A female coroner arrived at the Jingzhao Prefecture.

Chapter 375 Ending (44)

The boiling public opinion, like a surging lake, instantly overwhelmed all the civil and military officials!

Those in the Empress Dowager's camp wanted to voice their opposition, but Shen Che's tragic fate served as a cautionary tale. No one dared to become the target of public criticism, nor did anyone want to be nailed to the pillar of shame by the people of the world!

Therefore, when the emperor looked over with questioning eyes, all the officials said in unison, "We support Master Mu's participation in the public trial!"

The Empress Dowager was so angry she almost ground her teeth to powder. She never expected that her casual agreement to Mu Qingcheng's public trial would give them the upper hand!

The emperor's tone was noticeably lighter, "Master Mu, are you willing?"

Through the bright red veil, Mu Qingcheng saw the indistinct figures. She bowed respectfully, her voice clear and melodious, "Your Majesty, this humble woman is willing!"

"In that case..."

"emperor!"

The Empress Dowager took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the fire in her heart, and said calmly, "Before the public trial, let the newlyweds perform their wedding ceremony first, lest the auspicious time be missed!"

After speaking, the Empress Dowager slightly turned her beautiful eyes to one side, and the Prince of Zhongshan received the signal, indicating to his subordinates to begin.

The steward of the Prince of Zhongshan's mansion immediately shouted at the top of his lungs, "The newlyweds are about to begin their wedding ceremony!"

"Worship heaven and earth!"

Shen Che stiffened, not daring to move easily.

He had a gut feeling that as soon as he moved, an arrow or a hidden weapon would fly out from where he couldn't see him, causing him to bleed on the spot!
Similarly, Mu Qingcheng stood still, not turning around to bow to heaven and earth. Time seemed to stand still!
Song Shuyu stared intently at Mu Qingcheng. He and Mu Qingcheng had not discussed or reached a consensus on what they were doing today. He was betting on their tacit understanding in business and their loyalty in their relationship, but he was also afraid. He was afraid that she would take her anger out on him because of her mother's revenge, and that she would abandon him again, just like she had when they were young.

Disguised, Song Li infiltrated the imperial guards, his hidden dart aimed at Shen Che. His master had given a strict order: even if Mu Qingcheng willingly agreed to the wedding, Shen Che must be killed to prevent their marriage!
When the steward of the Prince of Zhongshan's mansion called out "Bowing to Heaven and Earth" for the second time, Mu Qingcheng finally made a move!

She resolutely pulled off her veil, bowed to the emperor, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I, Mu Qingcheng, joined the ranks of coroners at the age of eight, studied for six years, and at the age of fourteen, as a woman, officially entered the criminal profession. To date, I have examined no fewer than a hundred corpses and solved no fewer than a hundred cases! I am not afraid of rumors, nor am I afraid of life and death, but I only wish for a clear and just world and a clear conscience!"

The emperor exclaimed, "Well said!"

Mu Qingcheng slowly raised her head, boldly looking directly at the emperor, her words resounding: "I swear I will not marry until this case is solved! This commoner, Mu Qingcheng, begs Your Majesty to grant my request!"

"Be bold!"

The Empress Dowager suddenly stood up, a murderous glint in her eyes. "I hereby decree this marriage. Anyone who disobeys will have their entire family executed!"

"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager wishes to bring about a marriage, but neither I nor Prince Shen are fortunate enough to receive her favor!"

Mu Qingcheng met his gaze coldly, neither humble nor arrogant, "There is no romantic feeling between us, yet we are forced to accept this arranged marriage for the sake of our entire clan! Along the way, Prince Shen has been scorned and beaten by the people, his reputation is ruined, and his life is in danger. If this marriage must go through..."

She slowly rose, and before everyone's eyes, removed her wedding dress, held it up in her hands, her expression stern and cold, exuding an innate aura. "I, Mu Qingcheng, am determined to annul the engagement. I beg Your Majesty the Empress Dowager to punish me!"

"Bam—"

The next moment, the magnificent wedding dress shattered into countless pieces, like a rain of red petals, swirling and dancing before everyone's eyes—

Mu Qingcheng, just like when they first met at Yuntai Temple, wore a light blue, narrow-sleeved dress with her hair in a high ponytail. She was gentle, composed, and had a bright and beautiful appearance, as if she had never changed.