Chapter 166: Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) the Longyuan Governor for Six Days

The noble lady's face showed a surprised expression, "He Wan County, including the county magistrate, has been severely punished all the way down; isn't that an explanation?"

That's not enough.

If we also dismiss the Longyuan Governor, that should be enough.

Is that enough?

Xiao Qidi's gaze, clouded with gloom, stared at the noble lady, making her heart crawl.

The noble lady looked at the Censor-in-Chief kneeling beside her, steeled herself, and said, "If His Majesty still thinks it's insufficient… then punish Lord Xue. He appoints the governor, and he is his direct subordinate; if the governor errs, he bears responsibility as well. It's reasonable, and the people will surely be satisfied."

Lord Xue lowered his head, wanting to cry but without tears.

Was it not years ago that he only appointed the man surnamed You as Longyuan Governor because of private requests from these Xiao clan nobles?

Later, even if he learned of Governor Qian's messy affairs in Longyuan, all he could do was turn a blind eye; what else could he do?

As Daxuan's Censor-in-Chief, ordinary nobles are not frightening, but they are royalty; even with the boldness of a bear's heart and a leopard's gall, he cannot offend them!

As for Duan Wu's recent accusation that he profited through the Longyuan Governor, he also has no words to complain.

There's no benefit at all!

Except for sending him a few pieces of He Wan County's specialty coal jade each year, there's nothing else.

He doesn't even know how much of the people's wealth Governor Qian actually extorted, let alone how much went into the storerooms of these Xiao clan nobles.

He has no right to inquire, and no courage to inquire!

Now that trouble has arisen, he is being pushed forward without hesitation to bear the blame!

"Lord Xue, do you understand your crime?" Xiao Qidi asked.

"Minister… Minister…" Lord Xue's forehead pressed against the blood‑soaked ground, "I know my crime, I am willing… to accept any punishment."

Seeing his attitude, the noble lady breathed a sigh of relief.

Although she felt a bit regretful, at least there is someone of sufficient stature to take the fall; Xiao Qidi, both in feeling and reason, should not pursue anything further.

Xiao Qidi lowered his head, looking at the Censor-in-Chief lying on the ground, his gaze dark as an abyss.

Had this incident not occurred, Lord Xue would have been the unequivocal successor to the Prime Minister's post.

His ability to assist in state affairs is no worse than Si Tu Wei's, and unlike Si Tu Wei, he does not court factions; he was a rare neutral party during the previous power struggle between the Empress Dowager and Si Tu Wei.

"If I wanted your life?" Xiao Qidi said coldly.

Lord Xue, in despair, closed his eyes, "The criminal minister's life belongs to His Majesty; if His Majesty wants me dead, I… have no choice but to die."

Xiao Qidi added, "Then, if it's five‑horse dismemberment, or a waist cut, or even Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts), would you still accept?"

Lord Xue shivered all over, his eyes snapping open, staring at the blood‑stained earth near his nose; after a long pause he gritted his back teeth and said, "I… I deserve the crime; even a thousand cuts… death is not a loss, but I earnestly beg His Majesty, spare… spare my family…"

"Before you die, is there anything you wish to explain? Perhaps it could lessen your punishment," Xiao Qidi said meaningfully.

The noble lady and the others instantly grew tense again.

Lord Xue slowly exhaled a foul breath, "Returning to His Majesty, I… have nothing left to explain."

Having said that, he mocked himself inwardly.

What else to explain?

His Majesty saw it all with his own eyes, didn't he?

After all, it's a whole family; even in front of the masses, His Majesty will still fiercely protect the royal kin.

I have no choice but to be a scapegoat, to settle the commoners' anger…

"Lord Xue does indeed dare to act and accept," the noble lady's face relaxed into a smile again, "His Majesty, since he offers no desperate defense, let him die swiftly. I heard his family consists of only a mother, a wife, and a daughter, and they have lived in modest poverty; in my view, there's truly no need for collective execution."

Lord Xue only felt his heart as if pierced and shattered by a knife, pain indescribable, yet he still had to thank her, uttering a few words of gratitude for her mercy.

The noble lady, after listening, smiled, "You're quite sensible; set your mind at ease. Considering your past diligent service to Daxuan, the Daxuan royal family will not let your mother, wife, and daughter become street‑wanderers."

Lord Xue's spine instantly went cold; though the words seemed benevolent, they were actually a threat using his family's lives to ensure he would not renege.

"Attendants," Xiao Qidi said calmly, "Strip the Censor-in-Chief of his hat and robe, and imprison him in the County Office cell."

Duan Wu immediately ordered his soldiers to drag Lord Xue down, and a dozen attendants were also locked inside the County Office.

The noble lady's uneasy heart settled back, and she furtively glanced at the Longyuan Governor kneeling at the corner of the Trial Platform, sighing silently.

