Due to the hot weather and having been removed from the ice cellar, this sudden change from cold to heat made corpse decomposition quite normal. The one beginning to decay was the emperor’s body, while the one that still looked perfectly intact was General Huo’s.

Not only did the crowd secretly marvel, but Wei Chenghui, Wu Liang, and others were also greatly puzzled.

Wei Chenghui glanced again at the corpses on the ground and spoke to Wu Liang: “This is quite perplexing. Does the Master know the reason?”

Wu Liang pondered briefly and said: “Some accomplished monks don’t decay after death – this poor monk has seen such cases before. However, most of these involve some treatment. Now in this hot season, it’s indeed quite strange. But in this vast world, nothing is impossible. We’re not even afraid of them living – why should we fear them dead?”

Wei Chenghui laughed: “Well said.”

On the other side, Lian Xin was still dressed as a man with makeup, disguised as a Six Doors constable. Under Wu Qing’s guidance, she mixed in the crowd with Xiao Zhou and others. Since Wu Qing knew the route, he had chosen a good position early on, giving them a very clear view.

She said nothing, tightly covering her mouth and nose. Though she tried hard to suppress her emotions, she was obviously very agitated. On Wu Qing’s other side, Xiao Zhou looked down, not watching. The court had posted imperial announcements about this news days earlier. Yesterday was the first day of the parade, and she had come to see it. Lian Xin’s pain was something she had experienced when she returned yesterday. She wanted to comfort Lian Xin and advise her not to show her grief too openly. After all, though Wu Qing had transferred many constables from the bureau – partly to let her blend in for cover, and partly to search for Wei Wu Yan – Leng Xue and Tie Shou were now leading people to search everywhere. She had stolen away and must have come to see Huo Chang’an. They had to find her before the parade ended and the corpses were hung on the city tower. Otherwise, if a woman like her tried to steal corpses for burial, she would surely die.

But Wei Chenghui and others had come prepared and certainly had people mixed in the crowd monitoring. They must be extremely careful not to let him discover Lian Xin’s whereabouts. She reached out to pat her shoulder, but then thought she might not need her comfort. After hesitating, she slowly withdrew her hand, only frowning as she watched Huo Chang’an. Lian Yu was her master – like a master and elder brother for many years – she dared not look again. But this Huo Chang’an’s corpse was truly strange. By rights, it should have begun decomposing like her master’s, but… She turned her head slightly and saw Wu Qing also looking at her, his eyes holding the same doubt.

Since this was a parade, the corpses remained in one place for a short time before continuing to walk toward the next street.

At this moment, seeing Wei Wu Jun’s signal, the soldiers responsible for carrying prepared to lift the corpses when someone pushed through the crowd ahead. This person wore plain white mourning clothes with hair in a bun – clearly a woman.

This woman was none other than Wu Yan. Her expression was quite calm as she walked step by step into the scene, but her gaze fell nowhere else, only on the corpses on the ground. First, it settled on the young emperor, flashing with regret and heartache. Then it lingered long and tenderly on the man in broken armor.

But before she could approach, soldiers had drawn swords to block her.

“I wondered who it was – so it’s you. Let her through!” Wei Wu Jun laughed coldly. His elder brother Wei Wu Ya beside him was much more benevolent, saying urgently: “Sister, quickly apologize and admit your mistake to Father. Father, considering her desperate longing for her husband, surely won’t blame her.”

Though he said this, he knew it would be extremely difficult for Wei Chenghui not to blame her. Take their father’s usually beloved Wei Wu Xia – if not for her grandfather personally coming, and later Quan Feitong and Chao Huang being reemployed by the new emperor who negotiated her return, who knows how she would have been punished! Let alone the always rebellious Wei Wu Yan.

He looked fearfully at his father. Wei Chenghui had already fixed his gaze on Wu Yan: “Those who shouldn’t come have come. Very well, might as well come keep your lover company.”

“Father, since I came, I never expected to leave alive. Nor did I want to leave. I’ll die together with him.” Wu Yan smiled slightly.

“Kill her!”

Wei Chenghui also said this lightly.

“Father, no!” Wei Wu Ya was greatly shocked, nearly falling off his horse. He scrambled up, wanting to run to his father’s side to plead.

“Brother Wu Ya, thank you. Please take care of Mother for me.”

In the crowd, if not for Wu Qing’s swift action, grabbing Lian Xin and forcefully covering her mouth, she would have cried out. Xiao Zhou bit her teeth anxiously: “What do we do? I never expected Lady Wei to be so fierce!”

