically.
Liu Zhao also failed. When he fell into trouble, none of the maids around him were willing to serve him.
Gu Jiu didn't take the opportunity to make trouble. She ordered, "Prepare the young master's bedding and clothes. Someone will bring them over tomorrow. You all should leave."
"Thank you, Madam."
Several maids filed out.
"Pooh!"
Qingmei said disdainfully, "None of them are good people. They didn't even bother to serve the young master when he was in trouble. Madam is too kind. How could she let them go so easily?"
Gu Jiu said, "Now is not the time to worry about these things. Prepare a few more sets of books, pens, inkstones, and other utensils that the young master often uses. Come with me to Zongzheng Temple tomorrow morning."
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