Novel Full Chapter 2408: Farewell
Chapter 2408: Farewell
Suddenly, someone lunged at Shao Yunduan with the intent to kill him.
Before the attacker could reach Shao Yunduan, several sharp arrows struck him, piercing through his chest. He screamed and collapsed, dead on the ground.
Shao Yunduan’s immediate reaction was to shield Qiao Xuan behind him, his eyes cold and alert.
Ding Xiang glanced over and smiled, feeling pleased for Qiao Xuan.
Ding Xiang and Qiao Xuan shared similar temperaments, and when they reunited outside the city, they felt completely at ease with each other. Ding Xiang had naturally accepted Qiao Xuan as the mistress of the house, and their bond had grown closer, with much to discuss.
Ding Xiang had been concerned that Shao Yunduan might distance himself from Qiao Xuan once he became Emperor, but it seemed she had been overthinking it.
Shao Yunduan’s instinctive reaction demonstrated just how much he valued Qiao Xuan.
Her position was firmly established, and she could enjoy her life with him, secure and steadfast.
Yang Mu and Meng Wanfu were furious, their killing intent palpable. “Take these people away and investigate them thoroughly! How dare they plot against our Lord? They must have eaten a bear’s heart and leopard’s gall!”
Meng Wanfu pointed at the imperial guard who had been shot full of arrows and was now dead on the ground. He ordered coldly, “Drag his body away and expose it to the public. Announce it widely. Capture his family and imprison them, to be sentenced later!”
Yang Mu added icily, “It’s not excessive to execute his family for plotting against our Lord. At the very least, they deserve miles of exile. If anyone dares to challenge us, they can try their luck and see where it leads!”
The guards were terrified, their breaths coming in shallow gasps.
Some had been tempted by other thoughts, but now they were drenched in cold sweat and abandoned their ideas. While they might not fear death, their loyalty to their master or their ambition to make a name for themselves were now overshadowed by the grim reality before them.
However fearless they might have been or however much they desired to leave their mark in history, they had to consider the safety of their families and clans.
No one dared to plead for the dead. They stumbled out in silence.
Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan both agreed with Meng Wanfu and Yang Mu’s actions. They had intended to make an example of someone to establish their authority, and fate had delivered a prime opportunity.
This was a perfect example that had presented itself!
After dealing with the situation, Meng Wanfu and Yang Mu ordered their men to conduct a thorough search of the Qianqing Palace. Following this, Shao Yunduan, Qiao Xuan, and Ding Xiang entered the main hall.
The main hall had also been roughly searched. The Fourth Prince and his entourage, enraged, could only curse silently. When they saw the unsheathed weapons, their fear rendered them mute.
They finally realized their vulnerable position as mere fish on a chopping block.
When Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan were escorted in by numerous guards, their composure shattered, and they broke down completely.
What followed was a surge of intense resentment and unwillingness.
The Fourth Prince’s eyes widened in shock. “Shao Yunduan, you were chosen by the late Emperor himself. What did we do to deserve this betrayal? How dare you commit such treachery? You have wasted your time!”
The Empress’s gaze fixed on Qiao Xuan with a mix of emotions.
She had once looked down on Qiao Xuan, never imagining that Qiao Xuan would stand before her as a victor. In the past, when Shao Yunduan treated her poorly, many had envied her and eagerly anticipated her downfall, reveling in her misfortune. Now, seeing Qiao Xuan’s triumph only deepened her feelings of bitterness and dismay.