Chapter 936: Chapter 886: Finale (12)_3
Previously, Prince Cheng was stripped of his title as punishment, though it was deserved, it still felt unsatisfactory considering the lives lost. Now seeing Lu Pingzhou not only cut out Zhao Angâs heart but also dragged his corpse through the city for public display, with the crowd of spectators cheering, some even set off fireworks in celebration.
"He died well! This beast should never be reborn!"
"Finally, a breath of relief."
"Eliminating harm for the people, the princely heir is mighty!"
...
Handing Zhao Angâs corpse over to his subordinates, Lu Pingzhou directly entered the palace to see Emperor Xuanjing.
Zhao Xi had already learned of Zhao Angâs death, and was extremely angry. As Lu Pingzhou came in, he grasped a teacup and threw it over.
Lu Pingzhou didnât dodge, he took it, and his forehead was smashed open, with blood quickly flowing.
Eunuch Sanbao looked on, terrified.
"Lu Pingzhou, how dare you!" Zhao Xiâs face was livid. With Zhao Ang dead, the Imperial Secret Guardâs leadership would change hands; if the new leader was disloyal, it could threaten the dynastyâs foundations. He knew Zhao Ang deserved to die, but Zhao Ang couldnât die.
At least until he found a new leader, Zhao Ang had to live well.
Lu Pingzhou lifted his hem and slowly kneeled, not frowning despite the wound on his forehead, his tone remained as calm as ever, "A life for a life is natural law, whatâs more, Zhao Ang was but a commoner, the guilty minister seeking revenge against him is not unreasonable. If Your Majesty thinks Zhao Ang absolutely needs to live, whatever he could do while alive, the guilty minister could do too."
Zhao Xi suddenly squinted his eyes.
Lu Pingzhouâs words made him suspect whether the other party knew about the Imperial Secret Guard.
As if unaware of the young emperorâs suspicious gaze, Lu Pingzhou continued, "Before the late Empress Dowager passed, she bestowed an edict upon the Lu Family, ordering the descendants of the Lu Family to be forever loyal to the court, eradicate traitors, and eternally safeguard the dynasty. Your Majesty, the fall of the Su Family was orchestrated by this guilty minister."
Although he detested the late Empress Dowager, he was clear-headed when it came to major principles.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xi was utterly shocked.
He remembered the Su Family was ruined by a piece on the Empress Dowagerâs chessboard, yet unexpectedly, Lu Pingzhou was also behind this?
If traced back, many things become frightening upon careful thought.
Zhao Xi knew better than anyone the loyalty of the Lu Family, but Duke Lu already held two important positions at the Divine Soldier Bureau and the Liaodong Iron Mine; if the task of nurturing the Imperial Secret Guard was given to Lu Pingzhou, the Lu Familyâs power would be too concentrated.
Zhao Xi hesitated slightly.
Yet amid his hesitation, he knew Lu Pingzhou was indeed a very capable individual. Entrusting the Imperial Secret Guard to such a person might enable further elevation, achieving the height of the Sky Eagle Guard.
After much deliberation, Zhao Xi asked him, "You claim to serve the late Empress Dowager, if I ask you to demonstrate loyalty, how would you do so?"
Lu Pingzhou bowed his head, "Whatever Your Majesty says, the guilty minister will do accordingly."
Looking at him, Zhao Xi found the Lu Family to be full of resilient individuals; first there was Duke Lu, then Lu Xingzhou, now Lu Pingzhou.
"Have you heard of the Yun Familyâs Sky Eagle Guard?" Zhao Xi asked.
"Iâve heard a bit." Lu Pingzhou straightened his posture and answered truthfully.
"I have a group of men, I now give you five years, if after five years, they do not become a second Sky Eagle Guard, bring your head to see me. For such loyalty, do you have any objections?"
"The guilty minister thanks Your Majesty for your grace."
...
Wen Wan always thought her uncle was quite impressive. Zhao Angâs heart-ripping incident made her even more admired, praising him lavishly in front of Zhao Xunyin.
Zhao Xunyin listened with envy, "Thatâs because your father isnât here. If he were, he could make it even more satisfying for you."
Wen Wan laughed, "Is mother thinking about father?"
Zhao Xunyin glared at her, "Already grown up yet still so immature."
Wen Wan supported her chin with her hand, "Not really, Iâm not married yet!"
Mentioning this matter brightened Zhao Xunyinâs mood, "Find some time to visit the Lu Family, discuss your arrangements with them."
"True." Wen Wan nodded, "Iâm about to get married, my maiden family should add to the dowry. Grandfather, grandmother, uncle, Aunt Wen, and Lu Yanbinâs couple, just a few of them, how could they feel comfortable bringing such a small amount?"
Upon hearing her daughter wanting a hefty gift, Zhao Xunyinâs lips twitched slightly.
...
The wedding was scheduled after Song Weiâs mourning period ended, which was two years away; Wen Wan wasnât anxious and first went to the Four Seas Inn to find Wen Shun.
Wen Shun had recently heard of a good shopfront from a broker and was planning to find Wen Wan to take a look together, when Wen Wan just arrived.
"Sis, what have you been busy with recently? Leaving me alone here, I thought youâd forgotten you have a younger brother." Wen Shunâs fair little face was full of resentment.