Chapter 96 096 Beheading
"My crime is disguising myself as a man and taking the imperial examination to become an official."
As soon as Fu Ci finished speaking, the faint smile on Emperor Qingyuan's face suddenly disappeared.
Fu Rui was bending over to organize the pen holder. When he heard this, his hand trembled and he almost stuck the brush into his nostril.
No, have you recently discovered a nest of women disguised as men?
Why are they all women dressed as men?
Don’t you know that disguising yourself as a man to take the imperial examinations and serve as an official in the court is a serious crime of deceiving the emperor and is punishable by death?
Or are you all tired of living, like a man of longevity who wants to hang himself but feels his life is too long, and you have to challenge Your Majesty's power. You want to see whether the executioner's ghost-head knife is harder, or your necks are harder?
Fu Rui's eyes were blank, his head was buzzing, and he didn't dare to look at His Majesty's expression.
Then he heard His Majesty's cold voice: "Minister Fu, do you know what you are saying?"
Fu Ci's heart was beating like a drum, cold sweat soaked his inner clothes and stuck to his back.
She is nervous.
She is scared.
But she forced herself to forget her fear and move forward.
Fu Ci slammed his head to the ground, his voice deep but clear: "Your Majesty, I know what I am talking about."
"Rather than waiting for the truth to be exposed later and my crime to be exacerbated, I should take this opportunity to surrender myself."
"Xianyu is guilty, and so am I. This way, I can alleviate half of His Majesty's wrath, and perhaps we can both survive."
The clear voice echoed in the hall, neither humble nor arrogant, extremely respectful, but the words he said were very bold.
Emperor Qingyuan looked at the dark hair of the man below him and laughed in anger: "Fu Wen, do you really think I dare not kill you?"
Fu Ci shook his head: "I dare not, but I am guilty of deceiving the emperor. I cannot bear to see Xianyu imprisoned, in danger of his life, while I stand by and watch, keeping myself safe."
Emperor Qingyuan put down his imperial brush, his face stern: "You can talk all you want, but the crime of deceiving the emperor is punishable by law, and I will not show any mercy."
Even though Du Qingtang had made contributions to Daxia, Emperor Qingyuan, whether as the emperor or as Xia Ming himself, could not tolerate anyone taking advantage of or deceiving him.
It was just the beginning of the new year, and it was not appropriate to see blood in the first month of the year, so he kept the memorials from all officials impeaching Du Qingtang and did not send them out.
Fu Ci raised the corner of his mouth slightly, with disappointment and relief: "Your humble servant understands. Your humble servant is willing to die with Xianyu."
Emperor Qingyuan casually twirled his jade ring and looked down at Fu Ci, his stern dragon eyes flashing with confusion: "Is she worthy of you doing this?"
If he were Fu Wen, he would never turn himself in.
So what if we are as close as brothers?
Best friends are not as important as your life.
As long as he can survive, he will do anything, even if it goes against his will or even if he is abandoned by his friends and relatives.
"It's worth it." Fu Ci said in a resounding voice.
The handsome editor of the Hanlin Academy raised his head slightly, his eyes firm and his tone resolute.
Emperor Qingyuan was stunned for a moment.
"Your Majesty, you may not know that my real name is not Fu Wen, but Fu Ci. Fu Wen is the name of my elder brother."
"My elder brother was born sickly, but he longed to study and become an official. So my parents asked me to pretend to be the elder brother and first attend the village school and then the academy."
"I know how dangerous it is to disguise myself as a man and take the imperial examination. I once flinched in fear, and I once hated my parents and brother for pushing me down a path of no return."
"But it is undeniable that books are the golden house. I have learned a lot from books and gradually fell in love with reading."
"In the eleventh year of the Qingyuan reign, I took a risk and participated in the county and prefectural examinations, and was fortunate enough to become a Tongsheng."
"In November of the same year, my parents took advantage of my deep sleep, tied me up, and locked me up in a nunnery that was ostensibly a place of worship but was actually a den of prostitution."
Although Fu Ci was kneeling, his back was straight.
She told an unspeakable secret, but her expression was calm.
"It was then that I learned that my mother had injured herself during childbirth and could no longer bear children. My father wanted me to bear a child for him in order to continue the family line."
Emperor Qingyuan frowned.
"Not only that, they also planned to sell me to a nunnery as a prostitute after they had squeezed out all my usefulness."
Fury gasped.
What's going on with the parents of Lord Du and Lord Fu?
The former sent his daughter to a dead end, and the latter even let his daughter work for him... and even sold her to a brothel. How despicable!
"Just when I had no way to go up to heaven and no way to go down to the earth, it was Xianyu who saved me."
"Xianyu saved my life, and I cannot just stand by and watch."
