Chapter 1134 - No Discussion of Killing

The Marquis of Ninghe ordered his servants to set up the incense table and commanded the eunuch to read the imperial decree.
His own name was gently posted on the stone tablet, but he could only see the eunuch's boots, his heart as cold as the stone.
Since that night, the Marquis of Ninghe had been fearful and anxious. Now, the sword hanging over his head was finally about to fall, but instead of feeling relieved, he became even more fearful.
Life and death, fortune and misfortune, all depend on others' thoughts. If I had known today, why would I have done it back then?
However, such thoughts only flash by.
Ninghe County Prince himself understands that it is only because of his current situation that he has such thoughts.
If I had another chance, I still wouldn't be resigned.
But those born in the imperial family and having had the opportunity would be resigned?
He only felt sorrowful.
"The decree stated: The son of the late emperor, the King of Ninghe County, acted in a way that was contrary to expectations. The late emperor, in remembrance of the bond between father and son, showed leniency and pardoned him. However, his erratic and unchanged behavior continued. Right and wrong are indistinguishable. This has greatly lost the support of the people. Now, the foundations laid by the former emperors, Taizu and Taizong, were built upon constant diligence and the exhaustion of their efforts, and have been passed on to me. I had intended to cleanse the wind throughout the nine provinces and establish a foundation for future generations. But how can we not punish and discipline someone who is contrary to the will of the people? His title as the King of the county shall be stripped, and he shall be demoted to the Duke of Ninghe County. Let this command be respected."
Royal decree read, although the Prince of Ninghe had made preparations early, he still buzzed in his heart and became half dazed and half confused.
"What?
Prince of Ninghe is being demoted to the Duke of Ninghe?
As the son of the late emperor himself, he can't even keep the title of a prince anymore?!
Hearing the content of the imperial edict, Prince Ninghe's face instantly turned pale, even those in the Prince's Mansion who were unaware of the situation had their faces greatly changed.
The new emperor completely disregarded Prince Ninghe as his own son, didn't he?
The son of the former emperor not only received no favor from the new emperor, but was also demoted again.
This is humiliation!
"Your Highness, no, Your Excellency, won't you express gratitude?" Uncle Tu said ominously.
The Duke of Ninghe County... no, now the Lord of Ninghe County, his veins bulged, his whole body tense, needing to suppress his anger to prevent himself from doing something that would harm himself and his wife and children in front of others.
As difficult as it may be to accept, the imperial decree is right in front of you. Do you dare to defy it?
Suddenly, the Duke of Ninghe County sighed in sadness. He didn't dare to oppose the imperial decree. Ever since he was demoted to a prefectural prince, he knew that he didn't have the courage to defy it. Whether it was the late emperor or the new emperor, he wouldn't dare to resist.
Because resistance means death, and it will bring calamity to the whole family.
"Minister...thank you...thank you for your grace..." The Duke of Ninghe County knelt on the ground, trembling all over, kowtowing in gratitude for the emperor's favor.
Le Ping Fang
Gao Ze's momentum grew even stronger as a hundred riders crowded towards the gate of the Shu King's residence.
Before reaching the gate, Gao Ze rode his horse up. At this moment, the rain had stopped and the sky cleared. With a single glance, one could see green tiles, pink walls, pavilions, and houses, with flower hedges lining the path. It all looked as lush and vibrant as ever, with pebble-paved roads and the sound of insects. He couldn't help but shake his head.
"Generations of the past, the royal mansion has no fixed prosperity or decline, but the buildings remain the same."
The king of Shu dismounted in front of the reflective wall of the palace, and the cavalry was immediately arranged, standing by with their hands down, in front of the tightly closed crimson lacquered gate.
See Gao Ze dismount and come over, but there are still people at the gate of the royal mansion. Seeing this scene, someone quickly came forward and gave a salute: "Excuse me, sir, what brings you here?"
Gao Ze did not answer, and a guard answered on his behalf: "This is Grand Secretary Gao, and he has a command."
"Yes!" The gatekeeper immediately kowtowed. "This servant will go and report to the prince."
As he spoke, the main gate opened.
