Taiyue City was illuminated by the high sun, and the leisurely people who were walking around all headed towards the execution ground. No matter what time, no matter what age, there is no shortage of people who join in the fun and watch other people's affairs.
The execution ground of Taiyue City was located in the south of the city, with a high execution platform and awnings set up everywhere. The supervisor is wearing a red coat and sitting on his side. He has a rough and fierce face with a sword and axe.
As soon as they heard the murder, the whole city gathered to watch, even the whole family came together. The old man has difficulty moving, and he does not dare to slow down even if he is being carried or helped.
There is a high-rise wine shop next to the execution ground. Every time when the operation is performed, the business is booming. Many people gather with their friends, book seats by the window, exchange glasses, talk and laugh, just to watch the moment when the head falls to the ground.
The sun was getting higher and higher. I heard the gongs beating softly and soldiers clearing the way. I saw three prison cars coming from the north of the city. Seated in this order were people from three generations: old, middle and young. They were the ancestors and grandsons of Jia Chengdao.
Jia Chengdao's hair was neatly combed today. Although he was wearing prison uniform, he still retained the last dignity of his life. Behind him, his son and grandson were sitting upright and silent.
There was a lot of people's voices in the room, which was a little noisy. He had no intention of doing this, he only hated himself for being impulsive and ending up like this.
Jia Chengdao was originally a capricious person. He once used his grandson Jia Hu to flatter the Liang family, and later he bet on both sides in the court party dispute and sold it for a price. When Wang Yuanzhong died, the prince was deposed. He thought the time had come and stood on the opposite side of the Liang family, hoping to compete.
Who would have thought that before the right prime minister's position could be covered, he would be completely overthrown by Liang Jingyi, and there would be no chance for him to make a comeback. Only today did he realize that he was just a clown, a fool who deserved his death.
As the prison car passed by the tile house, the singer held a pipa, played the guzheng, and sang in harmony: "
Sitting high in the bright hall, I still remember that the bed was full of wats; now in the alley, I can only see the decaying grass growing. Spider webs are knotted on the beams of the prime minister's house, and green sand covers the windows of the minister's office. They were few last year, but they are long this year. In the blink of an eye, they are as white as frost. The youngest son in front of the door dies first, who knows how long he will live? Teach your children the writings of sages and sages at home, and you will become a strong leader. They all lament that others don't live long, but they don't know when they will die. Yesterday the bones were buried and the corpses were still cold, and tonight the bridal chambers are in pairs. The cupboard is full of gold, the bed is made of jade, and they are all used as wedding clothes for others. The more you become an official, the more you think the official position is small. Sooner or later, you will have to carry the shackles on your shoulders. It's just that life is impermanent, which is ridiculous. "
Jia Chengdao listened to the song, smiled knowingly, and sighed: "Enlightenment is a false enlightenment after all, hahahahaha——"
On the execution ground, the grandfather and grandson sat side by side, with groups of people in front of them. The common people did not recognize these people, but they thought they were high-ranking officials in the court. They probably had committed a crime and wanted to be beheaded.
At three quarters of noon, the sword and ax were raised and fell, and the head fell to the ground, which attracted the people to applaud and cheer. They didn't know who they were killing, but since they were killing high officials, they felt extremely happy in their hearts. As for the reason for the killing, each of them would make up their own mind.
Today, in addition to the members of the Jia family, there is another person who will be punished, and that is Li Taiyue, the Minister of Punishment.
However, the place where Li Taiyue was tortured was not in the city, but outside the city.
In an open space outside the south gate of Taiyue City, Li Taiyue sat cross-legged on a mat, surrounded by soldiers guarding him. People from the city came out one after another to watch the excitement, and they immediately surrounded the place.
"Have you heard? This official is the one who recently implemented the reform."
"That's him. I heard he is an upright official. I think he has offended someone."
"What kind of honest officials are there? There are no honest officials these days. Even my landlord is shady. But I know that he accepted bribes and sold his official position, which is why he committed a lawsuit."