At this point, Fu Ci smiled slightly, and the blazing light in his eyes stung people's eyes: "Your Majesty, Xianyu is worth dying for."
Emperor Qingyuan had no idea what he was thinking about, and his eyes grew gloomy.
His fingertips pressed against the edge of the table, and the raised dragon pattern made him feel a slight dull pain, and he came back to his senses as if waking from a dream.
But after a moment, Emperor Qingyuan calmed down and remained completely unmoved: "In that case, you should go to the Ministry of Justice to accompany her."
After saying this, he summoned the imperial guards.
When the imperial guards learned that Lord Fu was also a woman disguised as a man, their jaws dropped in shock. Fu Rui coughed loudly before coming back to his senses and quickly apologized.
Emperor Qingyuan lowered his head to deal with the memorial and ignored it.
Fu Rui waved his hand, and the imperial guards, as if granted amnesty, took Fu Ci away and sent him to the Ministry of Justice prison.
Silence returned to the imperial study.
Fu Rui and all the palace ladies lowered their heads, not daring to breathe.
Emperor Qingyuan handled several memorials as if nothing had happened. Suddenly, he sighed and tapped his desk lightly with his fingers. He couldn't hide his bewilderment. "I just don't understand. Is she so kind that she would let everyone risk the emperor's wrath to plead for her?"
Fu Rui didn't dare to answer, as an answer was about to come out in his heart.
Emperor Qingyuan did not expect anyone to answer him. Ever since he sat on the ice-cold dragon throne, no one around him dared to speak freely.
He's used to it.
"And that Fu Ci, he told me a bunch of old stories, thinking I would be moved and show mercy?" Emperor Qingyuan snorted, "I'm not a three-year-old kid, how could I be easily moved?"
Even though he had never seen anyone willing to die for another, he would not show any leniency.
no way.
"Fury."
"The servant is here."
"Remember, on the first day of February, remind me to draft an imperial edict. I will announce their actions to the world. This will serve as a warning to others and curb the unhealthy trend of women taking the imperial examinations and becoming officials."
"Yes, I will obey your majesty's command."
-
Just like when Du Qingtang was imprisoned, Fu Ci also went to the interrogation room first, took off his official robe and put on prison clothes, and was led to the cell by the imperial guards and jailers.
It was noon and the prisoners were wolfing down their meal.
"Hey, here comes a pretty boy."
"What crime did she commit?"
"She has skinny arms and legs. I can crush her to death with just one finger."
The prisoners laughed so hard that their laughter startled Qi Heming who was dozing with his eyes closed.
He opened his eyes and Fu Ci happened to pass by the cell.
Qi Heming frowned, he knew this person.
Du Qingtang's good friend, who was the runner-up in high school in his previous life.
Why was Fu Wen imprisoned?
Was it because he pleaded for Du Qingtang and angered Emperor Qingyuan that he was thrown into prison?
But it had nothing to do with him.
He was just an insignificant person, not worth his attention.
Thanks to Du Qingtang, Qi Heming is now a sickly person.
The prison in the Ministry of Justice was freezing cold, and his bones ached. He couldn't eat or sleep all day and all night, and the pain tortured him to the point of wanting to die.
But he can't die.
He had to hold out through the first month of the year and wait until his execution in February.
Only in this way can I go to the underworld with Atang.
Otherwise, if he left first, with Atang's cruel heart, he would definitely drink Mengpo soup after crossing the Naihe Bridge and forget him completely.
......
Du Qingtang is eating.
The food in the Ministry of Justice prison is pretty good, consisting of mixed grain rice and cabbage and tofu. There is nothing strange in it and it is edible.
On the eleventh day in prison, Du Qingtang was in a good mood, ate well and slept well. His leisurely and comfortable appearance attracted the attention of the prisoners opposite him. They whispered privately that this man must have lost his mind, as he could be so comfortable in prison.
Little did he know that Du Qingtang was doing this to stay in the best condition.
Only in this way will she have the energy to do other things after she is released from prison.
The sound of chaotic footsteps came from far away and was estimated to be from more than three people.
Du Qingtang was eating a piece of tofu when he looked up inadvertently and happened to meet Fu Ci's eyes outside the cell.
Fu Ci was overjoyed: "Present the jade!"
Du Qingtang, who discovered that she was wearing prison uniform, said: "......"
Fu Ci suppressed his excitement and turned back to discuss with the imperial guards: "Can I have a word with her?"
The imperial guard hesitated for a moment, agreed to her request, and stepped aside with the jailer.
His Majesty did not forbid these two from having any contact.
Fu Ci stepped forward quickly, his face pressed against the bars of the prison door, and carefully examined Du Qingtang. Seeing that she was safe and sound, he breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're okay. Wen Jing and I have been very worried about you these days."
