Chapter 44
Nineteen rushed towards the burial site like a madwoman, lifted the straw mat, and a stench hit her head. Seeing that familiar figure, Nineteen's tears flowed along with her sobs.
“Master…it’s Nineteen’s fault, it’s Nineteen’s fault for not protecting you, Master…”
Having cried until she was too weak to make a sound, Nineteen finally left with Su Wanxing's body.
Dusk pressed down on the barren slope, the newly dug pit mixed with the dryness of withered grass exuded a damp and cold smell, and the coffin was made of fine cypress wood.
Nineteen knelt on the edge of the pit, his fingertips digging into the damp soil, watching the coffin land steadily.
"You may leave now; come back tomorrow."
"good"
The crowd took the money and left.
Nineteen grabbed a shovel, scooped up a handful of wet soil, and slammed it onto the coffin lid with a dull thud. The soil gradually settled, almost level with the lid. He crouched down, used all his strength to open the lid, and jumped inside.
He didn't know how much time had passed when he heard a heavy sound from above. He knew they could never be separated again.
Three years later.
The candlelight in the Phoenix Palace was replaced with pure white. Inside the hall, the mist from the ambergris gradually dissipated, leaving only the bitter smell of medicinal dregs lingering between the curtains.
The old woman, who had been standing by for three days and three nights, listened until the last breath escaped her lips, then suddenly knelt on the ground, her hoarse cry piercing the air: "The Empress has passed away!"
The sound of weeping spread along the corridor, and the palace maids knelt down, their faces covered by their white sleeves.
The princess and the phoenix prince, dressed in mourning clothes, knelt at the door, quietly listening to the sorrow that permeated the entire palace.
After the third seven days.
"Sister, no, Phoenix Empress!"
Why must we distinguish between you and me so clearly?
"Then my brother can speak frankly: I want to leave the palace."
"Um"
"Sister already guessed it?"
"Yun Song is still waiting for you outside the palace, isn't he?"
"Um"
"good"
Inside the morning court hall, before the emperor, Huang Shang's fingertips continued to write.
"From this day forward, under our laws, anyone who commits the crime of adultery shall be sentenced to five to ten years in prison and branded with the character 'adultery' on their face. The victim shall receive half of the perpetrator's estate. Those who commit adultery before reaching the age of marriage shall be executed immediately, and their descendants for three generations shall be barred from participating in any imperial examinations. Any violence, restraint, or threats in sexual relations shall be punished as adultery."
Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent, and the Prime Minister bowed and offered his advice.
"Your Majesty, our country's laws have been in use for a century; a sudden change could lead to chaos."
Huang Shang coldly swept her gaze over the crowd.
"Oh? It seems the Prime Minister is dissatisfied with my actions? Which other ministers are also dissatisfied and wish to oppose this?"
The bustling crowd quieted down considerably, and at that moment, the Minister of Rites stepped forward.
"The Empress's laws are benevolent, and the people are the foundation of the state; the Empress's laws can ensure the people's safety and well-being."
"The Empress is Wise"
Three days later, the new law was copied onto yellow hemp paper, stamped with the imperial seal, and distributed to various prefectures and cities for posting.
The notice board was crowded with people. Literate women read it aloud, and the sound of men sobbing could be heard from the crowd.
"It really has been changed!"
"That's great! I'll definitely report any future instances of bullying to the authorities."
With the enactment of the law, some prisoners who were already incarcerated had their sentences extended by two years.
The constables held the prisoner's shoulders down, forcing him to tilt his head back. The red-hot branding iron glowed with a glaring orange-red, and the character for "traitor" on the tip was clearly visible. It brought a scorching heat wave that distorted the surrounding air. The branding iron was suddenly pressed against the left cheek, and a crisp sound pierced the eardrums. The smell of burnt flesh exploded instantly, making people dizzy.
Three months after the new law was enacted, it has yielded remarkable results. Men who previously dared not go out are now venturing out to stroll around, their faces gradually showing smiles. The night market is busier than ever with vendors' shouts, and the sounds of men chatting and laughing can be heard from the taverns.
Inside the imperial study, the Empress was reading through the memorials submitted by various prefectures. Seeing the scenes of people living in peace and contentment, she smiled from the bottom of her heart.
She knew that while changing the law could not immediately heal the wounds in people's hearts, the warmth conveyed in those words would eventually change everything.
She knew that there was much more to her to do than just that.
Those who have made sacrifices for this law are the ones who deserve the most respect.
This article is dedicated to those who, despite their pain, still face the world with a smile, doing their best to change suffering. No matter the circumstances, the perpetrators of violence can never be forgiven.
May everyone be happy every day and never suffer any more hardship.
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