Dan Ye was shocked. “The Xiao family’s relatives—weren’t they secretly executed due to the crime of high treason that implicated nine generations of the clan?”

At least that’s what everyone in the entire capital believed.

Tie Ci said flatly, “Someone didn’t want them to die. I owed a favor, so I had to fulfill it.”

After a pause, she added, “But sometimes, dying is much easier than living.”

She slightly raised her chin, watching Old Madam Xiao in the courtyard crying, cursing, and pleading, watching a group of soldiers suddenly charge through the door, saying they had discovered these were escaped traitors of high treason. His Majesty was furious and ordered immediate exile to Qiongnan—they had to leave now.

Then those disheveled women and young ladies were horrifyingly pulled up from the ground, hastily draped in hemp clothes, shackled, strung together like grasshoppers, and led out through the back door, thus “embarking on the long journey of exile.”

Tie Ci said slowly, “During their incredibly arduous journey, they will find opportunities to escape, but due to their lack of life experience, they will fall into prostitution again, then be discovered by local authorities again, captured and exiled again, escape again, be discovered again… and so the cycle continues.”

Dan Ye slowly turned to look at her.

Even though he considered himself already hard-hearted as iron, at this moment he couldn’t help but feel a deep chill rising in his heart.

Giving people hope, then making them despair, then giving hope again, then despair again—controlling a person’s entire life firmly in one’s hands, making her unable to die yet unable to live like a human being, with suffering cycling endlessly without release.

What a tragic life this was.

What a terrifying revenge!

Regarding some details of the capital incident, with his status, he also knew the general situation, so he said, “Because of Xiao Wenliu?”

Tie Ci showed a trace of a sinister smile. “Wenliu used death to cover for these good relatives of hers. I cannot ignore her dying wish. But the hatred between her and me cannot go unrevenged either.”

In any case, the Xiao family women would not be killed, would not be exiled, would not be sent to the Jiaofang Bureau. They would live and die natural deaths.

But how long or short their lives would be, what their quality of life would be like, whether they would want to live this way—as a victim, did she need to consider this for her enemies?

Don’t talk about the women being innocent—wasn’t Father Emperor innocent?

Since they had enjoyed the glory, wealth, and overwhelming power brought by the Xiao family, naturally they should bear the sins and punishments together.

The sound of shackles and sobbing faded away. Tie Ci said, “Let’s go.”

The curtain fell, the carriage turned around, and the madam and servants who had been standing respectfully by the door bowed as they saw them off.

They only knew that a noble person had instructed them to do this, but they didn’t know the reason and didn’t dare ask.

The noble person had personally come to inspect today, so they opened the door for her to see.

They didn’t know which person dared to act so against the wind—when His Majesty was still Crown Princess, she had issued an edict forbidding forcing good people into prostitution, with heavy penalties for violators.

…

The carriage headed west and stopped in front of a building. The structure was dilapidated, with scorch marks everywhere. The front of the building was desolate, with no one in sight.

Dan Ye looked at the plaque: “Ningfang Pavilion.”

People walked past the carriage. One person said, “Another one who came here admiringly only to find nothing.”

Another person said, “The formerly most bustling Ningfang Pavilion—no one knows what happened to it. It declined overnight. I heard there was a fire one night and many people died.”

The first person said, “What an unlucky place. Let’s go quickly.”

Dan Ye still didn’t know what was worth seeing about this ruined building, but Tie Ci had already ordered the carriage to move forward.

In the rumbling sound of wheels, she said, “When I first returned to the capital, I heard about Ningfang Pavilion from my mother consort. She said they had the best rouge there. Later I learned this was the most prosperous pleasure house in the capital these past few years… It’s a pity I didn’t think more at the time about how a deep palace consort would know about Ningfang Pavilion.”

Dan Ye said, “This was those people’s secret base?”

Tie Ci said, “A headquarters for gathering intelligence, communicating with each other, hiding personnel, and manufacturing poisons… When I realized and sent people here immediately, it was already too late.”

How the late emperor actually died was now imperial family secrets. In the hearts of the people throughout the realm, the emperor was assassinated by the Liaodong heir. When this news spread, how many “Compassionate Heart” fans collapsed in tears, and how many volumes seven, eight, and nine of “Compassionate Heart” were thrown into fires. But there were still some die-hard members of the Miaoci Society who insisted there were hidden details in this matter, yet they couldn’t produce evidence. They could only say that “Compassionate Heart” was written with such deep emotion—how could it end in such painful betrayal?