Clearly, he cannot be saved today.

This source of income is cut off from now on; they'll have to find someone else, and also pacify their maternal relatives— the more they think, the more troubled they become.

"His Majesty, we shall return first," the noble lady, absent‑minded, bowed, "so as not to disturb your investigation."

Having said that, she and the others prepared to board the carriage and left.

"Hold on," Xiao Qidi's mouth twitched slightly, "Since you're here, why not watch how I judge the Longyuan Governor?"

The noble lady forced a smile, "That… isn't very appropriate…"

"General Duan, bring several more chairs," Xiao Qidi gave her no chance to refuse, gesturing toward the Trial Platform, "You are all invited."

The few exchanged glances, helplessly stepping onto the platform.

Then, Xiao Qidi sat behind the trial desk, Duan Wu and over ten Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Army soldiers stood in the back row, and several Xiao clan nobles sat on either side.

At this moment it was high noon, the scorching sun blazing.

The Trial Platform offered no shade, baking the nobles so that they shook their heads.

Xiao Qidi cast them a sidelong glance, murmuring, "Can't stand this?"

The noble lady shielded the sunlight with her hand, complaining, "We have never endured such hardship before, so of course it's uncomfortable."

"Aunt, look at those common folk," Xiao Qidi's voice low, "Which of them has not spent a lifetime under wind and sun?"

The noble lady's face showed disdain, "His Majesty would compare them with us Xiao clan nobles?"

"Aunt, do you know that just the set of clothes you wear could feed an ordinary family for a year?"

"So what? We are nobles."

"Ha, what a noble…"

"Your Majesty," the noble lady frowned, "the common folk are nothing but cattle, horses and ants; they were born to be driven by us nobles. Without Daxuan, where would they come from? If they can provide value to the Daxuan kingly nobles, that is their honor. Why do I feel that Your Majesty seems to pity them?"

Xiao Qidi had already harbored murderous intent deep in his heart, but it did not show on his face, and he gave no answer to his aunt's words, instead immediately announcing to the people how the Longyuan Governor would be executed.

"Longyuan Governor, his crimes are boundless; not killing him would not appease the people's anger, and not imposing the ultimate penalty would fail to deter others. I now sentence him to death by Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts)."

Hearing the verdict, the people were stirred inside, but because the monarch was present, they dared not cheer as they had before.

You showed no reaction, kneeling in the corner like a living corpse.

Several members of the Xiao clan wore displeased expressions.

Especially Xiao Qidi's aunt hurriedly spoke, "Your Majesty, he is a member of my maternal family, more or less a relative of yours… Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) may be too severe; please reconsider."

Xiao Qidi chuckled lightly, "Is that so? Then I will think again."

The noble lady looked at him with hopeful eyes.

After a brief thought, he announced loudly, "Starting tomorrow, from He Wan County, the Longyuan Governor will be escorted sequentially to each county town; at each stop, a round of Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) will be performed, rotating the display, and finally returning to the most grievously afflicted He Wan County for execution!"

At his words, the people could not help but erupt in a clamor.

Several Xiao clan nobles were shocked, their hair standing on end.

The noble lady nearly fell from her chair, hurriedly saying to Xiao Qidi, "Your Majesty… this is too cruel! Longyuan has five counties; rotating the Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) display… doesn't that mean he'll be torn alive for five days before dying?!"

Xiao Qidi's smile carried endless chill, "Aunt, you miscalculated; from He Wan County back to He Wan County should be six days."

"Ah! This… this this this…" the noble lady's flower‑like face turned pale.

Xiao Qidi said, "Beyond that, I will also send men to uproot his co‑conspirators in the other counties of Longyuan; if they have committed offenses like those of the He Wan County Magistrate, the local officials will also be subjected to Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts), and those Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) victims will have their bones crushed and ashes scattered after death."

Several Xiao clan nobles were bewildered.

Even though the sun shone brightly, they felt as if they had fallen into an ice cellar, a bone‑piercing chill spreading through their bodies.

The noble lady could not endure the shock, covering her abdomen and dry‑vomiting.

"Your Majesty… I… I feel unwell," the noble lady said, covering her mouth corner with a handkerchief, trembling, "Please grant me permission to… leave first…"

The others, seeing this, rose and helped her.

They all thought of escaping this place of trouble as quickly as possible.

Yet before they could take a step, a line of Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Army soldiers blocked them.

Several of them were stunned.

The noble lady shouted angrily, "What does that mean, you even dare to block my way? To be so brazen in front of Your Majesty!"

Xiao Qidi sneered coldly, "It is my intention; since you have come, none of you may leave."

"Your Majesty… you…" the noble lady was dumbfounded, "Are you planning to strike us?"

"Surprised?" Xiao Qidi's eyes flashed with murderous intent, "Did you really think I would let you go?"