Du Qingtang put down his bowl and chopsticks, stepped on the straw and walked towards Fu Ci, expressionless: "Can you tell me what's wrong with your clothes?"
Fu Ci's smile faltered, and he said nonchalantly, "Wen Jing and I have begged many people these days, but no one can save you."
"I don't want you to face this alone, so I surrender myself to His Majesty and come in to accompany you."
Fu Ci's tone was cheerful, but Du Qingtang couldn't smile. His jaw was tense. "I don't need anyone to face this with me. You shouldn't jump into the fire pit by yourself."
Fu Ci smiled and looked directly at Du Qingtang: "Without Xianyu, how could there be Fu Ci today?"
If Du Qingtang had not saved her, Fu Ci would have died in the nunnery at the foot of the mountain.
“It’s one thing that you don’t have to, but if I don’t do anything, I’ll hate myself.”
After saying that, Fu Ci suddenly changed the subject: "Xianyu, I'm very angry."
Du Qingtang was helpless and didn't understand what was going on. "What?"
Fu Ci's expression was serious. He pointed at Du Qingtang through the railing and said, "Such a big thing, and you actually kept it secret from me."
Du Qingtang curled up the fingers hanging at his side and coughed lightly: "It's not that I don't trust you, but you don't have the ability to keep this secret."
Fu Ci was stunned for a moment, then laughed: "That's right, I couldn't even protect myself back then."
She took a deep breath and said confidently, "His Majesty is a wise ruler. He's just angry now. Once he calms down, he might let us out."
Fu Ci has always been an optimist, with a carefree smile like a Shiba Inu always on his lips.
Until now, she remains optimistic.
Du Qingtang passed his slender fingers through the railing and patted the back of Fu Ci's hand gently, saying in a gentle tone, "Well, it will be fine."
Based on Du Qingtang's understanding of Fu Ci, she confessed her identity most likely to take a gamble.
Bet they can all survive.
Even if they fail, they won't be too lonely as they have two people accompanying each other on the road to the underworld.
His starting point was good, but he was too aggressive and only cared about Du Qingtang, completely ignoring himself.
But on second thought, it might not be a bad thing for Fu Ci to confess his identity.
When the time is right, Du Qingtang will be rescued when he is released from prison.
In this way, Daxia had two female officials.
At least she wasn't fighting alone.
......
"Forry."
"The servant is here."
Emperor Qingyuan sat behind his desk, gazing far to the southwest. "Tell me, did they know there were ears on the other side of the wall, and deliberately tell me this?"
The imperial guards who were responsible for relaying the conversation between Du Qingtang and Fu Ci held their breath and tried their best to reduce their presence.
Fu Rui was about to answer when the eunuch came to report: "Your Majesty, the commander of the Tiger Guard Battalion requests an audience."
Emperor Qingyuan was in high spirits: "Announce!"
After a few breaths, Commander Yang came in, bowed and greeted.
Emperor Qingyuan asked him to stand up, and asked impatiently: "How is it?"
Commander Yang knelt prostrate and said, "I am incompetent. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Emperor Qingyuan frowned: "Why do you say that, Yang Aiqing?"
Commander Yang could hardly hide his shame. "I have tried dozens of times over the past few days according to the drawings you gave me, but each attempt has failed. Not only has the power been greatly reduced, but I almost injured the Tiger Guards."
The wrinkles between Emperor Qingyuan's brows deepened, but he still refused to give up: "There are many capable people in the Tiger Guards Camp. Is there not one person who can shoulder this responsibility?"
Commander Yang slammed his head on the ground, giving his answer with his actions, and then boldly said: "Your Majesty, I am incompetent. I implore Your Majesty to allow Lord Du to return to the Huben Camp and continue to take charge..."
On the first day of the first lunar month, His Majesty summoned him to an audience and entrusted him with an important task.
Commander Yang was ecstatic and wanted to show off his skills, but reality slapped him hard in the face.
What Lord Du accomplished easily, he and his trusted subordinates failed repeatedly and almost hurt someone.
Commander Yang knew that Lady Du was a woman, and he also knew that she had committed the crime of deceiving the emperor.
But he was a rough man, unlike those civil servants who always flattered the powerful and belittled the weak, and gained a sense of superiority from belittling women.
In his opinion, Lord Du was intelligent and brilliant, with many sophisticated methods, far surpassing most officials in the court.
Lord Du deserves to be reused to benefit Daxia and tens of millions of people.
There was no warmth left on Emperor Qingyuan's round and elegant face.
Commander Yang gritted his teeth, trying his best to ignore the cold gaze from his superiors. He said stubbornly, "Perhaps I can find someone to replace Lord Du, but Da Qi is preparing its troops and is eyeing them covetously. Da Xia cannot wait."
