A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1186: Some Things Must Be Sacrificed

Unraveling the flow of silver is paramount right now.

Once we trace this, the architects of sedition will be exposed.

Consequently, Zhao Junyao swiftly dispatched agents to investigate and place Old Master Lian’s Money Shop under seal.

However, their efforts were ultimately a fraction too late.

The Lian Family’s Money Shop was suddenly engulfed in flames, the inferno intensifying until all within the establishment was irrecoverably consumed.

The main residences of the Lian Family were also not spared from the destruction.

Those individuals privy to certain information perished within the conflagration!

The operatives sent by Zhao Junyao found themselves with absolutely nothing.

In their disarray, they could only provisionally detain the surviving family members and freeze the assets and properties of the Rong and Song Families, pending the Emperor's judgment.

Upon receiving this news, Zhao Junyao was overcome with immense frustration.

His fury palpable, he slammed his fist into a large sycamore tree within the inn, causing it to shake violently as if in protest or in terror.

Xia Ruqing, who had already donned women's attire, offered counsel.

"Your Majesty, let us focus on the clues we currently possess!"

Zhao Junyao remained grimly silent.

After a period of contemplation, he drew Xia Ruqing towards him and turned to depart.

Zhao Junyao ordered that all living members of the Lian Family be interrogated.

As anticipated, they either professed complete ignorance or possessed only fragmented knowledge, revealing less than what he already knew.

Exhausted and having lost all patience, Zhao Junyao simply waved his hand.

"Execute them at once!"

And so it transpired...

The Lian Family, exceeding one hundred in number, began their journey to the Yellow Springs Road the very next day, reuniting with those who had earlier met their fiery end.

Witnessing Zhao Junyao's profound rage and the execution of so many individuals for the first time, Xia Ruqing finally grasped the meaning of the adage, 'To accompany the king is like accompanying a tiger.'

She truly understood now that he was a formidable tiger.

Despite never having displayed such ferocity towards her, he remained a truly powerful beast.

His affection for his subjects was matched only by his hatred for traitors and villains.

Furthermore.

No mountain can house two tigers, and proximity to his power was perilous.

Zhao Junyao was an innate sovereign, permitting no challenge to his authority!

His mastery had reached a level... beyond her imagination.

...

On the night of the immediate executions.

A torrential downpour descended upon Jinling City, as if the heavens themselves mourned the souls unjustly taken.

The rain lashed against the windowpane, creating a drumming sound on the sycamore leaves.

Within the expansive chamber on the inn's top floor, several ornate copper lotus candle holders stood, illuminating the space.

Hundreds of candles, varying in size and form, cast a soft glow.

Zhao Junyao sat by a collection of bookshelves, his expression stern and icy as he reviewed numerous documents.

Xia Ruqing, feeling restless, stood by the window, observing the rain.

She was adorned in a lake-blue gown crafted from fine smoke fabric, her long, dark hair partially secured with a glass jade Bu Yao, the remainder cascading down her back like a dark waterfall.

A gentle breeze from outside the window carried a slight chill, lifting the hem of her dress and subtly disturbing the strands of hair around her forehead.

She appeared as a celestial maiden descending to immortality.

Time slipped by unnoticed.

Zhao Junyao materialized behind her, draping a feather-white, gauzy coat over her shoulders.

"What are you contemplating?"

Xia Ruqing lowered her gaze, clutching her scarf.

"Nothing..."

Zhao Junyao gently drew her into his embrace and inquired softly.

"Are you frightened?"

He had never before commanded such a mass execution in her presence; surely she must feel afraid, wouldn't she?

Xia Ruqing's heart skipped a beat: Could he perceive this? Was he reading her thoughts?

However...

Fear was not the primary emotion; she comprehended the larger implications, yet the act still felt excessively cruel.

Among those executed were children, some as young as Yue Er; what transgressions could they possibly have committed?

