Blossom in Adversity

C164. A City on Edge.

Chapter 164: A City on Edge

A once bustling capital city was suddenly gripped by fear. Troops poured into the city, and while the gates remained open, inspections were rigorous. Any hint of irregularity resulted in immediate arrest.

Having lived in the capital for so long, the citizens had developed a keen sense of self-preservation. At the first sign of trouble, many hurried home, bolting their doors and avoiding any further scrutiny.

However, not everyone reacted in the same way. Not everyone was so composed.

The great clans, none of them could rest easy. Only after several waves of covert and overt agents were captured did many finally settle down. Those with a guilty conscience, even sitting still in this frigid weather, found themselves sweating profusely.

Fu Gang, too, broke out in a cold sweat as he examined the list in his hand. If all these people were arrested, there would be a significant void in the court. He silently rejoiced that the long list contained no names of his family’s associates.

“Proceed,” Gu Yanxi ordered coldly from horseback. Lin Ying snorted, signaling the beginning of a bloody purge.

Fu Gang took a deep breath and waved his hand, pointing towards the nearby Liu residence. The Imperial Guards, like wolves descending upon their prey, smashed through the door and stormed in, seizing their targets and dragging them outside. Those who dared to cry out were silenced with a gag and the process continued at the next house.

Gu Yanxi remained silent, the Seventh Stars Guards standing silently behind their leader with faces masked. Their mere presence, surrounded by the captured court officials and onlookers, sent ripples of shock through the crowd.

The oppressive, menacing aura exuded by the Seventh Stars Bureau had not been felt in a long time!

With every individual on his list apprehended, Gu Yanxi personally removed all the Heavenly Masters from the city, throwing them out the gates as dusk approached.

Chen Qing stepped forward, a question on the edge of his lips, "Master, should we first detain them in the imperial prison..."

"Open the Execution Hall," Gu Yanxi said, gazing up at the sky, thinking of those not in the capital at the moment. "Summon all princes, princesses, and consorts of third rank or higher to witness the executions."

Chen Qing was taken aback, "Master..."

"They will not understand unless we strike hard," Gu Yanxi continued.

"But you will bear the burden of all this hatred! Why push yourself to the edge of the cliff? "Following the Shizi, enduring through all his trials and tribulations, even taking seven strikes for him in the past, Chen Qing now found his eyes brimming with tears.

Who were these people?

Princes, the future rulers who would emerge from among them. Among the consorts could be a future Empress Dowager.

Why resort to such drastic measures?

Even if it meant involving the Emperor!

"Go and deliver the orders."

"Master!"

"Chen Qing, do not make me repeat myself!"

Chen Qing rubbed his eyes fiercely, then turned and left.

Gu Yanxi lowered his gaze, as if being a Gu by surname would inherently make one cold and ruthless. Chen Qing couldn't understand. If he dared to act, he must have considered the consequences. Even if there were consequences like eggs smashing against a stone, he was that stone!