Soul swap tyrant always wants to have a baby

Chapter 221 Forever barred from entering the capital

Leng Qing nodded slightly, her eyes showing a hint of satisfaction as she looked at Zhu Qin.

"As you have said, let us announce the Seventh Prince's crimes to the world and execute him at Caishikou at noon today."

"As for the remaining accomplices..."

Leng Qing's cold gaze swept over the accomplices below.

Everyone who was swept was pale and trembling, especially Zhong Liche.

I was so scared last time that I lost control of my bladder, and I haven't recovered from the trauma yet.

Having heard with his own ears that his seventh brother was to be cut in half at the waist, he felt no resentment at being betrayed by his brother.

It's all about the fear of being cut in half.

"These accomplices should all be dragged out and executed!"

Upon hearing this, Zhongli Che was so frightened that he fainted.

The men below obeyed the order and gagged Zhong Liming and the others, dragging them out.

Leng Qing didn't listen to their explanations at all, nor did he care whether they were officials in the court or held important positions.

If they don't want to do it, there are plenty of other people who will.

"Leave Lao Ba here."

Just as Zhong Liche was about to be dragged away, Leng Qing spoke up.

"It is said that Cui Ze, wearing a hat, has entered the palace."

The Cui brothers were waiting outside the palace early in the morning. With their abilities, the news of the Seventh Prince's execution reached them immediately.

They also learned of the Emperor's decision regarding the accomplices.

He felt both relieved that the Emperor had not taken his anger out on the Cui family and remorseful that he had not taken good care of his sister's only remaining bloodline.

At this time, the emperor summoned them to the palace, but no one knew why. It was truly impossible for ordinary people to fathom the emperor's thoughts.

The two stepped into the main hall with trepidation, and their hearts skipped a beat when they saw their doomed nephew.

Leng Qingyi wasn't one to beat around the bush, so she simply spoke directly.

"Do you want to save Zhongli Che's life?"

This direct attack left the Cui brothers momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

It's unclear whether the Emperor was testing them or genuinely concerned about his reputation and didn't want to kill two of his brothers in such a short time.

Leng Qing could tell what they were thinking just by looking at their expressions.

"What Lao Ba committed wasn't exactly a capital offense, but it was ultimately due to his stupidity and lax management of his subordinates, so it was impossible not to punish him."

"If your Cui family wants to protect him, you must offer half of the resources of your entire Cui clan in exchange. If you cannot protect him, I will deal with you according to the law."

Half of the resources is not as simple as half of the family property; it means that the Cui family will have to hand over all the resources they are so proud of, which cannot be measured in money.

Upon hearing the emperor's request, Cui immediately wanted to refuse.

If they were to hand over half of their resources, the Cui family would gradually decline from the ranks of powerful clans.

At that time, the Cui family's former enemies will surely swarm in and devour them completely.

Cui Guan grabbed Cui Ze, who was about to speak.

What Cui Ze could think of, he, who had been the head of the family for half his life, could naturally think of as well.

While the offspring left by his sister were important, a prince was not as important as the family's honor.

Cui Ze turned to look at his elder brother with a surprised expression, and Cui Guan naturally understood the meaning in his eyes.

However, he still gave Cui Ze a reassuring look.

The heads of these aristocratic families had long heard about the Emperor's recent actions.

They had been in contact for a long time, and under the oppressive rule of the now powerful emperor, the only way to protect themselves was to retreat gracefully.

Otherwise, they will only end up like the Yao family.

This isn't entirely a disaster; perhaps this opportunity will allow the Cui family to survive the purge of powerful families.

"Your Majesty, the Eighth Prince is the only heir left by my sister. If we can save him, my Cui family is willing to sacrifice anything."

Moreover, it's just a matter of offering half of the Cui family's resources to the imperial court. Even without today's events, the Cui family would still offer the imperial court any resources that are useful to the court.

Only when Eastern Xia becomes strong can we, the common people, live in peace.

Cui Guan's words sounded nice, but Leng Qingyi still caught the fleeting pity in his eyes.

But it doesn't matter, she can pretend she didn't see it, as long as she gets what she wants.

“Master Cui is a smart man. Since that’s the case, the Eighth Prince will be demoted to a commoner from this day forward and will never be allowed to set foot in the capital again. Master Cui, as his uncle, will take him back and teach him properly.”