Chapter 1230

First Volume, Chapter 1230: Execution on the Spot

In an instant, the entire street erupted into chaos; the crowd first froze in terror, then scrambled backward in unison.

The three women before them held such high status and rank that it exceeded the limits of their understanding.

In the minds of the people of Cao Yun County, a clan like the Liu Family was already heaven itself—but compared to these three women, the Liu Family was no more than ants.

"Heaven! That woman is… Qin Feng's wife?!"

"Who is Qin Feng? Is he well-connected?"

"You fool, how can you be so ignorant? You don't even know who Qin Feng is? Haven't you heard of Liang's victory over the Northern Di?"

"Of course I know about the National War."

"Then that's it—the National War between Liang and the Northern Di was won by Qin Feng, who led the Northern Border Army to crush the invaders."

"Now, Qin Feng is the Tianlu Marquis, elevated to the title of Qin Feng's Army!"

"Prince? So this woman is an Imperial Consort?"

"But then again, Liang has countless princes. Qin Feng doesn't even bear the Li surname—he's merely an outsider prince, while the Liu Family supports Imperial Consort Yi. Why would an outsider prince make the Liu Family so fearful?"

"Even if you're ignorant, there must be some limit! Are you saying you spend your days tilling fields and hear nothing beyond them?"

"Qin Feng isn't just any prince. His Northern Border is as wealthy as a nation—truly second only to the Emperor, above ten thousand others."

"To offend Qin Feng? Even the Crown Prince himself would pay a heavy price—not just the Liu Family."

As the heated discussion continued, everyone finally realized just how terrifying the identities of these three women were.

Their gazes shifted repeatedly, and they began retreating uncontrollably, terrified of being implicated and dying without a burial.

At this moment, Liu Tao's face turned ashen. He had not only offended these three powerful figures, but had openly declared his intent to seize Qin Feng's wife.

Qin Feng's wrath was unbearable—entire Liu Family would likely be destroyed along with him.

Seeing this, Gao Cheng feared the disaster would spread to the entire Cao Yun County and immediately pointed at Liu Tao, barking orders.

"You wretched creature! Kneel down and beg forgiveness from these three noble ladies at once!"

Liu Tao finally snapped out of his daze. He dared not hesitate a moment—he dropped to his knees and banged his head against the ground like a pestle pounding rice before Xie Yun'er and the other two women.

"Please, Imperial Consort, Qiyang Commandery Princess, Second Miss—spare my life! Treat me like a fart and let me go!"

"I dare not commit another wicked deed, not even if you kill me."

"I'll learn from this one lesson."

Nearby, Wang Li, as if he'd lost his soul, collapsed before Xie Yun'er, wailing uncontrollably.

"I dare not do it again! Please, Imperial Consort, calm your anger!"

The young master who had been arrogant and domineering just moments ago now trembled violently, shrieking like a stray dog with its tail stepped on.

Had Xie Yun'er's old nature remained, she would have said nothing—just cut them down immediately.

But now she was Imperial Consort, representing Qin Feng. She had to not only solidify her authority but also make every soul daring to challenge the Qin Family pay with blood.

Looking at the two groveling men, Xie Yun'er let out a cold hum: "Even if I were to spare you, the Prince would surely send men to Cao Yun County to cut off your heads and display them publicly."

"Since the outcome is already sealed, why should I make the Prince go through the trouble again?"

"Guards! Take these two villains who prey on women and terrorize the region—and execute them on the spot. Display their heads at the City Gate!"

"So that other noble heirs may be warned: dare to harm your neighbors again, and this will be your fate."

The Tianji Camp Guards needed no second order—they surged forward, ignoring Liu Tao and Wang Li's screams, kicked them to the ground, seized them by the collars, and dragged them out of Xianglai Yizhan.

The screams lasted only a moment—just a few breaths later, they ceased abruptly.

Liu Tao and Wang Li were beheaded in the street.

The onlookers turned deathly pale.

Especially the pear seller standing among the crowd—he had assumed these three women, targeted by Liu Tao and Wang Li, were doomed.

Yet… the outcome was the exact opposite.

The pear seller's shock was beyond words. Recalling how the three women had politely asked him for local information, and even given him one liang of silver before leaving, his fear instantly turned to exhilaration.

Overcome with excitement, his entire body trembled—outsiders, seeing this, thought he had been frightened into madness.

Gao Cheng, who had witnessed the entire scene, had expected these two to meet a bad end—but never imagined they'd be beheaded in broad daylight, their corpses hung on the City Wall for display.

This was the fate of offending someone close to Qin Feng.

And thank heaven it was someone close—if Qin Feng himself had been offended, the entire Cao Yun County might have been turned upside down.

Just as Gao Cheng was silently stunned, Xie Yun'er's gaze flickered toward him.

Gao Cheng froze—daring not to delay, he immediately bowed low: "Please, Imperial Consort, calm your wrath. These two dogs got what they deserved—they're not worth sparing!"

Xie Yun'er studied Gao Cheng with interest and smiled lightly: "On the way here to the post station, I heard you too often abducted innocent women."

Gao Cheng's face turned ashen—he dropped to his knees with a thud.

"Please, Imperial Consort, see clearly—I am no ally of Liu Tao and Wang Li."

The townsfolk whom Gao Cheng had once saved, fearing he'd be implicated, gathered courage and stepped forward to speak up.

"Imperial Consort, don't kill an innocent man! Gao Young Master is nothing like Liu Tao!"

"Gao Young Master only pretended to compete with Liu and Wang for women to avoid offending their families—he always released them afterward. All the people of Cao Yun County know Gao Young Master is good."

"My own daughter nearly got taken by Wang Li—only Gao Young Master intervened to save her."

Learning the truth, the killing intent in Xie Yun'er's eyes faded.

"So that's how it is. Rise. I represent the Prince of Qin—I will not kill the innocent and tarnish the Prince's reputation."

Hearing this, Gao Cheng exhaled in relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Xie Yun'er asked casually: "Besides Liu Tao and Wang Li, are there others like them in Cao Yun County? You must tell the truth."

"If you try to shield those scoundrels, don't say I didn't warn you what will happen."

Gao Cheng's back was already soaked in cold sweat—he replied nervously: "Besides Liu Tao and Wang Li, only Zhou Peng remains."

Xie Yun'er nodded but did not respond immediately; instead, she looked toward the crowd gathered outside the door.

"Is what Young Master Gao says true? Is Zhou Peng also a scourge who oppresses men and exploits women?"

At the mention of Zhou Peng, the crowd erupted in righteous fury, longing to flay him alive and strip his bones.