He kowtowed heavily, his voice as resounding as a bell: "Only Lord Du can shoulder this responsibility!"
Emperor Qingyuan pressed his aching forehead and sighed softly after a long while: "Let me think about it."
Commander Yang was overjoyed and kowtowed again: "Your Majesty is wise!"
Your Majesty's words are as good as gold, and saying this is almost the same as letting go.
I believe I will be able to meet Lord Du soon!
Emperor Qingyuan ordered: "Continue the experiment."
Commander Yang retreated immediately.
Emperor Qingyuan sat there for a long while, then tilted his head slightly and said, "Furui, you said..."
Fu Rui pricked up his ears to listen, but Emperor Qingyuan stopped talking halfway, picked up the imperial pen and continued to review the memorials.
Fu Rui poured tea for Emperor Qingyuan and stepped aside, a trace of helplessness flashing across his chubby face.
He knew that His Majesty must be very conflicted at this moment.
It is true that Lord Du is very capable, and there are certain things that she is indispensable for.
But her exploitation and deception made His Majesty feel uneasy.
In addition, the women in Tianjing united to write a petition, asking the emperor to show leniency, and the Grand Secretary of Wenyuan Pavilion and others also asked for an audience to plead for Du Qingtang.
Even though these people had humble attitudes, there were so many people pleading for mercy that they swarmed before the emperor, which inevitably made him appear a bit aggressive.
As a result, the knot in His Majesty's heart grew bigger and bigger, and it couldn't be shaken off, so naturally he was unwilling to ask to release the person.
Thinking about how Lord Fu had turned himself in not long ago and tried to appeal to His Majesty's emotions and reason, but His Majesty was not moved at all, the helplessness in Fu Rui's eyes became even more intense.
Others don't know that he has served His Majesty for most of his life, so how could he not be aware of His Majesty's inconsistency?
Many times, when His Majesty says no, he actually means yes.
It's just that I'm embarrassed to speak up.
Your Majesty has never had such a close friendship with anyone as Lord Du and Lord Fu. After listening to Lord Fu's words, Your Majesty must have felt jealous.
Fu Rui held the whisk and smiled.
Now, with Commander Yang's strong persuasion, His Majesty's resentment must have almost subsided, and it won't be long before he will be able to see Lord Du again.
Lord Du is in his prime, and he should continue to shine for Daxia like the midday sun.
......
However, Yao Jingzhou had been running around for several days and his right leg was in unbearable pain. He could not bear it any longer, so he went back and warmed his leg with a hot water bottle, and then fell asleep in a daze.
"Master! Master! Something terrible has happened!"
Yao Jingzhou was startled awake by a rapid knock on the door. He half-slept and sat up: "Come in."
Yao Bo pushed the door open and walked in, his face full of panic: "Sir, news just came from the palace that Master Fu surrendered herself to His Majesty. Like Master Du, she is also a woman disguised as a man!"
Yao Jingzhou: “???”
For a moment, Yao Jingzhou thought he was still asleep, so he picked his ears and pinched himself hard.
It hurts, so it’s real.
Yao Jingzhou: “…”
Yao Jingzhou's mind went blank and he couldn't utter a word for a long time.
Yao Bo was so anxious that he was sweating profusely: "What should we do? Now Master Fu is also in prison, and you are still injured. You don't even have anyone to run around for you."
Yao Jingzhou took a deep breath. He felt a little dizzy and used his elbows to support himself on the bed to prevent himself from sliding down. "Let me think about it, let me think about it..."
Seeing the young master he had watched grow up with his face as pale as paper, Yao Bo felt very uncomfortable. He clenched his hands and whispered, "In fact, in my opinion, Your Majesty may not want to execute Master Du and Master Fu."
Yao Jingzhou said, "It's not appropriate to see blood in the first month of the year. The emperor's mind is unpredictable, and no one can guarantee it."
Yao Bo thought for a moment and said, "Not all scholars are denouncing Master Du. The women in the capital have signed a petition. Why don't you also gather scholars to petition on behalf of Master Du and Master Fu?"
Yao Jingzhou was tempted for a moment, but quickly dismissed the idea.
"Master Uncle's affairs have caused a great uproar in the city these days, with hundreds of people pleading for him. Such a large-scale campaign is bound to cause dissatisfaction among His Majesty. If we gather scholars to petition again, it will probably backfire."
When his uncle-master was suddenly imprisoned, he was desperate and tried every possible means, asking for help from all his connections, to plead for his uncle-master, not realizing that by doing so he was actually going against the emperor.
If I offend the emperor, my plea might not be accepted, and instead my uncle and grandfather’s old friends might be implicated.
