Chapter 84: Sparing Her Life at the Execution Ground
Cheng Xianzhi stood up and was about to leave the study when Gongsun Xue came in. She wanted Cheng Xianzhi to accompany her to visit Tanzhou before returning to Kyoto and buy some Tanzhou souvenirs to give to relatives and friends.
Cheng Xianzhi came to supervise the disaster relief work, but Gongsun Xue and the wives of Tanzhou officials came frequently every day. Due to her status as the Shangshu's wife, the families of local officials all showed her some respect.
Seeing the usually steady Cheng Xianzhi's hurried steps, Gongsun Xue couldn't help but be surprised. She moved aside slightly and said in a subdued tone, "Master? What's the important matter that's bringing you so much haste?"
Cheng Xianzhi said, "Xue'er, I have something important to attend to, so I'll return to the capital first. In three days, you can join the Ministry of Works team. I'll have someone take care of everything."
Gongsun Xue hid the sachet tightly in her hand into her sleeve, her face full of innocence and grievance: "Returning to Kyoto now? Master, are you going to leave Xue'er alone?"
Cheng Xianzhi had already walked away. Han Zhou clasped his fists towards her and followed closely. Gongsun Xue knew that Han Zhou was only loyal to Cheng Xianzhi. If she stepped forward to stop him, Han Zhou would not say a word.
"What is so urgent?" Gongsun Xueding muttered to himself while standing there.
Cheng Xianzhi left the yamen and rode at full speed towards Kyoto.
According to Han Zhou's report, the Lu family would be executed in three days, so he had to rush back to Kyoto three days ago. However, the flood caused mountain torrents and landslides, making the official road difficult to travel.
Thinking of this, he pulled hard with his hand that was tightly gripping the reins, and the horse's hooves flew, raising a cloud of dust and galloping away.
After three sleepless days and three nights, he traveled all the way from Tanzhou to the capital, and finally entered the palace before 1:15 PM, while the Lu family had already been taken to the execution ground.
Execution in the north of the city at 3:30 PM!
Lu Mingqian's prison van was in a mess, covered with manure and even stones.
The people were outraged, and they were all heartbroken by the injustice of Han Zhangling's case five years ago. They hated him even more for shielding Liu Qiyuan from using the people's taxes to make money, helping Prince Ning to rebel, hiding his crimes, and enjoying high positions and generous salaries.
On the other side of the prisoner team were Lu Tingwan and Lu Tingwu. They had taken off their hairpins and makeup, and no longer had the glory of the past. However, even when the two sisters leaned against each other, it was difficult to conceal their gorgeous looks.
Lu Tingwu's belly was a little bigger than the day she was imprisoned. Li Tingfeng did not show any mercy to the pregnant Lu Tingwu. Jiang Yanli tried several times to go to Jinhua Palace to plead for mercy, to release his wife and children, and to take the blame for him.
Jiang Haiyi denounced him for being short-sighted and for falling to this point because of his children's love affairs, without any regard for the family's prosperity and reputation.
After that, he never saw Lu Tingwu again. Jiang Haiyi asked him to cut off all ties with the Lu family. In such a situation, anyone in the court who dared to plead for the Lu family would be charged with the crime of being an accomplice of the rebels and having their property confiscated.
Jiang Yanli, who was locked up in the dormitory, looked like a wandering soul with disheveled hair. He had lost his former dignity and gentleness and huddled in a corner.
Lu Tingwan held Lu Tingwu in front of him, fearing that the stones would hit Lu Tingwu's stomach.
Lu Tingwu knew her chances of survival were over. During her time in prison, she had long since come to understand that the world's karma, life and death, glory and honor, were not something she could decide.
Although she did not participate in her father's activities, she was a daughter of the Lu family and enjoyed the glory and wealth brought by the Lu family, so she should repay them. She could not blame anyone, and the only person she could blame was her father who gave birth to her.
But she had no right to complain, this was the result of being born a daughter of the Lu family.
