"Alright, let's go,"
Tie Gu Zheng Zheng stood up, his expression leaving no room for doubt. Feng Xie, standing behind her, felt a surge of ecstasy amidst the chilling aura.
This was her unconsciously mirroring him. Regardless of her reasons, as long as she didn't push him away, they would slowly grow closer. With this thought, his form flickered, and he pressed himself against her side, extending a large hand to grasp her. "Let's go."
Liu Liu saw that the shameless man dared to hold her hand in public and tried with all her might to shake him off.
Unfortunately, his large hands seemed firmly attached to hers. No matter how she moved, she couldn't break free. Liu Liu's face turned cold, and she commanded in a chilling tone, "Let go of me."
"If we don't leave now, it will be too late. Don't you want to see what happened to those people?"
He subtly shifted her attention. Liu Liu's heart tightened, and she was anxious. If she kept dwelling on the matter of him holding her hand, she feared he wouldn't give up. Should she continue to confront him, she could only glare coldly and say, "Let's go quickly."
The two of them walked out swiftly. Although the subordinates behind them were anxious about the missing persons case in Feng Yue City, seeing the Emperor and Empress slowly coming together filled their hearts with joy. They moved as one and rushed out.
Zhan Yun, who was trailing at the very end, felt a pang of loneliness. However, thinking of the injuries Cai Xue had suffered for him, he suddenly found release. That woman was never meant to be on his path. She was high above, like clouds in the sky.
He could not touch her even if he reached out. Realizing this, his form flickered, and he rushed out.
A carriage was parked in front of the Feng Residence. Feng Xie courteously helped Liu Liu into the carriage and was about to depart.
Nangong Yue, however, galloped up on horseback and went with them to the county yamen. Seeing Feng Xie and Liu Liu sitting together in the carriage, especially receiving a provocative glance from Feng Xie, his heart sank to the bottom, feeling cold.
Yet, he forced a smile.
Inside the county yamen, the crowd was dense, making it impossible to move. Constant clamor filled the air, creating utter chaos. Feng Xie and Liu Liu alighted from the carriage and entered. The yamen staff didn't recognize Feng Xie but recognized Ri Ying. Upon seeing Ri Ying's shadow, they quickly stepped forward.
"Ri Ying Guard, what should we do now? Everyone is in a panic. The Ren family, who lost their daughters, are even more distraught, threatening to smash their heads against the walls of the yamen!"
The prefect appeared from somewhere, sweating profusely, looking at Ri Ying and waiting for him to provide guidance. Ri Ying glanced sideways at his master. What good plan could he possibly have? He only knew how to protect his master.
He had no ability to cope with these sudden situations. Liu Liu swept her gaze across the weeping crowd, her eyes icy. At this moment, there could be no soft appeasement. The more you indulged them, the fiercer their uproar would become.
"Let me handle it."
As Liu Liu's voice fell, Feng Xie released his hand with approval, his eyes filled with admiration. He watched as Liu Liu, unyielding and arrogant, moved past everyone towards the highest point. He and Nangong Yue stood below.
He smiled, watching her decisive and unbridled demeanor, her imposing aura, and her commanding presence on the high platform. Her clear, sharp, and ruthless voice rang out.
"Quiet."
The powerful voice shot towards the heavens, instantly stunning all the clamoring people. They looked at the masked youth on the platform, surrounded by an eerie killing intent.
The surroundings became as silent as if no one was there. The prefect quickly asked Ri Ying, "Who is this? So arrogant."
Ri Ying glared coldly at the prefect and whispered, "Cooperate with him. His status is much higher than mine. He can have you executed without anyone daring to speak."
Upon hearing Ri Ying's words, the prefect immediately shrank back, looking at the high platform with trepidation.
To be able to execute an official like the prefect directly – was he from the imperial palace? Thinking of this, he dared not move an inch and nodded repeatedly.
Liu Liu cleared her throat, and her chilling voice resounded.
"Although you are heartbroken by the loss of your daughters, the county yamen will send people to find the missing ones. What use is it for you to riot here? You are only pushing your daughters towards the blade. If anyone else causes trouble, do not blame the county yamen for punishing you. Those who disrupt the yamen's investigation will die."
The last word, "die," echoed through the sky, exuding boundless killing intent. A soft jade sword flew rapidly from Liu Liu's waist, cutting through the air. A purplish-blue light swept over everyone's heads, chillingly piercing their necks.
Although the blade's edge did not touch their throats, it swept across the ground, leaving a dark sheen that fluttered like willow catkins. Death felt so close.
Those who had been clamoring to die or live dared not utter another word. The vast main hall of the county yamen was silent as if no one was present. Liu Liu retracted her hand, and the soft sword whirled back to her waist with a clear and pleasant sound.
"Scram."
As the voice fell, everyone in the county yamen scattered like rabbits, no longer concerned about their lost daughters. They were too busy saving themselves. What did they care about the daughters of those "troublesome goods"? Even if they returned, they might still be a burden for life.
Although they were also saddened, they decided to wait for the county yamen to resolve the matter.
The main hall of the county yamen was instantly devoid of any troublemakers, leaving only the prefect and Feng Xie's group.
Feng Xie's presence was filled with arrogant power. His eyes gleamed with joy and delight. Liu'er truly lived up to her title as Empress, without question. What should have been a shocking bloody case was resolved by her with ease.
The prefect gazed at the young man before him, whose identity was unknown, and deferentially invited Liu Liu to take the main seat in the yamen.
The blood-soaked aura that had emanated from him earlier had also stunned the prefect. Although the sword had not grazed him, he felt killing intent all around, his scalp tingling, and his legs trembling so much he couldn't stand straight.
Liu Liu nodded coldly, not saying a word, and turned to head towards the main hall of the county yamen.
The prefect then invited Ri Ying and Yue Ying to enter. Only after everyone had entered did the prefect wipe the sweat from his face and walk in. Although he didn't know the identities of the others, seeing the dignified Ri Ying Guard treating these people with such politeness, he knew without a doubt that they were either wealthy or of high status.
After everyone was seated, a young maid served tea and then withdrew. Liu Liu, seated at the head, cast an icy gaze towards the prefect and the various stewards of the county yamen standing by, speaking in a chilling tone.
"What kind of families are these people who have lost their daughters?"
The prefect immediately stepped forward, lowering his head and bowing, replying with extreme trepidation, "Reporting to Your Excellency, they are all from humble merchant and artisan families. There are no young ladies from noble houses among them. This is most fortunate."
Liu Liu frowned and glanced at Feng Xie below. She had not intended to take charge, but Feng Xie, as the Emperor, could not reveal his identity. It seemed only she could step forward to handle this matter. For the sake of the common people, she couldn't afford to be so reserved.
Feng Xie nodded in approval, his eyes, deep as a dark pool, filled with complete trust.
From this moment on, he entrusted to her not only supreme authority but also his unconditional trust. This warmed Liu Liu's heart, and she quickly turned away, afraid her carefully constructed defenses would easily crumble.