World-Ending Demon Emperor
Chapter 937 - 436: Astonishing Divine Will! FuE’s Downfall!_2

Chapter 937: 436: Astonishing Divine Will! FuE’s Downfall!_2

"I am here..." Prime Minister Yan Wuji trembled, his voice filled with despair and panic.

At the moment of Zhi Li’s downfall, it was as if his soul was drained from him.

In the matter of Zhi Li’s accession to the throne, anyone could be forgiven, except for him, Yan Wuji, who was beyond redemption.

From guiding public opinion to escorting Zhi Li back to the capital for his ascension, it was all orchestrated by Yan Wuji.

Death, for Yan Wuji, was now the lightest of punishments. But he could not die yet, for he needed to protect his clan and their old acquaintances and students as much as possible.

"Are you aware of your crimes?" Suo Lun asked.

"This subject acknowledges his crimes!" Yan Wuji kowtowed.

"Duke Turing Tuo has taken his own life," Suo Lun stated.

Yan Wuji shuddered, then bowed deeply, saying, "This humble official thanks His Highness the Regent King for his grace as boundless as the heavens and the earth."

Suo Lun continued, "Go back and write a statement detailing all the crimes you have committed. Record also who deserves death and who deserves life. I will use it as a reference."

"This subject shall obey," Prime Minister Yan Wuji bowed once again.

"Alright, you may go now," Suo Lun said.

"This guilty official thanks Your Highness for the grace!" Prime Minister Yan Wuji removed his official cap, took off his robe, bowed deeply to Suo Lun, and then departed.

Suo Lun’s intention was clear; after Yan Wuji finished writing his confession, he would be allowed to take his own life.

His family members who were guilty would certainly have to die, and those who were not guilty would not.

However, Suo Lun’s words plunged the civil and military officials and the nobles and lords present into utter unease.

Having served as Prime Minister for over a decade, Yan Wuji knew clearly what crimes people in the kingdom had committed.

Suo Lun was sparing his whole family and only demanding his own life, for which Yan Wuji was profoundly grateful. To protect his family, Yan Wuji would naturally tell all he knew, sparing no detail.

Therefore, whatever crimes the officials present had committed and whatever muck they had on their bottoms, Suo Lun would naturally know it all clearly.

When the time came, the power of life and death would be entirely in his hands.

A Sword of Damocles hung perpetually overhead, with no one knowing when it might drop!

Thus, everyone could only tread on thin ice, tremble with fear, and obey commands.

Suo Lun intended to undertake a great purge of the court, but needed to rely on Rage Wave Kingdom’s veterans as he had too few talents at his disposal.

Who, specifically, to use and how to use them would entirely depend on his tactics.

After taking charge of the government, he would certainly kill, but how and how many would also depend on his methods.

Killing too few, or with too soft a hand, would only make him appear weak.

Killing too many would only throw the entire Rage Wave Kingdom into terror, paralyze political affairs, and even drive many to desperation, inciting rebellion.

Hence, his principle of action was: strike with thunderous might, but display a heart of compassion.

He certainly had to brew a major storm, but it had to begin in silence!

"Everyone except for Marquis FuE of BaiHuo City is dismissed," Suo Lun said. "Without orders, do not leave your homes even for a step, and await the imperial decree!"

"As you command!" With boundless trepidation, the civil and military officials and the nobles and lords withdrew from the royal palace.

...

A quarter of an hour later, everyone had left, leaving the palace spotlessly empty.

Within the vast hall, only Marquis FuE remained, kneeling alone in the center.

He was Suo Lun’s maternal grandfather; a man Suo Lun should not have accepted bows from, but now between the two families, there was no affection to speak of.

From start to finish, Marquis FuE stood on the front line against Suo Lun.

Even in the end, when Zhi Li attempted regicide and forced his way to the throne, Marquis FuE was at the forefront.

Suo Lun waved his hand, signaling the Imperial Guards to leave.

Commander of the Imperial Guards Gao Ningqi was taken aback; he was aware that Marquis FuE possessed extraordinary martial skills, and if he led the Forbidden Army out, Marquis FuE might take adverse action against Suo Lun.

However, with Grand Eunuch Gao Yin and Zhi Yan Princess present, Marquis FuE’s martial prowess would be of no consequence.

Thus, Gao Ningqi bowed to Suo Lun and led the Forbidden Army out of the hall.

Instantly, only Suo Lun, Gao Yin, Zhi Yan, and FuE remained in the entire Dragon Throne Hall.

"FuE!" said Suo Lun.

"This servant is here," replied Marquis FuE, his voice incredibly calm.