Yao Jingzhou held his forehead with his hand, regretting his decision: "I was careless."
Fortunately, it is not too late and there is still time to remedy the situation.
Yao Jingzhou's mind raced as he suddenly remembered something: "Where are Du Yi and the others?"
Yao Bo was stunned for a moment, thinking back: "It seems that I haven't seen them since Master Du was imprisoned."
Yao Jingzhou was lost in thought.
In a flash, Yao Jingzhou suddenly understood something and sat up abruptly. He felt a sharp pain in the wound on his right leg. He hissed and looked at Yao Bo with burning eyes.
"Do you think it's possible that Master Uncle had anticipated that her mother would file a complaint?"
Yao Bo looked stunned.
Yao Jingzhou clapped his hands, "That's right! Uncle-Master is always cautious and always looks ahead. She knew that disguising herself as a man was deceiving the emperor, so how could she be so unprepared?"
He remembered that last year, his uncle returned to Xiajing from Runing Prefecture and was suddenly transferred to the Ministry of Works. He was elusive every day, leaving early and returning late.
He and Zizhan asked about it, but his uncle kept silent.
From that time on, the uncle was preparing for his identity to be exposed.
No, maybe even earlier.
My uncle made great contributions during his tenure in Runing Prefecture. Not to mention the new accounting method and the exposure of corruption, the cowpox case alone was enough to make him famous.
All of these things are the bargaining chips that allow my uncle to remain immortal!
Otherwise, given the loyalty of Du Yi and others, it would be impossible for them to disappear when their uncle was thrown into prison.
After hearing Yao Jingzhou's analysis, Uncle Yao felt a chill in his spine and couldn't help but smack his lips in amazement: "Mr. Du is truly... farsighted."
Fortunately, my son is Master Du's nephew. If he were a political enemy...
To put it bluntly, I'm afraid I don't even know how I died.
Yao Jingzhou smiled bitterly: "But I seem to have messed it up."
Yao Bo suppressed his relief and said soothingly, "No, you have a very close relationship with Master Fu and Master Du. In this life-or-death situation, it is only right and proper for you to run for her."
"What's more, if you really messed up, Du Yi and the others would have stepped in to stop you long ago."
Yao Jingzhou's expression relaxed slightly and he let out a breath of foul air.
After Yao Bo left, he stared at the porcelain on the antique shelf in a daze.
So, uncle-master, what was the final bargaining chip that allowed you to allow Yuanshi to file a complaint to the emperor and turn defeat into victory?
-
Five days passed in a flash.
Following Du Qingtang, another official disguised herself as a man to take the imperial examination and serve as an official in the court. This news caused an uproar in Xiajing.
The people in the streets have mixed opinions.
Scholars wrote parallel prose to denounce Du and Fu, as men believed they were immoral.
The women were proud of it. The illiterate ones argued with the scholars and men until they were red in the face, and in the end the women won and left. The literate ones persisted in writing petitions. Even if it was windy and rainy, and even if Emperor Qingyuan ignored them, it did not diminish their admiration and enthusiasm.
In their subconscious, there is a voice telling them——
This is not only a battle concerning the life and death of Lord Du, but also a battle concerning all women in Daxia.
If he loses, Lord Du will die for deceiving the emperor, and women in the world will continue to suffer contempt and hardship.
If she wins, Lady Du will most likely be able to walk in the court with dignity as a woman.
Today, Lord Du walks into the court, and tomorrow there will be countless Lord Dus walking out of the backyard and into the court.
They must not lose!
More and more women began to write petitions, and hundreds of petitions were delivered from the palace gate to the imperial study every day.
In response, Emperor Qingyuan said: "......"
Regarding the illiterate women who were willing but unable to learn, someone suggested, "I've heard that many Qiong English societies have been established in other places. Why don't we set up one too? Those who can read can play the zither and write, recite poems and sing lyrics here, and we can teach those who can't read to read and write."
"Wonderful!"
So, in a corner of Xiajing, dozens of women joined hands to establish the 68th Qiongying English Society of Daxia.
Although there are only a few members, I believe that one day the Qiong Ying Society will be able to attract many women from Xiajing.
......
The officials have not yet noticed the Qiongying English Society that was quietly established in Xiajing. They are immersed in indignation.
The first thing he did every day when he opened his eyes was to write a memorial to impeach Du Qingtang and Fu Ci, urging Emperor Qingyuan to execute them quickly.
These memorials would often be processed initially by the cabinet before being presented to Emperor Qingyuan for his review.
Cao Yuan opened a memorial and saw a long essay criticizing Du Qingtang.
Close it and put it back.
I opened another book, which was different from the previous one. It criticized Du Qingtang and Fu Ci.