Wu Qing said lightly: “You didn’t expect it, but Zhen Er did. I didn’t dare bring her news of the corpse display, but somehow she knew and had someone bring me a letter, instructing me to save Wei Wu Yan no matter what. But…”

As he spoke, his hand moved like lightning, quickly pressing several points on Lian Xin’s body. Lian Xin immediately became stiff as clay, falling backward silently. Wu Qing’s eyes flicked, and the unnamed female constable understood, quickly catching her. He then reached out to embrace Xiao Zhou.

Lian Xin knew that to him, she had completely lost all utility value. Now he didn’t even bother with false courtesy. But there had never been anything between them anyway. Now he could be considered half her enemy. She thought this indifferently, when she suddenly noticed Xiao Zhou’s face change dramatically as cries erupted from the crowd. Wei Chenghui had really… She shuddered to awareness and looked ahead.

Several swords pierced Wu Yan’s body. Pain showed in her eyes, but her lips still smiled slightly. She was also stubborn, still trying to move forward. Several more swords fell viciously, and she coughed up blood. This time, she finally collapsed powerlessly to her knees.

“Chang’an, to save me, you had Miss Qin transfer the poison to your body. You said Miss Qin left to find a way to save you, but I knew long ago… you lied to me. Miss Qin had no way either. You brought me back wanting to take me to Lian Jie’s side, but this… wasn’t what I wanted. Chang’an, I’ve come to accompany you. Huai Su, you never need feel guilty. Love and loyalty are what he and I… what we…” Her voice trailing off, she died kneeling.

Though unable to reach his side, where she lay was in the same direction where they could see each other. A few steps away, the young general’s eyes remained open, still heroically glaring, but could no longer respond.

“Sister!” On the ground, Wei Wu Ya, held tightly by Yu Jinglun and Mao Hui, wailed in grief.

Lian Xin’s past friendship with Wu Yan hadn’t been particularly deep, but tears couldn’t help streaming from her eyes. Beside her, Xiao Zhou in Wu Qing’s embrace was the same, only her sobs were muffled in his embrace.

Wu Yan had guessed they were in the crowd, and her last words were meant for them to convey to Suzhen.

So this heartbreaking scene – whether it was mourning the friendship between this false empress and false prince consort, or lamenting that the romance between Wu Yan and Huo was cut too short – no one could tell.

“Zhen Er asked me to save her, but not only could I not save her, even if I could, this wasn’t what Wei Wu Yan wanted. If it were me, truly loving someone, I would do the same.” At this time, Wu Qing spoke lightly, completing his interrupted words.

The entire street suddenly fell silent, as if only Wei Wu Ya’s weak sobbing remained between heaven and earth.

“Sister, though your life with Marquis Huo was short, you used all your love for your beloved and poured out loyalty for friends – it can be considered without regret.” His friendship with Wu Yan was deep, and saying these words seemed more like comforting himself.

Wei Chenghui watched coldly and ordered in a deep voice: “Wu Jun, take this little wretch’s and traitor Huo Chang’an’s corpses to feed the dogs separately.”

“Yes.” Wei Wu Jun answered without hesitation. Wei Wu Ya was stunned: “Father, you…”

He hated that they never obeyed him, struggling and resisting all along. Now he wanted them to have no complete corpses, and even in death they couldn’t be together!

“Old beast!”

Xiao Zhou’s angry voice was unclear in Wu Qing’s palm. At this time, Leng Xue and Tie Shou had also returned, all looking grimly at the tragic scene ahead. But they could do nothing!

The surrounding people, though some couldn’t bear to watch, no one dared say a word. After all, though the woman before them was beautiful and her actions shocking, she was still linked with treason.

“This time, I’m still a step too late. First Rank Marquis, these two corpses cannot be taken by you to feed dogs – this old woman wants them.”

Just as Wei Wu Jun directed soldiers to lift Wu Yan’s body, a voice sounded lightly in the crowd. It seemed still far away, yet close at hand. Though calling herself an old woman, the voice was unusually young, clear and melodious, tugging at heartstrings.

Wu Qing and Leng Xue quickly exchanged glances, both feeling doubtful. Lian Xin and Xiao Zhou looked anxiously.

Wei Wu Jun shouted sternly: “Who dares request traitor corpses! If you’re smart, come out immediately to receive punishment. If the officials have to search for you, severe punishment is guaranteed!”

As he spoke, he looked around. Wei Chenghui and Wu Liang also deepened their gazes, warily watching the surroundings, searching for rebel traces. But in their scheming eyes was also doubt – supposedly the rebels would care more about Lian Yu’s corpse, and if they wanted to steal corpses, they should act secretly after everything ended tomorrow, not openly challenge them in broad daylight!

