Before releasing Lian Xin, she also demanded a horse and said to the onlooking crowd, “Fellow townspeople and elders, I am Li Huaisu from Lu County. I’m staying at the ‘Chance Encounter Inn’ upon arriving here. In my spare time, I enjoy telling stories and such. If you’re interested, please come and show your support. If you can’t find me, then something has happened to me. I’ve been weak since childhood, so if I disappear without cause or end up dead in the streets, it’s definitely not because Princess has taken revenge—it must be that heaven is jealous of talent.”
The entire scene continued to stare in stunned silence.
After a long while, faint applause broke out from the distance but quickly disappeared without a trace.
Lian Xin and the others looked grim, but Huo Chang’an’s expression was different from before, his mouth corners twitching slightly.
Once freed, Lian Xin returned to her horse. Her face was flushed red with extreme anger as she raised her whip toward Su Zhen, speaking each word with deadly laughter, “What fine ‘heaven as witness’! Surnamed Li, are you afraid this princess will harm you? This princess keeps her word. Today, since Marquis Huo has pardoned you on my behalf, I will also keep faith! You and I shall see who prevails. I also want heaven as witness—I won’t threaten your life, and if you establish any business, I won’t cut off your livelihood. But someday, I’ll make you kneel and beg me!”
“Excellent!”
Riding past her, Su Zhen lightly whistled, “Little beauty, now I’m taking your word-keeping promise to go release my friend. Farewell for now.”
“Li Huaisu!”
Lian Xin’s pretty face had turned purple with rage.
Wind rushed past her ears as Su Zhen rode toward the execution ground.
Behind her, the sounds of military horses and crowds also surged toward her direction.
Upon reaching the execution ground, there were people everywhere. Su Zhen abandoned her horse and pushed through, seeing that this place was also quite lively.
However, this liveliness had a tragic undertone.
Several supervisory platforms were set up on the execution stage, with an old man and a young man standing below, apparently supervisory officials, but they hadn’t taken their seats yet. These must be Grand Tutor Wei and General Chao, who were responsible for escorting Fu Jingshu.
From this distance, she couldn’t see their faces clearly, but roughly speaking, the former had an imposing presence while the latter was upright.
Lian Yu hadn’t arrived yet, nor had Quan Feitong, and there was no sign of Li Zhaoting either. The two officials Wei and Chao seemed to be waiting for His Majesty’s arrival.
But she knew Lian Yu was arriving soon! Su Zhen’s heart jumped.
However, when her gaze fell below the platform, her “longing” for Lian Yu was instantly suppressed—two executioners stood left and right holding cold blades, and two men knelt there. Though their backs were to her and she couldn’t see clearly, they must be Uncle Fu Jingshu and General Liu.
What gave her some comfort was that the little girl from earlier was nestled beside one of the men. Grand Tutor Wei and General Chao apparently hadn’t made things difficult for this final family reunion.
Leng Xue was being held by two of Huo Chang’an’s subordinates nearby.
She thought she’d definitely have to give Leng Xue a good scolding later—boasting about his superior martial arts, yet captured by two of Marquis Huo’s men. Thinking this, she saw him look toward her, his eyes bright with tears, and suddenly realized he hadn’t resisted capture after completing his mission, only waiting for her arrival. If she couldn’t come, he probably wouldn’t leave either.
Huo Chang’an and the others quickly arrived.
Her arrival had been silent, but these people’s approach caused a great commotion. The sea of people craned their necks to observe.
The family members from both families were escorted to positions beside Fu Jingshu and General Liu respectively. At this time, Huo Chang’an ordered his subordinates to release Leng Xue. Grand Tutor Wei and General Chao looked puzzled and both looked toward Huo Chang’an, who quickly stepped forward and said a few words to them in low voices.
Both men immediately looked in her direction.
She startled and lowered her head.
——
Seeing everyone’s comments, thank you!