Gao Ze stood in the middle, with guards on either side, walking along the corridor without going further in.
"It's so deserted!" Gao Ze glanced around and shook his head. In the past, the Shu King's Mansion was always bustling with an endless stream of people and vehicles, but now there was no one at all at the door.
The power struggle between the Shu and Qi Kings and the Emperor is known by everyone in the capital city.
Don't talk about high-ranking officials and nobles, even ordinary people can come up with a plan. When ordinary wealthy families fight over their inheritances, they can also use their brains. So, how can we expect anything less from the competition for the throne among the royal family?
The examples of past dynasties are there for all to see. Last night the sounds of killing filled the air, and the residents near the palace shut their doors tightly. When the cavalry passed by, not even a sound was made.
Normally, as the sound of horse hooves approaches, there should be some awareness inside.
The imperial envoy has already arrived, so even if the people inside are slow, they should have some reaction.
After waiting for a while, the area was empty, and Gao Ze immediately frowned. He thought that a middle-aged man in his forties came forward, whom Gao Ze knew to be the steward of the Wang Mansion, Fan Zhu.
Fan Zhushen's expression was still good. He took a few steps forward and knelt down, saying, "Father-in-law, I greet you. Please wait a moment, the king of my family drank heavily last night and just woke up. He is currently getting ready and will come to receive your orders soon!"
As they spoke, the servants in the Shu king's mansion carried tables and chairs, setting up an incense table, appearing busy and causing Gao Ze's furrowed brows to relax slightly.
The Shu king was still a prince. Even though he could not jump around for long like an autumn grasshopper, he couldn't really make a move at this moment.
Announcing the imperial edict in the Prince Shu's Mansion is the task at hand, doing anything else excessively would be inappropriate.
Gao Ze nodded and planned to wait a little longer.
Receiving the edict is a major matter, and etiquette is crucial. It is only natural for Prince Shu to change into clean clothes after having been drunk.
"Why hasn't the King of Shu changed yet?" After waiting for a moment and the King of Shu still hadn't come out to receive the decree, Gao Ze's face darkened, staring at the steward of the royal residence, Fan Zhu, and asked in a cold voice, "It has been more than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, and the King of Shu still hasn't come out to receive the decree?"
"I'll go and remind my master." Steward Fan Zhu said, and then went inside.
"Has anyone from the Wang mansion left?" Gao Ze asked suddenly with a gloomy expression, watching the steward run inside.
Before Gao Ze arrived to deliver the imperial decree, soldiers had already surrounded the Shu Palace, waiting for his arrival with the decree.
"Eunuch!" said a baihu, bowing down: "We have received orders to immediately surround the palace and not let anyone leave!"
"Is it?" This was also the reason Gao Ze had been waiting just now. But now, upon hearing these words, he did not relax. He furrowed his brows and commanded, "Continue monitoring the surroundings immediately while all the people I brought follow me into the mansion and await further orders!"
"Yes!" A command was shouted, and immediately the darkness outside turned into light. A hundred people surrounded the front wall of the royal residence, and cavalry surged in, forming two rows. They held spears and swords, standing tall and upright, creating an atmosphere filled with killing intent.
"Is there still no movement?"
"According to reason, even if the King of Shu is already a late cricket, as long as he is still the king, Gaoze cannot openly confront him. At least until there is confirmation of disrespecting the imperial edict."
But this kind of patience also has its limits.
Seeing that the King of Shu refused to come out to receive the imperial decree, the steward went in, but no one came out. Gao Ze's face became darker and darker.
"Alright, alright!" Gao Ze flew into a rage. "They don't take the emperor seriously? Even a mere steward is treated with such disrespect. The King of Shu's palace is truly well-cared for. Someone come!"
"Present!" The people on both sides responded in unison, their voices filled with solemnity.
"Enter the residence and search! The King of Shu is here, it is necessary to ask him to come forward quickly to receive the edict. If the King of Shu is not in the palace..."
Gao Zebin said in a cold tone, "Then detain all the people in the palace. Besides the queen and the crown prince, the rest can be harshly interrogated to find out the whereabouts of the king of Shu!"
"If there is any resistance, kill them without mercy!"