Just as Mao and Yu were about to lead people deep into the crowd to search, a person slowly walked out. People seemed awed by this person and moved aside to both sides.

But when this person emerged, everyone was even more shocked.

Because this was a woman.

More precisely, truly as she said, an… old woman.

She wore loose green robes with a cloth covering her face, hair completely white, reaching her waist, bound with a matching colored hair ribbon that swayed, hanging at the hair’s end. Above the cloth, her forehead showed dense wrinkles and skin no longer smooth, making her seem fifty or sixty years old.

But her pair of eyes were unusually clear and bright, like an eighteen-year-old girl’s, capable of stirring hearts. Her figure and waist were soft and graceful, showing no signs of age. Yet the vicissitudes in her eyes and the wrinkles at the corners again matched her apparent years.

This was a quite strange old woman.

Wei Chenghui and Wu Liang exchanged glances, almost immediately certain this woman wasn’t one of Lian Jie’s people! But what was her background?

“Looks like a martial artist. Though she doesn’t seem like a master, she should have some ability.” Wu Liang’s experienced eyes immediately judged.

Wei Chenghui nodded: “Huo Chang’an’s martial arts were quite renowned. It’s not strange he befriended martial artists. She’s come to seek justice for him.”

He stroked his beard and smiled, raising his voice: “Old lady, I don’t care what relationship you had with Huo Chang’an, but this is court business. His Majesty and I greatly respect martial sects. This time we’ll excuse you and be friends – you and your disciples should leave quickly.”

“Indeed, my residence is at the end of this street. If the old lady wishes to discuss matters, she may bring her disciples for a few cups of wine.” Wu Liang also said.

With the new dynasty just established, establishing authority was necessary, but there was no need to offend martial artists, especially respected sect leaders. If they could be recruited, even better. So both men tried courtesy before force.

The woman spoke softly, her breath making the face cloth flutter slightly.

“Thank you! No need. This old woman brought no disciples and isn’t a martial artist – I only ran a medical clinic. The Huo couple once received treatment at my place.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhou silently groaned. Leng Xue, Tie Shou, and others also changed color slightly. The blue-clothed constable sighed through gritted teeth: “Don’t know if this old lady is pretending to be foolish or truly stupid. Saying this, how could Wei Chenghui and the others still show consideration! She’s just throwing her life away.”

Indeed, before Wei Wu Ya could speak, Wei Wu Jun already laughed coldly and shouted fiercely: “Men, capture this old hag for me! If she resists, kill without mercy.”

“Second Brother, would you kill even an old woman?” Wei Wu Ya angrily shouted.

“Mind your own business!” Wei Wu Jun answered heavily.

In the crowd, many turned their heads away, unable to bear seeing more bloodshed! The Six Doors people were the same – to openly oppose Wei Chenghui meant opposing the court!

However, this time, the swords didn’t fall on the old woman as they had on Wu Yan, injuring her bloodily. They didn’t even touch her body before falling to the ground!

The dozen leading soldiers were instantly stunned. Around them, people were also dumbfounded. Wei Wu Jun was greatly shocked. Seeing the situation was wrong, Mao and Yu personally leaped into mid-air, fingers like claws, grabbing at the woman’s head and face.

The woman raised her head slightly, and the two instantly crashed down hard from the air.

Even people like Wei Chenghui and Wu Liang saw a trace of fear in each other’s eyes. What level of skill could accomplish this!

Wei Chenghui leaped from his horse, shouting loudly: “Master and I will meet this expert!”

Wu Liang nodded and also quickly kicked hard on his horse’s belly, soaring into the air: “Good!”

The woman suddenly smiled slightly. The two men’s forms froze in mid-air, unable to advance another step.

But the woman’s form also trembled almost imperceptibly. Wei Chenghui and Wu Liang were inwardly shocked. With Wei Chenghui’s deep scheming, he naturally wouldn’t speak himself but secretly signaled Wei Wu Jun. Understanding, Wei Wu Jun commanded loudly: “Capture this sorceress for me!”

The soldiers on the street numbered no less than a thousand. At this command, they immediately swarmed forward to attack.

However, when these thousand soldiers moved, they were already frozen in place as if someone had pressed their pressure points. The crowd immediately erupted.

“Is she an immortal?”

…

Wei Chenghui and Wu Liang had never believed in supernatural forces, but now they thought as the people did – others might not know, but with their superior martial arts, how could they not sense that this was definitely not ordinary skill? If it had to be defined, it could only be… sorcery.