Cao Yuan threw it aside and looked through twenty memorials in a row, fourteen of which were impeaching the two men.
The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace came strolling over and said, "Sir, what do you think that person meant? It's been almost twenty days, and we and the people still haven't been given an explanation."
Cao Yuan placed the brush on the pen holder, with a mocking arc at the corner of his mouth.
Xia Ming had no one to use. After seventeen years, he finally produced a Wenquxing. How could he be willing to kill him easily?
But he couldn't bring himself to lose face and could only pretend to be deaf and dumb.
Cao Yuan thought about what the Empress said in the letter, and a thoughtful look flashed across his eyes.
If Xia Ming picked it up high and put it down gently, Du Qingtang would definitely be loyal to him and devote his whole life to him afterwards.
Cao Yuan naturally did not want Xia Ming to cultivate a strong rival.
Cao Yuan's thoughts raced, his expression unrecognizable, "I dare not speculate on the emperor's intentions."
The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace could not get any information from him, so he just walked away.
After Cao Yuan finished processing the memorial, he personally delivered it to the imperial study.
After presenting the memorial, Cao Yuan did not retreat. Instead, he asked directly, "I wonder how Your Majesty intends to deal with Du Qingtang?"
Emperor Qingyuan's eyes moved slightly: "Deceiving the emperor and deceiving his superiors is a crime that deserves death."
Cao Yuan cast a disapproving look at him: "Your Majesty, you are truly confused. Du Qingtang and his sister, the Deyang Township Chief, have benefited the people. How can you execute them?"
Emperor Qingyuan met Cao Yuan's gaze, his smile unwavering. "So, Lord Cao, what do you think we should do with Du Qingtang?"
Cao Yuan cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness the Fifth Prince still has a vacancy for a concubine. Du Qingtang is extremely intelligent and will surely give birth to a brilliant and intelligent little grandson for Your Majesty."
Emperor Qingyuan raised his eyebrows and said politely, "Du Qingtang is guilty, how can she marry into the royal family?"
Cao Yuan said calmly, "What's the harm if she's guilty? All it takes is an imperial decree to grant her marriage, and Du Qingtang will become a royal concubine. Who would dare to say she's not guilty?"
Emperor Qingyuan's throat twitched twice: "Let me think about it."
Cao Yuan was dissatisfied with Emperor Qingyuan's evasion, but since he held the imperial seal, he had no choice but to draft the decree: "Your Majesty, you must make a decision soon. The people of the whole world are waiting for your decision. Please do not disappoint your meritorious officials."
After Cao Yuan finished speaking, he bowed, turned around and left.
On the way back to the cabinet, Cao Yuan happened to meet the fifth prince.
As the grandfather and grandson talked, Cao Yuan mentioned Du Qingtang: "I have already mentioned this to His Majesty. In the next two days, His Majesty will issue an edict to give Du Qingtang to you."
Then he changed the subject: "Your Highness, in fact, considering Du Qingtang's status, granting her the status of a concubine is already a grace. The four concubine positions are extremely important, and it is really a waste for her to take one."
The fifth prince didn't care.
He had no intention of participating in the fight for the throne. The principal wife and three concubines were all married for the Fourth Prince. What was wrong with wanting Du Qingtang?
Seeing that the Fifth Prince didn't listen at all, Cao Yuan thought to himself that it was a good thing that the Fifth Prince was not the Empress's eldest son, otherwise, with his arrogance and violent behavior, he would not be able to handle such a heavy responsibility.
The fifth prince exchanged a few more words with Cao Yuan, and after seeing Cao Yuan off, he clicked his tongue with joy.
He can't wait.
......
Two days passed in a flash.
The fifth prince waited and waited, but the imperial decree granting the marriage never came. On the third day, he went to the imperial study and asked bluntly, "Father, when do you plan to grant me a marriage?"
Emperor Qingyuan stared at his fifth son, his face brimming with excitement, and clasped his fingers together. "Yesterday, I summoned the Director of the Imperial Observatory and had him calculate your two horoscopes. Du Qingtang's destiny is composed of fire, which conflicts with yours."
The Fifth Prince's smile froze on his face: "But Grandfather said that you will issue an edict in the next two days..."
The annoyance in Emperor Qingyuan's eyes disappeared in an instant, and he said in a slightly serious tone: "I only said I would consider it, but I never agreed."
The Fifth Prince bit the soft flesh of his cheek, blood and flesh blurred, his mouth full of fishy sweetness without realizing it: "Your Highness understands, your Highness misunderstood. Your Highness will take his leave."
After saying that, he bowed and turned to leave.
Emperor Qingyuan tapped lightly on the table. Fu Rui understood and winked at his godson Yu Jue.
Yu Jue left the imperial study and returned soon: "Your Majesty, the Fifth Prince has gone to the cabinet."
