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The Emperor sat on the imposing Golden Throne Hall, surrounded by ministers who respectfully reported various state affairs. When the evidence regarding the Jiang family's crimes was presented before him, the Emperor's previously calm expression changed dramatically. He slammed his hand against the intricately carved armrest of the dragon throne, producing a dull thud, and stood up, his dragon robe swaying slightly with the movement. His eyes were filled with fury and authority, as if ablaze with fire. "How outrageous! The Jiang family has dared to commit such heinous crimes!" His voice echoed like a bell throughout the court, sending a shiver through the hearts of the ministers present.
A sudden silence fell over the court, as if the air itself had frozen. The ministers lowered their heads, afraid to speak; some even broke out in a fine sweat, fearing that this wrath might turn upon them. They knew well that the Emperor's anger had reached its peak, and any small movement could provoke his displeasure.
Suppressing his fury, the Emperor immediately ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. His voice was cold and resolute, as if squeezed out from between clenched teeth: "Convey my decree! Command the Imperial Guard to mobilize immediately to the Jiang Residence to apprehend Father Jiang. We must uncover the truth behind this matter!" Upon receiving their orders, the Imperial Guard quickly assembled and set off, their horses' hooves echoing urgently on the stone streets of the capital, raising clouds of dust.
At that moment, Father Jiang was in his residence discussing how to deal with recent unfavorable rumors with his confidants. Sitting in his study's grand chair, he furrowed his brow and toyed with a jade pendant in an attempt to ease his inner anxiety. He still harbored some hope, believing that the web of connections he had built over many years was unbreakable and that his plans were flawless; those secrets were deeply buried and would not be easily discovered. However, when the Imperial Guard surged into the Jiang Residence and surrounded his study, Father Jiang's face turned pale as death, devoid of color. The jade pendant slipped from his hand with a sharp crack as it shattered into two pieces upon hitting the ground. His legs weakened, nearly giving way beneath him; his hands trembled involuntarily, yet he forced himself to appear calm and asked hoarsely, "What is the meaning of this? Why have you intruded into my Jiang Residence?"
The leader of the Imperial Guard stood before him expressionless, eyes cold as ice, loudly proclaiming the Emperor's decree: "Lord Jiang, you are accused of treason, forming factions for personal gain, embezzlement and bribery among numerous other crimes. His Majesty has commanded your arrest!" Each word struck Father Jiang's heart like a heavy hammer. Upon hearing these charges, he realized all was lost; despair flickered in his eyes for a moment. Yet years in politics had honed his survival instincts; he attempted one last desperate defense: "I am a loyal minister of the court who has served diligently for many years! Someone must be envious of me and is deliberately framing me!" However, the Imperial Guard paid no heed to his excuses. They stepped forward and placed cold, heavy shackles around his neck before escorting him toward the palace.
In the court chamber, faced with irrefutable evidence, Father Jiang found himself utterly defenseless. Those letters he had carefully concealed—considered secrets—clearly documented his collusion with rebel organizations; detailed accounts in ledgers laid bare every instance of embezzlement and bribery before him. Witnesses testified against him—some former subordinates he had oppressed and others who were privy to inside information. Each piece of evidence struck like a dagger against his lies, exposing his crimes for all to see.
Seeing that things were turning against them, Father Jiang's allies began to turn on him as well. Those who had once conspired with him without hesitation now sought self-preservation by revealing all of Father Jiang's misdeeds in tearful detail to plead for leniency from the Emperor, completely disregarding their past loyalties.
It turned out that over these years, Father Jiang had not only participated in treasonous plots aimed at overthrowing the court but also formed factions within it to expand his influence by manipulating official appointments. He secretly courted greedy and weak-willed officials to form a vast interest group that exerted influence over court decisions for personal gain. He abused his power for embezzlement and bribery, pocketing vast sums of money meant for public works such as repairing waterways, aiding disaster victims, and promoting education—funds that were instead diverted for personal use—leading to many public projects being stalled due to lack of funds while common people suffered greatly.
Recognizing that the Jiang family had once contributed some merit to the court, the Emperor spared them from total annihilation but deemed Father Jiang's crimes unforgivable. He was sentenced to execution as a warning to others. On execution day, citizens flocked to the streets early; crowds buzzed with chatter. They had long harbored deep resentment towards Father Jiang’s crimes and wished to witness justice served upon this villain responsible for their suffering.
Father Jiang was brought to the execution ground dressed in tattered prison garb; his hair hung disheveled over his shoulders while his gaze was hollow and vacant as if his soul had already departed. The once-mighty Lord Jiang who commanded respect in court now stood as a condemned prisoner awaiting death. His steps faltered under escort from executioners as he approached the platform.
Jiang Lian'er stood among the crowd watching her father on stage with mixed emotions swirling within her heart. Memories flooded back—years of suffering at home under oppression from figures like Wang and others; thoughts of her mother's early death brought tears to her eyes. She felt both sorrow and anger at her father's actions while mourning their family's fate. Yet she understood that this was Father Jiang’s own doing; only by punishing wrongdoers could justice be restored.
As the executioner raised his gleaming blade high under sunlight before bringing it down swiftly, Father Jiang’s head rolled away while blood gushed forth. This harrowing event finally came to an end. Taking a deep breath, Jiang Lian'er realized her life was about to begin anew; she would shoulder greater responsibilities—for herself, for her family name, and for this nation—to strive towards creating a better future.
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