World-Ending Demon Emperor
Chapter 683: Shocking news! Zhi Li vomits blood!

Chapter 683: Shocking news! Zhi Li vomits blood!

Regarding whether to execute Duke Zhi Wei, there was major internal dissent within the Suo Lun Group.

Apart from Zhen Yan Princess, nearly everyone opposed the execution of Zhi Wei, because his status was too lofty and the royal bloodline was already so thin. Killing another one, even if Duke Zhi Ting and Zhi Wei were at odds, would leave everyone feeling anxious and uneasy.

Not only that, the reason why King Zhi Bian’s relationship with the various nobles of the world was so stiff, and his reputation not so good, was because the battle for succession had been too bloody, with three of the six princes dead.

Now, Suo Lun’s execution of Zhi Wei would readily bring those memories back to people’s minds.

Many would wonder, Zhi Wei survived the battle for the throne back then, only to end up dying by Suo Lun’s sword.

Moreover, Suo Lun had not yet become the Regent King, and he was already wielding the executioner’s blade against the King’s brother—what would happen when he did become Regent King, would he slaughter the entire Zhi Family, plotting to usurp the throne?

Therefore, even Suo Ningbing—who hardly ever voiced her opinions—and Yan Nai’er—who was utterly devoted to Suo Lun—as well as Aunt Yan Chuo’er, and Suo Lun’s father-in-law Yan Yan, as well as Suo Lun’s own retainers, they all opposed the execution of Duke Zhi Wei.

Everyone suggested that Zhi Wei be placed under house arrest for life.

Zhi Yan Princess remained silent because as the monarch, disagreeing with Suo Lun would lead to dire consequences.

Deep down, she too did not wish for Suo Lun to kill Zhi Wei, as that would be too detrimental to Suo Lun’s reputation.

Ultimately, Suo Lun revealed the fact that the biggest reason for killing Zhi Wei was Duke Turing Tuo.

Zhi Wei and Turing Tuo were Zhi Li’s staunch supporters and since Zhi Wei was of royal descent, his status was somewhat higher than that of Turing Tuo.

With Zhi Wei present, Zhi Li could firmly suppress Duke Turing Tuo, who did not dare to defy any of Zhi Li’s decrees.

But once Suo Lun struck down Zhi Wei with his sword, Turing Tuo became Zhi Li’s only pillar.

Yin Zhou was powerful, holding the economic lifeline of the world, but money alone was insufficient; political power arose from the barrel of a gun.

Originally, Zhi Li held two blades in his hands—one was Zhi Wei, and the other Turing Tuo. Now, only Turing Tuo remained.

Henceforth, Turing Tuo’s relationship with Zhi Li would be that of the slave bullying the master.

Zhi Li was nominally the Great Commander of the Dragon Guard Army, but it was only a titular position, as the entire Dragon Guard Army was staffed with Turing Tuo’s people.

And in the northern and southern frontier armies, Turing Tuo’s disciples were spread across every military branch.

By killing Zhi Wei, Suo Lun made Turing Tuo too powerful to be brought down, allowing him to outwardly obey yet secretly disobey Zhi Li’s orders!

Moreover, Suo Lun’s execution of Zhi Wei also served to kill the chicken to scare the monkey, to intimidate Turing Tuo.

It warned him not to tread a path too extreme!

If he could kill Zhi Wei, it was not certain that he couldn’t also kill Turing Tuo!

Therefore, the first purpose of killing Zhi Wei was to sow discord between Turing Tuo and Zhi Li. The second goal was to scheme for control of the Southeast Province!

Suo Lun’s reasoning completely persuaded everyone.

After all, the most pressing goal was to force Turing Tuo to withdraw his troops. And killing Zhi Wei could push Turing Tuo to retreat with the greatest impact.

Then, Zhi Yan Princess took the initiative to take charge of the matter, personally drafting the decree to execute Zhi Wei in the name of the King, commanding Grand Eunuch Gao Yin to issue the order, and ultimately, she herself approved the execution of Zhi Wei.

Her intention was to bear the brunt of the infamy for killing Zhi Wei on behalf of Suo Lun.

She wanted all the world to know that it was she, Zhi Yan, who had killed Zhi Wei, and not Suo Lun.

But how could Suo Lun be so weak as to let a woman bear such infamy on his behalf?

So, he personally carried out the execution, beheading Duke Zhi Wei.

Thus, that scene of Suo Lun executing him personally came to pass!

This was also good, as it showed everyone the unity between Suo Lun and his wife Zhi Yan.

...

After the execution of Duke Zhi Wei,

The pronouncements still continued, as Grand Eunuch Gao Yin read out one decree after another.

"Princely Heir Zhi You, who contributed to tyranny and evils, shall be imprisoned for life.

"Earl of Linhai, City Lord of Linhai City, Gui Xingfu, you violated ’The Chaotic Stone Island Accord’, wantonly starting a war; your crime is unforgivable. You are stripped of the title of Earl of Linhai and the position of City Lord," Grand Eunuch Gao Yin looked at Gui Xingfu as he said, "Are you willing to accept your crime?"

Gui Xingfu bowed deeply, saying, "I am willing to accept my crime!"

By tearing up the previously signed authoritative agreement and rashly starting a war, he should have been sentenced to death.

But considering he did not start the war without a declaration and had actively sought the King’s and Shaojun Qili’s views before starting and had received Shaojun Qili’s decrees, and Tian Shui City’s Su Family also openly accepted the challenge,

thus Gui Xingfu’s capital sentence could be spared, and he was merely stripped of his title of Earl of Linhai and the position of City Lord.

High Yun, representing the King, asked further, "Gui Xingfu, it is heard that you obtained the agreement of Shaojun Qili when you waged war against Tian Shui City’s Su Family, do you have his official imperial edict?"

"Yes," said Gui Xingfu, then he respectfully presented the imperial edict that he had received from Qili.

With that, this imperial edict became a charge against Qili!

High Yun representing King Zhi Bian continued, "Linhai City cannot be without a master for a day. Choose one among your children to succeed as Earl of Linhai and City Lord of Linhai, and I will submit the choice to His Majesty for his approval and ennoblement."

Gui Xingfu bowed again, saying, "My three sons were all involved in this unjust war, only my daughter Gui Qinshu is noble and unblemished. I wish to appoint Gui Qinshu as heiress to the position of Earl of Linhai and City Lord; I seek His Majesty’s favor!"

As these words were spoken, the countenances of all captives present shifted once again.

Ashi Liren was the first female noble, and Gui Qinshu had become the second.

Does that mean Zhen Yan Princess’s ascent to the throne is now a matter of course?