After being jilted, the entire neighboring village was filled with deep regret.

Chapter 551 Public Execution
Only when he got closer did he notice the scent of bath soap on Murong Jue. "Have you washed up?"

Murong Jue nodded with a smile and hugged her. "I got covered in blood today, and I was afraid it would frighten you."

Shen Yuezhang blushed and shyly continued to help him take off his clothes. When he was only wearing his undergarments, she noticed that Murong Jue had bandaged wounds on his body, and her face turned pale instantly.

"This injury."

Murong Jue shook his head, "It's not serious, it's been taken care of, it won't interfere with our wedding night."

Shen Yuezhang was somewhat speechless. "You're injured and you still have the mind to think about these things?"

"Absolutely!" Murong Jue pulled the person into bed, and they spent a passionate night together.

The next day, the young couple got up and served tea to Princess Huai'an.

Once outside the courtyard, I discovered that all the servants in the mansion were busy washing and cleaning.

Although there were no bloodstains along the way, there was still a faint smell of blood in the air.

Princess Huai'an was dressed in a completely new outfit.

As soon as the young couple entered, Amber was warmly asked to bring two futons, while Coral had already prepared hot tea.

Shen Yuezhang and Murong Jue naturally knelt down and offered tea to Princess Huai'an.

Princess Huai'an readily agreed and drank the tea. Without saying a word, she had Amber bring over a box.

"These are some jewelry pieces that your mother saved up. You can take them and play with them."

Shen Yuezhang bowed respectfully in thanks.

Princess Huai'an smiled with satisfaction and pondered, "Originally, I should have brought you to the palace to pay your respects today, but after what happened yesterday, I'm afraid the Emperor is not in the mood to see you."

I heard the Empress fell ill upon returning to the palace, and the Empress Dowager was terrified. She went to a Buddhist temple early this morning. I'll bring you all back to the palace in a couple of days once things have settled down.

"Yes!" Shen Yuezhang replied obediently.

Princess Huai'an looked at Murong Jue and asked, "Did His Majesty say anything yesterday?"

After all, the incident occurred at the Princess's residence. Even if they were not directly involved, they could not escape blame.

Murong Jue shook his head. "I secretly heard some rumors that the Emperor originally did not plan to come. However, he suddenly received a secret letter the day before yesterday. I did not find out the contents of the letter, but I know that the Emperor changed his mind because of that thing. Obviously, this is a conspiracy."

Princess Huai'an's expression grew increasingly solemn. "For the Emperor to change his mind, the contents of that letter must be quite extraordinary. Oh well, as long as it has nothing to do with us, that's fine."

Over the years, she has always been a dutiful and obedient princess, and Murong Jue has also gained the emperor's trust through his own abilities. Neither of them has ever done anything outrageous, so they should be able to get away with it this time.

Having made up her mind, Princess Huai'an stopped mentioning these matters.

In the following days, homes in the capital were raided every day, and the once bustling main street became desolate and deserted.

Xiao Xi closed the shop early and went back to see Su Chuan and the others.

"I heard some news today. The Emperor is determined to clean up the officialdom this time. Those who have made contributions will be rewarded and those who have made mistakes will be punished. You have also made contributions in this exoneration. I guess you won't be able to leave for a while. Stay in the capital for the New Year."

Su Chuan gave a helpless wry smile, "That's what my cousin's husband told us too. If that's the case, then we might as well stay in the capital!"

The others nodded in agreement, but they didn't have any particular thoughts about the rewards.

About half a month later, the emperor's purge finally came to an end.

The first person to be rewarded for meritorious service is Zhu Yixuan, who killed Zhao Taifu and submitted evidence.

Zhu Yixuan was posthumously granted the title of Earl of Loyalty and Bravery. The title was only lowered after three generations. He was awarded a thousand taels of silver, a mansion, and a hundred acres of farmland. Unfortunately, he had already died, and the title passed to Zhu Kangcheng, who had returned to his ancestral home.