The woman then coughed violently, and blood splattered across her face covering. She clutched her chest tightly and bent over – this truly showed her aged state. The Six Doors people watched with hidden alarm, but saw her quickly straighten up again. Her right hand waved at empty space, and nearby Wu Yan’s corpse, and further away Huo Chang’an’s corpse, simultaneously floated up and settled beside her.

The noise had been tremendous before, but now the surroundings suddenly returned to quiet. People seemed frozen like the soldiers, motionless with wide eyes. Some even began kneeling and kowtowing.

The woman’s eyes showed a hint of amusement as she sighed quietly: “If I were truly an immortal, that would be good. Unfortunately, this is just temporarily borrowing Heaven’s power.”

“Young man, this old woman once recast your appearance for you. I hope you can help me with a favor. This old woman was late twice – before Huo Chang’an died, I only managed to use sorcery to protect his heart channels. If someday Huo and Wei can return, even if this old woman is no longer here, trading life for life is only natural. But it may not succeed. If that day truly comes, help me give this item to those who come seeking me, have them give it to their master Fire King.”

“My elder brother once gave me nine chances to travel through time, but if these nine times cannot make that person love me, then I must pay a terrible price. But I’m tired – I don’t want this last chance anymore. Better to try using this bit of power to help others achieve happiness. Haha…”

She suddenly burst into loud laughter. Everyone saw her always gentle and submissive, but now her eyes blazed with true sharpness, fierceness, ruthlessness, yet also supreme beauty.

“I wanted to transform a cold, cruel demon into a human, but instead he transformed me into a demon. I opened the door of time to come to your place. All these years, bringing disciples to alter appearance and restore youth for so many people, regardless of good or evil, only seeking to obtain the essence from their blood and flesh. Going against Heaven’s will, aging one year with each use – all to gather essence for him to refine medicine, to cure his beloved woman’s illness. Tell him it’s not only my heart that can be used as medicine! Even if I die, I’ll have someone burn me to ashes – this heart will never allow him to trample it, never allow his princess to enjoy it!”

“Tell me, will he feel even a trace of regret?”

“But what if he does, what if he doesn’t?”

She suddenly asked herself coldly. The sash around her waist rose like green vines dancing between heaven and earth. Her voice lingered, but her figure along with Huo and Wu Yan’s corpses had vanished without trace.

Wei Chenghui and all the soldiers regained movement in an instant.

In the crowd, shock remained, people not understanding, some still kowtowing. But Lian Xin and others withdrew their amazed gazes from the empty space and turned to Wu Qing, who had been silently frowning.

The people didn’t know, Wei Chenghui’s group didn’t know, but they few had seen clearly: a snow-white porcelain bottle hung suspended in empty air before Wu Qing until he slowly reached out to receive it, only then did it gently fall into his hand.

So the woman’s words were directed at Wu Qing?!

The street parade ended early the day Huo Chang’an’s corpse disappeared into thin air. Lian Yu’s body was hung on the city tower, heavily guarded. The court expended great effort to quell the nonsense in the capital about Heaven’s displeasure with the new government and miraculous manifestations of condemnation.

Li Zhaoting was furious when he learned of this, severely scolding those responsible, ordering intensified pursuit of remaining rebels, and summoning Wu Qing to the palace to directly pressure him about Lian Jie’s whereabouts. Wu Qing smiled and shook his head.

“Your Majesty, Zhen Er guards against me as against you – how would she tell me? Actually, after I sent the two out of the capital, they followed my sister’s silk pouch instructions, bid me farewell, and left on their own.”

Li Zhaoting listened and laughed coldly, but didn’t pursue further. He knew very clearly that further questioning was useless.

Soon after nightfall, Internal Affairs Director Liang Song came as usual with name tablets for Li Zhaoting to select. Li Zhaoting had been busy with state affairs yesterday and slept alone in his chambers. Now he glanced at the pile of green tablets and spoke lightly: “Select the Empress’s tablet. Her teacher died recently – she must be feeling bad. I’ll go keep her company.”

“Yes, this servant understands. I’ll have Her Majesty the Empress prepare immediately.” Liang Song chuckled and withdrew. Si Lanfeng beside him also smiled: “With Lian Yu’s corpse hung on the city tower, this is why Your Majesty worries about the Empress.”

Li Zhaoting heavily set down his vermillion brush and scolded sternly: “Meddlesome.”

After speaking, he was silent for a while before speaking coldly again: “Accompany me to the Laundry Bureau first.”