The Prince Wants to Assassinate Me Every Day-Chapter 1035 - 626: The Execution of the Bai and Gu Families (Part 1)

Chapter 1035: Chapter 626: The Execution of the Bai and Gu Families (Part 1)

Daxuan Kingdom, Seventh Year of Jingyan.

Beginning of Spring. Morning court.

In the grand hall.

Xiao Jinxing, clad in a Dragon Robe, radiating an imposing aura, sits with dignity and nobility on the Dragon Throne.

The civil and military officials stand on both sides.

The atmosphere is grand and majestic.

Wu Wenji, the Grand Protector, steps forward to advise, "Your Majesty, the rebellion by the Bai and Gu families has dragged on for eight or nine months. I urge Your Majesty to deal with it promptly to set an example."

Xiao Jinxing glances at Wu Wenji, knowing that this matter was inevitable at today’s morning court.

During this time, he had suppressed all memorials regarding Gu Xingchuan. Today, he must provide an explanation to the civil and military officials.

With authority, he asks, "What is your insightful opinion on the punishment for the Bai and Gu families’ rebellion, Minister Wu?!"

"I am unworthy, yet I dare to express my humble opinion," Wu Wenji respectfully begins, "The Bai family holds military power, has received Your Majesty’s favor, and has been entrusted with responsibilities by the court, yet they colluded with foreign enemies planning rebellion, which is a grievous crime. However, considering the Bai family’s generations of loyal generals, and that Old General Bai swore to guard the border to the death, their past merits cannot be entirely erased. I believe that Bai Moyi and Bai Mowan, the rebels from the Bai family, should be executed and displayed to the public, but the rest of the Bai family should not be implicated."

Xiao Jinxing nods slightly and then asks, "And the Gu family?"

"Gu Xingchuan was appointed Prime Minister under Your Majesty’s mandate, one rank below Your Majesty only. Your Majesty showed him such favor, yet he attempted rebellion, betraying Your Majesty’s trust — it’s utterly outrageous, nearly causing great calamity. I believe Gu Xingchuan should be executed and displayed as an example, and his nine clans should be punished!" Wu Wenji asserts unequivocally.

Xiao Jinxing remains impassive.

He showed no change in expression regarding the ministers’ proposed handling of the Bai and Gu families.

Originally, the ministers could not fathom his thoughts.

They assumed his anger, given the lack of a definitive response regarding Gu Xingchuan’s matter, indicated he wanted leniency. But confronting the calls for severe action against Gu Xingchuan, he showed no emotional shift.

"Your Majesty, I have something to say." Song Yanqing steps forward respectfully.

"Speak freely, Minister Song."

"I agree with Grand Protector Wu’s handling of the Bai family. Their treason is a grievous crime, unforgivable, yet their historical military achievements cannot be ignored. Thus, penalizing the specific rebels but not implicating others in the Bai family should appear fair and just in the annals. It reflects Your Majesty’s uprightness and benevolence," Song Yanqing states plainly, then continues, "As for the Gu family, I do not agree with Grand Protector Wu’s statement."

Wu Wenji shows displeasure.

"Though Gu Xingchuan’s attempt at rebellion is a grievous crime, he turned back in time, causing no actual harm and not injuring a single soldier. I believe, if Your Majesty can be lenient with the Bai family, why not extend the same to Gu Xingchuan? The Bai family caused national turmoil, repeated wars, countless deaths and injuries! Given Your Majesty’s lenience on Bai family merit from generations of loyalty, Gu Xingchuan should likewise receive leniency."

"You are mistaken," Wu Wenji steps forward to directly counter, "Gu Xingchuan was appointed by Your Majesty without any military merit, lifted directly to Prime Minister, enjoying Your Majesty’s favor. Yet he retaliated against Your Majesty, thus, he is undeserving of Your Majesty’s mercy. As for Minister Song’s remark on no calamity, it’s due to Gu Xingchuan’s lack of ability, not the depth of his sins!"

"I agree with Grand Protector Wu’s viewpoint." The Minister of Ministry of Industry steps forward, siding with Wu Wenji, "Gu Xingchuan received so much grace from Your Majesty and showed no gratitude, only greed. If Your Majesty is lenient today, others will follow Gu Xingchuan’s example tomorrow. Without consistent action, how can Your Majesty stabilize the court and the realm? Your Majesty’s authority must not be infringed by anyone!"

"Your Majesty," Song Yanqing states righteously, "though Gu Xingchuan has no military achievements, he has always assisted Your Majesty, accompanying you since you were a Prince. During border wars, he was by your side; when Princess Hezhen needed assistance governing, Gu Xingchuan stayed in the Imperial Palace, diligent and dutiful. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, he has provided strategies to stabilize Your Majesty’s reign. Despite lacking military merit, his efforts over the years deserve recognition. I implore Your Majesty to judge wisely. As for Gu Xingchuan’s great mistake, it was a momentary lapse; to err is human, and I beseech Your Majesty to remember his years of loyalty and show leniency!"

"Is Minister Song protecting Gu Xingchuan to pave a path for himself?!" Wu Wenji suddenly jeers harshly.

Song Yanqing’s eyes narrow, "What prompts such a claim from Grand Protector Wu?!"

"You, Minister Song, and Gu Xingchuan are among the closest ministers to Your Majesty, their favor is evident. Now, Gu Xingchuan’s rebellion exposed, and this defense from you, Minister Song, is a prelude for using Gu Xingchuan’s actions as analogy for possible betrayal of Your Majesty!" Wu Wenji’s words clearly implied personal attack.

Song Yanqing’s face turns ashen.

Before he can respond,

the Left Imperial Censor speaks, "I find Grand Protector Wu’s words reasonable. Although I do not suspect Minister Song would imitate Gu Xingchuan, Grand Protector Wu’s concerns are valid. Your Majesty, executing one as a warning sets a precedent; mercy could aid the corrupt and abet the wicked. Please, let not soft heart prevail over state matters — investigate Gu’s nine clans!" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"I urge Your Majesty to execute the nine clans of the Gu family." Each minister kneels, pleading.

Song Yanqing looks at the ministers beside him, all kneeling and pleading desperately.

He turns to look at the Emperor.

Also knowing that realistically saving Gu Xingchuan is unlikely.

Today, the Emperor allows him to plead for Gu Xingchuan in the grand hall, testing the ministers’ perspective on the Gu family affair.

Indeed.

As expected.

Once the execution concerning the Bai and Gu families begins, Gu Xingchuan’s demise seems inevitable.

In the solemn grand hall,

Xiao Jinxing states directly, "I have considered the ministers’ opinions."

All ministers lower their heads, awaiting Xiao Jinxing’s command.

"Regarding the Bai family, I concur with the ministers. Bai Mowan and Bai Moyi committed a heinous crime in rebellion, their execution and public display are set, sparing other Bai family members, and the historical records shall justly capture the Bai clan," Xiao Jinxing announces.

"As for Gu Xingchuan," Xiao Jinxing pauses.

Everyone holds their breath.

"Gu Xingchuan is one I appointed personally and cherished greatly. His betrayal in rebellion grieves me deeply. Over the years, Gu Xingchuan has planned and participated by my side, truly helping alleviate my burdens, and I am reluctant to execute him. However, the ministers’ words hold reason, and leniency here would be aiding misconduct. I find myself in a difficult position, unable to decide at this moment," Xiao Jinxing admits sincerely.