Since that night, Wei Zhao had become even busier.

Yu Tingwan often couldn’t see him.

But she was busy with airing books.

She took down her hairpin and gently flipped the pages of the books that had been sufficiently aired with its pointed end. She also learned some repair techniques from Nanny Ru.

All of these were delicate tasks, but fortunately, she had patience.

With the passage of time, she became quite proficient.

The days passed swiftly, until the day of the Zhou Family’s execution.

The execution ground was set in a prominent place in Shangjing, accessible from all directions, and the punishment was handled openly to serve as a warning.

Not yet noon, a considerable crowd had already gathered.

"Why hasn’t it started yet?"

A woman said coldly, "The executioner is sharpening his knife over there, it’s gleaming and extremely sharp. If you ask me, they should use a rusty knife. A single cut ending it all is so boring, it’s better to prolong it with several cuts, letting their heads remain half attached to their necks while still alive."

"Wow, you’re so vicious."

"Vicious? My daughter was dragged away and violated by Zhou Xuan years ago, she couldn’t bear the shame and hanged herself! My husband sought justice and he met the same end."

"I wish I could personally send those people to hell!"

"Shut your mouth!" 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

A cold shout was heard.

The crowd turned back to see the Ninth Princess with a cold expression, who had arrived unnoticed.

They...

Everyone hurriedly stepped aside.

She was not someone to be provoked.

Although the Ninth Princess was a daughter of the Central Palace, with the Empress now deposed and her maternal family about to fall, she was still the Emperor’s daughter.

Ying Changyi quickly stepped forward, glaring fiercely at the vulgar woman.

"Men! Drag this insolent madwoman away!"

The woman, clad in patched clothing, smiled bleakly at the words, showing no intention of panicking or begging for mercy.

"Go ahead."

"Kill me, why don’t you."

She even stepped forward.

"The Princess also has half of the Zhou Family’s blood. What does it matter to be wanton with human life? If you have the guts, deal with me here as well!"

"Bah!"

"Just relying on the Royal Family’s power!"

Ying Changyi was furious, her eyes bloodshot, her hands trembling with rage.

A lowly person dared to treat her like this!

Her noble stature had fallen from the clouds into the mud in just a few days.

Her father refused to see her, and those princesses in the palace who once fawned over her were laughing at her behind her back.

She shrieked, "Men! Kill her! Kill her!"

Yet, the palace attendants behind her acted as if they hadn’t heard anything, keeping their eyes to the ground.

"The Grand Tutor is here."

It was unclear who shouted it in the crowd.

From the east side, Gu Fuju came forward, eyes sharp, with a dignified and severe presence in his crane-patterned robes, his demeanor exuding wisdom and the composure of a long-time high-ranking official, leading a mighty procession of civil servants.

"Hey, look over there, General Wei is here too."

To the west, Wei Zhao sat in a wheelchair, being pushed along by Duke Zhongyong. Behind him were the military generals, also in a long procession.

Despite being at the heads of the civil and military officials, within these groups were people loyal to the Second Prince, the Emperor, the Fifth Prince, and those who previously allied with the Crown Prince Faction.

As long as there was no conflict of interest, the positions of Wei Zhao and Gu Fuju were unshakable.

Unlike the civil officials, the military generals were less formal, exchanging conversations along the way.

Wei Zhao overheard someone with a loud voice behind him.

"Years ago the Zhou Family wanted to promote me, even wanting to marry one of their concubine-born daughters to me."

"I thought I was hitting the jackpot, but that Zhou Family lady despised my old mother for being blind. How could I marry her then? My mother had lost her eyesight from working tirelessly day and night, embroidering to support me in learning martial arts. Having succeeded, how could I, for the sake of an inappropriate woman, abandon my mother and send her back to the village? That wouldn’t be human! Luckily, I didn’t agree."

Otherwise, he too would have faced a grim end.

"Gui Zhi."

Wei Zhao heard Duke Zhongyong call him.

Duke Zhongyong spoke worriedly, "You seem even weaker than last time."

His face was deathly pale.

Wei Zhao: ...

Because before leaving, Yu Tingwan had applied a layer of powder on him.

Duke Zhongyong fretted, "This place is filled with malevolent energy; I wonder if it might affect you."

Xiao Huaian, without any official position but obligated to attend due to his name being on the list, smiled.

"Father, rest assured."

"The Duke Shun Mansion has already held a funeral for him before, they’re experienced."

"As long as he kicks the bucket, the white banners and white lanterns from before can be reused."

Just as he intended to continue, he noticed the fury in Duke Zhongyong’s eyes, as if ready to beat him in public for speaking inauspiciously.

Xiao Huaian fell silent.

Wei Zhao spoke softly, "Well..."

Duke Zhongyong quickly asked, "What is it?"

Wei Zhao lethargically replied, "I got upset."

He spoke slowly, "Perhaps I could have lived five more years, but it’s shortened to one because of this."

Xiao Huaian: ...

Not sure who he learned such shamelessness from.

As he was about to speak, Duke Zhongyong heavily slapped his back.

"You wretched thing!"

Wei Zhao: "Well..."

Wei Zhao asked Xiao Huaian, "Does it hurt?"

It’s what you deserve.

Duke Zhongyong chastised Xiao Huaian, "Look at you, only able to make sarcastic remarks. Then look at Gui Zhi! Even after being angered by you to this extent, he still worries about you!"

The disparity between individuals really is that significant!

Xiao Huaian: ...

Alright, alright, alright.

I deserve it!

The civil and military officials met at the crossroads.

Regardless of whether they were enemies or not, they exchanged fist salutes and bows.

Except for two.

Gu Fuju and Wei Zhao.

One stood with an imposing presence.

The other sat, emanating an equally strong aura.

Gu Fuju withdrew his gaze from Wei Zhao and proceeded towards the execution site. He walked unhurriedly, each step steady and powerful, showcasing the refined qualities of a scholar despite his age.

As he approached, he slightly bowed to Ying Changyi, feigning ignorance, "Why is the Princess here?"

He Xuran, at his side, replied, "The Grand Tutor might not know, but it was a last-minute decision by the Emperor to have the Princess attend the ceremony."

In significant occasions, he refrained from addressing him as brother-in-law.

The comment was tactful.

It was apparent that Ying Changyi had petitioned for the Zhou Family, displeasing Emperor Ying.

She was not brought to cause a scene.

Her high status as the daughter of the Empress was no more.

Gu Fuju, now understanding, nodded, "It is human nature to harbor grievances. The Princess should empathize with their loss of close kin."

"The downfall of the Zhou Family is due to their many sins. As we send them off on this last journey, the Princess mustn’t repeat the same follies."

He smiled gently, "You are a young lady; when the punishment takes place, stand back a little to avoid any blood, lest it haunts your dreams later."

As he spoke, Chi Yu took over Duke Zhongyong’s position and pushed Wei Zhao directly past the two to the viewing platform.

When Gu Fuju also prepared to leave, someone approached him.

"What’s going on?"

Duke Zhongyong remarked, "You and Gui Zhi aren’t like a stranger-in-law relationship at all. How can you not be as close as I am with him?"

Gu Fuju chose to ignore him.

Duke Zhongyong chuckled, "At this age, why not bow your head a bit, befriend him, make him happy, let him speak to Tingwan; she might soften her stance and call you father."