Jennifer Williams
Stories
12
Chapters
3,221
Words
2.4 M
Comments
0
Reading
8 d, 6 h
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The courtyard teemed with bodies, and countless torches illuminated the black-armored soldiers, standing silently and still. The atmosphere was exceptionally oppressive. Lu Chengqing felt an enormous weight burdened him, and he struggled to look at Su Li before speaking. “Prince Yongle, I don’t understand what you’re insinuating. I have nothing to say if you’re determined to accuse the Lu Clan falsely.” Lu Chengqing clenched his teeth and continued, “The three of us might meet our end today.…-
8 •
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Late at night, in Wannian County, within Lu Chengqing’s residence, angry shouts periodically echoed. “Are you a fool? Why did you order an attack on Su Li’s son?” Lu Chengtai seethed, pointing accusingly at Lu Qiqing. Beside him, Lu Chengqing wore an equally grim expression. They had just learned of Lu Qiqing’s involvement in this matter earlier in the morning, and it had infuriated them both. Prominent aristocratic families could defy even the imperial family because they adhered to…
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8 •
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The night was dimly lit. At this late hour, when the streets of Zhuque were typically deserted, they were packed with people. More martial officers were gathered after the assassination attempt at the pastry shop. Before curfew, the son of Prince Yongle, the grandson of the Emperor, had been attacked. Regardless of the circumstances, the Golden Guardians couldn’t evade responsibility. Upon receiving the news, General Weichi Gong of the Golden Guardians was reportedly furious. He promptly ordered all the…
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8 •
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Five men approached Su Che with emotionless expressions inside the bakery, each wielding a steel knife. This was the first time Su Che had faced such a situation. Fear showed on his face, but strangely, an even more powerful sensation surged within him—an excitement that sent chills down his spine. His blood seemed to rush through his veins faster, and his senses became incredibly sharp. He could even hear the faint machinery noises from the back of the bakery—the sound of a crossbow being armed. The…
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8 •
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This investigation indeed revealed a significant number of problems. Many officers were found guilty of serious corruption. Who could have imagined that someone managing a granary’s supplies could embezzle over a hundred thousand catties of silver in just four years? Even within the court, seemingly clean institutions like the Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Agriculture were found to be sheltering numerous corrupt individuals. These individuals took advantage of their positions to accept substantial…
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8 •
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In Lu Chengqing’s opinion, seeking clemency through intermediaries represented the utmost sincerity from the Lu family of Fanyang. After all, Su Li’s reputation was currently at its peak. If the Tang Dynasty were a game, he had already accomplished nearly all the attainable achievements. Now, only when all the five surnames and seven influential families humbled themselves before him would he truly view it as a complete victory. Lu Chengqing personally bestowed this reputation upon Su Li, hoping he…
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8 •
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Thirty minutes later, the grand hall of the imperial palace was teeming with courtiers. Each courtier wore a rosy complexion in past court sessions, but today was different. Many of the present courtiers had allied with Li Er during his ascent to power, creating a relatively relaxed atmosphere. However, their expressions were now worn, as if they had endured sleepless nights and exhausting labor. Li Er glanced at them and summoned an internal court messenger. “Any absentees today?” Li Er inquired…
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8 •
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The severed head lay on the ground, his eyes reflecting an unmistakable look of shock. This gruesome scene stirred up commotion among the workers in the factory. Su Li gripped a blood-soaked longsword in his hand, casting a cold gaze upon the lifeless head of Lu Yang, which still bore a vacant expression. His face remained emotionless as he signaled to the subordinates waiting outside. In an instant, a swarm of people rushed in. Moments earlier, they had identified the foremen hidden within the crowd,…
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In the dead of night, at the base of Mount Zhongnan, nearly a hundred miles away from Changan, there stood a factory. The loud noises emanating from it occasionally startled the nearby birds and sparrows. Lu Yang surveyed the factory from a high vantage point in a pavilion halfway up the mountain. He served as the chief overseer of all the factories the Lu clan of Fanyang in Changan owned. Lu Yang’s ancestors had served the Lu clan as commoners, but by his grandfather’s time, they had been…
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Inside the room, a pleasant aroma wafted through the air. Lu Chengqing placed his teacup down and calmly stated, “I believe you all grasp the purpose for which I’ve gathered you here today.” Cui Shu sneered, “Su Li’s decree only limits us. However, if the laborers willingly come to work, what concern is it of ours?” Lu Chengtai added, “Indeed! Gentlemen, the Lu family of Fanyang has already given the order to inform the overseers that any worker unwilling to work overtime will be let…
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