"I… I am your aunt! These few are your uncles!" the noble lady said, both hurried and angry.

"Of the hall." Xiao Qidi corrected, emphasizing.

"Xiao Qidi!" the noble lady went completely frantic, "You would kill even your own kin? Aren't you afraid that future generations will call you a cold‑blooded tyrant who does not recognize six relations!"

"If it can bring the world's people peace and stability, I do not mind killing people like you cleanly; even if future generations label me cold‑blooded and cruel, so what?" Xiao Qidi waved coldly, "Put these few into the cells!"

"Yes!" Duan Wu replied, and with his soldiers began to act.

Several paternal uncles knelt, begging for mercy; the noble lady wailed and caused a scene, completely shedding the lofty aristocratic demeanor of old.

But no matter how they struggled, it was useless; each was bound by the Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Army and dragged away.

This handling left countless onlookers gaping in astonishment.

The present King of Daxuan executed the criminal county magistrate and Longyuan Governor, and also dealt with a Grand Minister of the Imperial Censorate, a high‑ranking court official, which exceeded expectations.

Never could anyone have imagined that even nobles of the royal house would be dealt with by him!

From ancient times to the present, fratricidal power struggles among royal families have been common, yet no king has ever been seen killing his own relatives and nobles for the sake of the people.

Such an unprecedented act will surely cause a storm in Daxuan! The other kingdoms will likely be greatly shocked as well!

"Your Majesty… long live Your Majesty!" someone in the crowd, with a sobbing voice, shouted loudly.

In an instant, the crowd roared, and the people all shouted in unison.

"Your Majesty, long live!"

"Ten thousand years!"

The shouts rose like waves, each louder than the last.

The crowd also all knelt, repeatedly bowing and shouting.

Xiao Qidi's hard cheek softened at that moment; he repeatedly ordered the people to straighten up, but his voice was drowned by the people's heartfelt shouts…

……

The next morning.

The He Wan County Magistrate and the Longyuan Governor were escorted to the execution ground.

Several soldiers selected from the Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Army were tasked with the execution, and a few physicians with medical kits waited nearby.

According to Your Majesty's orders, the two must endure countless cuts before they can die, so the execution must ensure they remain alive throughout.

The execution ground was surrounded by a sea of people.

Xiao Qidi's aunt, uncles and others had already donned prison garb, and were placed at the front by the soldiers so they could all see clearly.

With a command from Duan Wu, the execution soldiers began to act.

The He Wan County Magistrate and the Longyuan Governor's heart‑rending screams echoed across the sky.

The people clapped and cheered; several Xiao clan nobles were so frightened they wet themselves on the spot, some even fainted.

Two hours later, the magistrate and governor bound to the pillars had become bloodied corpses, their thin, cicada‑wing‑like skin and fresh blood mixing on the ground into mud.

The physicians immediately poured medicine into their mouths and gave the wounds a quick cleaning.

In comparison, the magistrate's condition was even more tragic, because he only needed to undergo Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) in He Wan County, so the flesh was cut off much faster.

And the Longyuan Governor still has to be taken to several other counties for sequential display, so the slicing must be slower.

After a brief pause, the Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) resumed.

By the time the sun set, the He Wan County Magistrate had been whittled by Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) into a skeletal frame, and only then was his exposed heart pierced by a single blade, ending his life.

The Longyuan Governor's first round of Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) public display ended there; he was carried off by the troops and dispatched overnight to the next county.

A few days slipped by.

When the Longyuan Governor was brought back, he was already in a state much like the He Wan County Magistrate's moments before death; after undergoing a final round of Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) lasting four hours at this execution ground, he was finally freed.

Sending him to other counties of Longyuan Commandery for Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) display served as a powerful deterrent; the Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Army execution squad that Xiao Qidi had organized also seized the opportunity to root out the troublesome local officials in those counties, bringing them to He Wan County for joint trial and processing.

Having observed Duan Wu's performance these past days, Xiao Qidi discovered his talent for handling administrative matters and therefore transferred all subsequent authority concerning the Longyuan Governor case to him.

Inside the County Office study, Duan Wu was so busy his head swam and his eyes blurred.

"General Duan, it's time for lunch," someone said, entering with a plate of food.

Duan Wu didn't even look up, "Leave it, I'll eat in a moment."

"General Duan, have you now abandoned the sword for the pen?" the newcomer laughed, teasing.

"Don't mention it—His Majesty suddenly forced a man of swords, spears and clubs like me to become someone clutching a pen; at this rate, I might as well become a civil official!"

"Such a lot of resentment?" the other replied, with an even broader smile.

"Hmph!" Duan Wu snapped, "I now feel like throwing this whole stack of bamboo slips at His Majesty's head!"

After uttering that, Duan Wu realized his misstep and tried to ignore the food‑bringer, but the instant he looked up and saw the other's face, he gasped, "Ah! Why is it you?!"