Xing Yuan was not in a good mood. Without Ning Yue, who could rein her in, she reverted to her tyrannical nature, her methods brutal and decisive.
Furthermore, she followed the path meticulously chosen by the Prime Minister, so even when they encountered rebels, they were only a small fraction, posing no threat to her entourage. Thus, they did not stop Xing Yuan from indulging her wild nature.
It was better for her to vent her anger on these rebels than to take it out on herself later!
After all, it was better for a comrade to die than for oneself!
On the way back, Xing Yuan was in no hurry, stopping and starting along the way. Occasionally, she would encounter things that displeased her and even send people to meddle.
The court sent people several times to urge her on, but Xing Yuan remained unhurried. She knew her own affairs. Although her reputation among the common people was not good, even after she had dispatched so many people to the border, the capital's military strength was still ample.
At least, with the enemy's rabble, it wouldn't be so easy to breach the defenses.
Moreover, this was an opportunity for the ministers to re-evaluate their allegiances. They all appeared loyal and devoted, but in reality, they harbored ulterior motives. Xing Yuan was aware of this, but since she had no ambition for the throne, she had turned a blind eye.
However, things were different now. Xing Yuan could clearly sense a softening in Ning Yue's attitude.
Since that was the case, she naturally had to clear away all obstacles that might sway her little general's thoughts, so that she would fearlessly stand with her. This had always been her wish.
Xing Yuan finally returned to the capital. As expected, she was obstructed at the city gates. Xing Yuan looked coldly at the general on the city wall, then turned and took a bow and arrow from her subordinate.
She drew the bow, aimed, and released. Before the general on the city wall could react, the arrow pierced her vital point. She tumbled from the city wall, her body mangled.
A commotion erupted on the city wall, as if they had not expected their leader to die so abruptly.
However, the reaction from those below was swift. The hidden guards Xing Yuan had trained proved invaluable.
Though the city wall was high, several individuals skilled in light footwork easily scaled it.
They were trained in the art of killing, with sharp eyes. They slit the throats of a few minor leaders on the city wall, raised their arms, and with a few rousing words, coupled with Xing Yuan's fearsome reputation in their minds,
After a moment of hesitant glances, they dropped their weapons and knelt on the ground to welcome their Emperor's return.
The city gates opened, and Xing Yuan charged in first, heading straight for the imperial palace.
A vast entourage followed behind her. The households had long since closed their doors due to the tense situation in the capital.
The palace once again underwent a great purge. Those who colluded with external enemies were beheaded by Xing Yuan and displayed on the city walls as a warning.
As for those who were loyal to her mother, the Empress, and firmly believed she was not the rightful heir, Xing Yuan kindly sent them to join their mother.
She even specially constructed a small mausoleum outside the imperial tomb and buried them there. Let them happily serve the late Emperor, for they were loyal officials, after all! How could she betray their dedication?
Now, almost all the court ministers were Xing Yuan's people. Unfortunately, due to the heavy losses, only twenty remained in total.
Xing Yuan appeared overjoyed, with two dimples appearing on her face.
The ministers trembled as they knelt on the ground, none daring to look up at their Emperor.
Wuwuwu! x﹏x○○(＞＜)○○
When would this suffering ever end!
Xing Yuan said slowly, "My loyal subjects should be rejoicing. After this incident, I am completely convinced of your unwavering loyalty to me. Why are you all looking down, afraid to look at me? Have you, like those disloyal individuals, done something to betray me?"
"Your Majesty, we dare not!" The voices were unified, as if rehearsed.