277 The Rise and Fall of the Royal City (Part 6)
Afterwards, the powerful families surrendered, and almost everyone died. Less than one in ten households survived. They were bled dry and given some old and rotten grain. There was enough land, and people started farming again. For a time, the land was full of life, and it was a rare and peaceful time.
Such a scene not only satisfied the emperor's desires but also his pride, by offering his legitimate daughter in marriage, thus creating another dynasty that could be ruled, a thousand-year-old family that had never been broken up.
Since we are family members, loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness are the ways to bind us; loyalty is to the monarch; filial piety is to parents; chastity is to family; and righteousness is to peers, isn't it? Bearing so much, how can you still be so unhappy?
Because only a fool like you would be so sincere!
The Holy Emperor stopped his killing spree and put away his weapons. There was room for negotiation and bargaining. The reasons for this were not for others to speculate on, but perhaps, just perhaps, that's how he was softened!
And so, observing this, the carnage unfolded—horse riders wielding swords, raining down ghostly devastation; mountains of white bones, birds startled into flight; piles of corpses, a ruthless decisiveness that showed no room for negotiation—they came and slaughtered without mercy. In an instant, those with ambition and influence remembered it all.
As for other powerful and long-established forces, they are naturally not worth a second glance. They will simply observe quietly and strike swiftly if their foundations are threatened. However, for now, they are not worth paying too much attention to.
The world is too vast, and there are too many people who rely on hearsay. Moreover, in border regions, some people have such limited vision that they regard those who can fly as immortals, those who can transform as gods, and even the simple trick of planting pear trees as divine magic. They are truly ignorant beyond words.
Those in the capital, and those behind the scenes, didn't seem to care much, only feeling sorry for the person who had died as a tribute bearer. A little regrettable, they sighed softly and continued enjoying their wine and beautiful women.
The name Yun Su gradually became a topic of discussion. The young ladies were immediately abuzz with gossip. In the past, they thought Yun Su was so beautiful that she was admired by many, including high-ranking officials, talented cultivators, or both.
However, people from aristocratic families often have certain desires and seek marriage alliances. But this is the way of the world, and it has always been so throughout history. There's nothing more to say about it; to say too much would be pretentious.
However, there were many people who cared, especially jealous women. As the only daughter of Elder Yun, she naturally received a lot of attention. However, it was ridiculous that she chose a border boy.
Upon first hearing the story, I found it absurd and laughable, utterly blind and idiotic, as if she'd been blinded by greed! What a waste of such a beautiful face and privileged background. I mocked her for a long time, waiting to see how she would regret it one day, how pathetic she would be, probably so ashamed she'd want to commit suicide.
Later, various news came, which was unbelievable. People thought it was an exaggeration. But now it is unbelievable and unimaginable that someone would dare to actually kill a prefect. Now, someone has killed a governor and become famous overnight.
The news shook the capital. This was an unforgivable crime, one that no one could tolerate. To execute the head of a prefecture—what would become of the royal family's dignity? This was tantamount to rebellion! It was utterly treasonous, a death wish!
But at this moment, at least with the Martial Emperor's cultivation and the military prowess, wherever his blade pointed, ten thousand armies would flee in terror; wherever his blade cut, no one could stop him. He was invincible. The slaying of the prefect shocked the world, yet the death silenced the royal city.
If it were an ordinary civilian rebellion, the news of its suppression would have arrived long ago, and those eager for glory would have rushed to deliver it from afar.
If they were no match for the enemy, the royal city would send men to slaughter them from afar, leaving no one alive. But at this moment, there was an unusual silence. The Holy Emperor was not present, and with the involvement of Old Master Yun and Captain Guan, there was a complex situation, leading to an inexplicable silence.
However, at this moment, He Chenzhi's name was considered extremely rebellious by many talented individuals; they said he was a scoundrel who deserved to die.
However, many young ladies described him as exceptionally talented and handsome, a gentleman of jade-like appearance. They were attracted by his domineering, rough, and wild style, and were filled with envy. At this moment, they all sighed that Yun Su had good taste. If her ideal lover were also the Martial Emperor, she would probably wake up laughing in her dreams.
On a five-story building, the sun rises in early spring, the red doors are red, the exquisitely carved wooden furniture is intricately crafted, a soaring phoenix, a gorgeous tapestry made of soft, colorful velvet, and the walls are covered with paintings by famous literati, all exuding a rich cultural atmosphere.
Enjoy fine wines and delicacies while admiring the beautiful scenery of the royal city. In the center of the terrace stands a stone fountain, seemingly suspended in mid-air, yet splashing water everywhere—a truly magical sight. The aroma of various wines fills the air, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
On the fifth floor, there were only a few people, a few young, one a dozen years older, dressed in fine clothes and wearing jade, who seemed to have not returned last night, and one person with a beautiful face, triangular eyes, and a hint of worry.
At this moment, she was dressed in luxurious clothes, wearing an exquisite golden crown inlaid with rare red gemstones, a gorgeous yellow robe, and a bright yellow ribbon tied around her waist, with a beautiful jade pendant in the center of the ribbon.
A warm smile, bright and piercing eyes, and a humble demeanor that made people feel comfortable, yet also slightly intimidated.
Looking at the young man before him, who had been somewhat worried all night, he said softly and nonchalantly, "Taiping, relax. This royal city isn't a place where anyone can come and go as they please. Tomorrow, I'll send you a songstress. Go back and get some rest."
At this moment, the young man was Wang Taiping, son of Vice Minister Wang. He immediately knelt and bowed respectfully, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness, thank you, Third Prince."
The people nearby, seeing how favored Wang Taiping was, receiving a beautiful songstress as a gift from the prince, were filled with envy. Their eyes, however, were full of congratulations as they looked at him.
One of them was six feet tall, as thin as a bamboo pole, wearing a magnificent silver-gray robe woven with gold thread, and a jade leather belt tied around his waist. He had an extraordinary appearance, except for three small moles above his eyebrows, which marred his otherwise handsome face.
Smiling, he said, "Brother, you are truly favored by the prince. We are extremely envious. The prince's singing girls are all handpicked from all over the land, one in a thousand. If Brother is willing to part with some of your favorites, I, your senior brother, will certainly not disappoint you."
After saying that, he looked on with a smirk, drool practically dripping from his mouth, his lewd appearance drawing disdain from everyone. However, no one said anything.
At this moment, Wang Taiping was certain in his heart and slowly said, "Brother Xianren, you've gone too far with your joke. I'm overjoyed by the prince's reward. Besides, the prince usually keeps a close eye on the singing girls in the prince's household, and I can't get them even if I want them."
Besides, Brother Qi is quite the envy of others. Everyone knows how much Imperial Censor Qi dotes on her; the wealthy families and noble ladies of the city are lining up outside the capital, all waiting for Brother Qi to choose one.
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