This reasoning was pale and powerless, inevitably inviting ridicule, so every day in the capital there were young ladies who were moved to tears.

Dan Ye naturally knew the inside story—this inside story made it impossible to even find words of comfort. The final title of Consort Jing was Respectful, Righteous, Filial, and Quiet Noble Dowager Consort. She wasn’t even granted the title of Empress Dowager, which was very incredible. In other dynasties, the Ministry of Rites would have died remonstrating, but this time, even the most rule-abiding ministers said not a word.

Dan Ye could only let his fingers crawl toward Tie Ci’s direction, wanting to climb onto her shoulder and pat her back.

In the past, he would have done this action without hesitation, but now, whenever he saw Tie Ci’s eyes, he would involuntarily feel a chill in his heart. Those sudden impulses and surging passion seemed to cool instantly.

Before his fingers could crawl to Tie Ci’s side, the carriage suddenly stopped again. Something seemed to crash into the carriage with a bang, causing the driver to stop abruptly. Tie Ci leaned backward, and Dan Ye quickly reached out to support her waist, but saw that Tie Ci had already quickly lifted the curtain. Dan Ye could only awkwardly lower his hand.

When the curtain was lifted, across from them was a wine house, but it was in chaos at the moment, with food and drink scattered all over the floor. Just as the carriage stopped, a bench flew out through the door and crashed thunderously on the ground in front of the wine house, nearly hitting the feet of driver Xia Houchun.

There were many onlookers, and angry shouting came from inside.

“What famous wine house of the capital! Constantly selling rotten meat and stinking shrimp to deceive people! Do you think there’s really no law in this capital?”

The sound of smashing continued, and a group of fierce-looking men walked out, blocking the onlookers from entering.

Officers from the Capital Prefecture were patrolling nearby in the distance, watching coldly from afar without going over.

The discussion from the crowd of onlookers reached inside the carriage.

“…This is the fourth time this month, right?”

“Yes, originally a thriving wine house, but somehow suddenly offended someone. Every few days there’s trouble—today someone says they found bugs in the food, tomorrow someone says the bill was calculated wrong, the day after there are hooligans and ruffians causing disturbances, then the day after that the Capital Prefecture comes to check saying the business permits aren’t complete, fees need to increase and there are fines… In short, the troubles never end.”

“Looking at today’s situation, it won’t end well.”

“I just find it strange—being harassed like this, naturally there’s no business left. A perfectly good wine house is now deserted. If I were the owner, I’d just close the shop. Opening one day means losing money for one day—why insist on holding on?”

Dan Ye was also somewhat puzzled, but knew that everything seen and heard today must have its origins, so he turned back to look at Tie Ci.

He saw Tie Ci gazing at the wine house plaque, with a slight glimmer in her eyes.

Dan Ye also looked at the plaque and saw an inconspicuous small copper coin symbol in the lower right corner.

Suddenly a loud shout came from inside the wine house. Someone screamed, “They’ve killed someone! They’ve killed someone!”

The crowd made a commotion, all craning their necks to look. They saw a person lying in the center of the hall, head bloody. The shopkeeper in the store held an abacus in his hand, panicking. “No… it wasn’t me… you pushed me… I didn’t touch him, I didn’t touch him!”

The sound of metal clashing rang out. The Capital Prefecture officers who had previously acted as if it was none of their business quickly appeared, pushing through the crowd and rushing up with chains. A leader pointed at the shopkeeper and shouted sternly, “Someone come! Arrest the murderer!”

The crowd scattered with a whoosh.

Soon, the Capital Prefecture officers came out binding the shopkeeper hand and foot, and a group of waiters were also strung together like quails. The officers cursed as they escorted the prisoners, whipping anyone who walked slowly.

The watching common people whispered among themselves.

“Why is the Capital Prefecture so fast today?”

“Of course they were waiting for it. Look at their plaque…”

“Hmm, Runzi House, what’s wrong with that?”

“Look at the mark below.”

“This… a shop under Wanqian Bank? Oh right, didn’t Wanqian Bank suffer greatly a few days ago due to a malicious run on the bank?”

“Ha, more than suffering greatly—sooner or later they’ll be driven out of the capital…”

“Why?”

“You don’t know this—I have distant relatives in the Capital Prefecture. He said Wanqian belongs to Liaodong heir Murong Yi.”

“…No wonder!”