"Sure enough, the world is as dark as crows, and no one is good as an official."
"No, toads have big mouths, and house sparrows have small mouths. There are no good birds among the officials!"
The people were talking among themselves, and some people were very happy to see that Li Taiyue was going to be killed, and they set off firecrackers in public to celebrate. These people were all the children of Gaoliang who relied on the merits of their ancestors to live their lives. Li Taiyue's reforms affected their interests, so they hated Li Taiyue deeply.
In the crowd, the shackled Gu Tinglan was slowly walked forward, followed by two guards. Gu Tinglan will also be sent away today, and she doesn't know whether she will live or die.
Li Taiyue saw Gu Tinglan, smiled slightly and said: "It's a blessing in life to be able to see an old friend before I die!"
Gu Tinglan's tears fell slowly, she shook her head and said, "It shouldn't be like this! It shouldn't be like this!"
Li Taiyue smiled and said: "Since the implementation of the reform, I have not drank at all, but I want to drink some wine today."
After hearing this, Gu Tinglan turned to look at the two officers behind him. The officers naturally ignored them. Where could they get wine at this time?
"Two adults, please give me a pot of wine to see you off!" When Xun Sheng went out, it was Ye Ling and Qin Xiao who came over.
Li Taiyue couldn't help being stunned, then smiled and said: "I didn't expect that the last drink in my life would be sent by Ye Da... Taoist priest Ye."
Ye Ling handed the wine jar to Li Taiyue and replied: "Isn't life just so unexpected? It's just a pity that Mr. Li is bent on death. Even if I want to have a drink with you in the future, I won't have the chance."
Ye Ling looked at Qin Xiao out of the corner of his eye and saw that Qin Xiao had a bad look on his face and clenched his teeth. Qin Xiao had a chivalrous heart. After learning about Li Taiyue's actions for the country and the people, he only regretted that he could not save him alive.
Li Taiyue held up the wine jar, raised his head and drank a big gulp, then breathed out a sigh of relief and said: "Good wine, better than what I drank before!"
Ye Ling smiled bitterly. What he brought was just the cheapest rice wine on the street. If Li Taiyue's words came from the bottom of his heart, it could only be that this wine was the most peaceful he had ever drunk.
Qin Xiao also raised the wine jar to salute Li Taiyue and said: "Master Li, what you have done will not be forgotten by the people, let alone in the history books!"
Li Taiyue nodded and said: "Your words are better than wine!"
Gu Tinglan also held up the wine jar and said: "Today we say goodbye, separated by life and death, Taiyue, I am lucky to have you as my friend in this life. I hope that in the next life, you and I will no longer enter this court, and just be free in the world of mortals." During the Boya period, there were high mountains and flowing water."
Li Taiyue laughed and said, "I hope so!"
The four of them finished drinking and threw the wine jar to the ground. Gu Tinglan was led by the guards and turned to leave. He didn't want to see his friend being tortured. Ye Ling and Qin Xiao also retreated behind the crowd and turned around without looking.
Not long after, the soldier was seen pushing the onlookers away, and someone brought in five unicorns. One end was tied to his body, and the other end was tied to Li Taiyue's hands, feet and neck.
"It turned out to be quartered by five horses!"
"I have never seen such torture in my whole life!"
"Didn't it mean that this type of torture was abolished after the Qin Dynasty?"
The punishment of splitting a car was not intended to be used, but Li Taiyue did it deliberately. At that time, the Qin Dynasty became strong and prosperous due to the reforms of Lord Shang, and finally unified the world. Li Taiyue learned from Shang Jun, even if he died, he would do the same.
The five unicorns began to walk away, and the rope was gradually pulled. Li Taiyue lay on his back and looked at the sky, with a look of relief on his face.
"It's a pity that I didn't see His Highness the Crown Prince again before I left. I have fulfilled my promise to you. After Li Taiyue's death, Qian's method will never be destroyed, and Da Qian will eventually rise. I can't see it anymore, so I will leave it to you, Your Highness the Crown Prince." Look!"