But the baby in her belly was so innocent, no matter how unwilling she was, it was useless. Her clear eyes gradually lost their brightness, becoming blurry for several moments.
The world is broken and incomplete, she cannot repair it, she can only accept her fate. Born in troubled times, even if she gave birth to a fetus in her womb, she would have to bear the destiny and responsibility from birth. It would be better not to come to such a family that only cares about interests.
In another quarter of an hour it would be three quarters past noon. The onlookers were driven ten feet away by the guards. Among the crowd stood a man with an unusual physique, but he was bent over with his hat pulled down, so his face could not be seen. Unnoticed, he stared fiercely at the people on the execution ground.
As the summer heat approached, the scorching sun of Kyoto was overhead. The blinding light forced Lu Tingwan, who had not seen the sun for many days, to squint her eyes. Although the sun was covering the area wherever she looked, all she saw was an aura of death that could not be redeemed. A shadow flickered in her sight. Was she really going to die here today?
Liu's sobbing sounded in his ears, and suddenly the shadow in the crowd moved. Lu Tingwan caught it in an instant, and a sense of familiarity rushed to his head. That was it!
Xie Zhao?
Xie Zhao didn't know that Lu Tingwan had seen him, and his hat was pulled down even more. He walked out of the crowd, holding his right arm with his left hand, and hiding something in his long sleeves.
Lu Tingwan followed the figure with her eyes. She was not sure of Xie Zhao's intentions. Perhaps he came to see her off for the last time.
After a moment, she sighed. It was a pity that if she had more time, she would be able to draw the blueprint of the Sunset Bow and then find a skilled craftsman to forge it. On the day she left Kyoto, she would give it to him as a gift, as a token of their friendship.
Not long after, Xie Zhao disappeared in the crowd, but on the other side of the crowd, there was still a person staring at the execution ground. Lu Tingwan withdrew his gaze.
The handsome young man was dressed in gorgeous clothes, and his eyes showed sadness and regret.
Tianshu behind him whispered, "It's a pity that Miss Jiang was born into the Lu family..."
Luo Yunchu's brow furrowed, a chill running through his chest. A year ago, Lu Tingwan had rented a shop in Zhichunli. To save money, she had gone to great lengths to negotiate terms with him. In all his years of business in Kyoto, this was the first time someone had approached him about business before even renting a shop. It was quite interesting.
Afterwards, she became famous in Kyoto for her remarkable methods. Just as she was lost in the passing of time, the executioner suddenly announced, "Three quarters past noon has arrived. Behead."
Before the words fell, an arrow flew through the execution ground, and the token in the executioner's hand was nailed to the wooden screen fan behind him.
The guards on the execution ground instantly raised their guns in the direction of the arrow, trying to find its location. With a cry of "Oh no, someone is robbing the execution ground!", the people scattered.
The guards formed a defense and surrounded the execution ground. The Lu family prisoners waiting to be punished on the execution ground were terrified and confused, with a hint of surprise in their eyes.
Lu Mingqian knew that no one would come to save him. After the Lu family was raided, his former subordinates had long been eager to step on him in order to distance themselves from him and make their stance clear, or they kept their distance, fearing that they could avoid him as much as possible.
Lu Tingwan could tell from the sound of the arrow feathers that it was not an ordinary bow and arrow, but the crossbow she often carried before. After being taken to the prison by Han Jinzhang at the Cheng Mansion, all the belongings on his person had been surrendered, and it was here that Xie Zhao retrieved the crossbow.
At this time, a tall figure in black casual clothes and a conical hat was walking and standing in front of the execution ground.
Lu Tingwan almost blurted out that name. She shook her head at the man. It was not easy to escape from the heavily guarded execution ground in public, let alone escape from Kyoto City.
Even after leaving the city, he would still face being hunted down by the imperial officials and soldiers. Xie Zhao had thought about this, but this was his only chance to save Lu Tingwan.
