The executioner's broadsword was raised, flashing a blinding light. The child tilted his head back, and at the last moment, forgot to cry out. His innocent eyes fixed on the blade, and then on the executioner's face.
The crowd fell silent, many closing their eyes, unable to bear watching.
The wind blew, and the sword descended.
The sound of hooves echoed, and a silver gleam flashed, swiftly striking the broadsword. Sparks flew, and the executioner staggered back two steps, his broadsword clanging as it fell to the ground. The child, startled, burst into tears.
The crowd erupted as if a bomb had gone off, heads snapping up to gaze towards the center of the training ground. A silver bell hairpin, askew, was planted firmly in the ground, having knocked away the broadsword.
Upon hearing the thundering hooves and the disruption of the execution, Ximen Zhenghao's dark pupils flashed with surprise. Someone had come to rescue the abandoned child! Excellent, they had finally revealed themselves. He eagerly stood up, only to see a woman in white, dismounting from her horse outside the training ground. With a light step, she soared towards the center, descending gracefully. The wind lifted her white robes, making her appear like an immortal from the heavens.
"Who dares disturb the execution?"
Ximen Zhenghao roared, his eyes blazing with a bloodthirsty intent as he fixed on the slender figure in the center of the training ground. Her dark hair was like a cloud, elegantly styled, and her white robes were as pure as snow. Her mere silhouette suggested a woman of unparalleled beauty, one capable of toppling kingdoms.
As she slowly turned, her eyebrows were as delicate as willow leaves, her eyes like scattered stars. A cold anger radiated from her, and a smile curved her lips, as chilling as icy water.
"It is I, Empress, General Ximen."
The words struck all on the high platform with profound shock, leaving them stunned. The King of Nan'an, who had been standing at the very edge of the training ground, rushed forward three steps at a time, kneeling respectfully. "Your humble servant greets the Empress."
In an instant, everyone regained their senses, rising to their feet and collectively kneeling. Even Ximen Zhenghao, with evident reluctance, knelt, and all spoke in unison, "Your humble servants greet the Empress."
The citizens surrounding the training ground fell silent, and then erupted into a single, resounding cry, kneeling as one. "We greet the Empress!"
With the Empress appearing on the training ground and knocking away the executioner's blade with her silver bell hairpin, it seemed the Su family would not all perish.
The old monk, Su Zhan, who had been slumped on the ground, struggled to turn his head towards where Mu Qingyao stood. He kowtowed heavily, repeatedly pleading,
"This old monk greets the Empress. I beg the Empress to show mercy and spare the remaining members of the Su family. This old monk is willing to die a thousand deaths."
With that, he channeled his inner strength, striking his own chest with his palm. Blood gushed forth instantly, and he collapsed to the side. It seemed he had held on until this very moment, waiting for one person, and that person was the Empress, for only she could save the Su family.
"Su Zhan?"
Mu Qingyao uttered his name with deep sorrow, gazing at him lying in a pool of blood. This was all a grave injustice.
If Su Zhan was a detestable person, he was undeniably the most trustworthy to the Empress Dowager. When the Empress Dowager heard of his imprisonment, she had become utterly distraught, indicating that she indeed held affection for him.
But fate was a cruel master. Life was filled with both joy and sorrow; even the most wicked possessed a benevolent side, and the kindest could harbor a cruel streak.
"All rise," Mu Qingyao said, turning to face the officials at the edge of the training ground.
"We thank the Empress," they all said, rising.
The King of Nan'an's gaze was fixed on the woman before him, so dazzling and radiant. Her simple attire somehow amplified her most captivating qualities.
Even the onlookers outside the training ground seemed to be touched by her ethereal purity. The previously chaotic scene fell into a sudden calm, with everyone's eyes fixed on the unfolding events within the training ground.
Upon seeing the Empress and the self-inflicted death of Su Zhan, General Ximen's heart seethed with anger. His pupils narrowed fiercely as he spoke in a deep voice,
"May I ask what is the meaning of the Empress striking down the executioner's blade?"
Mu Qingyao's expression turned icy. A chilling aura enveloped her, and her white robes seemed to frost over as she stared menacingly at him, "Ximen Zhenghao, you have great audacity. The Emperor entrusted you with this important case, did he not expect you to carelessly take lives? Look at how many you have already killed!"
Mu Qingyao's powerful voice echoed through the deserted training ground, sending a shiver through everyone's hearts.
Ximen Zhenghao, a seasoned general, was incensed to be reprimanded by a mere woman. His face flushed with fury.
"Empress, this is the training ground. Please conduct yourself with decorum. This old subject is acting under the Emperor's decree and is handling an ongoing investigation."
As Ximen Zhenghao finished speaking, Mu Qingyao's face turned as cold as ice, a frigid aura radiating from her. Her eyes glinted with lethal intent as she flashed towards Ximen Zhenghao.
Passing by a soldier, she swiftly drew his sword. In a flash, the blade was pressed against Ximen Zhenghao's neck. All these actions were completed in the blink of an eye, seamlessly executed.
Ximen Zhenghao, a renowned general, found himself at the mercy of a woman. The primary reason was his utter shock that the Empress would resort to physical restraint in public. His carelessness had led to this moment, where he watched, under the gaze of many, as the Empress held a gleaming sword to his throat.
"Empress, you...?"
"Ximen Zhenghao, you dare! I am the Empress. Do you recall the Emperor's solemn declaration before the envoys? The Empress of Xian Yue holds the same authority as the Emperor. You have committed insubordination. If I were to kill you today, it would be no more than your just deserts."
Mu Qingyao's voice, filled with righteous indignation, boomed like a drumbeat over the training ground, reaching the ears of every soul present.
The citizens who had been watching from outside the training ground, witnessing the Empress's imperious and commanding demeanor, did not feel annoyance. Instead, it ignited an unprecedented fervor, and they began to chant repeatedly.
"Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress! Long, long live the Empress!"
The crowd surged, their hearts filled with emotion. Ximen Zhenghao's face contorted, turning from pale to ashen, then to purple, a picture of extreme discomfort. Yet, he dared not make a move.
The sword at his neck was undeniably real. If he provoked the Empress further, she would undoubtedly fly into a rage, and his life might be forfeit.
He had heard of the Empress of Xian Yue. She was known for her decisive actions. Whispers in the palace suggested the Emperor doted on her immensely, and he had also heard the Empress's words earlier.
The Emperor had indeed declared publicly before the envoys that the Empress of Da Xian Yue held the same authority as the Emperor. He had indeed been guilty of insubordination just now. However, the Emperor had entrusted him with the Moon Awakening Temple case. Was he truly to return empty-handed? With Su Zhan dead, was he to let the Su family and the young monks of Moon Awakening Temple go free?