Five crisp whip sounds sounded almost at the same moment. Li Taiyue slowly closed his eyes, and although the rope gradually tightened, he did not feel the slightest fear.
"Although Taiyue is dead, his skills will never be destroyed!"
As the people covered their eyes and turned their heads, the sound of tearing echoed through the crowd.
Qin Xiao lowered his head and clenched his fists with both hands. Ye Ling raised his head and frowned.
This is Li Taiyue's own choice, and no one can interfere. Because death is his only destination.
The crowd dispersed one after another. Only Ye Ling and Qin Xiao packed up Li Taiyue's body and transported it to the cemetery that had been prepared for burial.
After finishing all this, Ye Ling smiled at Qin and said, "It's time for us to leave. Miss Lin is waiting for us."
Qin Xiao nodded and followed Ye Ling away, heading straight to Ximen. Outside the west gate, there was a carriage parked. The old man in civilian clothes driving the carriage was as motionless as a statue.
As the two approached, the car curtain was raised. Sitting inside were Lin Yuewei, Baili Haoyue, and the little maid.
When the little maid saw Ye Ling, she said with a look of disgust on her face: "What a big turtle, he came so late."
Ye Ling didn't argue, and he and Qin Xiao jumped on the carriage and sat outside. The old man driving the cart flicked his whip, and the cart headed north...
…………
At the Grand Master's residence, Zhou Qing smiled and said to Liang Jing: "Master, now that Wang Yuanzhong, Jia Chengdao, and Li Taiyue are all dead, we can sit back and relax!"
Liang Jingyi said: "The real crisis is about to begin now. My father is still in seclusion. I don't know what the outcome will be. People from all the major sects have also entered Taiyue City. These days, no one should act rashly, otherwise they will be killed." disaster!"
Zhou Qing nodded and said: "Student understands, student will go and give instructions now."
…………
In the sixth prince's house, Baili Hanran was still playing with the caged bird. The man in black robe next to him said to him: "There is no movement from the Liang family or Baili Qingfeng."
"This is natural," Baili Hanran said with a smile: "Everyone knows that when the water is full, it overflows, and when the moon is full, it loses water. At this time, they are eager for another Jia Chengdao to jump out, so that they are safe."
"Are you going to sit back and watch Baili Changkong return to Taiyue City?"
"He won't come back," Baili Hanran turned around and said, "My eldest brother looks more confused than anyone else, but in fact he knows better than anyone else. He knows what's going on with the Holy Emperor, and he also knows how we're going to deal with it. He has to convince himself, but I don’t want to give him this time!”
"I understand, I will do it now!"
After the man in black robe left, Baili Hanran murmured to himself: "Taiyue City is really too peaceful. I have to think of a way to make this place chaotic!" As he spoke, he looked at the things on the table. of a document.
Baili Hanran walked over, picked it up, looked at it for a few times, and said, "Han Shi, he is such an interesting person. It's a pity that I can't see him anymore."
…………
Inside the palace jingshe, Chen Gui stepped in and said to Baili Longteng on the couch: "Your Majesty, Jia Chengdao's family and Li Taiyue have been executed today, and Gu Tinglan has been exiled from the capital. In addition, Shen Qingyi from the Yushitai , Cheng Sijian, and Wei Zhengyan submitted their resignations, Your Majesty, what do you think should be done?"
Baili Longteng smiled slightly and said: "Only when you become an emperor can you feel what it is to be alone! My ministers leave me one by one. This is what it means to be alone!"
"Your Majesty!" Chen Gui hurriedly knelt down: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I will let the cabinet reject their resignation."
"That's right," Baili Longteng waved his hand and said, "I also want to leave a few loyal ministers for future generations."
"yes."
"Chen Gui," Baili Longteng said again: "Go and call Gao He back. There is no one around me anymore. I... miss him a little."
"Yes, slave, go now!" Chen Gui was moved in his heart and tears couldn't stop flowing down. He felt sorry for his godfather Gao He, and even more for his master, the emperor.