“If you ask me, how can shops of the regicidal villain be allowed to operate until today? They should have been smashed long ago!”

“Right, smash them!”

A group of common people rushed out. Someone picked up a stone from the ground and threw it at the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper cried out as his head broke and bled.

The Capital Prefecture officers didn’t stop them, just watched coldly with smiles.

The people became even more excited, shouting and surging forward.

The Capital Prefecture officers simply let go.

If the prisoners were squeezed and trampled to death in the crowd, wouldn’t that be perfect?

Dan Ye didn’t watch the scene, only staring intently at Tie Ci.

After the incident, Tie Ci had been continuously executing and punishing people, but regarding the most crucial matter of Murong Yi’s regicide, she said nothing.

When some ministers brought it up, they were quickly cut off. Because Liaodong had already declared independence, the hostile situation was set. No matter what the circumstances were that day, Liaodong was an object that must be dealt with. Pursuing the crime of regicide against an enemy nation was meaningless.

Moreover, Tie Ci’s attitude was impartial. The series of military countermeasures against Liaodong submitted by the Ministry of War afterward, as well as troop deployments to fully support Di Yiwei, were all approved without hesitation, clearly showing she would never let personal feelings harm public interests.

So why insist on reopening His Majesty’s wounds?

But Dan Ye very much wanted to know what Tie Ci really thought about Murong Yi.

The dark mass of people swallowed up that pitiful string of prisoners.

Tie Ci didn’t even move the hand holding the curtain.

Just as Dan Ye was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he suddenly saw Tie Ci lower the curtain.

She said, “Xia Hou.”

Xia Houchun immediately understood.

Taking a breath, he jumped down from the driver’s seat, reached the front of the crowd in a few steps, pulled the shopkeeper away, and simultaneously shouted, “Everyone stop!”

His shout seemed not loud, but it exploded like thunder in people’s ears. After a buzzing sound, people involuntarily stopped.

A squad leader from the Capital Prefecture walked over, about to shout a reprimand, when Xia Houchun flicked his wrist and showed his badge.

The squad leader’s face changed, and he hurriedly bowed and stepped back. “Greetings, my lord.”

While looking at Xia Houchun with surprise and uncertainty, thinking this Commander was His Majesty’s confidant—how could he suddenly appear here?

Xia Houchun said, “If there are crimes, judge by law. Do not allow the people to cause disturbances.”

The squad leader bowed and agreed, but then said, “My lord, the Runzi House shopkeeper killed someone with an abacus—the evidence is solid. Moreover, there have been many illegal activities recently. With multiple crimes combined, this building will certainly be closed, and prison time is unavoidable.”

Everyone listening nodded, thinking there was no need for self-administered justice. Looking at the Capital Prefecture’s attitude, once they entered prison, these people definitely wouldn’t come out alive.

Xia Houchun frowned and looked back at the carriage, uncertain of Tie Ci’s attitude and not daring to make decisions.

Inside the carriage, Tie Ci was slightly silent, then extended her hand to Jian Xi.

Jian Xi took out a veiled hat and put it on her, then draped a cloak over her.

The curtain lifted.

Everyone’s gaze turned, seeing an unremarkable carriage from which someone was helped down.

That person was tall and slender, appearing to be a woman. Though her face was veiled, her bearing seemed excellent.

She was just too thin—standing on this winter’s light snow, she seemed whiter and lighter than the snow itself, as if she might be blown away by the wind at any moment.

The curtain lifted again, and Dan Ye quickly jumped down, supporting Tie Ci’s other side.

Seeing that Tie Ci had actually gotten out of the carriage, Xia Houchun hurriedly returned, about to salute but was stopped by Tie Ci’s wave.

The squad leader saw this subtle gesture, his face changed dramatically, and his legs went somewhat weak, leaning on his companion’s shoulder.

Tie Ci stood steady, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.

Those she looked at all felt a chill in their hearts, and the crowd quickly quieted down.

Only then did Tie Ci speak: “Killed someone?”

She suddenly looked up toward the rooftop and said, “Mo Ye, don’t you always like to hide up there and spy? Who actually struck just now—if you bring them down, I’ll let your master not find you a female gyrfalcon.”

With a “ga” sound, everyone felt a gust of wind pass overhead. They instinctively frowned and squinted, and the next moment heard a bang. When they opened their eyes, they saw a big man had been dropped on the ground—looking at his face, he seemed to be one of those who had earlier complained about the shop selling rotten fish and shrimp.

