Liu Yu stood on the city wall of Chengdu. The ministers who were not affected by the Liu Buchu incident were the first to bow their heads and said in unison: "Your Majesty, we pay our respects." Then, the people gathered in Chengdu also knelt down.
Liu Yu did not respond to the ministers and the people's kneeling. Instead, he took a deep breath and began to recount to the people everything that had happened in the past few months. Although Liu Yu's hair was now gray, his determination was firm and his voice revealed firmness and strength without hesitation.
He personally exposed the truth about Liu Buchu's usurpation of the throne, and how, with the assistance of loyal ministers, he overcame numerous difficulties and finally overthrew the tyranny.
Liu Yu promised to rebuild Shu and restore its former prosperity and peace. Listening to Liu Yu's words, new hope emerged in the hearts of the people.
Liu Yu received a lot of help and support during his time in Wei, but he did not intend to speak out at this time. He knew that the struggle for the throne of Shu was an internal affair of Shu. Once Wei was involved, his action to regain the throne would no longer be just an internal affair of Shu.
He also did not want to arouse suspicion among the people of Wei State and suspect that he had any improper dealings with Wei State.
After Liu Yu's speech, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers. They chanted Liu Yu's name, expressing their support and trust in the old king. Liu Yu waved his hand for silence and then continued to announce the punishments for Liu Buchu and the various ministers.
When the people heard Liu Yu's announcement of the punishment for Prince Liu Buchu, all the officials and common people were in disbelief. It was unheard of that His Majesty would execute even his own child for breaking the law.
Concubine Wang roared heartbreakingly at this time: "Liu Yu, you are not a human being. You even killed your own woman and son. Even a tiger won't eat its own child. You, the king of Shu, are willing to kill your own children and women. You are simply not a human being. Liu Yu, you will suffer retribution in the future."
Concubine Wang's voice echoed through the crowd, her eyes filled with despair and anger. However, Liu Yu's expression remained firm, unwavering in his defiance. When Cao Mengde followed him to Shu, the lives of Liu Buchu and Wang Shi were no longer within his control.
Moreover, after Liu Yu experienced the way of governing the country under Emperor Chu Fan of Wei, he knew that as a monarch, he must uphold the laws and order of the country with an impartial and selfless attitude.
Liu Yu took a deep breath and continued, "My decision is not made out of selfish motives, but for the future of Shu and the well-being of the people. If I show leniency to Liu Buchu, who will abide by the laws of the country in the future?
My decision today is to let all the people of Shu know that no matter how noble one's status is, one cannot be above the law."
Liu Yu's words echoed on the city wall, his voice revealing an unquestionable majesty. He knew that such a decision would make him lose the support of some people, and even more people might question his rule.
But for the long-term development of Shu and to build a more just and powerful country, he was willing to bear these costs.
Hearing that Liu Yu did not change his determination because of her words, Wang said like a madman: "Liu Yu, you have been weak all your life. No matter how strong you are on the battlefield, you are a coward and an idiot when it comes to feelings.
Back then, the Shu Kingdom's royal family was defeated by the rebel army and the royal lineage was almost extinct. If you hadn't run away quickly, the Shu Kingdom's royal lineage would have been our Wang family more than a decade ago.
However, our Wang family only surrendered and apologized, and finally pushed me out to marry you. Since you have forgiven the sins of the Wang family, why didn't you dare to pick up the butcher knife against the Wang family back then? "
"That's enough, Wang Gulan. I think you've gone crazy. I didn't want Shu to be plunged into war again, and I didn't want the people to continue suffering. You think that's my cowardice."
Liu Yu's tone suddenly turned cold. He stared at Wang Gulan with a sharp gaze and continued, "My original decision was made out of careful consideration for the country and the people, not out of cowardice. My sword is aimed at protecting the peace of Shu, not for meaningless killing.
Yet, you mistook my kindness for cowardice, and after more than a decade, you launched another rebellion. Wang Gulan, if you, the Wang family, truly believe that my kindness is weakness, you are gravely mistaken. I will slaughter all of you on this city wall today. Let the world see if I, Liu Yu, am a coward.
Wang Gulan said to Liu Yu with disdain: "What's the point of saying these harsh words now? If you have the guts, you can really execute us here today. But I have one thing to tell you: Liu Buchu is not your child. Liu Buchu is the child of a saint from a top-grade sect on the Central Continent.
Back then, this Holy Son was injured while traveling in the Shengwu Continent and was rescued by our Wang family. During that time, we fell in love. Otherwise, how do you think we, the aristocratic families, would dare to commit rebellion?
However, when their sect took him back, I didn't know I was pregnant. I only discovered I was pregnant after he left. And then, at that moment, you led your soldiers back to Rongcheng. So, I let nature take its course and became your wife, giving birth to Liu Buchu.
If you kill Liu Buchu and me here now, when the Holy Son returns, your Liu family will be wiped out."
After hearing Wang Gulan's words, Liu Yu actually felt relieved. He was just cheated on. Fortunately, he didn't kill his own son, otherwise, the psychological burden would be even heavier.
He was secretly glad in his heart, but at the same time he felt a deep sadness and anger.
Liu Yu gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his gaze fixed on Wang Gulan. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, then spoke slowly, "Wang Gulan, your words may be true, or they may just be lies you made up to save your life. But whatever the truth, my decision will not change. I will not change my path out of fear, nor will I lose my mind out of anger."
Liu Yu stood on the city wall, his back to Wang Gulan, his voice low and firm, "Even if it's the Holy Son of another continental sect, what do I fear? Besides, he hasn't come looking for you for over ten years. Do you think he'd still remember a woman from a small family in a small country like you? That's simply wishful thinking. He's probably forgotten you long ago."
Liu Yu's words hit the most vulnerable spot in Wang Gulan's heart, and she roared even more crazily.
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