There was a crisp "click" sound, which was the sound of a jade ornament breaking.
Emperor Qingyuan sat behind the imperial desk, like a dead tree with its life drained away.
After a moment, he took out a blank imperial edict, picked up the pen, dipped it in ink, and began to write in a flamboyant style.
"Furui, go to the Ministry of Justice's prison and announce the decree."
Fu Rui was delighted, it seemed that Lord Du was about to be released from prison.
He took the imperial edict with both hands and went straight to the prison of the Ministry of Justice.
"Du Qingtang, Fu Ci will receive the order."
Du Qingtang stood up and knelt on the straw mat.
Fu Ci was diagonally opposite her, also kneeling on the straw mat.
After the two knelt down, Fu Rui opened the imperial edict and said in a sharp and high voice: "By the will of Heaven, the Emperor decrees that Du Qingtang and Fu Ci..."
At this point, the reading stopped abruptly.
Fury seemed to have seen something extremely terrifying. His eyes were wide open, his lips were moving, and his hands were shaking as if he had been electrocuted.
A long time passed, so long that the prisoners in the prison began to whisper to each other.
"Why don't you read it?"
"Can't he read?"
Fu Rui suddenly came to his senses, bit his tongue hard, looked again carefully, and saw the original handwriting. He closed his eyes tightly.
"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor declares that Du Qingtang and Fu Ci have committed unforgivable crimes of deceiving the emperor and his superiors. After investigation, the evidence is irrefutable. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice is ordered to oversee their executions, which will take place at 3:30 PM tomorrow. This is my decree!"
Fu Rui's voice echoed again and again in the Ministry of Justice prison.
Qi Heming laughed silently.
Fu Ci's breathing trembled, and his heart sank to the bottom.
She lost the bet.
Looking at Du Qingtang again, she showed no fear and saluted calmly: "Your humble servant accepts the order."
The pity in Fury's eyes was almost overflowing. He couldn't bear to look at her any longer and almost ran away.
He returned to the imperial study and reported to Emperor Qingyuan.
Emperor Qingyuan paused and asked, "How did they react?"
Fu Rui told the truth.
Emperor Qingyuan said "oh" and said no more.
It is true that Du Aiqing is talented and capable of taking on important responsibilities, but he does not need her.
Even if it violated the rule of not seeing blood in the first month of the year, he would never give Du Qingtang to Lao Wu to add wings to Cao's party.
Emperor Qingyuan sighed in his heart.
This time, he wants to disappoint the heroes.
-
The news that Du Qingtang and Fu Ci would be beheaded at Xuanwumen Caishikou at noon tomorrow spread, and the people had mixed reactions.
"Your Majesty is wise. You should execute them and let all women in the world know what it means to be obedient and law-abiding!"
"Lady Du has benefited the people, why did Your Majesty execute her?"
The women in the capital covered their faces and cried.
"We've written so many petitions, why is His Majesty, with a heart as strong as iron, still willing to execute Lord Du?"
"We lost."
"Now that Lord Du has fallen, the status of women will only continue to decline. Things like the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, and the rules for women, will probably be crushed to death by these rules!"
When Yao Jingzhou heard the news, he felt like he was hit by a bolt of lightning. He accidentally knocked over the teacup and his face turned pale, without a trace of blood.
He limped out despite the unhealed wound on his right leg.
"Where are you going, sir?"
"Go to the palace and ask His Majesty to revoke his order."
Uncle Yao took a quick step and resolutely blocked Yao Jingzhou's way. "No, sir, you can't go. You'll die if you go!"
Yao Jingzhou didn't listen and walked around him.
I had just taken two steps when I felt a pain in the back of my neck.
"My lord, I'm sorry. If Master Du and Master Fu knew about this, they would agree with what I did."
Yao Jingzhou only heard Yao Bo's apologetic words before his consciousness fell into darkness.
The fifth prince also received the news that Du Qingtang was about to be beheaded. He kicked the eunuch over and knocked the teacups and teapot on the table to the ground.
"Father did it on purpose!"
"My father would rather execute Du Qingtang than give her to me!"
The fifth prince's hand was scratched by the fragments and was bleeding, but he was completely unaware of it. His face and neck were flushed red, and veins on his forehead were bulging.
"Father, you have such a cruel heart!"
The decree came without any warning, and he didn't even have a chance to stop it.
The fifth prince closed his eyes tightly.
......
There are twelve hours in a day, and in the blink of an eye it is already the Si hour of the next day.
The jailer brought two bowls of "last meal" and knocked on the railing: "Eat up and then you can go on your way."
Du Qingtang ate the chicken leg slowly, changed his hand to pick up the chopsticks, and did some mental arithmetic with his fingers.
