Chapter 28 - Dismemberment

The day that Wu Zhang Wei had waited so long, has come. The day when he finally gets to remove one of the ladders that can help Lord Yu Chenyi to widen his influence and climb to the top. Zhang Wei never afraid of Lord Yu Chenyi but he doesn't want to cause any harm to his people.

If Lord Yu Chenyi decided to ask for help from the South Kingdom, there will be a lot of death and losses that his people have to suffer. While suppressing Lord Yu's power, Zhang Wei gave Huang Fei Hong time to increase the number of his army. Honed their skills and trained them to be merciless killers.

Yesterday in the morning, Momo had been brought to the main hall and she was given a strong poison. Momo knows that there's nothing that can save her life so she took the poison without much trouble. A minute after the poison flowed down her throat, she started to tremble and then she spits out a mouthful of blood.

Next, during the afternoon, Yu Li Na was led in shackles and cangue, parading around the city. When the guard shouting her crimes, all the people keep throwing eggs, vegetables, or whatever their hands could reach. Yu Li Na's furious eyes didn't affect them and it only makes them cursed her more.

So today, early in the morning, all the ministers, officers, and even normal citizens are allowed to come to the field. Actually, this field is the training ground for the imperial army but it is also used for a certain occasion.

Many people came to witness the punishment that was rarely being sentenced to an offender. But if it was carried out, it means the crime is not a light one.

As it won't take too much time, Zhang Wei preferred to stand under a tent. On his left, Wu Jiaying and Wu Xiaoqing stand together. On his right and slightly behind, Li Xiu Ying was forced to stand there. Wen Qian didn't come in excuse of still in treatment but actually, she didn't dare to watch a bloody scene.

The presence of Xiu Ying near Zhang Wei brings much questions to the people. They're wondering who is the beautiful person near the emperor. But most of them guessed he might be the most favored consort. Some people who had seen Xiu Ying when he returned home were surprised that he's actually related to the royal family.

When Yu Li Na was dragged into the middle of the field, people start murmuring. They look at her in disgust and Lord Yu also didn't escape from their judgments but the latter ignored them all. Hands on the back and poker face, no one would have thought he's planning to destroy someone.

Back to the middle of the field, Yu Li Na was laid on the ground. Each of her hands and legs was tied to a chariot. Her tears start to fall down but her hatred towards Xiu Ying only increases and she didn't reflect on what she did despite her current condition.

As soon as the plate that has Yu Li Na's name written on it was thrown onto the ground, the execution started. The guards who driven the chariots started to pull the rein and horses started to move.

Yu Li Na's arms and limbs immediately being stretched. It was a slow and extremely painful way of execution. Loud screams and shrill voices can be heard by all the people present in the field. Warm blood gushes out when one by one, her arm and limb start to tear apart. The blood splattered all over the sandy ground.

Most people lower their heads, didn't dare to watch such a gore scene in front of them. Wu Zhang Wei didn't avert his eyes and watch in satisfaction. But then, he noticed Xiu Ying shuts his eyes tight and frowns. Pulling by the waist and reducing the distance between them, now Xiu Ying is embraced in Zhang Wei's arms. He gently pushes Xiu Ying's head onto his chest as not to let him see the brutal way of death.

The last scream before Yu Li Na finally lays on the ground armless and limbless makes Xiu Ying flinches and he unintentionally clutches on Zhang Wei's robe. The latter pulls him closer and gently pats his back.

Zhang Wei smirks when he saw the pathetic sight of the dead woman. He glances at Lord Yu and sending a message through his glares, 'That's what you got if you dare to mess with me.'

Lord Yu clenches his fist.

Not wanting to stay longer, Zhang Wei intertwines his fingers with Xiu Ying's and drags him to his chamber. Xiu Ying who is still lost in his thought obediently followed. Once they're alone in the chamber, Zhang Wei sits on the bed and pulls Xiu Ying to sit on his lap. "Are you okay?" Xiu Ying's pale complexion worries him.

Suddenly recollecting the screams and blood, Xiu Ying puts his palm over his mouth. The wave of nausea hits him but he is forced to hold it. Zhang Wei keeps patting his back and wipes off the cold sweat all over his forehead.

Zhang Wei calls Jing Yi who is standing outside. When Jing Yi entered the chamber, he was shocked by the weak state of Xiu Ying, sitting on the emperor's lap, leans his head on the shoulder and the emperor's hands wrapping around Xiu Ying.

He quickly lowers his head, pretends to see nothing.

"Quick. Bring something to ease the nauseousness." Zhang Wei ordered but his eyes still looking at the fragile figure in his arms.