"Why?" Suo Lun asked, "When the whole world besieged Tianshui City, it was somewhat understandable for you to follow Zhi Li and turn against us given the circumstances. But after Zhi Li’s crushing defeat, you still followed him. Even when he assassinated the King to usurp the throne, you actually led the pledge of loyalty to him? You clearly knew that the path Zhi Li took was fraught with mortal peril, yet you still followed him to the grave? You’re a man of immense cunning and shrewdness, and BaiHuo City’s status is exceptional; you had absolutely no need to curry favor with Zhi Li. Why would you do this? It defies your intelligence."

This was not only a conundrum to Suo Lun, but even Zhi Yan Princess and others were extremely surprised.

Marquis FuE’s initial rebellion could be interpreted as trying to eliminate Suo Lun to avoid future troubles.

But when Zhi Li assassinated the King and forcibly took the throne, FuE’s decision to stand in support was insane. Did he not see Duke Turing Tuo choose death over disavowing Zhi Li?

FuE was notorious for his craftiness and agility. How could he commit such a foolish act?

There must be a reason, and it might involve a tremendous secret.

"This old servant is muddleheaded!" Marquis FuE kowtowed.

His voice was still very calm, devoid of panic, and without the slightest hint of regret.

Suo Lun said, "FuE, I know that BaiHuo City, backed by the Dragon Temple, holds a special status. You think you have a powerful patron, and I would have no way to deal with you."

"This servant dares not," Marquis FuE said coldly.

Suo Lun continued, "Tell me the reason why you recklessly followed Zhi Li. Is there a secret in all this? Tell me, and I will spare your life."

FuE looked up, his eyes flickering.

What did Suo Lun mean by that? Was he intending to kill him?

He was Suo Lun’s maternal grandfather, after all. Would Suo Lun not fear how the world would judge him if he actually killed FuE?

Moreover, Duke Turing Tuo and Prime Minister Yan Wuji had committed far graver offenses than he had yet were merely allowed to commit suicide, and their families weren’t embroiled.

In the rebellion against Suo Lun, Marquis FuE’s involvement was much less significant than Prime Minister Yan Wuji and Duke Turing Tuo, wasn’t it?

Suo Lun laughed, "I didn’t massacre on the court earlier, and I even allowed Yan Wuji to commit suicide. Maybe you think I’ve started to worry about protecting my reputation, right?"

Of course, FuE thought so, which is why he was bold and assured. Relying on his identity as Suo Lun’s grandfather, even if Suo Lun was furious, he wouldn’t actually kill him.

"Hahaha..." Suo Lun laughed loudly, "When you exterminated my kin, did you spare a thought for your own reputation? Do you think I would be constrained by my reputation? Ridiculous! I didn’t proceed with a massacre because I didn’t want to disrupt the court’s operations. I wanted the transition of power to come at the smallest cost. As for my own reputation, I could not care less. You, my cheap grandfather, I say kill and you’re killed!"

FuE’s face turned ashen, and he trembled all over.

Suo Lun stood up, approached FuE, and crouched down before him, "Grandfather, tell me, what is the real reason that led you and Zhi Li to such a dark path? You’re definitely not so senile. There must be a significant secret behind this, even one related to my secrets. Tell me, and I will not only spare your life but also spare the Fu Clan!"

Marquis FuE angrily said, "My BaiHuo City is a Lord appointed by the Dragon Temple. What do you intend to do?"

"Indeed, BaiHuo City holds a special status," Suo Lun said coldly, "But still, it is a Lordship within the Rage Wave Kingdom, not a lawless land. Your support for Zhi Li’s usurpation is tantamount to conspiracy and rebellion! Do you need me to remind you what consequences the Fu Clan might face? The examples of Ironwood City and Qichi City are right in front of you!"

After Zhi Li’s defeat, Suo Lun immediately sent troops to annihilate both Qichi City and Ironwood City.

Members of both families were being escorted into the royal city, and what awaited them was the genuine destruction of their entire clans.

From then on, the world would be devoid of these two Lord families, even their territories annexed by Tianshui City.

For Lord families, this was the most terrifying of outcomes.

Suo Lun spoke coldly, "Tell me the true reason behind your unwavering path of darkness, what dreadful secret is there? Your confession will save your life and spare the Fu Clan. Should you refuse, I will not only kill you but also annihilate your entire house!"

"You dare? Suo Lun, do you dare..." At that, FuE violently erupted with a roar!

Suo Lun shouted fiercely, "You question if I dare? Break FuE’s limbs, cripple his martial arts, and throw him into the celestial prison!"

...

Note: The second update of 4000 words is here, plea for support, plea for monthly votes, thank you everyone!