The Mad King's Heir

Yu Wen wanted to curse her out, but he restrained himself. This wasn’t the place or time. He bowed respectfully, about to refuse when Prime Minister Deacon cleared his throat, his long grey beard trembling. He got up and bowed, saying, "Your majesty, there are plenty of officials here who can take his place. Officials who know the laws of Aurelia well."

Was he being kind and trying to help Yu Wen out of a tight spot? No, they all wanted the opportunity to adjudicate this hearing in revenge for all the years that tyrant had slaughtered officials in cold blood. They understood that Li Jun wasn’t the one who ordered the executions, but he sat right alongside his father and watched as officials’ blood was spilled on this very floor.

They wanted to be the ones to read out his crimes and put their names in the history records. Another official stood up. She bowed her head and said, "Yes, your majesty. I am more than willing to adjudicate this hearing with your permission." Prime Minister Deacon snorted coldly at how opportunistic she was.

She didn’t speak up first, yet she wanted to take his spot. He would not allow it. He was about to retort when another official stood up, volunteering themselves, and then another. The hall instantly turned chaotic. They were arguing over who would take that position.

Displeased by this insubordination, Xiu Ying clenched her fist until her knuckles turned white. Enraged, she yelled, "Impudence!" her fist slamming down on the armrest. The entire hall fell silent. Xiu Ying was always kind and soft-spoken. Even when there was chaos in the court, she never showed any signs of anger. She was the one who would placate them and reach a compromise.

This was the first time they had ever seen her like this. Her eyes were bloodshot and crazed, and her veins were bulging. Coupled with her sickly complexion, she looked like a vengeful spirit here to slaughter them all. She was no less terrifying than Li Mingze.

Li Yu, seeing that the situation was getting out of control, reached for her mother’s trembling hand and said, "My lord, my mother is still not well. She is in so much pain, and you arguing like this is not good for her." As she spoke, she winced from the pain having pulled on her wound.

Xiu Ying composed herself, but she was still solemn. She said, "How dare you all question me? There is a reason why I picked General Yu to adjudicate this hearing. Yet, you all question my authority. Am I not the Imperial Queen in your eyes? Prime Minister Deacon, should I just get down from this throne so you can sit on it? Is that it, huh?"

Having been singled out, Prime Minister Deacon’s heart trembled. He looked at the other officials who had just been arguing. They had their heads lowered, trying to reduce their sense of presence. He regretted being the first to speak.

Kowtowing before her, he apologized, saying, "Forgive your majesty. This humble official overstepped. Punish me as you see fit."

Yu Wen, who couldn’t stand it anymore, said, "Your Majesty, I appreciate the opportunity, but I can’t accept-"

But he was suddenly interrupted by Xi Ying. With an authoritative tone, she said, "General, are you going to disobey my orders as well?" Yu Wen met her gaze, and he could read between the lines.

She, of course, knew about his visit to Li Jun’s cell and probably knew everything they said and did. This was her reminding him that if he wanted to fulfill his promise to Li Jun, this was the price.

Yu Wen clenched his fist before loosening his grip. He bowed and said, "I dare not, your Majesty."

Xiu Ying’s throat rolled, and she said, "Good." He walked towards the judge’s seat and sat down. Li Yu glanced at him, the hurt in her eyes difficult to hide. She looked away, her fist clenched. Holding her head up high, she couldn’t wait for him to watch Li Jun’s body vaporize. She couldn’t wait to see the look on his face. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

How did she know that Li Jun was going to be attacked? Last night, someone sent her a message telling her that they knew that she was angry about what Li Jun did to her mother and that he had taken everything from her. They were going to take care of her problem as long as she helped them smuggle a plasma gun, illegal in Aurelia.

It contained a destructive fusion core that was capable of instantly vaporizing a target with one hit. This made it one of the most feared weapons, thus it was outlawed with the harshest punishment possible.

Li Yu knew her mother was taking care of things, so she refused outright. But then they sent her surveillance footage from Li Jun’s cell. She saw the love of her life grab Li Jun’s jaw and kiss him so passionately that it drove her to madness. She was so angry that she smashed whatever was near her.

The person messaging her said that her mother had her own agenda, and she wouldn’t execute Li Jun as long as she got what she wanted. Who then would make up for the hurt she suffered after he stole her man from her?

She didn’t need any more convincing. She agreed quickly. There was no way around it. Li Jun had to die. That was the only solution. As for her mother, she knew that those two kissed in that cell, but she didn’t say anything to her. She also planned to let him go free after she got what she wanted.

Thinking she was justified, Li Yu betrayed her mother with no second thought. This morning, she went to receive the package in person. The imperial guards didn’t dare ask to do a security check on the package. They were just surprised she picked it up in person instead of sending her attendant. Li Yu hid the package as told, and now she was just waiting for the good show.

Outside, things weren’t so peaceful either. Li Zimo watched as the transport van arrived outside the hall. His jaw clenched to the point of snapping as he watched his niece step out of that van, chained like a beast. In large strides, he walked over, intending to strike him, but Luca stepped in front of Li Jun, and the imperial guards held him back.