4490

Chapter 4490: 5.0242 Extermination of the Clan

Behind him followed two rows of soldiers, riding their horses into the city, each soldier's face covered by a half tiger mask. The dark masks, reflecting a cold light when hit by the sun, looked quite chilling.

A child cried out in terror, and was quickly hushed by his grandparents, who covered his small mouth and dragged him to the back of the crowd.

In the middle of the Tiger Cavalry, a large string of people were tied up like grasshoppers. Each face was pale, eyes darting nervously, and their bodies were covered in dirt, as if they had rolled in a mud pit.

"It's the Hou family."

"Look! The Hou family head's head!" someone cried out in horror.

The common people on both sides of the street quickly shut their eyes in fear, seeing the Hou family head's head impaled on a soldier's spear, carried along the entire way. Everyone was terrified, their palms sweating coldly, involuntarily retreating several steps.

Miss Hou stumbled along behind the procession, supporting her mother. They cried all the way, looking truly wretched and miserable. The entire family, dozens of people, were escorted to Greenwood Villa, separated and detained from the Second Prince's people.

Everyone undoubtedly knew what awaited them. The evidence was complete, with both witnesses and material proof, leaving no room for denial. The Heaven-Piercing Thunder was indeed manufactured by the Hou family's Thousand Machine Pavilion, and the Second Prince's seven hundred followers, after being intimidated, confessed everything.

The interrogation results were disseminated throughout the Imperial Capital that afternoon, conclusively stating: The Second Prince colluded with the Hou family to plot rebellion. Their methods were exceptionally ruthless and cruel, even targeting the entire city's populace. Their objective was obvious: once the Imperial Capital fell into chaos, the Second Prince could further his actions.

It was unfortunate that his very first move was crushed by Duan Yue on the chessboard. This was his tragedy. A gamble could have brought him wealth and glory. However, he lost, resulting in utter defeat and destitution.

Duan Yue's order for extermination of the clan was issued before evening fell.

Setting down his vermillion brush, Duan Yue stood by the window for a long time. The moon rose, the sun set, and night was approaching once more. The air was heavy; it seemed it would rain again tonight.

"Princess, Princess, you cannot enter! Princess! Princess??" Little Kezi's voice, arguing with someone, came from outside the corridor.

A sharp female voice overshadowed Little Kezi's. "Get out of the way! I told you to get out of the way, you dog slave, don't you understand?!"

Princess Jiankang, Rong Shanshan, brutally kicked Little Kezi aside and burst in. "Imperial Brother, I won't marry! I won't marry!"

"What is it?" Duan Yue's expression darkened, his gaze coldly fixed on this spoiled and unruly princess.

"Audacious!" Little Kezi scrambled in, adjusting his crooked hat, and angrily shouted, "Someone! Quick, someone!"

Princess Jiankang bit her silver teeth, then suddenly knelt with a thud before Duan Yue. "Imperial Brother, Imperial Brother, please spare me."

"In the past, I was young and ignorant. I, I didn't mean to offend you! Imperial Brother, Imperial Brother, for the sake of our sibling bond, don't send me to the Barbarian Tribe. I won't marry that Prince Guangwa! I won't, I won't."

Duan Yue looked at her coldly. "Do you think I'm holding a personal grudge? Am I that bored?"

"Your marriage was arranged by the Ministry of Rites; I did not interfere."

"Furthermore, it was Prince Guangwa of the Barbarian Tribe who came to ask for your hand in marriage."

Princess Jiankang's face was a pale, sorrowful mask, and she shook her head repeatedly.