The Villains Must Win-Chapter 32: Han Feng

The day of Lady Yue Lan’s execution arrived. The imperial square was filled with an eerie silence as crowds gathered to witness the rare and dreadful punishment of Lingchi.

Soldiers lined the area, ensuring order as Lady Yue Lan was brought forth. Dressed in plain white robes, her once-proud demeanor was replaced by a hollow, defeated expression.

Han Feng observed the proceedings from a balcony overlooking the square, his face a mask of calm authority. Xue Li was absent from the event as Han Feng didn’t want to taint her eyes with something so brutal.

As the execution commenced, the Emperor’s voice echoed through the square, addressing the gathered crowd. "Let this day be remembered as a testament to the strength of the empire and the justice that protects it. Treachery will not be tolerated, no matter how high the rank or how deep the ties. The Yue Clan sought to poison the roots of this great tree, but they have been cut down before they could do harm."

Lady Yue Lan’s screams pierced the air as the punishment was carried out, a grim reminder of the price of betrayal. The crowd watched in a mix of horror and satisfaction, knowing that the Emperor’s justice spared no one.

Lady Yue Lan met her fate under the weight of her crimes, subjected to the agonizing punishment decreed by the Emperor himself. Her body was marred by a thousand shallow cuts. Though the wounds were not deep enough to end her life swiftly, the pain was excruciating, a torment that left her gasping and writhing.

As her strength waned and the relentless cold of the winter air seeped into her veins, she was carried to the outskirts of the city. There, her blood-streaked form was tied to a post, exposed to the biting wind. The cruel frost clung to her skin, stealing what warmth remained in her battered body.

The punishment was not merely physical; it was a humiliating spectacle for all to see. By royal decree, her execution served as a warning to those who might harbor treason in their hearts.

As dawn broke, the crows came, drawn by the scent of blood. Their dark forms circled overhead before descending, their harsh cries echoing against the barren hills.

Lady Yue Lan, once adorned in silks and jewels, reduced to a symbol of treachery’s ultimate price, lay lifeless under the indifferent gaze of the heavens.

Meanwhile, Han Feng ascended the throne in the grand hall of the imperial palace, his golden robes shimmering under the morning light. His eyes sharp as they scanned the gathered officials and nobles.

The court was heavy with tension, for whispers of the Emperor’s coming proclamation had already spread like wildfire.

Standing tall and commanding, Han Feng’s voice rang out like thunder. "To ensure that such treachery will never again threaten the safety of my beloved Wang Fei, and to protect the integrity of this empire, I hereby decree: from this day forward, no concubines shall ever grace the imperial harem."

The hall erupted in gasps and murmurs. The Emperor’s words were unprecedented, a break from centuries of tradition. Ignoring the whispers, he continued, "Furthermore, the current concubines of the palace shall be sent to the temple to pray for the empire’s prosperity, for the health of their Emperor, and for the blessings of my future Wang Fei. They will live a life of quiet service, untainted by the temptations of courtly intrigue."

The murmurs grew louder, and several council members dared to step forward, their faces pale. "Your Majesty," one elder began cautiously, "this decision, though made with noble intentions, may weaken the strength of the imperial household. Should the heavens not grant an heir—"

Before the elder could finish, Han Feng raised a hand, silencing the room with a gesture that carried the weight of an unassailable monarch. His cold gaze bore down upon the dissenter, and his voice dropped, low and dangerous.

"Are you questioning my judgment or the will of Heaven itself? Do you doubt that the Emperor, chosen by the mandate of the divine, will not fulfill his duty?"

The elder faltered, but before he could stammer a reply, the guards stationed at the edges of the hall stepped forward. Their spears gleamed as they raised them, their sharp tips resting at the throats of those who appeared to protest. The message was clear: dissent would not be tolerated.

The remaining ministers froze, their voices caught in their throats. A silence as heavy as stone filled the hall, broken only by the Emperor’s calm yet commanding words.

"This empire needs not a harem of scheming concubines. What it requires is stability, loyalty, and love that is pure and strong. My future Wang Fei will stand by my side as my equal, and together we will rule a united empire."

The common folk, who had gathered outside the palace gates to hear the news, reacted in a starkly different manner. Unlike the court, they had no concern for palace traditions or imperial heirs. Their joy was simple and tangible. Cheers erupted as word spread. To them, the Emperor’s declaration symbolized unwavering devotion, a love story unmatched in grandeur.

"Have you heard? The Emperor is forsaking concubines for the sake of his Wang Fei!"

"Truly, our Emperor is a man of deep affection. Such love is rare, even among commoners like us!"

"And the temple service for the concubines—such a merciful fate! He could have been far harsher, yet he shows compassion even in punishment."

Whispers of envy and admiration wove through the crowd. Some women sighed wistfully, dreaming of being loved so deeply, while others marveled at the fortune of the future Empress.

As the proclamation spread, Han Feng sat back on his throne, his expression calm and his heart firm in its resolve. This act would secure Xue Li’s safety, shielding her from the poisonous ambitions of others.

While many in the court left with subdued spirits and tightened throats, the Emperor’s words had been final. The empire would change under his reign, whether through admiration or fear. One thing was certain—Han Feng had made his stance clear: his future Wang Fei was the only one who mattered, and he would stop at nothing to ensure her protection.