Chapter 34 (1/2)
Chapter 34
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
”Jiu You is a sacred place within Zhen Huang. Prince Yan, if you do not state your intentions in coming to this place, you cannot enter, even if you are the execution official. I'll ask you one more time. Prince Yan, are you here to identify the criminals?”
The flags flew in the air above. The atmosphere was dead silent below. The young man, with a cold look in his eyes, brushed his hand over his lips heavily, declaring deeply, ”Scram!”
With another sound of thunder, followed by a deafening thud, Yan Xun was knocked off the stage again!
”Yan Xun!” Chu Qiao could not contain herself anymore. She shouted, ”You idiot! Are you trying to court death? Come back!”
He could not hear any more sounds despite the roars reverberating around his ears. His eyes were red and swollen, his face full of cuts inflicted by dust and sand. His hands were soaked in blood, as if he had just bathed in blood. His chest injuries were so severe, similar to the impact made by a giant stone. It was as if someone was calling out to him, but he was unable to hear anything. Only the sounds of Yan Bei remained in his mind. He seemingly heard his father's carefree laugh, his elder brother's endless nagging, his third brother and second sister chasing after him with a whip, his uncle playing music from Yan Bei, and his father's subordinates, who had carried him on his shoulders to simulate horse riding since he was young.
However, they were floating away into the distance, their faces indistinguishable. The sky was pitch-black, and many cold, monotone voices were calling out to him in his mind. They were saying, ”Yan Xun. Stand up. Stand up. Stand up, just like how a man from Yan Bei would.”
Everyone's eyes widened, looking at the young man—the esteemed noble in the past—who was drenched in blood. He slowly got to his feet, standing in his pool of blood. Step by step, he left his bloodied footprints on the black steps. The reflection was blinding.
The general frowned. He stared at the young man who staggered up the stage, not knowing what to say. His only action was to kick him off the platform at the last moment.
Amongst the crowd, soft sobbing started to echo out. The crying sounds among the impoverished civilians gradually became louder. These lowly people stared at the square, unable to suppress the grief in their hearts. After all, he was still a child. The nobles stiffened their lips. They were also slightly moved by this scene.
The cold wind raged on. The young man could no longer stand up. The First Marshal of the royal empire, Meng Tian, was a divine exponent who possessed superhuman strength. He once took on an army of over 200 people on the highlands of the Western desert and prevailed. Being struck by him was akin to a quick death. However, no one knew what kind of force was supporting the young man. Using his blood-stained fingers as a support, he slowly made his way back up the platform.
After delivering one final kick to Yan Xun, the general frowned and ordered the guards beside him, ”There's no need to carry on the identification. Capture him and carry out the execution!”
”General Meng Tian!” Wei Jing frowned. He stood up and replied, ”I'm afraid that this is not in accordance with the rules. The order from Sheng Jin Palace was for him to identify the corpses. How could you treat this so lightly?”
Meng Tian frowned and turned back, looking at this young leader from the Wei Clan. He pointed to Yan Xun and retorted, ”Do you think he can still follow the decree given his state?”
Nobody wanted him to follow the decree. Sheng Jin Palace was just looking for a suitable reason to eradicate him. With the fall of the Northwestern Pass, the royal empire and the the Grand Elder's Council would pin the blame on the king of Yan Bei, thus exterminating his entire family. He was the only member of the family still living.
Yan Xun, having lived in the capital for many years, did not get himself involved in these matters and was not able to be implicated. With the demise of Yan Shicheng, Yan Xun would rightfully be the next ruler. However, how could the royal empire take the risk and release this imbecile? Hence, they had set this trap for him. If he did not follow the royal decree, he would be perceived as a defiant traitor who was not loyal. If he obliged, he would be viewed as a coward, an unfilial son. No matter what, it was a situation of certain death for him.
This move by the royal empire was but to answer to the civilians and various feudal lords—to keep them quiet. Who would not know their intentions?
However, this reason could not be verbalized in broad daylight. Wei Jing, visibly enraged, looked at Yan Xun and remarked coldly, ”General Meng, by doing this, aren't you afraid of incurring the wrath of the Emperor and the the Grand Elder's Council?”
”I'll take responsibility for everything that happens. You do not need to worry.” Meng Tian turned around and looked at the subdued child. He sighed and turned back, continuing with the execution.
In that instant, an old voice suddenly echoed. Huang Qizheng, the assistant execution official, slowly made his way to the front. Half squinting, he spoke gently, ”General Meng, as per Elder Muhe's orders, here is a letter for you, if things do not proceed as planned.”