Some officers were unconvinced and shouted loudly, “The shopkeeper killed someone—there are witnesses. Why should we believe that just because a bird randomly brought someone down, that person is the real murderer?”

“Exactly, what does a bird understand?”

“This is ridiculous!”

“Can this bird be smarter than people?”

Dan Ye couldn’t stand it anymore and angrily said, “Yes, it’s smarter than you, because that’s my bird!”

After saying this, Tie Ci looked at him, and Dan Ye looked back at her blankly.

Tie Ci sighed.

Fine, after being king for a hundred years, he was still simple-minded.

She said, “Killed someone?”

The same words were said again. Xia Houchun understood, quickly entered the building, and shortly came out carrying the injured person. That person was covered in blood and looked dying. Xia Houchun pinched him, and the man cried out and suddenly jumped up.

Looking at how high he jumped, he could easily be “injured” ten more times.

Xia Houchun sneered, “A fingernail-sized wound, and you’re pretending to be dead!”

That person stood sheepishly to one side.

By now everyone understood and looked at each other awkwardly.

Some officers still wanted to protest, but the squad leader elbowed him hard and quickly stepped forward, saying, “Release them!”

“Wait.” Tie Ci said.

The squad leader immediately stopped, bowing and staring at the ground, his voice dry. “Please give your orders, noble one.”

The common people rarely saw these usually arrogant local tyrants of the capital so humble, and exclaimed in amazement.

Tie Ci said, “You mentioned earlier that these people had many illegal activities. What crimes specifically?”

The squad leader quietly mentioned a few—all minor infractions.

It was obvious this wine house had been operating very carefully, so even under such targeting, they could only find trivial faults.

So much so that after hearing them, people couldn’t help but think “This counts?”

They actually began to feel some sympathy for this unlucky wine house.

After listening, Tie Ci said, “According to the Great Qian Legal Code, these infractions warrant at most a fine of three hundred coins and a reprimand.”

The squad leader said quietly, “Yes.”

Tie Ci stood on the light snow, looking up at the plaque overhead, and said flatly, “But I find this place displeasing to the eye.”

The officers and common people were all stunned.

This woman looked distinguished and clearly was a noble. Since appearing, her attitude had seemed like that of someone upholding justice—how could she suddenly say something so unreasonable?

Tie Ci paid no attention and continued, “Ten lashes each, expel them from the capital. From now on, they are not allowed to step foot in the capital.”

Squad leader: “…Yes.”

“All shops in the capital using this plaque shall be punished in the same manner. They must be expelled from the capital within three days. Anyone who delays even a moment shall be executed without mercy.”

“…Yes!”

Before the officers could act, the guards following the carriage stepped forward, pressed the string of prisoners to the ground, and took whips from their waists to carry out the punishment on the spot.

Whips flew through the air with whooshing sounds, each strike bringing screams and torn flesh.

The people watched solemnly, their emotions complex, thinking that what seemed like upholding justice was actually personal revenge.

Tie Ci stood in place, the gauze of her veil gently fluttering.

When the punishment was completed, the guards dragged the people over for Tie Ci to inspect.

The shopkeeper lay on the ground, looked up at Tie Ci, kowtowed to her in the snow, and said with difficulty, “Thank you… young lady.”

Tie Ci was silent for a while, then said, “Why didn’t you leave before?”

The shopkeeper said quietly, “The master strictly ordered that people from Wanqian Manor must stay in the capital to watch over someone for him.”

Another long silence.

Some wanted to speak but were suppressed by the inexplicably suffocating atmosphere and didn’t dare open their mouths.

After a long time, Tie Ci said, “Not leaving, suffering so much—do you regret it now?”

The shopkeeper said, “The master said, if someone asks this question, then tell her… he will never regret it.”

After a moment of silence, Tie Ci slowly said, “What, still want to stay put, not even fearing death?”

The shopkeeper smiled and said, “No, I have seen the person and delivered the message. My task is complete, and I should return.”

Tie Ci said nothing more and turned to go.

Behind her, the shopkeeper suddenly said quietly, “The master said, if one day the person is gone, please keep the properties. Even a broken ship has three pounds of nails—fix them up and they might still be useful.”

Tie Ci didn’t answer. Jian Xi helped her walk toward the carriage.

The person behind kowtowed and said, “The master has one last thing to say.”

“He will forever be grateful for everything he gained from meeting her.”

“And please, she must live well.”

“As long as you don’t die, we will meet again.”

…