Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 223 should be called "dismembered by five horses"
"Crazy, all crazy..."

Yu Dalang simply couldn't understand why these two women on stage could go to such lengths. Yu Chuyang wasn't dead, was she? Besides, she had gained considerable benefits from this incident. Why was she now shouting for his life? Why hadn't she uttered a single word while he was enjoying wealth and luxury all these years? Was it really just her mother's life? Was that life that important?

And then there's her own mother, who has always favored her younger sister since childhood. I never imagined that she would be willing to kill her husband for her long-dead sister!

Almost twenty years have passed, what kind of hatred could make them remember it for so long?

By this time, the crowd of onlookers had completely dispersed, allowing Jiu Que and Chunyu Shuang to easily ascend to the platform. Chunyu Shuang, who worked in the Ministry of Justice, went up to check on the injuries of the father and son and shook her head.

"It's beyond saving. Unless a god descends from heaven, no one can stop this wound from bleeding."

He was right, because the father and son were on their deathbeds, their pupils dilated, their mouths opening and closing, seemingly trying to say something.

Li Chengyuan and Yu Chuyang showed no intention of leaving. They remained standing in place, and just then they saw Jiu Que and Chunyu Shuang approaching. Li Chengyuan sighed with some regret.

"I suppose you are the Earl of Zhen'an? I've heard of you for a long time, but I've never met you in person. I was thinking that if I had the chance, I would definitely like to meet you. The first woman in this dynasty to be granted an earldom for her merits is truly intriguing. But I'm sorry, it was not my intention to drag you into this turmoil. Now you can take me away."

"No!"

Yu Chuyang quickly stopped him.

"I'm an accomplice too, take me with you."

"Chuyang, stop messing around! What kind of accomplice are you? You just didn't have time to stop me."

Jiu Que glanced helplessly at the grandfather and grandson.

"The most important thing now is not to rush to admit to the murder. It depends on how His Majesty handles it."

Yes, this matter is indeed related to the Second Prince. Now that it has become such a big deal, it is likely that in a short while, the entire capital will know about it. Such a case of patricide and fratricide is truly horrifying, and His Majesty will definitely handle it personally. It all depends on whether the testimonies of the grandfather and grandson are to his advantage.

Yu Daru and Yu Dalang were still clinging to life. Yu Daru, in particular, kept gesturing with his eyes to Jiu Que and the others who had approached, seemingly calling for help. However, his injuries were far too severe; he felt as large amounts of blood gushed from his wounds, most of the heat in his body draining away with them. He was unlikely to survive.

Yu Daru had never realized this so clearly before. With his last breath, he looked at his wife, Li Chengyuan, with whom he had shared nearly forty years of life, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes. He had imagined what it would be like when his name was known throughout the land and his name was etched in history. Perhaps he would be noticed by those in power for his exceptional talent, or perhaps he would be respected by scholars across the land for his profound knowledge…

But he never imagined that he would become famous for being killed by his wife. He could already imagine how future historical accounts would portray him.

What exactly do you want? Do you think killing me will solve everything? With your intelligence, don't you know that even if you kill me, our daughter will never come back? It might even land you in jail. And do you really hate me that much...?

Seemingly noticing Yu Daru's gaze, Li Chengyuan lowered his head and glanced at him, as if he had remembered something.

"Don't worry, I'll pour the lotus seed soup you've been longing for onto your grave. After all, haven't you been using this trick to coax and suppress me for decades?" Every time he goes out to attend a gala, he makes me make lotus seed soup for him at home, saying that attending literary gatherings is too tiring, and how happy he would be to eat a bowl of lotus seed soup made by his wife when he comes back...

Nonsence!

She was naive when she was young, fooled by his persistent sweet talk. Now she's not naive anymore. A man's words can be incredibly sweet when he wants to extract something from you. Sometimes she thinks, "Oh well, let it be." Pretending for a day is difficult, but if he can maintain that act for a lifetime, doesn't that mean he's really like that?

But I just couldn't bring myself to swallow this half-cooked rice.

“You know, I can’t stand any imperfections, but I’ve been worn down for so many years. I can’t take it anymore, so I don’t want to endure it any longer.”

Li Chengyuan kicked away Yu Daru's hand that was trying to grab her skirt and breathed a sigh of relief. He had been watching this man slowly stop breathing, and only then did he feel that the shackles that had been on him for decades had quietly disappeared at this moment.

This feels so good, it's really so comfortable.

She felt no horror at having personally murdered her husband and son; she only felt immense relief at finally bringing it all to an end. "My child, I can finally face you with a clear conscience."

Faced with the swarming constables, Li Chengyuan took the initiative to extend his hand.

Jiu Que quietly watched the old man. Perhaps at this moment, she had truly found salvation.

The case of Li Chengyuan murdering her husband and son quickly became the talk of the town in the capital. Not only were ordinary people discussing it heatedly, but the imperial court was also in an uproar over the matter.

At the grand court assembly, one official after another stepped forward to criticize Li Chengyuan. They may have never met her before, or they may have heard of her reputation, or they may not know anything about her, but on this matter they all shared the same opinion.

That won't do! They must be severely punished!

"Your Majesty! A woman murdering her husband and son is utterly appalling! I have never heard of such a horrific crime in decades. I beg Your Majesty to severely punish Li Chengyuan! Does a person like her have any regard for her sovereign or father, or for human ethics?"

"Your Majesty should sentence her to death immediately! The rumors are spreading like wildfire outside. If Your Majesty does not intervene in time, it may cause panic among the people!"

"That woman should be torn apart by five horses! Mr. Yu is a great Confucian scholar of our dynasty. He has taught countless students. Such a person who is beneficial to the country was killed by his own wife. It is a great injustice. Your Majesty, I beg you to make a decision as soon as possible and severely punish the culprit!"

The first few minor officials to jump out were all rambling on, saying the same thing. While everyone could understand their anger, wasn't jumping to such heights a bit undignified?

Besides, who doesn't know that you guys are the Second Prince's lackeys? You're jumping around so happily, isn't it all because you're acting on the Second Prince's orders?
However, judging from their attitudes, one could tell what the Second Prince thought about the matter, and someone couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

(End of this chapter)