"Enough!"
As soon as Zhang Qiying uttered these words, she had lost, completely and utterly.
She didn't want Bu Lianshi to continue speaking, because if she did, everything... everything would be exposed.
It seemed Zhang Qiying's words had some effect. Bu Lianshi closed her mouth. Lu Yu, however, offered a faint smile and said gently, "Speak your mind freely, have no fear, I will protect you!"
Bu Lianshi seemed to have found a much-needed reassurance. She looked up at Lu Yu, then continued fearlessly.
"In Jiangdong, most of the Five Pecks of Rice cult's branch members were refugees seeking self-preservation. My mother and I, though members of the Five Pecks of Rice cult, only desired a peaceful life, enough to eat and clothes to wear. A plague showed my mother and me the coldness of the world, the fragility of life, and how hard-won stability truly is!
"There are many people in the Five Pecks of Rice cult branch like me, like my mother. We were displaced by war, and we used to grovel for a meal or a piece of clothing. But now, Jiangdong has finally submitted to Great Wei, becoming its territory, and we have finally welcomed this long-lasting peace. Yet, because of a plague, people are suffering once again!
"At the same time that the Crown Prince healed the Wu Commandery plague, he also... also showed me who could bring true peace to the people of Jiangdong, and who could allow them to live good lives!
Bu Lianshi's eyes welled up with tears again as she spoke, her voice filled with emotion.
"I know that my mother colluded with the former Grand Ritual Master to spread the plague. It is a grave sin, and I was once terrified. If I revealed these truths, it would surely... put my mother in danger. It was the Crown Prince who promised me that, regardless of the outcome, he would not trouble my mother, even if I bore all the hatred. I... I..."
She finished by kowtowing vigorously.
Her words moved everyone present.
Sun Quan, Zhou Yu, Lu Su... even Sun Yi, who rarely shed tears, had a faint mist in his eyes.
Lu Su, in particular, had a flushed face.
His earlier accusations felt like a barrage of slaps, leaving his face burning.
Perhaps this was what they called "losing face."
"Do you have anything else to say?" Lu Yu produced a silk handkerchief from somewhere and handed it to Bu Lianshi.
She accepted it with her delicate hands and wiped her cheeks.
"I... I have nothing more to say. I only hope... I only hope the Crown Prince will honor his promise. All blame... let it fall upon me. Spare my mother, and spare the countless followers of the Five Pecks of Rice cult in Jiangdong... and... and..."
Bu Lianshi had more to say, but her eyes darted, conveying her unspoken words to Lu Yu through her gaze.
*Hoo...*
Lu Yu sighed and turned back to Zhang Qiying.
"Saintess, do you have anything to say?"
Zhang Qiying bit her lip tightly. Upon hearing Lu Yu's words, she raised her head to look at him and murmured, "I never imagined the Crown Prince had already seen through me. Now... is there any need for me to explain?"
Facing this sorrowful and plaintive reply...
Lu Yu did not answer. He simply turned to face the assembled crowd. "Generals Sun, Governor Zhou, Governor Lu... do you have any further questions? Bu Lianshi is only one witness. If you feel the evidence is insufficient, I can produce a second, a third... even ten, a hundred. Each of them can prove that Bu Lianshi was sent from the Hanzhong main altar by the Five Pecks of Rice cult, and each can prove that the plague was a 'besiege Wei to save Zhao' plan deployed by the cult!"
"Ultimately, the Five Pecks of Rice cult has lost the people's trust by releasing the plague!"
In truth, by this point, Zhang Qiying... no, everyone already firmly believed that the Five Pecks of Rice cult had orchestrated the plague.
Everyone's expression had changed dramatically, their brows furrowed, their minds in turmoil!
Why was it that Zhou Yu, Lu Su, and Lu Xun, with thousands of soldiers and days and nights of investigation, had found no clues?
But Lu Yu...
In just one day, he had thoroughly investigated the matter.
And all of this was not due to anything else but "public sentiment."
It truly lived up to the eternal adage: "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world!"
*Crack...*
Just then.
Lu Yu slammed his fist onto the table, a move that instantly drew everyone's attention.
His expression instantly turned serious. For the first time, his face was set, no longer as relaxed as before.
After a brief silence, Lu Yu spoke, "In the 'Royal Edicts' chapter of Xunzi, it is mentioned that the ruler is like a boat, and the common people are like water. Water can carry a boat, and water can capsize a boat! This means the ruler is like a boat, and the masses are like river water. Water can carry the boat, and water can also capsize the boat. The saying goes, 'The ruler is the boat; the people are the water. Water can carry the boat, and water can capsize the boat!'
