Capital of Ti'an, Tianxia Kingdom
Mu Qingye, on horseback, reached the capital gates. His body trembled as he prepared to set foot on that ground once more.
The streets were deserted, and there were no guards at the city gate. This was the day the Grand Minister was to be punished and stripped of his position.
If not for his master's help, Mu Qingye might not have arrived so quickly. Without hesitation, he rode his horse into the city.
A thin mist enveloped the cobblestone streets. Royal banners were not flying, and the wind carried the lingering scent of blood and iron.
In a vast open space, far from the palace—the execution ground for the Grand Minister—Feng Yuan's hands were bound by chains. Someone watching remained silent.
"He should have died before this day of execution," the person muttered, flicking their sleeve and walking away.
Someone approached carrying an imperial decree; it was Mo Yiren, the Grand Eunuch.
"The imperial decree will be read shortly, everyone bow!" the head guard commanded, causing everyone to bow and prostrate themselves.
📜 **Imperial Decree**
'Whereas Grand Minister Feng Yuan, who has long served as a pillar of government, has been found to conspire with criminals of the world, committing treason, and instigating rebellion against the Empire.
His actions constitute a grave breach of the Empire's trust, as well as a betrayal of the Mandate of Heaven and the tranquility of the land.
Therefore, in the name of Imperial Law and to maintain harmony between Heaven and Earth,
Feng Yuan is hereby stripped of all his positions and titles. All rights, honors, and family inheritance are revoked, and he is removed from the imperial official genealogy.
It is decreed that the death penalty shall be carried out by public beheading, as a warning to anyone who dares to betray the Imperial Throne.'
Mo Yiren's voice echoed sharply, each syllable like a hammer of justice from the heavens. The citizens bowed their heads, their eyes not daring to look.
Soon after, everyone stood up again.
The executioner prepared to carry out the execution. Then, in the next second, just as the blade was about to fall, a flying sword blocked it.
Mu Qingye leaped from his horse and stood in front of the Grand Minister.
"Let's see who dares to kill the Grand Minister!" he shouted loudly.
The citizens scattered back to their homes in fear, beginning to abandon the execution site.
Only the guards, the Grand Eunuch, and the executioner remained.
"You could face the same punishment, on suspicion of rebellion," the Grand Eunuch smiled, then bowed his head.
Mu Qingye held something up. "This is proof of the Grand Minister's innocence!" he declared loudly.
Mu Qingye broke the chains using his sword.
At the same time, deep within the palace...
"Emperor, Xin Weiyu is rebelling!" the Emperor's supervisor, Li Shen, appeared panicked.
"Insolent!" the Emperor roared, pounding the table before him.
Li Shen immediately prostrated himself, begging for mercy. "Who gave the order to call him by his direct name!" the Emperor raged.
"The Fourth Prince, Xin Weiyu!" Li Shen was terrified and did not rise at all.
"Summon him here!" the Emperor angrily dismissed Li Shen.
Soon after, when Mu Qingye entered the palace, the royal supervisors, eunuchs, and ministers were silent as they watched the man enter the Emperor's chambers.
In the Emperor's chamber, Mu Qingye immediately knelt to greet the Emperor—a title so foreign to the Emperor.
"This is proof of the transaction between the Dark Sect and Han Wuqing. For the past 3 years, the relationship between the Grand Minister and Han Wuqing has never been good, and there has been no communication or transaction between them!" Mu Qingye handed over a paper, which was taken by the Emperor's supervisor and given directly to the Emperor.
"And this letter explains Han Wuqing's panic regarding the Emperor. The official who collaborated with him is not the Grand Minister!" Mu Qingye pressed.
Fortunately, he was able to obtain the letter first during his journey.
The Emperor stared at the letter for a long time. His face showed no emotion, but his fingers, clenching the scroll, revealed his inner turmoil.
"In the tax records of the last year, shipments from Guazhou have consistently been deficient. Curiously, reports from that region show abundant harvests."
"You would do well to ask the Minister of Finance... where the remaining tax from Guazhou has gone."
Whispers among the ministers began to be heard.
The Minister of Finance, who happened to be present, began to object.
"Please consider your words; that is defamation!"
"Qu Jiang, your aggressive demeanor clearly shows your guilt." Mu Qingye stared at him sharply.
"That money was for the Dark Sect, wasn't it?"
Qu Jiang immediately knelt before the Emperor. "This is slander, please, Emperor, carry out the punishment!"
"Didn't the Dark Sect already perish?" the question slipped from the mouths of the ministers.
"I hope, Emperor, you will show mercy. Reinvestigate this case and clear the good name of the Grand Minister!"
The Emperor looked at Xin Weiyu. Then at Qu Jiang, who was still kneeling.
"Take him to the inner investigation room. And order the city guards: no one is to leave the capital until the truth is revealed."
The room froze in silence. Some ministers exchanged glances, a mix of anxiety and fear. They realized that power was shifting. One mistake could be the end.
The Emperor asked everyone to leave his chamber except Mu Qingye.
Qingye just bowed his head in silence, waiting for the Emperor to speak.
"Do you still consider this your home?"