si-mexico Chapter 122 A Hasty Ending
Chapter 122 A Hasty Ending
A century ago, the Southern Xia Kingdom and the Miao region were peaceful neighbors.
The two countries have frequent exchanges, mutual cultural learning, and continuous trade.
Thirty years ago, in order to consolidate this friendly relationship, the emperor of the Southern Xia Kingdom and the leader of the Miao region even discussed a grand marriage alliance.
This marriage is seen as a symbol of friendship between the two countries and is eagerly anticipated by the people of both nations.
The bride in the arranged marriage was a holy maiden from the Miao region. She was not only exceptionally beautiful, but was also said to possess mysterious Gu poison techniques and be able to control the spirits of nature.
The groom was Emperor Chaoyang of the Southern Xia Kingdom, a wise and powerful monarch deeply loved by his people. The marriage between the two nations should have been a celebrated story passed down through the ages.
However, fate played a cruel joke. On her wedding night, which should have been filled with joy and blessings, the Miao holy maiden did something that shocked everyone.
Using her expertise in Gu poison, she controlled the mind of the Chaoyang Emperor, forcing him to order the execution of all the concubines in the harem.
This bloody purge shocked the entire Southern Xia Kingdom, and the Miao Holy Maiden mysteriously disappeared after the deed was done.
Only later did people gradually realize that the reason the Miao holy maiden agreed to this marriage was actually a carefully planned conspiracy.
Her goal was not peace between the two countries, but to get close to the emperor and obtain his true dragon blood in order to refine an extremely powerful poison.
Once this poison is successfully prepared, the Miao people will gain the ability to control other countries, thereby expanding their sphere of influence.
Following this tragedy, the Southern Xia Kingdom was plunged into deep grief and anger.
Emperor Chaoyang was unfortunately murdered, and the crown prince ascended the throne in grief, becoming the new emperor.
He ordered a full-scale reprisal against Miao territory, banning Miao people from entering the capital. The friendly relations between the two countries instantly shattered, replaced by deep-seated hatred.
From then on, war raged on the border between the Southern Xia Kingdom and the Miao region, and the lives of the people of both countries were greatly affected.
Once friendly neighbors, they are now sworn enemies. And the root of all this lies in the betrayal and conspiracy on their wedding night.
Finally, the newly enthroned Emperor Pingyang personally led an expedition and wiped out the Miao people, leaving only a few survivors who were not a threat.
This was a disgrace to the Southern Xia Kingdom, and no one dared to mention it in front of the emperor. This is why Eunuch Gao was so shocked when he heard it was Gu poison.
"nonsense!"
Despite the cold weather, Liu Zhihong felt a chill run down his spine, and a thin layer of sweat beaded on his forehead. He quickly explained, "Lord Ji, please don't falsely accuse others. My wife is a native of the Central Plains, as for the maid at the time..."
At this point, Liu Zhihong paused slightly, then turned his gaze to Liu Hui and continued, "Back on the day Hui'er got married, my wife bestowed that maid upon her, who is now Granny Gui!"
Granny Gui, whose name was called, was still in a daze, as was Liu Hui. Suddenly hearing about her mother, a secret she had never known in her thirty-plus years of life, left her mind reeling.
"What? I'm innocent!"
Granny Gui cried out in panic, "This is a capital offense that could cost her her head! She's a native of the capital!"
"You unruly lackey, how dare you try to argue!"
Liu Zhihong stared at her sternly and rebuked her, "You have never had any children in your life. If it weren't for your special background, how come you have not been able to get married and start a family until now?"
"grown ups......"
Granny Gui's eyes immediately filled with desolation. She had never married, nor had any children. She had a son and a daughter, three grandsons, and her daughter's son was about to have his first birthday celebration after the New Year.
She understood Liu Zhihong's words perfectly now, and a glimmer of hope still lingered in her heart. She looked at Liu Hui with pleading eyes, "Madam..."
Liu Hui also realized that her father meant to sacrifice a pawn to save the king; only by sacrificing a lackey could they gain a chance of survival.
"Granny, don't worry about them."
In the end, he could only lower his voice and whisper something in Granny Gui's ear.
"You insolent servant, do you still want to drag your mistress down with you at this moment? Don't forget that you watched your mistress grow up since she was a child, how can you bear to do that?"
Seeing that the fire wasn't raging enough, Liu Zhihong continued to speak. If it weren't for the Imperial Guards around him, he would have loved to draw his sword and chop down Granny Gui, making her crime a reality.
"This old servant... confesses his sins."
The only light in Granny Gui's eyes went out. She thought of her lovely grandsons. If she didn't acknowledge them, she would be dragging her whole family down with her.
"Why would a servant like you plot against his master?"
There are still many things that don't make sense in this matter, and this is the responsibility of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, so naturally he should be the one to investigate.
"I was naturally dissatisfied with the arrogance of you Southern Xia people. I originally wanted to kill Liu Zhihong, but I didn't expect him to send me out of the mansion. Otherwise, do you think I would take a liking to a mere minister?"
Granny Gui, with a "what's the use of trying" attitude, got up from the ground and laughed maniacally.
"You people of Nanxia Kingdom deserve to die! You have power and influence, you bully others with your power, you all deserve to die, hahahaha..."
"Guards! Granny Gui has been possessed by a demon! Drag her away immediately!"
The guards behind him dared not move upon hearing Liu Zhihong's order, and all looked up at the emperor, whose face was solemn.
"Take him away and interrogate him thoroughly."
A solemn voice rang out, and two guards stepped forward and quickly subdued the person.
"That's not right, this princess remembers that Granny Gui's children..."
Su Fuying frowned, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes. She had meticulously planned for so long, only to lose a mere, insignificant servant? This greatly displeased her.
“Princess Yongle, now that the matter has been resolved, you should do your best to take good care of Minister Su. If you want to express your filial piety to your father, you can take good care of him.” The Emperor suddenly interrupted Su Fuying, his gaze deep and sharp.
Su Fuying was slightly taken aback. When she met the emperor's gaze, a subtle light flickered deep in her eyes.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” she replied softly, bowing her head.
The Emperor continued, "The Grand Chancellor's negligence in disciplining his family has led to such chaos and he deserves punishment. He is hereby fined one year's salary as a deterrent. As for Lady Liu, she will be dealt with by Old Madam Su; she must be severely punished!"
After saying this, the Grand Secretary's eyes revealed a hint of arrogance, seemingly unconcerned about the punishment. He secretly gloated, believing that this cowardly emperor ultimately dared not do anything to him.
"Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty." The Grand Chancellor bowed respectfully to the Emperor to express his gratitude.
This absurd farce ended hastily, with the crowd arriving in a grand and imposing manner and leaving in a similarly imposing manner. Su Fuying couldn't help but wonder if today's visit was merely a whim of the emperor, a perfunctory formality.
If it weren't for the three imperial physicians remaining at the mansion to treat Su Chengde's injuries, she would almost believe that everything that had happened today was an illusion.