"The plague in Jiangdong is like this, and so is the capture of its perpetrators. From the people, to the people; never forget the original intention, and you will reach your goal. This is what I, your Crown Prince, have always adhered to and upheld. Past experiences have also taught me that he who wins the hearts of the people wins the world! Therefore, the most important point in my proposed new policies is grassroots governance, ensuring every common person has clothes to wear and food to eat, so they will no longer be displaced and separated from their families due to war. Great Wei must create at least a peaceful paradise, and this will be what Great Wei is currently practicing and will continue to practice!"
Undoubtedly...
Lu Yu's words possessed immense charisma.
Furthermore, Lu Yu... no, to be precise, Great Wei's assistance in eradicating the plague in Jiangdong had been exceptionally outstanding, earning the people's support!
Instantly, Lu Yu's speech was met with a wave of applause.
"Take her away!"
Lu Yu's gaze fell upon Zhang Qiying.
Zhang Qiying still gritted her teeth, appearing defiant yet helpless.
Within this expression, there was also a trace of admiration for Lu Yu.
As she was being led away, Zhang Qiying looked back, her captivating eyes fixed on Lu Yu.
"I have witnessed the Crown Prince's methods..."
With that, she cast a resentful glance and slowly departed.
As for Bu Lianshi...
She too looked up at Lu Yu, seemingly eager to know how he would deal with her and her mother.
"Miss Bu, I still have some questions regarding the Five Pecks of Rice cult during this period. Would you mind staying at the guesthouse for now?"
Bu Lianshi nodded. She hesitated for a moment, then parted her lips slightly. "My mother..."
"Has anyone here said your mother is guilty?" Lu Yu seemed to have anticipated Bu Lianshi's question.
This remark first startled Bu Lianshi, then her tense face suddenly relaxed. She repeatedly kowtowed, "Thank you, Crown Prince, thank you, Crown Prince!"
...
......
"It seems we were mistaken about my husband,"
In the guesthouse, in Ma Yunlu's room, Ma Yunlu spoke first with emotion.
Women from Xiliang dared to love and hate. They liked what they liked and disliked what they disliked.
Even if she misunderstood her husband just moments ago, once the truth was revealed, admiration was admiration. And all this admiration culminated in immense respect.
Perhaps Ma Yunlu had married Lu Yu merely due to a political alliance, but with the growing admiration, she would develop great interest and sincere feelings for him.
Lü Lingqi bit her lip slightly. "Who could have foreseen this? My husband intentionally let that enchantress approach him... all to uncover the truth! Who would have thought that the dignified Crown Prince of Great Wei would... would lower himself to perform such a honey trap!"
Sun Shangxiang smiled and remarked, "I knew it. My husband has seen all sorts of women. Is this enchantress comparable to the learned and virtuous Sister Zhao Ji, or the intelligent and virtuous Princess Wannian? My husband is so skilled in strategy, how could he... be ensnared by her? Rather..."
Sun Shangxiang asked curiously.
"I wonder how my husband will deal with this enchantress!"
Bringing up the topic, Ma Yunlu said, "Xiliang is closer to Hanzhong. Speaking of which, after the Jiangdong plague is quelled, Great Wei's next destination will undoubtedly be Hanzhong. And Hanzhong is a... a sensitive place. If my husband kills this enchantress now, then regarding the Five Pecks of Rice cult in Hanzhong..."
Ma Yunlu did not finish her sentence.
But her meaning was perfectly clear.
Lü Lingqi frowned and looked towards Sun Shangxiang. "But if he doesn't kill her, how will he appease the anger of the hundreds of thousands of people in Jiangdong? After all, this plague..."
Lü Lingqi's words also came to an abrupt halt.
At this moment, two intense gazes were directed towards Sun Shangxiang. Sun Shangxiang bit her lip. She was the Sword Fairy and the Bowed Lady of Jiangdong, so naturally, she should stand with Jiangdong.
But...
If the Saintess of the Five Pecks of Rice cult were to be killed due to considerations for Jiangdong, then the Five Pecks of Rice cult in Hanzhong would surely unite against them, leaving no room for maneuver.
This...
"I... I hope my husband can... leave some room for maneuver," Sun Shangxiang murmured.
Just then.
"Report..." a female soldier approached the door and called out softly.
"Enter!" Sun Shangxiang beckoned.
The female soldier entered and clasped her hands. "The Crown Prince has ordered that the Five Pecks of Rice cult poisoned Jiangdong. Its Saintess is unforgivable. Tomorrow at noon, the enchantress Zhang Qiying will be executed in the market square!"