Whether he succeeds or fails, he has to try, otherwise he will spend the rest of his life in self-blame and regret.
If Lu Tingwan had resolutely returned to Baita Village for her, then he would also go through fire and water for her. He and his brothers were able to survive thanks to her help.
"How dare this little thief kidnap a condemned prisoner under the emperor's feet?" The executioner, recovering from his shock, shouted, "Capture this man for me."
Xie Zhao slowly raised his head and took off his hat, his deep facial features exposed to the scorching sun!
It’s him!
The supervising officer had never met Xie Zhao and didn't recognize him. He simply wanted to fulfill the imperial decree as quickly as possible and report back to the emperor after the execution. He slammed the gavel on the case and said contemptuously, "You dared to come here alone and hijack the execution ground. Today, I will kill you on the spot."
Xie Zhao's lips curled slightly, "Who said I came here alone?"
On his left and right sides, dozens of people appeared one after another in the hidden places of houses and pavilions. These people were also wearing ordinary plain clothes. Lu Tingwan took a quick look and now he understood everything.
They are all brothers from Baita Village, and now they are also soldiers of the Third Battalion of the Imperial Guard. If they take the road of hijacking the execution ground today, they will be destroying their own future.
A warm current flowed through Lu Tingwan's heart, and a layer of mist hung in her clear eyes. She shouted, "Xie Zhao, hurry up and leave!"
"The Lu family's crimes have been proven. This is my fate. You shouldn't have dragged my brothers into this mess. There's still room to stop now. Listen to me!"
But those people didn't show any intention of retreating.
"You saved our lives. Even if I die here today, I, Xie Zhao, will consider it as returning my life to you!" Xie Zhao raised the crossbow in his hand and shot through the guards' formation. Then the fight broke out in the execution ground. Lu Tingwan's wrists were tied with ropes, making it difficult for him to move.
Lu Mingqian and Liu had already lost hope, and Lu Tingwu knew that this was Lu Tingwan's only chance to escape.
She had never enjoyed any glory and wealth brought by the Lu family since she was born. From the moment she was taken to Kyoto by her father, she was married off to the Cheng family.
Her husband didn't love her, her father didn't care for her, and after many twists and turns, she finally died here because of the Lu family. All this was too unfair to her.
If it was herself instead of Lu Tingwan who married into the Cheng family, she would have lived a stable life in Jiangling and would not have to get involved in this mess.
Lu Tingwan's eyes quickly caught sight of Lu Tingwu in the melee. Lu Tingwu was suffering from a lower abdominal discomfort and could only move his body with his back to Lu Tingwan. Lu Tingwan felt the movement behind him and turned back in surprise. Lu Tingwu tilted his head and whispered, "Ah Wan, since we're going to die anyway, why not give it a try?"
"You should be alive."
Lu Tingwan was speechless for a moment and remained silent for a long time: "Sister, let's go together."
The guards stopped the people outside the execution ground. Xie Zhao relied on his extraordinary physique to single-handedly resist dozens of guards, and the execution ground fell into chaos.
Guangling Palace.
Cheng Xianzhi knelt before the emperor. The memorial covered Li Tingfeng's sick and tired face, but it could not hide his sharp eyes emitting a cold light.
"My dear Cheng, do you want to protect Lu Tingwan?" Li Tingfeng could not hide his shock when he heard this.
"The Lu family has committed heinous crimes. No one in the Lu family will be spared. The imperial decree has been issued. How do you want me to revoke it?" Although Li Tingfeng looked sick, he still had the majesty of an emperor.
"I know that your Majesty is serious, but if Your Majesty is willing, as long as you issue an imperial decree to recall Lu Tingwan and spare her life, I am willing to go through fire and water for you in this life, even if it means death." Cheng Xianzhi said firmly.
"What does this mean?" Li Tingfeng was confused. How could Cheng Xianzhi be so humble for a woman?
"Lu Tingwan is not aware of what Lu Mingqian did, she..." After Cheng Xianzhi said this, Li Tingfeng felt that he was extremely ridiculous.