Next came Shen Congyu and Shen Yue'an, who had rendered meritorious service in protecting the emperor. Shen Congyu, at a young age, received a sixth-rank military officer position, while Shen Yue'an was granted the title of Lady of Anyue County and bestowed with a mansion. Song Yongnian and others were also originally to be granted official positions, but Shen Yi spoke on their behalf before the emperor, and in the end, the emperor rewarded them with money and a plaque, granting them a seventh-rank military officer position, which could be passed down to their descendants.

The others also received rewards or promotions.

Some are happy and some are sad.

In the dungeon.

Princess Qingfeng, who had been hoping for the Second Prince to come to her rescue, panicked completely when she saw Princess Qingkang being brought in. "Sister, why are you here too? Where is the Second Prince?"

Princess Qingkang's face was as still as a pool of water, devoid of any life. She did not move when she was pushed into the cell.

Princess Qingfeng felt inexplicably flustered. "Sister, say something! What's wrong?"

Princess Qingkang, unable to bear Princess Qingfeng's shouting, roared angrily, "Dead! All dead! Are you satisfied now? If I had known you were going to rebel, I would not have been stupid enough to stand by and do nothing. Now I have been harmed so badly by you. I am so wronged! I am so wronged!"

Princess Qingfeng slumped to the ground, stunned; the immense panic caused her to completely break down.

The political landscape in the capital is constantly shifting.

With such a big incident, Su Tai thought that this year's palace banquet would not be held.

Unexpectedly, the emperor issued an edict to hold a grand celebration.

Instead of being pleased, the civil and military officials fell silent in fear.

Because Shen Yi was promoted again, Su Tai was also qualified to attend the banquet at the palace.

As soon as she entered the main hall, she went straight to where Princess Huai'an was.

In the past, this area was home to Princess Huai'an, several princes' wives, princes' concubines, and princesses of counties and prefectures.

Not only were half the usual number of people absent today, but those who came were also no longer relaxed and at ease; they were all silent, creating a truly strange atmosphere.

After Su Tai bowed to Princess Huai'an, she sat down behind her and whispered to Shen Yuezhang, "I feel like something's off about everyone."

Shen Yuezhang lowered his eyes and nodded slightly. "Mother, Mother said to speak and watch less tonight."

Su Tai felt a chill run down her spine and silently retreated to her seat.

The emperor arrived shortly afterward. The empress dowager and empress did not appear, and the emperor did not offer any explanation, only saying a few polite words.

Then, the Zhao family, the Cen family, Princess Qingfeng, and others who had rebelled were brought in and publicly executed.

The ceremony was also to be attended by all the imperial relatives, nobles, and ministers.

When the first head hit the ground, Su Tai was dazed and trembling with fear.

The lady and young lady standing to the side had already fainted.

She gritted her teeth and held on, only to feel her vision gradually blurring.
When she regained consciousness, she found herself back at the Yong'an Marquis's residence.

Hearing the noise from the bed, Shen Yi rushed over. "How are you feeling?"

Su Tai fearfully grasped Shen Yi's hand and shrank into his arms.

Shen Yi sighed inwardly, "If I had known the palace banquet would turn out like this, I would never have let you enter the palace. More than 70% of the female guests were terrified this time. The Emperor's actions are truly..."

Su Tai covered his mouth in alarm, "Stop talking! All land under heaven belongs to the emperor, and whatever the emperor does is right. Please stop talking and let me calm down. I'll be fine in a moment."

Shen Yi said no more, and pondered for a moment, "A-Jue has already petitioned the Emperor to return to Zhaohua County after the Lantern Festival. Originally, he wanted Zhang'er to stay in the capital with the Princess for a while, and then let Zhang'er set off for the capital when the weather got warmer."

At the palace banquet, the Emperor pulled this stunt, and the Eldest Princess absolutely refused to let Zhang'er stay, insisting that Zhang'er and A'jue leave together.