*Hoo...*
Upon hearing this, Ma Yunlu and Lü Lingqi gasped, while Sun Shangxiang's pupils widened in disbelief!
Because of Jiangdong...
Did her husband intend to be so resolute against the Five Pecks of Rice cult?
If so, Hanzhong... would inevitably... inevitably...
The three women exchanged glances.
Heavy breaths filled the room.
...
...
Outside Wu Commandery city, fifteen li to the east, the Dragon Hawk Camp was stationed.
The area was heavily guarded, especially a certain military tent. Outside, diligent guards stood sentinel. Even though the moon was high, the guards seemed devoid of sleep.
Suddenly, a handsome young man strode in. As his footsteps approached, the guards recognized him. They all knelt on one knee, their movements uniform, but they remained silent.
Lu Yu walked through, his casual smile gradually fading, replaced by a solemn expression.
He asked the guards present, "Have they brought the person?"
"Yes!"
"The execution grounds for tomorrow have also been arranged!"
"Yes!"
Concise answers, the usual style of the School of Officials. Upon receiving affirmative replies, Lu Yu stepped inside.
Who else could be within this grand tent besides the Saintess of the Five Pecks of Rice cult, Zhang Qiying?
"The Crown Prince is indeed a man of his word!"
Seeing Lu Yu, Zhang Qiying slowly rose. She was not wearing shackles or any special restraints.
Bu Lianshi also entered with Lu Yu.
Upon seeing Zhang Qiying... Bu Lianshi bowed, "Greetings, Saintess..."
"Heh..." Zhang Qiying smiled faintly. "What you said during the day, even recalling it now sends shivers down my spine. You acted well, and you acted truly!"
— "Act!"
The crucial word escaped her lips.
Bu Lianshi lowered her head and said, "Your subordinate also followed the Saintess's orders and dared not disobey. It is just... I have troubled the Saintess."
"I am not troubled at all!" Zhang Qiying smiled, her eyes shifting towards Lu Yu. She extended her delicate hands, exhaled a faint scent, and said to Lu Yu, "Don't you agree, Crown Prince..."
Suddenly, struck by the charm in his gaze, Lu Yu's lips curled into a faint smile.
He recalled how, that morning, Zhang Qiying had brought food as usual...
And Lu Yu already knew from Bu Lianshi that within this food lay Bu Lianshi's choice.
On one side was poison, meant to control Lu Yu and ensure the safety of the Five Pecks of Rice cult and Hanzhong.
On the other side was... potent medicine, not ordinary medicine, but a dose sufficient to make an elephant...
— "Drinking on an empty stomach makes one easily intoxicated. Why not have some dishes first."
— "Saintess, what have you placed in this cup of wine? Poison? Or potent medicine? I am very curious!"
Zhang Qiying and Lu Yu spoke consecutively.
Zhang Qiying's hesitation and indecision contrasted sharply with Lu Yu's veiled barbs.
But then...
Zhang Qiying's action greatly astonished Lu Yu.
She took the wine from Lu Yu's hand and drank it all, then emptied her own cup. She spread her hands. "Now... does the Crown Prince know if this wine is poison? Or potent medicine?"
Zhang Qiying's actions left Lu Yu in utter shock. "You didn't administer any medicine?"
Zhang Qiying smiled. "My father believed that poison or women could blackmail the Crown Prince of Great Wei. But I don't think so. I believe... sincerity and earnestness can blackmail the Crown Prince of Great Wei!"
Speaking of which...
Zhang Qiying slowly rose and turned. "I don't know how much the Crown Prince knows, but since you can say these things, you likely know that the one who released the plague was the former Grand Ritual Master Zhang Wei. I have already sent word to my father to have this Zhang Wei quartered and thrown into a den of ten thousand snakes... to be eaten by snakes and ants!"
"The Five Pecks of Rice cult has never intended to be enemies with Great Wei. My father's only aim is self-preservation. And I..."
Zhang Qiying leaned towards Lu Yu's ear.
Lu Yu could feel her fragrance and hear her captivating voice.
— "With the support of the Crown Prince of Wei, the Five Pecks of Rice cult might not be confined to a single corner. The entire Great Wei... is fertile ground for the development of the Celestial Masters' Way. In that case... why should the Celestial Masters' Way be confined to a single corner?"
— "The Crown Prince of Wei wants the hearts of the people of Jiangdong, and I, this humble woman, want the development of the Celestial Masters' Way. Crown Prince, why not listen? I have a plan here!"
...
...
-wAp..Com-