Chapter 432: The Dragon-Slaying Platform
After changing into a new set of clothes, Xu Ming followed Emperor Wu out. Xu Ming vaguely guessed what Emperor Wu meant by giving him several heads as gifts. It was very likely that these heads referred to those who had previously framed him and were now captured, just waiting for his return to execute them.
When Xu Ming followed Emperor Wu to the execution platform on the west side of the Wu Kingdom Imperial Palace, he squinted at the people tied up with their heads on the chopping blocks. He was somewhat surprised.
The execution platform on the west side of the Wu Kingdom Imperial Palace was specifically used for executing nobles. This platform was named the “Dragon-Slaying Platform.”
“Dragon-slaying” was originally an unlucky term since Emperor Wu himself was a “dragon,” and it made no sense for him to slay himself. However, it was said that upon ascending the throne, Emperor Wu named this place the “Dragon-Slaying Platform” as part of his policies. He even declared, “Here we slay tyrants above and corrupt officials below! If I do wrong, I will personally wash my neck and come before this Dragon-Slaying Platform!”
But how many people really believed Emperor Wu? The background was that Emperor Wu had just ascended the throne without much support, unstable foundations, and fluctuating powers in the court. At that time, Emperor Wu needed to establish authority, so he said these words. If you truly believed Emperor Wu’s words, you’d be gravely mistaken. Before you could make Emperor Wu wash his neck and come to the Dragon-Slaying Platform, you’d probably end up there first.
However, after that declaration, the “Dragon-Slaying Platform” became a somewhat sacred place. Public approval for Emperor Wu also soared rapidly through this small act, establishing considerable prestige.
Speaking of the Dragon-Slaying Platform, anyone brought here carried significant weight. Ordinary officials weren’t worthy enough. For instance, the ones before Xu Ming were all high-ranking officials, including a prince whose robes featured a dragon with only one less claw than the emperor’s robe. According to Wu Kingdom regulations, he was one of the few “one-word shoulder princes.”
Xu Ming didn’t recognize him, but from the official attire, they were all at least second-rank ministers, and one was even a prince. Xu Ming had never met him and had no connection with him.
When these people saw Emperor Wu bring Xu Ming here, they all glared at Xu Ming angrily except for the one-word shoulder prince, who merely glanced at him indifferently.
“Do you know who these people are?” Emperor Wu smiled and asked Xu Ming.
“Your subject does not know,” Xu Ming deliberately feigned ignorance.
Emperor Wu knew he was pretending, so he directly revealed the answer: “These are the people who tried to harm you before. Now civil and military officials will arrive soon; let’s wait in that pavilion.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Xu Ming nodded and followed Emperor Wu to a pavilion beside the Dragon-Slaying Platform. Xu Ming suspected Emperor Wu usually watched executions from here, which was a kind of dark interest.
Soon, more and more officials gathered in the square below the Dragon-Slaying Platform. Civil and military officials stood respectfully like during court sessions, not daring to say a word, only occasionally glancing at the sinners on the Dragon-Slaying Platform before quickly retracting their gazes, fearing that looking too long might get them onto the platform themselves.
“Prince Qin has arrived!”
After all civil and military officials had gathered, a heroic female voice echoed among the officials. The carriage stopped, and maidservants respectfully placed the steps down as a heroic woman descended from the carriage.
Even though Xu Ming was familiar with her, seeing Princess Qin descend still made his eyes brighten.
“Prince Qin” naturally referred to Wu Yanhan.
Princess Qin’s official robes should have been complex and cumbersome, requiring many accessories, making normal people appear bloated when wearing them. However, Princess Qin’s robes were clearly modified for her. The traditional bulky robes turned into a long dress that reached just above her heels, not dragging on the ground. The tailored design accentuated her graceful curves and was cinched with a jade belt, highlighting her elegant posture.
A four-clawed dragon was embroidered on her long dress, similar to other one-word shoulder princes’ attire. The entire official outfit worn by the princess not only conveyed her authority but also perfectly highlighted her beauty, exuding an elegant charm.
Xu Ming didn’t know which master designed this improved outfit, but it must have taken considerable effort and planning. Xu Ming guessed Emperor Wu had already designed this outfit, waiting for his daughter to wear it upon being enfeoffed as a prince.
Wu Yanhan walked forward step by step. As she passed through the ministers, civil and military officials bowed their heads even lower, none daring to look her in the eye.
“When you return from the Northern Sea, I will give you an explanation.” Xu Ming recalled Wu Yanhan’s words when he was sent to the Northern Sea. Xu Ming guessed that during his absence, Wu Yanhan must have done something, leaving psychological scars on these civil and military officials.
“Let’s go down,” Emperor Wu patted Xu Ming’s shoulder.
“Yes,” Xu Ming bowed.
Following Emperor Wu off the high platform, everyone had already seen Emperor Wu, but only when he descended did the civil and military officials shout, “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! May the Emperor live ten thousand years!”
“My beloved ministers, please rise,” Emperor Wu gestured with a hand.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” the civil and military officials straightened up.
Emperor Wu scanned everyone and slowly spoke. His voice wasn’t loud but clearly reached everyone’s ears:
“Today, I’ve summoned all of you here, and surely you all know why! Prince Qi, Chen Lu, colluded with court officials, bribed cultivators, attempting to kill the Wu Kingdom’s Zhuangyuan Lang – Xu Ming! Such actions disregard the law! Heaven and earth are enraged! Fortunately, Prince Qin enforced justice impartially, working tirelessly day and night, thoroughly investigating the entire matter, capturing Prince Qi Chen Lu and his accomplices! On the Dragon-Slaying Platform, we slay tyrants above and corrupt officials below!
“Today, we shall give Zhuangyuan Lang Xu Ming justice! Do any of my beloved ministers have anything to say?”
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