In a flash, Jing Yi returns with ginger and chamomile tea. Wu Zhang Wei took the tea from Jing Yi and bring it to Xiu Ying's mouth, feeding him. Zhang Wei returns the emptied cup to Jing Yi then he waves his hand, ordering Jing Yi to leave the room.

Letting his male consort sleep on his shoulder, Zhang Wei feels contented when Xiu Ying depends on him like this. When he senses that Xiu Ying has dozed off, he carries him in a bridal style and tucks in under the quilt. Gently caressing the flawless face, Zhang Wei smiles. Then, he walks out of the room, to meet Huang Fei Hong. But before he managed to order the servants not to awake Xiu Ying.

.....

In the imperial study room, Zhang Wei is having a meeting with Prime Minister Li Shizen and Huang Fei Hong. These two are the person that he trusted the most to talk about this secret matter.

Before Zhang Wei speaks up, Lord Li opens his mouth, "Your Majesty, may I ask... Li Xiu Ying, is he alright?" Li Shizen can't help but worried when he saw the emperor dragged away from his son who looked like he just met with a ghost.

With a faint smile, Zhang Wei said "Zhen guess, what he saw just now was a little bit too much for him so he can't stand it. But worry not Lord Li. Li Xiu Ying is fine. He's resting right now after taking some tea to ease his nausea."

Li Shizen breathes a sigh of relief. He feels happy when he knows that the emperor is treating his son well. Done with the little chitchat, Zhang Wei's face turns serious, and smiles disappear. "General Huang, Zhen needs you to increase your army's power. Train them to be as good as you and Zhen don't care what method you gonna use. And Zhen wants you to make them get used to the strategic formation. Zhen knows strategic formation is only for a high skills army but at least teach the others the basic one. Who knows it might be useful someday. Weapons and armors, prepare more too."

Fei Hong knows so well the reason behind all this preparation. He bows understood.

Zhang Wei then turns to Li Shizen, "Lord Li, Zhen need you to send a representative to our neighboring countries that are having a dispute with the South Kingdom. Try to make an alliance with them. One more thing, if it's possible, gather proof of Lord Yu's dirty job, especially the one that involves his connection with the South Kingdom. Bribes smuggle, or anything. Find it out then report it to me."

Just like the great general, Li Shizen folds his hands to the front and bows. Huang Fei Hong crosses his arms and asks, "Do you think he's gonna make his move now?"

Zhang Wei shrugs his shoulders. "Better if we make early preparation. What I know, he's holding a grudge against me and also... Li Xiu Ying. From the way, he can easily get all those poisons on his hands, this means he's frequently in contact with them. After what I did to his beloved niece, I'm sure he won't sit still and will start to make his move."

"If you know, then why would you decide to execute her? You can banish her to Cold Palace let her live a lonely life there."

Zhang Wei squinted his eyes, "That's what she gets for trying to hurt MY Xiu Ying. If she lived in Cold Palace, there's a possibility her uncle will try to bring her out from that palace later. So, better let her be gone for good."

Zhang Wei clearly stated he punished Yu Li Na with such punishment because of Xiu Ying. Li Shizen who is still in the room was surprised by the emperor's words. He never thought the emperor treasure his son so much. All this while, he heard that his son was ignored by him but now everything seems different from the rumors.

Suddenly realized the father of his beloved still didn't leave, Zhang Wei lowers his head, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Lord Li looks at Zhang Wei with a faint smile. Now, he can feel at ease knowing that his son is in good hands.

.....

Meanwhile, at night in a private room at a brothel, the air is tense. Two middle-aged men and one man in his late 30s, sitting around the round table.

"So My Lord, what do you want to do?" asked the youngest guy.

"He needs to pay for what he did. I'll give him the most painful revenge." The oldest guy tapping on the table.

"You want to rob his throne? You do realize it won't be that easy. He got a powerful army and before you can do that, I'm sure all of us will be killed." The second middle-aged man said.

The oldest guy said again, with a sneer, "No. No. Before we throw him away from the throne, I'll make him suffer emotionally."

The other two look at each other and said at the same time, "What do you mean?"

"You guys should see how he protected his male consort at the field before. He never gets close and being so gentle openly like that to other concubines. I'm sure, that consort, who is also the son of Lord Li Shizen is special to him. If someone that he truly cares went to another man's arm, can't you feel how devastated he'll be?" He laughs sinisterly.

"My Lord... Do you take an interest in the male consort?" The youngest one asked.

"No. Not for me. I admit that male consort is a true beauty, but I'm not into that sort of thing. However, he fits perfectly with someone's taste."

"Who?"

"The regent from the South Empire."