"Xianzhi, oh Xianzhi, you are the most fair and just. You know that it is not too much to punish Lu Mingqian's entire clan for his crimes. However, there are floods in many places in Dalan right now. I am worried that the heavy killing will bring about heavenly punishment, so I only punish Lu Mingqian's family."
"On the eve of my departure for Tanzhou, Lu Tingwan brought evidence of his crime and asked me to come forward and thoroughly investigate Lu Mingqian's crimes. I was selfish and held an important position, so I did not agree to her request at the time. If you must say, she also had the merit of reporting and accusing him, which shows that she is not the same as the same person. Your Majesty is the Supreme Lord, and it is not difficult for you to issue an imperial decree to spare her life." Cheng Xianzhi's face was indifferent, and his tone was the same as usual.
"What is your motivation for protecting her?"
"I have never asked for anything in my service to the monarch, except for this one time." Cheng Xianzhi suppressed his impatience, his eyes revealing firmness and determination. It would be too late if he delayed any further.
Li Tingfeng couldn't guess him even more. After a long while, he sighed and said, "Rongpin is pregnant..."
Cheng Xianzhi was not surprised.
"The imperial physician has examined his pulse and confirmed that he is a prince." Li Tingfeng looked directly at the person kneeling in front of the hall.
Cheng Xianzhi raised his head slightly, his eyes falling on the bright yellow dragon robe.
"Your Majesty has few children, but now Concubine Rong is pregnant with a prince, which is a blessing for our Dalan."
"The Empress Dowager has also sent people to see Concubine Rong, and the Imperial Hospital has announced to the public that it is a female fetus." Cheng Xianzhi understood what Li Tingfeng meant.
The announcement to the public that it was a girl was to dispel the suspicions of the Queen Mother and the Jiang family. The Emperor was in poor health. Although the imperial physician said that he would be fine as long as he rested, he had been weak and sickly since childhood, and his inner self had long been empty. When his life was over, if no son was born to inherit the throne, the struggle for the throne would surely cause a stir in Da Lan.
Therefore, the royal heir in Rongpin's belly is particularly important.
"You want to protect Lu Tingwan. I'm not saying no." Li Tingfeng brushed aside the memorial, stood up and walked down the stairs, helping Cheng Xianzhi up with both hands. "I want you to agree to one condition."
The crossbow was raised again, and the execution ground was in chaos. In the melee, Xie Zhao had a bloody mark on his cheek at some point, and the short arrow pierced through the hall.
"No matter what happens today, I have to take the person away!" In the gap, he drew out his sword again, and the sword cut through the armor of the guards, and Lu Tingwan untied the rope.
Xie Zhao jumped up, stepped over the soldier's shoulder, and rushed to the execution ground. He took off the arm crossbow swiftly and handed it to Lu Tingwan.
"For your self-defense."
In a hurry, Lu Tingwan had no time to say much. She just looked back at Lu Mingqian and Liu. Lu Mingqian regretted not listening to her at the beginning. Lu Tingwan did not stop and glanced at Lu Tingwu again. Her expression was full of reluctance. She wanted to take Lu Tingwu away.
"Sister, come with me!"
Lu Tingwu moved back, knowing that she couldn't leave with him. Her hair rustled against her beautiful face. She smiled calmly, "Awan, go by yourself. I have to stay."
Her gaze shifted to her numb parents beside her. Lu Mingqian and Liu had already become dejected.
The other brothers couldn't hold out for long, so Xie Zhao had no choice but to urge them, "If we don't leave now, we won't be able to leave the city once reinforcements arrive, Jiang Yanli."
Jiang Yanli!
This name brought Lu Tingwan back from his confusion.
She hardened her heart, raised her crossbow and shot at one of the soldiers, piercing the soldier's sword arm. The brother who was almost killed by the sword found a chance and kicked the man away with his leg.
Reinforcements from Jingzhao Prefecture have arrived.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com