After a while, Du Qingtang murmured, "The first day of the first lunar month...it's about time..."
After dinner, Du Qingtang and Fu Ci were taken to Caishikou by the jailers.
Caishikou was crowded with people who came to watch the execution, and it looked like a sea of black people.
There were many carriages parked outside the crowd, which were the ladies who came to see them off.
They admired Du Qingtang and Fu Ci's courage and respected their bravery.
They tried hard, but failed.
The king's order was unbearable, so they could only see them off silently.
5:15 PM, Si time.
Du Qingtang and Fu Ci knelt on the execution ground. The cold wind blew on their faces and their thinly dressed bodies, making them feel as if they were in an ice cave.
Fu Ci was shivering and his teeth were chattering.
Du Qingtang looked at her: "Are you scared?"
Fu Ci shook his head, his eyebrows curved: "I'm not afraid."
Actually, I'm afraid.
How can people not be afraid of death?
She was willing to die just for her friend.
6:15 PM.
Du Qingtang looked up at the sky and saw a group of lone geese flying south, appearing in her desperate eyes.
At the same time, a horse was galloping like the wind on the official road.
The city, like a black behemoth, was getting closer and closer.
The horse arrived at the city gate but did not slow down.
The soldiers guarding the city wanted to stop them, but saw the man on horseback showing a token.
Looking closely, the faces of the soldiers guarding the city changed slightly. They quickly retracted their spears and retreated to let them pass.
The horse galloped past the plaque of "Xia Jing" and entered the city.
The hawkers lining the streets only saw a dark figure flash by. They followed the sound of the horse's hooves and wiped the dust off their faces. "Are you in such a hurry to be reincarnated?"
"Shh! Shut up! It's the discount from outside!"
The peddler's tongue trembled and he dared not say another word.
He looked in the direction where Zhe Cha left, thinking to himself that it must be something extremely urgent, as he was covered in mud and running so fast.
Zhe Cha galloped on his horse but was stopped by the imperial guards at the palace gate.
"Stop! No riding in the palace!"
Zhe Cha dismounted and ran all the way with the urgent music in his pocket.
Noon.
Zhecha's legs went limp, and he knelt at the door of the imperial study, shouting hoarsely, "Your Majesty, an urgent report from Loushan Pass!"
Emperor Qingyuan had just summoned several important court officials and was drinking tea and eating cakes.
The shout of Zhecha was heard in the hall. Fu Rui gave a look and immediately sent a eunuch to respond.
The urgent memorial went through a series of strict checks and was finally sent to the emperor.
Emperor Qingyuan opened the urgent music, his pupils trembling, and he stood up suddenly, grabbing Fu Rui's arm and asking, "What time is it now?"
Fu Rui grimaced in pain and gasped as he replied, "Just after noon."
"Bang!"
Emperor Qingyuan stumbled and knocked over the small table on which memorials were placed, causing the mountain of memorials to scatter all over the floor.
"Someone come! King Xuan Cheng!"
Fu Rui had never seen His Majesty lose his composure like this, so he quickly sent someone to call Wang Cheng over.
The commander of the imperial guards, Wang Cheng, came in and bowed and greeted.
Without waiting for him to kneel, Emperor Qingyuan said urgently, "Forget it! Go to Caishikou and bring Lord Du here!"
Commander Wang was stunned for a moment. Although he didn't know the reason, he still did as he was told.
"Yes, I'll go right away."
Having already reached the door, Commander Wang turned back and said, "Your Majesty, then Master Fu..."
Emperor Qingyuan said without hesitation: "Bring them all here!"
"yes!"
In an emergency, Commander Wang brought a fine horse and galloped all the way along the palace road, then left the palace and headed straight for Caishikou.
Two quarters past noon.
More and more people came to watch the execution, and the place was bustling and noisy.
"What a pity, they are still so young."
"She doesn't want to be a good woman, but insists on pretending to be a man. Who can I blame?"
"But I heard that they all did it out of necessity."
"So what? Women should just be content with their lot, stay home and carry on the family line for their men. Don't dwell on unrealistic things all day long."
Three quarters past noon.
The assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice looked at the sky, took out a fire stick from the stick tube and threw it out.
With a light "pop" sound, the fire order fell to the ground.
"It's three quarters past noon, execution!"
The executioner walked forward with his upper body naked, holding a ghost-head knife, and took off the death cards on Du Qingtang and Fu Ci's backs.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the executioner raised the dagger high in the air, and the sharp blade flashed with a cold light.
The executioner aimed at the back of Du Qingtang and Fu Ci's drooping necks and brought down the ghost-head knife heavily.
Commander Wang rushed to Caishikou and was furious when he saw this scene.
"Spare his life!"
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