Especially now, as a mother, she found it unbearable to witness a child's distress, let alone such widespread suffering.

Observing her silence, Zhao Junyao recognized his assumption was correct.

He held her cool hand to offer comfort.

"There is no need for guilt; certain sacrifices are unavoidable!"

His father had imparted this lesson to him long ago: the cardinal rule of emperorship is ruthlessness.

Without a ruthless heart, stability is unattainable.

Without ruthlessness, imperial dignity cannot be established.

Without ruthlessness, the respect and fear of court officials cannot be secured.

Initially, he failed to grasp this, but now he understood.

The more compassionate one is towards others, the less they are regarded, for they will never instill fear!

Over time, sensing your leniency, they will grow increasingly bold.

In the long term, what fate awaits the land and the state? It would be overrun by traitors and villains.

Therefore, he must be ruthless! He had become accustomed to ruthlessness.

"But... this is so unfair to those children!"

"I just feel very sorry for them!" Xia Ruqing quietly said, her head bowed.

They hadn’t been given the proper opportunity to witness this world before their lives were extinguished; it was truly too cruel!

She wasn't some cold-hearted gentleman; she was a woman, and moreover, a mother.

Even if she extended a mother's compassion, what harm could it possibly cause? Who would dare to criticize her?

Could anyone truly restrain their heart in such a situation?

Zhao Junyao's gaze drifted through the window to the resolute sycamore tree braving the tempest, and a low laugh escaped him.

"Fairness is a concept that does not exist in this world!"

"It has always been a brutal struggle for survival, where the strong prey upon the weak!"

Xia Ruqing remained silent.

She understood that Zhao Junyao's perspective held a harsh truth.

There was no need for debate, nor was there any reason to fault him for his perceived cruelty; all things must adhere to the established rules of this grand game, correct?!

With a sigh, Xia Ruqing gently rested her head against Zhao Junyao's chest, finding solace in his embrace.

The two remained nestled together, observing the raging storm outside for a considerable time.

Suddenly, Zhao Junyao broke the silence.

"Do you wish to know... precisely who the individuals orchestrating these events are?"

Xia Ruqing's breath hitched in surprise, and she swiftly lifted her head.

"You have discovered their identities?"

Zhao Junyao offered a solemn nod.

"The Lian Family, you see, was once known by the surname Lien. The patriarch of the Lien Family, Lien Muen, is none other than the husband of Prince Yan's wet nurse, the esteemed Lady Qiu!"

"Lien Muen and Lady Qiu were blessed with a son, who is now known as Lien Jiqiu. He is approximately the same age as Prince Yan!"

"Having grown up alongside Prince Yan, he entered the palace from a young age. As he matured, he served Prince Yan with unwavering loyalty in his endeavors outside the imperial walls!"

"Many years prior, when Prince Yan foresaw his eventual departure to his assigned territory, he remembered the deep bond of master and servant and therefore dispatched the nursemaid's sole heir!"

"Not only did he send him away, but he also bestowed upon him civilian status, a substantial fortune, and offered counsel for him to live a peaceful, incognito life!"

Although Prince Yan was already lame and had lost his official standing, he possessed the capability to arrange such matters.

This Lien Jiqiu proved to be quite adept as well.

Equipped with considerable financial resources, he quickly established a thriving business and firmly embedded himself in the Jiangnan region, operating under a veil of disguise.

In the years leading up to the Late Emperor's demise, he had become a merchant of considerable renown throughout Jiangnan.

Following the passing of the Late Emperor, Zhao Junyao ascended to the imperial throne.

He diligently governed the realm, ushering in an era of prosperity and implementing a series of beneficial reforms.

The Imperial Court and the populace alike experienced increasing flourishing conditions.

Jiangnan, being the most affluent region within the Great Chu Dynasty, naturally became the focus of Lien Jiqiu's ambitions. He soon forged alliances with the Rong and Song Families, effectively monopolizing all commercial enterprises within Jiangnan."